“The Book of Revelation Chapter 15”
Introduction: In this lesson we are going to study the messages of Jesus Christ that He gave to the Apostle John about chapter fifteen. Now in Revelation Chapter Fifteen we are given an introduction to the final wrath of God and they are the (seven vial judgments) of the Tribulation Period. Revelation fifteen and sixteen are the consummation of the ordered events leading up to the Second Coming of Christ in Revelation Chapter nineteen.
Revelation Chapter 15:
I) (The Seven Bowl Judgments; Chapters 15 and 16)
(A Glorious Heavenly Scene) (Revelation 15:1-8)
1) (Read) (Chapter 15:1); and I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven Angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God. (KJV)
1) Explanation: (Chapter 15:1); And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous and there were seven Angels having the seven last plagues. Now the Angels having the seven last plagues are proclaiming that the concluding Judgments upon the territory of the Antichrist, which will be the worst plagues. Now for in them is filled up the wrath of God, which should have been translated, “the anger of God”.
1) Comments: (Chapter 15:1); And this is “another sign in heaven”. The Greek word for sign is “semeion“, which means, to indicate, to signify, here it means supernaturally by a miracle or wonder. In (Revelation 12:1); there appeared a great wonder sign, which was Israel. In (Revelation 12:3); there appeared another wonder (sign, which was Satan). The sign in (Revelation 15:1), is the seven Angels having the seven last plagues filled up, (brought to completion) the wrath of God. In (Revelation 6:17), we had the first indication of God’s Wrath in the Tribulation Period. “For the great day of his wrath is come, and who shall be able to stand?” And here in (Revelation 15:1), the completion of this wrath in the seven vial judgments. Now the seven last plagues are called the seven bowl judgments. These plagues actually begin in (Revelation chapter 16). Now unlike the previous plagues, they are universal, and these plagues will culminate in the abolition of all evil and with them God’s wrath is completed.
2) (Read) (Chapter 15:2); and I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. (KJV)
2) Explanation: (Chapter 15:2); And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire. (Now the sea of glass mingled with fire is that which is immediately before the Throne of God and is mentioned in (Revelation 4:6);). And them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name. (Now this group was murdered by the Antichrist). Stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. (Now this presents a picture of peace and tranquility).
2) Comments: (Chapter 15:2); “A sea of g1ass”: In (Revelation 4:6), this sea of glass before the throne was empty, (The Tribulation had not begun) but, now it is mingled with fire, (Judgment). And is occupied with the souls of MARTYRED SAINTS, in (Revelation 13:15-17); (Revelation 20:4). And they did not take the mark of the beast. These “MARTYRED SAINTS” have the harps of God in (Revelation 5:8); (Revelation 14:2). Now these that stand on the sea of glass in (Revelation 4:6) are the souls of the martyrs who were killed by the Antichrist. Now they have “victory” over Satan because his persecution sent them to Heaven where they await the resurrection, and that will be just about three and one-half years away.
3) (Read) (Chapter 15:3); and they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. (KJV)
3) Explanation: (Chapter 15:3); And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God. (Now this is the song given to us in (Deuteronomy 32:1-43); and it is recorded that Moses wrote this song and taught it to the people in (Deuteronomy 31:22). Next the song of the Lamb. (Now this is the second song, and begins with the Crucifixion, which was absolutely necessary if a man was to be redeemed, and closes with Jesus Christ as “King of Kings, and Lord of Lords”). Here the saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty. (This refers to Jesus Christ, while all His Works are “great and marvelous,” and what He did at the Cross presents itself as the greatest work of all). Here just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. (Now Jesus Christ is our King by virtue of what He did at the Cross, and our Faith in that Finished Work).
3) Comments: (Chapter 15:3); “Song of Moses, and the Song of the Lamb”: The Song of Moses, is a song of victory over the enemy Compare with (Exodus 15:1-22); (Exodus 31:19-22); (Exodus 32:43).
The Song of the Lamb is revealed in (Revelation 15:3-4). Now the song of Moses celebrated Israel’s deliverance from Egypt (Exodus chapter 15). Now the song of the Lamb celebrates the deliverance of God’s people from the power of Satan. “This song is of adoration and praise. “Great, and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty”. Meaning Just and True are thy ways. Thou King of Saints Who shall not fear thee, O Lord? And glorify thy name? For thou only art holy. For all nations shall come and Worship before thee. For thy judgments are made manifest.”
4) (Read) (Chapter 15:4); who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? For thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest. (KJV)
4) Explanation: (Chapter 15:4); Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? (Now this leaps ahead to the Millennial Reign. Now at this time, every human being on the face of this Earth will fear the Lord Jesus Christ, and will glorify His Name as well). For thou only art holy. (Now this speaks of the origination of Holiness, and that this Holiness can be given to Believers by virtue of what Jesus Christ did at the Cross); for all nations shall come and worship before thee; (This refers to the Millennial Reign). For thy judgments are made manifest. (Now this refers to the fact that the Judgment of God will be poured out upon the Antichrist during the Battle of Armageddon, where he will be defeated along with the entirety of his army).
