Revelation 15

5/07/2023 Wednesday
The Revelation
Study of John’s Revelation
Chapter 15
Tribulation Overview
Chapter 15 – Bowl Preparation
John saw another sign in heaven that was “great and marvellous.” (v.1)
“Another sign in heaven” probably refers to chapter 12:1,3 where the word sign is translated “wonder.”
This particular sign or wonder is called “great and marvellous” (i.e., passing human comprehension). The plagues
about to take place are incomprehensible.
Seven angels had seven last plagues (the vials or bowls). The word “plague” speaks of a blow, a calamity, a heavy
affliction, or a scourging in response to ones deeds.
In these is filled up (i.e., completed, finished, fulfilled) the wrath of God.
Chapter 15 – Bowl Preparation
John saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire (v.2). Remember, this is in heaven.
The sea of glass is probably the one before God’s throne (Rev 4:6). Obviously, this sea is not liquid as the victors
are standing on it.
This time the sea of glass is mingled with fire. This fire likely speaks of God’s judgment. (Walvoord, Revelation 226)
Note the description of the victors in this verse.
They had victory over the Antichrist beast, his image, his mark, and his number. The martyrs lived on. Satan cannot kill the soul (Mat
10:28).
They stood on the sea of glass
They had the harps of God.
Chapter 15 – Bowl Preparation
John saw the victors play harps and sing (v.3-4).
The martyrs sang two songs (v.3).
They will sing the song of Moses (Exodus 15).
They will sing the song of the Lamb (v.3-4). Note the worshipful words of their song.
Which words in this song exalt God’s Person? __
Great, marvellous, Almighty, just, true King, holy
What characteristics of God do they exalt? __
His works, His power, His ways, His sovereignty, His fearfulness, His name, His worthiness of worship
Chapter 15 – Bowl Preparation
John saw the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven (Re 15:5-8)
The “temple” is the holy of holies. The “tabernacle” is the tent structure. The “testimony” speaks of God’s
witness or covenants to ancient Israel.
The angels will come out of the temple (v.6).
The seven angels are described (v.6)
They have the seven plagues.
They are clothed in pure white linen.
They are wearing golden belts.
They were not sinning in their horrific mission, but were fulfilling the pure will of God.
Chapter 15 – Bowl Preparation
One of the four beasts (i.e., living creatures) will give them golden vials full of God’s wrath (v.7).
A vial is a broad shallow bowl.
The wrath of God in those bowls is the seven last plagues (v.1,6).
This is the wrath of God who lives for ever and ever.
Being the one and only eternal Being, He has full sovereign right to judge those who rebel against Him.
The temple was filled with smoke (v.8).
It is as if God Himself is grieved that He must so justly punish those who rebel against Him.
Yet, God’s glory and power must prevail.
Personal Application
We must never forget that God will be the final victor.
One day the martyrs will sing praise to God as He pours out judgment on their murders.
The seven last plagues will come directly from the testimony of God in the holy of holies. They will
be just and right.
We would be benefited by meditating on the Song of the Lamb (v.3-4).