• In fact, he was fighting a fellow one evening in the ring and he hit him so hard that it knocked him out, and the powerful blow from Mancinni led to his death.
The experts said that he threw an average of 150 punches per round. He literally beat his opponent into submission. Those who boxed him, said that weeks after they boxed him they were still sore from all the punches he hit them with.
The reason I mention this fighter is because he reminds us of what God does during the Great Tribulation period.
For three-and-a-half years he pounds the earth with some of the most devastating blows that the world has ever received. The Bible says that this pounding of the wrath of God during this three-and-a-half years will be so severe that:
• Men will run and try to find a place to hide. But how can you hide from a God who is OMNISCIENT and OMNIPRESENT?
But nevertheless, the Bible says this is exactly what they will do. Look at Rev. 6:16-17, we read, “And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?”
• The Bible tells us that men’s hearts will fail them because of the fearful things that will take place during this three-and-a-half years.
All those who miss out on the rapture are going to be facing the most difficult time that any mortal has ever had on this earth.
We have looked at the SEVEN SEAL JUDGMENTS.
We have looked at the SEVEN TRUMPET JUDGMENTS.
Tonight we want to look briefly at the SEVEN VIAL JUDGMENTS. (Some refer to them as the Bowl Judgments)
When the SEVENTH TRUMPET JUDGMENT opens, it reveals to us the SEVEN VIAL JUDGMENTS which make up the third “Woe”.
Look at Rev. 16:1, as we read of the introduction of the pouring out of these vials. “And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.”
WHOSE VOICE IS THIS? This has to be the voice of God the Creator.
WHY DO WE REACH THAT CONCLUSION? Because only God can give the command to bring creation, as we know it to be, to an end.
Illus: Sometimes in this evil society, we see some horrendous things and we can’t help but say, “Why doesn’t someone do something to stop this evil?”
Listen, evil is so prevalent today that our law enforcement will tell you they are helpless, and they cannot stop it.
Illus: For example, sometimes motorcycle riders will go into a city like Myrtle Beach, or Daytona Beach, and for a week they do as they please because there are so many of them that they know that no one can stop them.
Illus: We see another example of this in these “Woodstock” gatherings. Since the 60’s, this country has had three “Woodstocks”, where between 2 and 3 hundred thousand people gather together and do as much evil as they can do in three days.
• They smoke marijuana, take dope openly
• They curse and lie
• They fight
• They burn down buildings
• They steal
• They walk around in the nude
For three days, they do every evil thing that can be imagined, and the police will tell you, there are so many of them that NO ONE CAN STOP THEM!
But listen, one day the Lord is going to stop them in their tracks.
• God is going to send the SEVEN SEAL JUDGMENTS
• God is going to send the TRUMPET JUDGMENTS
• God is going to send the VIAL JUDGMENTS
Some believe that the Seven Seal Judgments will take place as preliminary judgments during the first three-and-a-half years of the tribulation period.
That probably is not the case, because the first three-and-a-half years will be that time when the antichrist, who rides the white horse in Rev. 6:2, will be establishing himself as the peace maker, and all the world will wonder after him.
It is only after three-and-a-half years that he robs the world of that peace, and breaks the peace treaty he makes with the Jews, and sets himself up as god to be worshipped in the temple in Jerusalem.
But the VIAL JUDGMENTS (also known as Bowl Judgments) will take place during the last days of the great tribulation period.
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE VIAL JUDGMENTS AND THE OTHER TWO JUDGMENTS?
Yes, the Seal Judgments and the Trumpet judgments were limited judgments. We saw this in:
• Rev. 8:7, we read, “…and the THIRD PART of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.”
• Rev. 8:8, we read, “…and the THIRD PART of the sea became blood.”
• Rev. 8:9, we read, “…And the THIRD PART of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.”
• Rev. 8:10, we read, “…sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the THIRD PART of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters.”
• Rev. 8:11, we read, “…and the THIRD PART of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.”
• Rev. 8:12, we read, “And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the THIRD PART of the moon, and the THIRD PART OF THE STARS; so as the THIRD PART of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a THIRD PART of it, and the night likewise.”
These two judgments, The Seal Judgments and The Trumpet Judgments, were limited.
But the Vial Judgments are different from these two, in that they are not limited.
Notice verse 1 says that this was a GREAT VOICE. This is the voice of God almighty giving the command, “…Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.”
