Seven Vials
Rev. 16:1-21
See: Rev. 16:7 Seven angels given seven golden vials full of the wrath of God…
This chapter contains the consummation of God’s wrath in the close of the Tribulation Period. The events that take place here reveal the severity of God’s wrath, the nature of the unsaved and the fulfillment of a promise.
1. The Plagues
See: Rev. 16:1 God speaks unto these seven angels and says “Go your ways and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.
a. The Similarity these Plagues
Vs.2 “Noisome and grievous sore”
See: Exodus 9:9-10
Vs.3-7 The water turned into blood (Exodus 7:17-24)
“Every living soul in the sea dies”
Vs.8 Scorching heat of the sun
Vs.10-11 Darkness upon the world (Exodus 10:21)
Vs.12 The drying of the river Euphrates “Kings of the east”
The river Euphrates is the boundary of water between the Holy Land and Asia to the east. It is believed that this army is perhaps China.
Vs.21 Great hail out of heaven. 1 talent = about 100 pounds (Exodus 9:22-26)
b. The Severity
Vs.9, 21 uses the word “great” which speaks of the magnitude of these plagues
Mention: Vs.10 They gnawed their tongues for pain
See: Psalms 79:6 God wrath is poured upon those who have not called upon Him for salvation
2. The Possession
See: Vs.13-14 The whole world will be demon possessed
Those that takes the mark of the beast which is symbolic of selling out for the goods of this world will be under the influence of Satan, Antichrist, and the False Prophet
This reminds me of those in history under the influence of false prophets who led them to their death. The situation in Waco with David Koresh is an example of one’s influence on people.
See: Rev. 16:9, 11 Tells us they repented not of their deeds
3. The Promise
See: Vs.15 Behold, I come
The return of Christ is the most anticipated event of Jews or should I say the coming of Christ because many rejected His first coming.
Several Things Noted Here:
a. He Will Come As A Thief
Mention: Matt. 24:43
Also: 1 Thessa. 5:2
See: 2 Peter 3:10 The Lord will come as thief
And: Rev. 3:3
b. Blesseth Is He That Watcheth
Those who are watching are obviously believers who anticipate His coming
See: Matt. 25:1-13 The parable of the ten virgins
Vs.13 Watch therefore for ye know neither the day nor the hour…
c. Keepeth His Garments
The garments that John is writing about is the righteousness of Christ
Phil. 3:9 Paul speaks of not being found in his own righteousness
See: 2 Cor. 5:21 We are made the righteousness of God in Him
See: Rev. 3:3-5 The promise unto the believer clothed in white raiment
See: Romans 10:1-13 One must put away his own righteousness and believe on Jesus the Christ to receive His righteousness (garments) in order to be saved from their sins.
