Revelation 15
Revelation 15 presents a heavenly vision of preparation for the final judgment of the earth. It introduces seven angels with seven last plagues, which are the completion of God's wrath. This chapter is filled with praise and worship as those victorious over the beast stand before God, preparing for the final outpouring of divine justice. It emphasizes both God's justice and mercy, portraying His holiness and the ultimate victory of His people.
Revelation 15:1 (NKJV)
“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.”
John sees a powerful and awe-inspiring sign in heaven, marking the final phase of God’s judgment. The seven angels carry the last plagues, which symbolize the culmination of divine wrath. The completion of God's judgment indicates the end of His tolerance toward sin and rebellion, bringing final justice. This sets the stage for the irreversible consequences of rejecting God's grace, emphasizing the holiness and righteousness of God’s judgment.
Revelation 15:2 (NKJV)
“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.”
John’s vision shifts to a sea of glass, mixed with fire, symbolizing purity and judgment. Those who have triumphed over the beast and his system of worship are seen standing on this sea. These overcomers are the faithful who resisted the temptations and pressures to conform to the evil world system. Their victory is celebrated with harps, indicating a time of worship and praise in the presence of God, symbolizing their ultimate reward.
Revelation 15:3-4 (NKJV)
“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! 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.’”
The victorious saints sing two songs: the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb. The song of Moses celebrates God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, while the song of the Lamb celebrates deliverance from sin and death through Jesus Christ. These songs extol God's mighty works, righteousness, and justice. The worshipers proclaim that God's judgments are holy and just, and they declare that all nations will eventually recognize His sovereignty and worship Him.
Revelation 15:5-6 (NKJV)
“After these things I looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. 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.”
The heavenly temple is opened, revealing the tabernacle of testimony, which signifies God's covenant and His law. The seven angels emerge from this temple, carrying the seven plagues. Their appearance in pure, bright linen and golden bands symbolizes their holiness and the righteousness of their mission. This scene emphasizes the sacredness of God's judgment, as it comes directly from His holy presence, confirming the justice of what is about to unfold.
Revelation 15:7-8 (NKJV)
“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. 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.”
One of the four living creatures, representing the highest order of God's creation, gives the seven angels golden bowls filled with God’s wrath. The bowls symbolize the final outpouring of divine judgment. The temple fills with smoke from God's glory and power, reflecting the intense manifestation of His holiness and majesty. The fact that no one can enter the temple until the plagues are finished indicates that God's judgment must run its course without interruption, demonstrating the finality and seriousness of His righteous wrath.