Revelation, Part 29 Series

Revelation, Part 29

Revelation 15:1-8

Introduction

Tonight, we examine a glimpse of Heaven again where things are now calm.

We are seeing another example of worship in heaven, and again I say that this ought to being to us a sense of wonder and awe.

When any person gets an opportunity to look into the majesty of Heaven, any Christian should be encouraged, excited, and looking forward.

Tonight, we take a look at one of the shortest chapters in the Book of Revelation, and I think we will be able to get through all of it in the time we have together.

Read Revelation Chapter 15

Pray

Point 1 – Seven Angels (v1-2)

John is preparing to see the final victory of God over Satan.

John is seeing 7 angels who are prepared to pour out God’s vengeance and anger onto an Earth that has turned its back on Him for far too long.

As we discussed this morning – we are at an impasse in our lives. We are at a time where we can no longer afford to merely watch the world go by – but we have to take a stand and be responsible for acting for God.

Last week we talked about other angels whose sole purpose was to reap from this Earth – and these angels here have a job as well.

They are destined since the beginning of time to pour out God’s judgment, and unless we act to bring more souls into the Kingdom there will be that many more destroyed in this time of destruction.

These angels John is seeing are the third set of angels.

The first was of the churches – angels that protected each church

The second was the trumpets – angels that proclaimed God’s wrath

And these angels hold in their hands God’s bowl judgments.

At this time in history, most of God’s people are either dead or in complete hiding, and this judgment is meant to seek out those who are responsible for their persecution and for their willful disobedience to God.

John again reminds us that there is a crystal sea in heaven (Rev 4), but the appearance of this sea is slightly different.

If you notice it has a reflection of fire in it – and this fire represents God’s wrath and anger which has been directed at the Earth.

Totally different from the calm crystal sea, this sea represents how God is feeling at that very moment, and His anger is being directed at the Earth.

Victory is a very unique word used in the Bible to describe good overcoming evil.

There is no other victory than that of Jesus Christ over Death, Hell, and the grave – and those who chose Jesus over taking the Mark of the beast will be victorious in Heaven.

Those who lost their lives in Rev 6:9-12 have already received their reward – so this victory is for those who were reaped from the Earth in Rev 14. This second part of the Tribulation has to do with results of the 144,000, the 2 witnesses, and the angels who reaped the harvest.

These Saints are those who have had victory in the 2nd half of the Tribulation.

These Saints are standing on the sea of glass – above the fire and purification from God and before the throne.

Point 2 – The Song of Victory (v3-4)

Look at the praise going on – remember that these Saints have lived on the Earth during the Tribulation and they have seen the destruction that becomes of those who follow evil.

Think for a second on your own life – is there a song of worship you can sing? Is there a song of praise that you could offer to the Lord today?

Re-read verses 3-4 – discuss the wording.

Point 3 – The Seven Bowls (v5-8)

After the worship was over, the angels came from the temple on God’s orders to do one thing they were created for – to serve God and carry out God’s will.

THAT is the definition of a “servant”. (Expound …)

The living creatures are around the throne, and one of them hands out the bowl judgments that will be poured out on the Earth.

Today, the church needs to understand that these judgments have already been ordered and the day is coming for them to be given – unless we act more will face the wrath of God.

Notice at how the temple was filled with smoke.

This temple is the temple of God – the place that represents all that God is.

We discussed several chapters ago about John seeing the Arc of the Covenant in this temple, and I believe this is where God is today.

This is the holiest of holies – and the smoke is God’s anger filling the temple.