THE SEVEN ANGELS AND THE

TEMPLE OF GOD

REV. 15

Lesson 19

Introduction: The events of the Great Tribulation are coming to a close and are building in intensity much as music builds as a dramatic crescendo indicating the end. The events before us in the 15^th and 16^th chapters bring to an end the chronological order of events leading up to Christ coming in glory in chapter 19. 

Chapters 17 and 18 reveal the destruction of the religious  system and  political systems of earth. As we have explained before this is like the overlays of a map giving added insight and dimension.

Chapters 19-22 give unparallel insight to the beginning of eternity. We shall view these events from a heavenly perspective in the future. For the present we are given a glimpse of what great events we shall be a part of. As a child of God who is facing the trials of life on earth this should give us great hope. One of the gifts of spiritual maturity is the ability to look ahead.  We endure hardship of learning in school because of the benefits in the future. Same thing applies to sports. Dear fellow Christian we are studying the end of the Book and we WIN (I John 3:2,3). 

Chapter 15 is introduced by “another sign in heaven.”  I believe these events are unfolding in the last 45 days of the Great Tribulation give or take a few days. Under this sign we have the final divine judgment upon a satanic system.  This prophecy is described as “great and marvelous.”  It is great as it involves so much of a range, the whole world.  It is marvelous because of the unparallel character of what is to be foretold.

         I.      The seven Angels and their song (Vs 1-7)

a.       The seven last plagues (Vs 1)

1.       Here is a new group of seven angels not to be confused with any other group we have already seen.

2.       They are to deal with the seven last plagues, which we shall see are more severe.

a)   The seven seals

b)   The seven trumpets

c)   Now the seven bowls of God’s wrath are to be poured out.

d)   In the Greek the word last means “Last ones.” This is significant in that it is emphatic.

b.       In these seven bowls or vials of God’s judgment, God’s wrath reaches its climax or is completely expressed.

1.       This is the final expression of divine righteousness against ungodliness.

2.       The time has come when ungodliness will no longer prevail

c.       Before this final vision is given however, another vision is given of a more gracious order.  (Vs 2)

1.       The sea of glass reminds us of the scene before the throne of God in chapter 4.

2.       In our study of chapter 15, the victorious saints of the tribulation are brought to our attention.

a)   These, of course, are the martyred dead destroyed by the anti-christ.

b)   Their victory, of course, refers to the fact that they remained faithful to death instead of yielding to the demands of the anti-christ.

1)       No number 666 on these Saints of God!

2)       We are called on to remain faithful despite pressures that may be imposed upon us to conform to present day temptations.

d.       The song of the redeemed (Vs 3,4)

1.       There are probably two songs mentioned here being sung by the martyred Saints.

a)   The song of Moses would recount the faithfulness of God to Israel as a nation.

1)       This would indicate a large number of Jews would be in attendance.

2)       This would be consistent with the ministry of the 144,000 as they carried out the gospel of the Kingdom in Rev. 7.

b)   The song of the Lamb speaks of redemption from sin made possible by the sacrifice of the Lamb of God. 

1)       This would include all Saints who have trusted Christ and are now under the blood.

2)       Of course, this means people from every tribe, kindred and nation, for there are not national barriers here in God’s eternal family.

2.       Verse 4 indicates there is coming a day when all shall fear the Lord of the universe.

3.       Notice the possibility of all nations worshipping the Lord of Lord’s and King of Kings ( Isa. 2:2,3) (Isa. 66:18-23) (Zeph. 2:11) (Zech 14:9-16)

       II.      The heavenly scene (Vs 5-8)

a.       The inter holy place of the tabernacle in heaven is opened. (Vs 5)

1.       I believe this is where our Lord Jesus offered His Blood following His resurrection for our sins.

a)   Remember, He told Mary on Resurrection morning not to touch Him.

b)   Why? His blood was brought to the Mercy Seat in the Temple of Heaven to secure our redemption.

b.       As John is watching, the curtain is parted and out steps seven Angels.

1.       These Holy Angels could be present without danger because they were without sin.

2.       Their presence indicates  that judgment is about to come forth.

a)   The white linen seems to indicate righteousness in action.

b)   Since gold represents God’s glory, the judgments poured out on the earth will bring glory to God.

c.       The seven Angels are given seven vials or bowls (Vs 7,8)

1.       The bowels are full of the wrath of God revealing the devastating character of divine judgment (Vs 7)     (The eternal character of God is seen in that He lives forever and ever.)

2.       The holiness of God (Vs 8)

a)   From Exodus 40:34-35, we see the scene of the cloud filling the Tabernacle.

b)   The thought being that access to God is impossible until judgment contained in the seven last plagues are fulfilled

c)   It would be good for those who blaspheme and disregard the sovereign of the universe and His holiness to take warning.

3.       So few take the holiness of God with any degree of seriousness today that its no wonder the attitude of disrespect is seen in most levels of our society

Conclusion: God help us by His Holy Spirit to develop, as we study together, a proper sense of His Holiness and Majesty.