4) Comments: (Chapter 15:4); Now the song of Moses refers to the victory that God gave the children of Israel over Pharaoh and his army at the Red Sea (Exodus 15:1-3); (Exodus chapters 17 and 18). Now the Lamb’s song avows their Faith in Jesus Christ, who gave them victory over the Antichrist by taking them to Heaven. Now this is similar to the song of the “Elders” in Heaven in (Revelation 5:9). Now this notes how they sing praises to God and exalting His creation, justice, worship, holiness, omnipotence, and eternity. Who shall not fear thee? All should fear and worship this true God, (Jehovah) because he is just and true and holy; and his saints should love and obey him, because he is their King. And all men should acknowledge his judgments, because they are made Holy by God and the Spirit of God dwells in them.
5) (Read) (Chapter 15:5); and after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened: (KJV)
5) Explanation: (Chapter 15:5); And John said after that I looked. (Now this refers to the Vials that are about to be poured out). And, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. (Now this has reference to the Holy of Holies, and where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. And this is a witness both to the Holiness of God’s Character and the Justice of His Government). 5) Comments: (Chapter 15:5); The Temple of the Tabernacle meaning that the temple of the tabernacle represents the abode of God. When the tabernacle was finished by Moses, and the temple by Solomon, there was a “cloud”; the “Shekinah Glory”, but no smoke. (Exodus 40:34-36); (I Kings 8:10-11). The “cloud” means that the “grace of God was upon them while “smoke”, represents judgment. (Isaiah 6:1-4) and (Exodus 19:18). One of the four beasts (Cherubims) – (Ezekiel 1:24-28); (Exodus 25:10-22) gave the seven Angels seven golden vials full of wrath to be poured out upon the earth. The temple of the tabernacle of the testimony. Now the temple which succeeded the tabernacle, in which was the testimony. Now the two tables, Aaron’s rod, pot of manna, and holy anointing oil; is testimony to the truth of God behalf here.
6) (Read) (Chapter 15:6); And the seven Angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles. (KJV)
6) Explanation: (Chapter 15:6); And the seven Angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues. (Now this constitutes the Vial Judgments). And they were clothed in pure and white linen. (Now this indicates the perfect Righteousness of the acts that are to be performed on Earth.) And having their breasts girded with golden girdles. (This presents the same attire as that of our Lord Jesus Christ in (Revelation 1:13); and signifying that what they are about to do pertains solely to the Work of Jesus Christ; in other words, Jesus Christ is in charge of all the Judgments).
6) Comments: (Chapter 15:6); The seven Angels are preparing to administer the last seven Tribulation judgments of Jesus Christ. Now the seven vials are actually shallow bowls that are used for pouring libations in the Lord’s house. Now these bowls are full of the wrath of God, (II Thessalonians 1:7-9). Now our God has the right to judge, because He is the Eternal One, the Almighty God. The Temple represents the presence of God Himself. Now until the seven plagues are finished, no one is able to enter into the temple. Now the time for intercession is past; then God’s judgment will now be completed. Now the seven Angels came out of the temple to show that they were sent from God himself.
7) (Read) (Chapter 15:7); and one of the four beasts gave unto the seven Angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever. (KJV)
7) Explanation: (Chapter 15:7); And one of the four beasts said to the Apostle John. (These are “the Living Ones” that are described in (Revelation 4:7-8). They gave unto the seven Angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God.
(Now these seven Angels proclaims the fact, that these Judgments on the Earth will be the worst of all). Who liveth for ever and ever. (Now this proclaims the fact that God Almighty is Eternal).
7) Comments: (Chapter 15:7); The seven golden bowls are full of the wrath of God. Now these are the “plagues” in verse six that will strike the earth in the last three and one-half years that will punish all of those who have chosen to serve the Antichrist. Now they do his bidding to persecute the Saints for their Faith in Jesus Christ.
8) (Read) (Chapter 15:8); and the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven Angels were fulfilled. (KJV)
8) Explanation: (Chapter 15:8); And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power. (Now this presents itself as a very similar to the dedication of Solomon’s Temple, in which the latter Temple was a replica of the one in Heaven). And no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven Angels were fulfilled. (Now this constitutes the last few months of the Great Tribulation. Now the idea of no man being able to enter the Temple during this period of time seems to be that no one would be permitted to enter to make intercession, and to turn away God’s wrath, and to divert God from His Purpose).
