Revelation (Lesson 43)
Sermon • Submitted
0 ratings
· 10 viewsNotes
Transcript
In order to keep the chronological sequence and order of the Tribulation events in mind, let’s review several points about the seven seals, trumpets, and the seven bowls, which together make up the Tribulation judgments:
Since there are no judgments described with the opening of the seventh seal as with the previous six, and since the seven trumpets judgment follow immediately, it seems evident that the seventh seal consists of the seven trumpets.
Since there are no judgments described with the opening of the seventh seal as with the previous six, and since the seven trumpets judgment follow immediately, it seems evident that the seventh seal consists of the seven trumpets.
The seventh and final trumpet judgment does not describe one specific judgment as with the other six trumpets, but signifies that whole part of the Tribulation program of God’s wrath that will, at the end, bring in the kingdom through the return of Christ. The Seventh Trumpet actually releases the seven bowl judgments.
The seventh and final trumpet judgment does not describe one specific judgment as with the other six trumpets, but signifies that whole part of the Tribulation program of God’s wrath that will, at the end, bring in the kingdom through the return of Christ. The Seventh Trumpet actually releases the seven bowl judgments.
Chapter 15 being introductory to chapter 16 which now takes us to the specific judgments of the seventh trumpet.
Chapter 15 being introductory to chapter 16 which now takes us to the specific judgments of the seventh trumpet.
There is a great deal of similarity in the judgments of the trumpets and bowls. In both, the first series deals with the earth, the second series deals with the sea, the third series deals with the rivers and fountains of water, the fourth series deals with the sun, the fifth series deals with darkness, the sixth series deals with the Euphrates, and the seventh series deals with lightnings, thunders, and earthquakes.
There is a great deal of similarity in the judgments of the trumpets and bowls. In both, the first series deals with the earth, the second series deals with the sea, the third series deals with the rivers and fountains of water, the fourth series deals with the sun, the fifth series deals with darkness, the sixth series deals with the Euphrates, and the seventh series deals with lightnings, thunders, and earthquakes.
However, a careful study of these two sections will reveal some striking differences also: (a) The first four trumpets deal with only one-third of the earth while the bowl judgments are universal in scope. (b) The bowls are also much greater in intensity as well as in degree of coverage and effect. (c) They fall quickly as a liquid poured out of a bowl and in rapid succession—like trip hammer blows. It is best, therefore, to see the bowls as different from the trumpets judgments.
However, a careful study of these two sections will reveal some striking differences also: (a) The first four trumpets deal with only one-third of the earth while the bowl judgments are universal in scope. (b) The bowls are also much greater in intensity as well as in degree of coverage and effect. (c) They fall quickly as a liquid poured out of a bowl and in rapid succession—like trip hammer blows. It is best, therefore, to see the bowls as different from the trumpets judgments.
These last seven judgments cause the further hardening of the hearts of men. Remember they are called plagues and have much the same result on the world as the plagues of Egypt had on Pharaoh.
These last seven judgments cause the further hardening of the hearts of men. Remember they are called plagues and have much the same result on the world as the plagues of Egypt had on Pharaoh.
These plagues will show:
The total rebellion and independence of the creature to his Creator. Because of the callousness and hardening built up in the hearts of men, these judgments will result in anger and blasphemy from the heart and mouths of men rather than fear and reverence and trust. They are hardening plagues which God uses to His own glory.
The total rebellion and independence of the creature to his Creator. Because of the callousness and hardening built up in the hearts of men, these judgments will result in anger and blasphemy from the heart and mouths of men rather than fear and reverence and trust. They are hardening plagues which God uses to His own glory.
But these plagues (bowl judgments) will crush man’s rebellion and remove the rebellious from the earth. The completion of this will be accomplished by the return of Christ with His armies.
But these plagues (bowl judgments) will crush man’s rebellion and remove the rebellious from the earth. The completion of this will be accomplished by the return of Christ with His armies.
A. The First Bowl: Painful Sores
A. The First Bowl: Painful Sores
1 Then I heard a loud voice from the temple, saying to the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.”
2 So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth; and it became a loathsome and malignant sore on the people who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped his image.
Verse 1:
Verse 1:
The seven angels are now commanded to pour out their bowl of judgment upon the earth.
The seven angels are now commanded to pour out their bowl of judgment upon the earth.
John heard what is described as a loud or great voice, probably the voice of God, coming out of the temple.
John heard what is described as a loud or great voice, probably the voice of God, coming out of the temple.
Our English translations somewhat obscure an important emphasis of this chapter because of the various ways they have translated the Greek word megas. Megas means “large, great, huge, or loud,” depending on what it modifies. The NASB, for instance, translates megas with “loud,” “fierce,” “great,” and “huge,” all good translations, but the English reader might not notice the repetition whereas the Greek reader will more readily notice the repetition of this adjective.