1. THE FIRST VIAL JUDGMENT
Look at Rev. 16:2, we read, “And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.”
In the Trumpet Judgments, we saw where these demonic creatures would sting people like scorpions for five months. The pain would be so severe that they will desire to die, but the Bible says death will flee them.
In other words, God’s wrath is going to be poured out, and a person will not even be able to commit suicide to find relief. To attempt to take their life would only add to their problems of suffering, because the Bible says that death will flee from them.
The reason I remind you of this judgment, is because in this judgment, people will suffer physically with pain also.
From what we can gather from the scriptures, people all around the world will be afflicted with some kind of FESTERING, CANCEROUS SORES. The sores will be FOUL, PAINFUL, REPULSIVE, HUMILIATING AND EMBARRASSING.
Illus: We can not help but think of some of the beautiful women who have smooth skin. They will have these festering, open sores all over their faces and bodies.
The goodness of God is to lead men and women to repentance. But evil men and women have been ungrateful concerning the blessings God bestowed upon them, that now they will suffer the wrath of God.
2. THE SECOND VIAL JUDGMENT
Look at Rev. 16:3, we read, “And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man; and every living soul died in the sea.”
Notice, this judgment affects the SALT WATER. WHY DOES GOD TURN THE OCEANS INTO BLOOD?
Remember, during the great tribulation period, the antichrist is going to shed the blood of every one that does not take the mark of the beast. It is believed that since he likes blood so much, God turns the oceans into blood.
Some think this is referring to the Mediterranean sea alone, where the antichrist is located. But the problem with some of these liberal theologians is that they have a hard time believing God can do such a thing as to cause all the oceans to turn into blood, “…as the blood of a dead man…..”
Listen, if God can cause the Mediterranean Ocean to turn to blood, He is also powerful enough to turn all the oceans into blood.
Let me show you two reasons why it is believed that all the oceans shall be turned to blood.
(1) Some make a point to say that the word sea is singular. This is true, but we have to remember that mankind has divided the oceans, not God. And God sees all the oceans as the SEA.
You can believe what you want to believe, but I believe that when the SECOND VIAL JUDGMENT is poured out on the face of the earth, ALL THE OCEANS WILL BE AS THE BLOOD OF A DEAD MAN.
(2) Another reason why it is believed that this judgment will affect all the oceans is because it would be duplicating the judgment in Rev. 8:8-9, “…and the part of the sea became blood; And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea.”
It makes no sense for God to duplicate a judgment that he has already sent.
This is one of the strong reasons that this is a world-wide judgment where all the oceans are turned into blood and all the sea creatures die.
• Can you imagine the foul odor of the oceans that have been turned to blood?
• Can you imagine all the dead sea life that will be washed up on the shores to rot?
• Can you imagine all the industry being completely wiped out over night, when God sends this judgment?
But let us look at the-
3. THE THIRD VIAL JUDGMENT
Look at Rev. 16:4, we read, “And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.”
The SECOND VIAL JUDGMENT will affect the SALT WATER.
The THIRD VIAL JUDGMENT affect the FRESH WATER supply.
The Bible says that when this Vial Judgment is poured out, all the FRESH WATER, (drinking water) will become blood.
Notice, the Bible does not say it will be “As blood”, the Word of God says it “…became blood.”
Illus: Red Cross will not have a shortage of blood during this time.
The liberals say this could not mean a world-wide judgment, because everyone would die if they had no water to drink. Yes, they would if they had no water to drink.
But remember, these Vial Judgments are going to be poured out at the last of the tribulation period, before the Lord brings life as we know it to be to an end.
The liberals, who have always wanted to hear the message that “God is Love”, say God could never do such a thing as send these Vial Judgments on the inhabitants of the earth. God could never-
• Cause men and women to break out with all kinds of sores. GOD WOULD NOT DO A THING LIKE THAT!
• Cause all the oceans to turn into blood, killing all the sea creatures. GOD WOULD NOT DO A THING LIKE THAT!
• Cause all the FRESH water to turn into blood, so there will be no drinking water. GOD WOULD NOT DO A THING LIKE THAT!
My answer to this crowd that says that God would not do these things is, “YOU DO NOT BELIEVE THE BIBLE!” The Bible says He will do these things.