8) Comments: (Chapter 15:8); Now no man was able to enter the temple but the High Priest and his clothing, shows that they are free from all corruption, immorally, and injustice. Now the smoke that fills the temple is the manifestation of God’s glory and power. Now there is no escape from this judgment. Now the cloud of God’s glory fills the Heavenly Temple for this entire period of three and one-half years on earth, until the judgments of the seven Angels that are described in the next chapter have run their course. Now God is both Holy and just, even when the wreaking judgment on those who have deceived mankind. (Read) (II Chronicles 7:2); (Ezekiel 15:1-3)
A) Now as we come to the end of this chapter fifteen in the book of Revelations, I would like to ask you a question about the condition of “your Soul”. If you were to die before this day comes to an end. “Where would your Soul spend eternity at? Now this is probably the most important question in your life. Would you like to ask Jesus to save you now? If so just keep on reading and the next few verses will tell you how to be saved.
B) Now all you have to do is just sincerely pray a simple prayer like this one here. “Please God, I know that I am a sinner. Now I believe that Jesus died for me because of my sins.
Jesus I’m sorry for all the wrongs that I have done. Thank you for forgiving me of my sins. I accept your gift of eternal life. Thank you Father for my new life. Now from this day forward, I choose to follow you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
C) Then you should share your Faith in Jesus Christ with other Christian friends or a pastor. Now by becoming a Christian, this is your first step on that long life’s road of a Spiritual growth and your service to sharing God. The second step is to follow Jesus Christ in a believer’s baptism by immersion in water and joining a local church that teaches the true Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1) Remember what Jesus said to Thomas in (John 14:6) I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
2) Neither is there Salvation in any other; for there is no other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) (And His name is Jesus)
“What Shall I Do To Inherit Eternal Life?”
D) We as Christians should remember that Salvation is simple, but it’s not cheap. It cost Jesus Christ everything so that salvation could be offered to us freely. God has provided salvation on a basis, which permits anyone who can make their own decision to have it. If salvation could be received on the basic of education, multitudes would be excluded.
E) If eternal life could be had on the basis of wealth, a great number would still be left out. If being saved were dependent upon one’s moral perfection, everyone would fall short. God has made His salvation available on the basis of a personal faith which even a child can exercise. This way everyone is reduced to the same level in the eyes of God and all must come to him on the same terms (Romans 3:9-10) and (Galatians 3:22). Paul said, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not, of yourselves; it is the gift of God; Not of works, lest any man should boast.”(Ephesians 2:8-9) Below you will find some scriptures in the book of Romans that can lead you through the Romans road to Heaven. Please take the time to read the questions below and study God’s Word and may God bless you always.
1) Who is good? (Romans 3:10) As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one.
2) Who has sinned? (Romans 3:23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
3) Where did sin come from? (Romans 5:12) Wherefore, as by one-man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.
4) God paid the price for sin. (Romans 6:23) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
5) We all have a way out. (Romans 5:8) But God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
6) What must I do to be saved? (Romans 10:9-11) That if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shall be saved. For with the heart man beliveth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
F) The main reason or purpose of teaching this Book of Revelation in this simple lay-out form is to tell the Gospel and warn all people of their destination of their souls and hopefully help all people hear the Good News of Jesus whether they are saved or lost. By studding God’s Holy Word we can have a better picture of Heaven and Hell. Also it is my prayer and hope that everyone can understand a little more about their new home in Heaven and of what God’s future plan that He has in store for them for all eternity.
G) The purpose of this Bible Study is to simplify the Book of Revelation so that the believers in our Lord Jesus Christ can understand what God’s future plans are for all mankind. Now some people just shake their heads and are scared to what the future holds for them. They say that they cannot read this book and understand anything that the Scriptures are saying to them. So I have tried to outline each of the verses with the help of the Holy Spirit so that anyone; whether you are a believer in Jesus Christ (Saved) or an unbeliever (lost) and don’t know who our Savior Jesus Christ is. It is my prayer and hopes that when you try to read and study the Book of Revelation that everyone will always keep an open-mind.
H) Now remember that God loves you and this Book of Revelation is about your future and where everyone will spend the rest of their life. Now as a Christian I am concerned about your soul and where you will spend all eternity at.
I) So just remember that we all have two choices in this life and the first one is that you should realize that you are a sinner and on your way to a place called Hell because of your unbelief in Jesus and His finish Works on the Cross. The second choice is that then you call upon the name of Jesus Christ and ask Him to come into your life and save you: then you are on your way to a place called Heaven because of what Jesus done for all mankind on the Cross.
He paid the price by shedding His Precious Blood and dying there so that all mankind could go free.
J) Now this concludes our Bible Study on the chapter fifteen of the Book of Revelation. Next week we will continue our lesson studies in the sixteenth chapter of the Book of Revelation. Please be much in prayer for me as I try to teach this last book of the Bible.
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Your, Brother in Christ
Frank Rose