8/2/2019 Rev Class 11

1/2

The Seven Last Plagues Introduced - Revelation 15:1-8

In previous chapters, we have seen the worshippers of the beast marked (for

worshippers of God marked (for protection, as in Ezekiel chapter 9). Chapt

ronouncement of judgment against Babylon (Rome) and the punishment of wrath of God.

With chapter 15, we begin to see more details of the events leading to the glo

triumphant ending of the book. In particular, were going to be introduced

lagues, representing Gods final and complete outpouring of wrath againstHis people. In reaction, were going see those who had conquered or overc

image singing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb.

I. Part 1: Setting the Stage Another Great Sign (15:1)

A. Another Sign in Heaven

1. At this point we are no stranger to signs in heaven. Weve seen tthe second section of the book (e.g., 12:1, 3).

2. Great and amazing as well see in the full details next week.

B. Seven Angels

1. Seven is the number of perfection, the union of God (3) and man2. We have seen several other series of sevens in the book.

Seven seals (6:1ff)

Seven angels with seven trumpets (8:2ff)

Seven thunders (10:3-4)3. Seven plagues

A reference to the plagues of Egypt, which God used to deliv

o Well look at the details of the plagues in chapter 16, but reference to boils in 16:2, water turned to blood in 16:3-4

16:10.

Last

o The final and full expression of Gods anger against the p

of His people at that particular time

o In contrast to the partial warnings and punishments that w Compare the 1/3 destruction in the first 4 trumpets to

the first four plagues (earth, sea, f resh water and sky r

8/2/2019 Rev Class 11

2/2

C. Verse 1 doesnt really get into any details about the angels or the plagues. Instead, itintroduces a concept that is vital for the next section: Gods patience with Rome is over,

and the time of His wrath has come.

II. Part 2: The Song of the Redeemed (15:2-4)

A. We now change to another scene in heaven, a reaction to the appearance of the seven

angels with the seven plagues

B. Sea of Glass (15:2)1. This is the second time we have seen the sea. We saw it first in 4:6.

2. As before, the sea represents an obstacle to approaching God (just as did the bronze

sea with Solomons temple)3. This time, the sea is different: it is mixed with fire, perhaps because God is angryover the treatment of His people and is about to pour out His wrath.

C. Those who had conquered (15:2)

1. There are two ways to conquer

Be faithful even if it means death (Revelation 2:10)

Patiently endure until God acts (Revelation 13:10; 14:12-13)

Both ways are possible by the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 12:10-11)2. On the sea of glass

Some translations have by. On is the better translation.

Those who have conquered are allowed to approach God

3. Harps ready for praise. No longer crying, How long? (6:9-10)D. The Song of Moses and the Song of the Lamb (15:3-4)

1. Review the Song of Moses in Exodus 15. It is a song of deliverance, a song ofpraise, and a song describing Gods righteous acts. See especially Exodus 15:1, 6-7,

11, 13 and 16.

2. The Song of the Lamb is one of praise for redemption (see Revelation 5:9-10)3. The words of the song:

Written in the style of Hebrew poetry

Great and amazing (as in verse 1)

Gods acts of judgment are not arbitrary. His acts are just.

The nations will not all be converted, but they will see Gods righteousness.

III. Discussion Point 1: Why is this text preserved for us?

IV. Part 3: The Bowls of Gods Wrath are Given (15:5-8)

A. The sanctuary (15:5)

1. The Holy of Holies, where God is enthroned above the cherubim.2. Tabernacle of Witness/Testimony where the reminders of the covenant were kept

3. Opened to allow the angels to leave from the presence of God.

B. Seven angels with seven plagues (15:6)1. As in verse 1

2. Clothed in linen and sashes reminds us of priestly clothingC. One of the four living creatures (15:7)

1. One of the cherubim from around Gods throne (see Revelation 42. Bowls not vials as some translations have. A broad, shallow

poured out, representing Gods complete (seven) wrath.3. God lives forever and ever. He doesnt act on our timetable, but

patient.D. The sanctuary filled with smoke

1. The smoke represents a sure sign of the presence of God. It is a rin the Old Testament. On very special occasions, the smoke was

glorious that no one could enter the temple.2. See 2 Chronicles 7:1-2; 5:14. See also Exodus 33:7-9; Isaiah 6:4

V. Discussion Point 2: Why doesnt God act immediately?