June 4, 2023

The Wrath of God #

Revelation 15

Introduction

The word wrath is used 13 times in the Book of Revelation. The word wrath doesn’t show up in the book of Revelation until chapter 6. Consequently, that is when the tribulation period starts. The last time we see the word wrath in the book of Revelation is chapter 19.

Our goal is not to run a word study on the word wrath tonight, but it is relevant in these chapters that we are looking at. So it is good to have a background understanding of it’s usage throughout Revelation.

I. Sea of Glass (15:1-4) #

A. Scene Introduction & overview (1) #

1. The Seven angels #

2. Seven plagues #

3. The Wrath of God. #

B. Strength - Great & Marvelous (1, 3) #

1. God who is Great & Marvelous (3) is about to show a demonstration of great power (1), as judgement is poured out. #

C. Saints on the Sea (2-4) #

1. Successful victory over the beat & image & mark (2) #

• Clearly these are tribulations saints who DID not take the mark of the beast.
• AS we closely notice what they were victorious over.

2. Singing Songs (3-4) #

• Song of Moses – Exodus 15 – A Jewish Song.

• Song of the Lamb – We sing songs of the Lamb, why, because of Salvation!

  • Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power?

  • Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

  • Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?

  • Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

    • Are you washed in the blood,
    • In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb?
    • Are your garments spotless?
    • Are they white as snow?
    • Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

• Glorifying God (Ps 86:8-12) (next page)

Psa. 86:8 ¶ Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. 9 All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. 10 For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone. 11 Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. 12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.

II. Seven Angels (15:5-8) #

A. Coming out of the temple (5-6) #

1. Note this is all originating from heaven. #

B. Clothing (6) #

1. Pure white linen #

• These angels that administer the wrath of God, are dressed in white, as a clear sign, that the wrath of God is justified, it is pure, not vindictive!

2. Golden girdles #

• The Golden girdles undoubtedly signify the authority of God.

C. Charge of the vials (7-8) #

1. Given by one of the four beasts (7) #

• These are likely the same beasts described in Chapter 5, around the throne.

2. Ordered by God Himself! (8) #

• God remains in the Temple, while these vials are being poured out, and man is not to be in His presence.

III. Seven Vials (16:1-21) #

• It seems as there is a perhaps short pause here, before the command is actually given.
• Notice, it is God, that gives the order! (1)

A. First vial (2) grievous sore like boils #

B. Second vial (3) sea became as blood – everything died. #

C. Third Vial (4) – rivers & fountains became blood #

D. Declaration of God’s Righteousness (5-7) #

• When God’s judgement is poured out on the earth, the wicked need reminded that they have brought this condemnation upon their own heads!
• They killed God’s prophets!
• God is Just & Righteous!

E. Fourth Vial (8-9) on the sun – scorched men, they blaspheme and do not repent! #

F. Fifth Vial (10-11) on the seat of the beast, great pain – no repentance! #

G. Sixth Vial (12-16) #

• These verses are in reference to judgement

• The judgement of God falls swiftly, as a thief, one not expecting it.

• Notice the judgement of illustrated in vs 15.

  • Therefore this is not talking about the rapture of the saved.

• Preparation for the battle of Armageddon - gathered

H. Seventh (17-21) #

• Notice vs 21 ends with exceeding great!