Seven Vials Series

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.