Revelation Chapter 15
Chapter fifteen is the shortest chapter in Revelation. It serves as a prelude to the seven last plagues found in chapter sixteen. These two chapters together put a finishing touch on how God wars against evil forces in the end of time. God will intervene when the world tries to wipe out His people in one decisive blow. He will intervene by pouring out upon the world the seven last plagues.
Verse 1: Seven Angels and Seven Plagues
Just as angels were represented as bringing the threefold message of warning, so angels are used to represent the series of judgments that are to visit a rebellious world. The angels of the seven last plagues follow the angels of the last gospel call to the world.
These seven last plagues fall upon a world that has rejected the threefold message of Revelation 14:6–12. They are also rejecting Jesus by persecuting His commandment-keeping people.
Seven is the number for completeness. Therefore, there are no other plagues revealed in Revelation that precede or follow the seven last plagues.
Read this verse over again and capture the confidence of God’s triumph over evil.
Verses 2, 3: The Joyful Victors
Those who overcome the beast and his image are seen in heaven. They sing the song of Moses. Evidently the trials and tribulations they faced during the final crisis were more than worth it.
Mere words are not adequate to express the joyful hearts of the redeemed. See Ephesians 5:19; James 5:13. They must sing of their experience.
The song of Moses and the song of the Lamb are evidently two different songs. When sung together they blend into one beautiful song. The song of Moses was sung by ancient Israel on the shores of the Red Sea just following their glorious deliverance. They were delivered from slavery in Egypt, and had escaped the judgments of God upon the world’s superpower. See Exodus 14, 15
In like manner, the saints of God in these last days will witness the judgments of God against the forces of evil. They too will be delivered from the threat of death. Consequently, they will have a special song to sing: the song of the Lamb.
God’s judgments are just: The redeemed will study the books that were opened for judgment, and declare that the Lord’s judgments are just. Even the wicked will acknowledge the justice of God when “every knee” will bow, and “every tongue. . . confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9–11.
Read again this verse and notice the confidence of heaven and the repetition of “Great and marvelous” are thy works. As you read this you since that something great and marvelous is going to happen with the destruction of Satan’s New World Order of Church and State.
Verse 4: God alone is worshiped
The world made the mistake of worshiping the beast. They made the mistake of persecuting those who did worship the true God, the Creator of heaven and earth. The time will come and it will be said, “Who shall NOT fear Thee, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? for Thou art holy; for all nations shall come and worship before Thee; for Thy judgments are made manifest.”
Verses 5–7: The Temple Opened
When the temple door is opened probation will close; every case will have been decided. Jesus has finished His work in the Most Holy Place. The seven last plagues will follow. The angels are dressed in white linen because they have always been obedient to God’s commands. One of four beasts, who make up the council of heaven, gave the seven plagues to the seven angels dressed in white. This is a clear indication that they are all in agreement with God’s judgments.
Verse 8: Intercession Ceases
None of the seven last plagues can be poured out until Christ ceases His mediatorial work. Until then, every one has a chance to repent and be forgiven. But once Jesus has ended His mediatorial work, no man has access to the mercy seat for forgiveness. The time of probation is over. The temple is filled with smoke from the glory of God because all that God has done in dealing with the sin problem has been absolutely merciful and just.