Commentary on Revelation 16
Chuck Smith explains the divine judgment through the seven final plagues in Revelation 16, emphasizing God's righteous wrath against evil before Christ's ultimate reign.
In this sermon, Chuck Smith provides an in-depth exposition of Revelation 16, focusing on the seven final plagues as God's righteous judgment upon the earth. He explains the significance of the angels' role and the divine wrath poured out on those aligned with evil. Smith highlights the spiritual realities behind these apocalyptic events and their place in God's ultimate plan for Christ's dominion.
Text
In the fifteenth chapter of the book of Revelation, we had sort of the introduction to chapter sixteen, as we saw the seven angels in heaven who are given the seven final plagues which complete the judgment of God upon the earth. And these seven angels came out of the temple and they were clothed in pure white linen. And one of the cherubim gave to the angels these vials of wrath to pour out upon the earth. And the temple of God was filled with the smoke from the glory of God and it was closed now to man. No man was able to enter in during the time that these seven plagues are being poured out upon the earth.
John said,
I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth (Rev 16:1).
And so that awesome command is now given from the temple of God, and these angels are dispatched with the seven final plagues, with which God will smite the earth prior to the sending of His Son to take dominion and control and to rule over the earth.
And the first angel went forth, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the man which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image (Rev 16:2).
It would seem that God now makes a distinction that this noisome, which literally is a running sore, an ulcer type of a sore that doesn\
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to the seven angels and their vials of wrath
- The temple filled with God's glory and closed to man
- The command to pour out the seven final plagues
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II
- The first angel pours out his vial on those with the mark of the beast
- Description of the grievous sores as divine judgment
- Distinction between the righteous and the wicked in judgment
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III
- The significance of the plagues in God's plan
- Preparation for Christ's dominion and rule
- The ultimate triumph of God's justice
Key Quotes
“I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.” — Chuck Smith
“The temple of God was filled with the smoke from the glory of God and it was closed now to man.” — Chuck Smith
“These seven angels came out of the temple and they were clothed in pure white linen.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Recognize the seriousness of God's judgment and live in holiness.
- Remain faithful to Christ despite the trials and judgments of the end times.
- Trust in God's sovereign plan for ultimate justice and restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the seven vials of wrath?
They are the final plagues poured out by seven angels as God's judgment upon the earth before Christ's return.
Who receives the sores mentioned in Revelation 16?
Those who have the mark of the beast and worship his image are afflicted with grievous sores.
Why is the temple closed during the pouring out of the plagues?
The temple is filled with God's glory and closed to man, signifying the divine nature of the judgment period.
What is the purpose of these judgments?
They serve to execute God's righteous wrath and prepare the earth for Christ's ultimate reign.