When these VIAL JUDGMENTS are poured out, God will not be exercising His LOVE, but now He will be exercising His WRATH!
Be A BIBLE BELIEVER ,AND BELIEVE WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS! The Bible SAYS HE IS GOING TO DO THIS!
But notice this, in the midst of this THIRD VIAL JUDGMENT, the angel defends his actions.
Look at Rev. 16:5-7, we read, “And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy. And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.”
A lot of things have been WRONG, but God is going to make them RIGHT at this time.
4. THE FOURTH VIAL JUDGMENT
Look at Rev. 16:8-9, we read, “And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. 9 And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.”
We have seen plaques poured out on the EARTH and the SEA, but now in this FOURTH VIAL JUDGMENT the vial of God’s wrath will be poured out on the SUN.
This will cause such a heat wave that it will cause evil men and women to be scorched with fire. For evil men living during this time, it will be like living in a human oven.
But notice how the ungodly RESPOND TO THIS PLAGUE.
The Bible says, “…And men were scorched with great heat, and BLASPHEMED THE NAME OF GOD, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.”
If a person rejects God long enough, there comes a time in their life that they get beyond help.
That is, God’s GOODNESS can not lead them to repentance, nor can his WRATH. The Bible said, “…And they repented not to give him glory.”
5. THE FIFTH VIAL JUDGMENT
Look at Rev. 16:10-11, we read, “And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.”
When the FIFTH VIAL JUDGMENT occurs, the agony of mankind will be so great that the Bible says they literally “…gnawed their tongues for pain.”
This is a world-wide judgment on the ones who accepted the mark of the beast.
These are the ones who thought they would be better off by accepting the antichrist instead of the real Christ. But it is the biggest mistake they have ever made in their lives.
They are gnawing on their tongues because of the pain they are in. There will be no one to go to for comfort in their pain. They all will be together in the same condition of suffering.
6. THE SIXTH VIAL JUDGMENT
Look at Rev. 16:12-16, we read, “And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared. And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.”
The SIXTH VIAL JUDGMENT will be poured out on the RIVER EUPHRATES.
At this time of the Judgment, the river Euphrates seems to be the eastern boundary of Israel.
That is not the situation today, but you have to remember that during the 7 Day War in 1967, this small nation doubled their land space.
Verses 13 and 14 describe the THREE UNCLEAN SPIRITS.
These three are probably the UNHOLY TRINITY. These three are probably Satan, Antichrist, and the False Prophet who was used to deceived the nations.
In this judgment, God is setting Satan up for the biggest defeat he has ever suffered - THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON!
7. THE SEVENTH VIAL JUDGMENT
Look at Rev. 16:1, we read, “And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, IT IS DONE.”
Notice, in verse 17, the Lord said “IT IS DONE!” That is, civilization has now come to an end.
After Rev. 4, life on earth will never again be the same. But when we get to the last VIAL JUDGMENT, life on the earth as we know it has ended.
Notice, God said, “It is done!”
WHAT IS DONE? God is saying that He set out to pour His wrath on the ungodly inhabitants to the earth… and now “IT IS DONE!” But notice HOW the Lord ended it.
Look at verses 18-21, we read, “And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.”
Illus: Have you ever been to one of those great fireworks displays that take place at the fourth of July? The sky is lit up with all these beautiful fireworks, but at the end, they always have the grand finale, when it seems like everything that happened during the fireworks show happens now all at one time.
Look at what happens in the SEVENTH VIAL JUDGMENT.
• Look at verse 18, we read, “And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.”
• Look at verse 19, we read, “And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.”
• Look at verse 20, we read, “And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.”
• Look at verse 21, we read, “And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent.”
The Bible says the size of this hail was about a talent. This is around seventy pounds. Can you imagine hail that size falling on people?
DID EVIL MAN REPENT?
No, look at the last part of verse 12, we read that evil men, “…blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.”
Conclusion:
Our outline for the tribulation period has been:
I. THE PURPOSE OF THE TRIBULATION PERIOD
II. THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE TRIBULATION PERIOD
III. THE PLAGUES OF THE TRIBULATION PERIOD
A. THE SEVEN SEAL JUDGMENTS
B. THE SEVEN TRUMPET JUDGMENTS
C. THE SEVEN VIAL JUDGMENTS
HALLELUJAH!!! We won’t be here on earth, but in Heaven!
