The Seven Bowls Of Wrath

Recap

We have been studying John’s Revelation. The seven letters, the seven seals, the seven trumpets. 2 weeks ago we looked at the interval in Heaven before the seven woes or bowls are presented in chapter 16. Each one of the sevens has offered man time to repent and turn to the Lord. I am sure you have heard the argument that God would not condemn anyone to hell. I want you to understand how man has had repeated opportunities and has ignored them repeatedly.

Last time we read about the interval in heaven before the angels were given the bowls. The song of Moses . Then the temple was filled with smoke that represented the glory of God. We can compare that to the description of God’s glory in the wilderness tabernacle in EX. 40.34-35 and In Solomon’s temple recorded in I Kings 8.10-11. In both of these instances no one could enter the temple and we see this repeated here before the seven bowls are poured out. I included the passage from Ezekiel To show how different prophets received similar messages from God. Jewish law required the testimony of 2 witnesses and we can see that this has been given more than once.

The first bowl; was a physical attack. Painful boils on all who received the mark of the beast. Those who worshipped the beast would be in such torment that they would not be able to worship or serve the beast. These plagues are reminiscent of the plagues in Egypt. The problem was the same, the people worshipped false gods and denied the true living God.

The second bowl turned the sea into blood and every living thing died. Once again like the plague in Egypt. This one is different and of greater magnitude in that it is all the seas . A source of water and food. Let alone the stench from all the dead in the sea.

The third bowl; rivers and springs turned to blood. Now there is no water to drink. Then the angel in charge of the waters praises God and declares that they have received what they deserve. A verse is heard from the altar saying just and true are your judgement s.

The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun. The sun was allowed to scorch people with fire. How did they respond? They cursed God and refused to repent. These first four plagues are directed at people and the natural world. The remaining bowls are more political in nature.

The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast and his kingdom was plunged into darkness. people gnawed their tongues and once again cursed the God of heaven because of their pain. People justify their actions, proclaim themselves to be good and blame God for all their trouble. God is the one who could give grace and relieve them from their pain.

The sixth angel poured his bowl on the river Euphrates and its waters dried up. To prepare the way for the kings of the East. Three impute spirits that looked like frogs came out of the mouths of the dragon, beast, and the false prophet. We are nearing the end of the time of tribulation The dragon , beast, and false prophet are nearing the end of their time. Their false power and the deception of people cannot stand before God. The powers of this world are no match for what God is going to bring upon this earth. The false gods bring darkness as opposed to wisdom and knowledge. Confusion and folly opposed to pleasure and Joy that can be found in Christ Jesus.

I think it is interesting that I have read reports that the Euphrates river is drying up. Many dams have been built to provide hydro electric power. Waters are increasingly being used for irrigation. The chance for kings of the East to advance are looking brighter.

There is an interlude between the sixth and seventh bowls. We have the words of Jesus warning ; “Look I am coming like a thief in the night. Blessed is the one who stays awake.” This is reminiscent of the parable of the five foolish and five wise virgins. Be prepared, alert, and ready for the coming of the Lord. Suspense is building.

Then there is the reference to the kings gathering at Armagedon .

The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple saying; “It is done. This reminds us of Jesus’s words from the cross “it is finished.” Jesus work on the cross was the end of his sacrifice for mankind. this claim can be seen as the end of the false gods reign on earth. This voice is followed by Lightning and thunder and a severe earthquake unlike any seen since mankind has been on earth. So great that the great city was split in three parts. The cities of the nations collapsed . Both islands and mountains disappeared. Huge hailstones weighing about a hundred pounds fell on people. They refused to repent and cursed God.