Revelation 15:1 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.

The beginning of the end

We have made it through the messages to the seven churches, the seven seals, the seven trumpet judgements and the seven signs. Now we are entering the period before the last judgements known as the bowl judgements. Another great sign is seen in Heaven with seven more angels tasked with unleashing the last plagues.

Revelation 15:2 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. The sea of glass could represent the Red Sea event in Exodus. A reminder God is gracious and saves. The fire more than likely is a representation of the coming judgment.

Then we see a picture of the martyrs of the tribulation. Those that died for Christ by the hand of the unholy trinity but have won a great victory in the sense that they are now in the presence of God. They refused the mark of the beast and have found their great exodus through the sea of turmoil unto the presence of God.

The Song of Moses

Revelation 15:3 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.”

I find that the more I reminisce on my life, the more I want to sing a joyful noise to Jesus. He has saved me and then brought me through so much in my life! The martyrs are doing the same here. They have been brought through the fire and now are in the presence of our loving and holy God. How can they not help but sing!

Opening of the Temple Doors in Heaven

Revelation 15:5 After these things I looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in Heaven was opened. The last judgement is beginning. The doors of the temple are opened, and seven great angels come out heading to perform the task God has assigned them. Another set of disasters is ready to begin for those who have not given themselves to Jesus. Then smoke from the glory and power of God fills the temple. No one is allowed to enter until the judgements are completed.

One fact that I have noticed through all this terrible judgement of the great tribulation is Gods’ patience. Just as we are in the age of grace waiting for all this to begin and are able to accept the gift of grace. God has allowed pauses for anyone who so chooses to confess the need for a Savior. God does not want this, but His holiness calls out for it. God’s nature cannot allow sin to go unpunished. Please, during this age before the tribulation starts, accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.