Revelation 15 - Introduction

Judgment Without Mercy Revelation Fifteen

Revelation Fifteen provides a sad picture of God's judgment being poured out without mercy on the ungodly. Revelation Fourteen provided an overview of that judgment. Revelation Fifteen begins to provide the details of God's horrible judgment against the wicked. God's wrath will now be poured out undiluted by neither mercy nor grace.

These are "the seven last plagues." In Revelation Fourteen the righteouses are pictured as being around the throne of God singing a "New Song." Here they stand on a sea of glass enjoying peace and victory. The "fire" purifies the righteous and burns the wicked as stubble. God's judgment will cause every knee to bow before Him. (Romans 14:10; 1 Peter 2:10)

God's presence is associated with "the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven." This is where the high priest made intercession, and also where God communed with His people, and heard their prayers. Here God is pictured as avenging His Son whose offices and authority had been usurped. He defended His Son whose name had been dishonored. God brought vengeance on those that opposed the purpose of the Lord's death.

The temple was opened so that John was permitted to look inside. He was allowed to look upon the very dwelling-place of God. The angels came from His presence to execute judgment on those that opposed Christianity. They were attired in a way that was fitting their rank and the somber work they had to do.

One of the four beasts that were introduced in the early part of Revelation gave the seven angels seven golden vials. These golden vials were full of the wrath of God. The temple was filled with smoke. This represented the Divine presence. No one would be allowed to intercede in order to divert God from the wrath He intended to pour out on the wicked. This chapter closes as we await the outpouring of that wrath.