Heaven’s Praise To God’s Final Preparations Series

Alpha and Omega, Part 43, Revelation Part 20

Heaven’s Praise to God’s Final Preparations

Revelation 15:1-8

Introduction

- Been studying Revelation together, to understand God’s plan for creation

-- REM: Redemption of sin is granted through Jesus; and yes, we have a choice

- Last time we explored why the judgement of God is happening

-- Since the beginning of time, man has believed he can control his own destiny

-- We (humanity) have sought to disprove God, and in turn earned His wrath

-- This is why Revelation is so pivotal: it is a warning to all of mankind

- Today, we will examine chapter 15 and see Heaven’s preparation

-- What is critical is to understand what happens and why it applies to you and me

-- APP: These events are the precursor to God’s wrath being poured out

- REM: The tribulation is only 7 years and is divided into two sections:

• First 3 ½ years: are called the beginning of sorrows

• Second 3 ½ years: are called the great tribulation

- I wish we have seen the worst happen already … but we have not

-- I pray that you will hear these words, and be motivated to respond

- Read Revelation 15:1-8 / Pray for wisdom

-- TR: How does Heaven prepare for the judgment of God?

Point 1 – The Beginning of the End

- What we see about to happen in Heaven is the blast of the 7th trumpet

-- REM: 14 judgments have already happened - these are the final 7 judgements

-- During the first 3 ½ years, we saw the seven seal judgments (Rev 6 – 7)

-- During the great tribulation, we saw the seven trumpet judgments (Rev 8 – 14)

-- Then, before the end, there will be 7 more judgments: the bowl judgments

- Focus: This chapter is about Heaven’s preparation for God’s judgment

-- Much like we saw when the seventh seal was opened – it is a sight to see!

-- RE: There was silence in Heaven for about 30 mins, now, there is praise!

- The chapter begins with a sign of God’s judgment being prepared (v1)

-- John describes it as “a marvelous event of great significance”

-- APP: It should conjure reverence in the human heart … why?

- It has a specific purpose: It should stir us to see God for who He is ….

-- Yes, He is a God of love – but a God who is also just in His righteousness

• In His love, you and I were given His Son as a sacrifice for our sinful lives

• His righteousness is about to be displayed, and all of Heaven will witness it

- Who is it against? The ungodly! (Those who refused Christ as their Savior)

-- Consider: Turning your back on the one thing we need from a loving Father

- Humanity has been given warning after warning that God will eventually judge

-- Even Jesus specifically warned about this: Matthew 3:2, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

-- IMP: The course is not a new one and it has all been a lead up to this event

- TR: Might ask yourself why would God want to do this?

Point 2 – The Scene Outside of Heaven’s Temple

- Besides the rejection of His Son, consider what else has been happening ….

-- Believers in the great tribulation will be slaughtered by the Antichrist

- The wrath of God is also for those who’ve died because of their testimony

-- Remember those under the altar from Rev 6 … this is God’s response to them

-- RE: their prayer is to be justified; to have God step in avenge their deaths

-- Truly, this is a proper response from God to the Antichrist’s holocaust

- Take a look at how John explains this event’s preparations (4 things):

1. The martyred believers will be on the sea of glass that is before the throne

-- Revelation 4:6, “In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal. In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back.”

-- It is shown as mingled with fire: fire of judgment to fall on the ungodly

2. The martyred believers will finally see victory over the Antichrist

-- RE: Those who are true believers (now and then) will not follow the Antichrist

-- They will refuse to worship at his feet or bow to his statue or take his mark

-- Their persecution is for their refusal – and this is God’s response to it

3. The martyred believers will be given harps – given to sooth and relax them