Daily Thought

Chapter 15 resumes the chronological sequence of the book with John’s vision of the tense interlude in heaven’s inner temple sanctuary before God pours out His vial, or bowl, judgements in chapter 16. These seven last plagues, administered by seven angels, are God’s direct punishment of unrepentant sinners, and bring the great tribulation to a climactic end.

In verse 2 John sees a sea of glass mingled with fire, representing God’s holiness. Beside it stood a great company of saints martyred by the Beast, because they refused to worship his image. They are described, however, as victors over him in their deaths. Do we today think of martyrdom for Christ’s sake as a victory? They sing two songs of redemption: Moses’ song at the Red Sea, and the song of the Lamb, celebrating His greatness. They praise God’s works and ways as the ‘King of the nations’ (RV margin), and anticipate the day when all nations will fear and worship the Lord. They sing, not of their own experiences or victories in martyrdom, but of God’s power and the person of their Redeemer - an example to us today! These martyrs seen in heaven should be distinguished from the 144, 000 Jewish witnesses seen on earthly Mount Zion in chapter 14, who will survive the whole tribulation holocaust unharmed.

In verse 5 John sees the inner sanctuary of the heavenly tabernacle of witness opened, so that the seven angels with the seven plagues of God’s wrath could come out to administer them upon the earth. Their pure linen clothing speaks of God’s righteousness, and their golden sashes speak of priestly service, not now in blessing, but in judgement. Then one of the four living creatures who surround God’s throne gave the angels seven golden bowls full of God’s wrath. These bowls, like shallow saucers, will be emptied quickly of their contents over a very brief time at the end of the tribulation. Finally, the heavenly sanctuary becomes filled with the smoke of God’s glory and power, preventing anyone from entering there to intercede on behalf of earth’s unrepentant inhabitants. Their fate is sealed. Unsaved reader, be warned! Repent and believe the gospel before your fate, too, is sealed, and you suffer final judgement!