INTRODUCTION This very short chapter and the one to follow introduce the seven vials or bowls containing the wrath of God. In the New King James Version they are called plagues that are contained in golden bowls. This section is one of the most difficult to interpret. There is greater variety of in... [ Continue Reading ]
_ 1 Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete._ A. John sees seven angels. These angels have the seven “last plagues.” B. We are told three important things here. 1. These are the “last” plagues. 2... [ Continue Reading ]
_ 2 And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God._ A. In the middle of all this “wrath” and “plagues” is the calmness of G... [ Continue Reading ]
_ 3 They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: “Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!_ A. Christians are singing people. The apostles sang a hymn after the institution of the Lord’s Supper. ... [ Continue Reading ]
_ 4 Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested.”_ A. The song continues here. The second verse points out that the enemies of God will also fear Him. Who will fear God? Ans... [ Continue Reading ]
_ 5 After these things I looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened._ A. Now the temple is opened. This temple is in heaven. This is not the temple of the Jewish system. B. Of course the tabernacle, and later the temple, represents the very presence of G... [ Continue Reading ]
_ 6 And out of the temple came the seven angels having the seven plagues, clothed in pure bright linen, and having their chests girded with golden bands._ A. Out of the temple, from the very seat of God, come seven angles with seven plagues. B. They are in pure bright (white) linen. White linen is... [ Continue Reading ]
_ 7 Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever._ A. According to 11:6, the two witnesses (Christians) have the power to harm the earth with plagues. Christians have two sources of power to inflict plagues. 1... [ Continue Reading ]
_ 8 The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one was able to enter the temple till the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed._ A. Here is a dramatic climax to this chapter and the drum roll to begin the final plagues from the wrath of God. B. The... [ Continue Reading ]