Revelation 15

Chapter 15 THE LORD OF THE EARTH THE SAINTS IN HEAVEN. 15:1-4 THE TEMPLE OF THE OPENED IN HEAVEN. 15:5-16:1

1. Singing Tribulation saints. 15:1-4

2. Seven Temple angels. 15:5-16:1

3. Overcoming saints. 15:1-4

4. Out coming angels. 15:5-16:1

I. The chapter begins with the Sea of Glass and ends with the Smoke of Glory.

II. Chapter 15 is the shortest chapter in book of Revelation.

III. Chapter 15 serves as an introduction to the 7 bowls, it’ s the backstage scene.

IV. Chapter 15 and 16 points to the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, they sang a song at the seashore after they had seen the Egyptian being drowned in God’ s judgment, the tribulation saints sing a song on the sea as they behold God’ s judgment on the world. The plagues God sent on Egypt is similar to the bowls judgments He sends on the world. Ex. Ch. 7-12; 15

Revelation 15:1-4

1. The Tribulation saints in heaven. 15:1-4 V.1 a) Seven angels -

I. Another prophetic sign like chapter 12:1, 3.

II. Angels with plagues steps forth.

III. Anger of God will be completed by the 7 angels, who have 7 bowls of judgments.

V.2 b) Sea of glass -

I. Notes concerning the sea of glass see 4:6.

II. Now the sea of glass is mingled with fire because the wrath of God is being poured out in full measure.

III. Persecution and Position - The tribulation saints 7:9-17 stands on the sea of glass, they stand because of their victory.

IV. Praise - They play harps like the 144.000 thousand Jews. 14:1-2

V.3-4 c) Singing the song of Moses and the lamb -

I. They sing the song of Moses and the Lamb. Ex.15:1-18 II. The song of Moses was a song of praise for His redemption.

III. The song of the Lamb is perhaps also a song of praise for His redemption through the cross.

IV. After the Egyptian army died in the red sea, the Israelites sang the song of Moses as they beheld the judgment of God on the Egyptians. Ex.14:29-15:18 V. After the great tribulation saints have been brought victoriously home, they watch the judgment of God on their persecutors and they begin to sing the song of Moses and the Lamb.

VI. The song of the tribulation saints is a praise of His:

A. Marvellous works.

1. His works are enclosed by the words Great and Almighty.

2. His works are Great and Almighty because He is Lord and God.

B. Just and true ways.

His ways are Just and True because:

1. He is the King of kings. 19:16

2. He has proven to be Just and True to a holy people. C. Alone are holy.

His perfect holiness is manifested through a people who experience it and therefore they fear and glorify Him.

D. Worship before You.

He will receive worship of all nations because of His Just and True judgments. Psalms 86:9; Jer.10:7

Revelation 15:5-8

2. The Temple of the tabernacle opened in heaven. 15:5-16:1 V.5 d) Scene of the open temple - After these things

I. When the people of God worshipped Him during the dedication of the temple of Solomon the temple was filled with the glory of the Lord. 2.Chron. Ch.5 and 7 II. After the praise of the tribulation saints, the focus shifts to the temple in heaven - A new vision is given.

III. There is a temple and an ark in heaven, Moses only made copies of it on the earth. Heb.8:5 IV. The tabernacle of the testimony on the earth contained 10 commandments; God is about to judge according to His moral standard.

V.6 e) Seven plagues - Appearance of the 7 angels.

I. The seven angels that have the 7 plagues comes out of the temple, wearing white linen and on their chests golden bands, they appear to be angelic priests before God.

II. Perhaps they bring the answer of the prayers of the saint for God’ s righteous judgments throughout the ages.

V.7 f) Seven golden bowls - Assignment of the 7 angels

I. The priests used bowls in their ministry before God. Lev.16:12-13; 1.Kings 7:50; 2.Kings 12:13; 25:15 II. Inside the bowls of the Old Testament vessels were incense, which speak of prayer. III. The wrath of God is in the bowls, perhaps to clarify that His judgments are an answer to prayer. 5:8

IV. The bowls is not 95 % full but completely filled, God has been storing up His wrath and during this period it will be poured out on the world.

V.8 g) Smoke fills the temple - Atmosphere in the temple.

I. The judgments of God are called His unusual act in Scripture. Isaiah 28:21 II. God do not like to judge, all judgments are grievous to Him, perhaps therefore He fills the temple with smoke so that no one can enter, He wants to be alone until the 7 judgments are complete. Ex.19:18; 40:34; Ezek.10:4; Isaiah 6:4; 2.Chron.5:14; 7:1-3; 1.Kings 8:10-11 V.1 h) Seven angels commanded -

The former judgments in Revelation were severe, but now they will increase for the full wrath of God will be poured out on the earth.