Dig In:
Chapter Overview:
Chapter 15 begins the fifth of seven different perspectives on Christ's second coming.
This fifth perspective of Christ's victory seems very similar to the fourth. We've already seen God's wrath poured out on those who had the mark of the beast.
But in that earlier perspective, we saw that those plagues were preceded by trumpet blasts warning people to repent, and that even in the as the plagues, dragons and beasts came there was time for them to repent.
This current perspective has two key differences. First, it begins with a picture of all of God's people (so that includes you!) having been made victorious by God's grace standing around a sea of crystal praising God. The saints will not need to endure the bowls of wrath that will be poured out.
Secondly, unlike the seven trumpet blasts, these bowls of wrath will give no warning and leave no time for repentance. These are the seven last plagues, because with them God's wrath is completed.
Dig Deeper:
This chapter closes with a description of the heavenly temple in v7:
And the temple was
filled with smoke
from
the glory of God
and from his power,
This is not the first time the Bible associates God's glory with smoke. This phenomenon is known as God's Shekinah glory. Exodus 40:38 tells of the pillar of fire/smoke that led the Israelites through the desert. 1 Kings 8:10-11 tell of God's glory filling the recently completed temple. Isaiah 6:4 mentions that as Isaiah encountered God's holy presence, the temple was filled with smoke.
In all of these instances, this smoke was part of the separation between God and people. First responders consider a building full of smoke to be an IDLH environment (Immediate Danger to Life and Health).
This condition remains until God's wrath is fully poured out:
no one could enter the temple
until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.
The good news of Revelation is that God's wrath will be completed - poured out on unrepentant sinners to their everlasting doom, and poured out on Christ in place of those who trust in Him. Because God's wrath has been completed, there is no longer any barrier between you and Him.
OLD TESTAMENT REFERENCE:
Haggai 2:7
I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the Lord Almighty.
Discuss:
EYE FOR DETAIL— What were the seven angels wearing? (v6)
Follow the AAA Prayer Pattern:
ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: The God whose deeds are great and mighty - the King of the nations (v3)
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that you will be able to live today knowing that you will be one of the saints gathered around the sea of crystal!
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED:
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