Megas is used eleven times in this chapter in connection with its events: a great voice, a great heat, the great river Euphrates, the great day of God Almighty, “a great earthquake, such as there had not been since man came to be upon the earth, so great an earthquake …” , the great city, Babylon, and great hailstones .
Megas is used eleven times in this chapter in connection with its events: a great voice, a great heat, the great river Euphrates, the great day of God Almighty, “a great earthquake, such as there had not been since man came to be upon the earth, so great an earthquake …” , the great city, Babylon, and great hailstones .
Verse 2:
Verse 2:
Immediately, in obedience to the voice from the temple, the first angel “poured out his bowl on the earth; and it became a loathsome and malignant sore on the men who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped his image.”
Immediately, in obedience to the voice from the temple, the first angel “poured out his bowl on the earth; and it became a loathsome and malignant sore on the men who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped his image.”
“Loathsome” is kakos which means “evil, injurious” and refers to what brings about a crippling effect.
“Loathsome” is kakos which means “evil, injurious” and refers to what brings about a crippling effect.
“Malignant” is ponhros which means “active, malignant” and looks at what is painful, destructive, and even vicious. This stresses the effect, degree, and intensity.
“Malignant” is ponhros which means “active, malignant” and looks at what is painful, destructive, and even vicious. This stresses the effect, degree, and intensity.
From Revelation 13:8 it is quite apparent that only a small fraction of the world will resist the beast, refuse to take his image, and believe in Jesus Christ. But those who do are now the only ones who escape this judgment and the judgments which follow.
From Revelation 13:8 it is quite apparent that only a small fraction of the world will resist the beast, refuse to take his image, and believe in Jesus Christ. But those who do are now the only ones who escape this judgment and the judgments which follow.
It should be noted that the beast is unable to help or heal the sore.
It should be noted that the beast is unable to help or heal the sore.
“Sore” is %elkos and refers to an ulcer-like sore. This is the word used in the Greek Septuagint to translate the Hebrew word for boils inflicted on the Egyptians in Exodus 9:9-11.
“Sore” is %elkos and refers to an ulcer-like sore. This is the word used in the Greek Septuagint to translate the Hebrew word for boils inflicted on the Egyptians in Exodus 9:9-11.
B. The Second Bowl: Seas Smitten
B. The Second Bowl: Seas Smitten
3 The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became blood like that of a dead man; and every living thing in the sea died.
The Greek text here is very graphic. Literally it reads, “And it (sea) became blood as of a dead man,” i.e., like a dead man wallowing in his own blood.
The Greek text here is very graphic. Literally it reads, “And it (sea) became blood as of a dead man,” i.e., like a dead man wallowing in his own blood.
Every living thing (sea creature) in the sea will die.
Every living thing (sea creature) in the sea will die.
Some would try to limit this to the Mediterranean Sea. However, these judgments are global and the same Greek word is used whether it was one sea or all the water masses.
Some would try to limit this to the Mediterranean Sea. However, these judgments are global and the same Greek word is used whether it was one sea or all the water masses.
Here the judgment is universal. This is global catastrophe. Under the second trumpet one-third was affected, but now, in keeping with the nature of this judgment, the rest of the sea and marine life is struck.
Here the judgment is universal. This is global catastrophe. Under the second trumpet one-third was affected, but now, in keeping with the nature of this judgment, the rest of the sea and marine life is struck.
It will wreck fishing and it is bound to affect ocean navigation, transportation and shipping.
It will wreck fishing and it is bound to affect ocean navigation, transportation and shipping.
C. The Third Bowl: Rivers Smitten
C. The Third Bowl: Rivers Smitten
4 Then the third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of waters; and they became blood.
5 And I heard the angel of the waters saying, “Righteous are You, who are and who were, O Holy One, because You judged these things;
6 for they poured out the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. They deserve it.”
7 And I heard the altar saying, “Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments.”
This judgment, as with the third trumpet, involves the fresh water supply.
This judgment, as with the third trumpet, involves the fresh water supply.
Again, there is no limit; it is global with great devastating effects.
Again, there is no limit; it is global with great devastating effects.
Though the results are not mentioned, they can be imagined.
Though the results are not mentioned, they can be imagined.
There will be no pure water except perhaps what will already be stored; none in the rivers and lakes.
There will be no pure water except perhaps what will already be stored; none in the rivers and lakes.
“The angel of the waters” is literally, “the angel, the one of the waters.”
“The angel of the waters” is literally, “the angel, the one of the waters.”
This apparently refers to an angel who has jurisdiction over the waters of the earth as one of the varied ministries of angels.
This apparently refers to an angel who has jurisdiction over the waters of the earth as one of the varied ministries of angels.
As the one in charge of this area he makes an important statement vindicating the holiness of God and setting forth the reason in this judgment.
As the one in charge of this area he makes an important statement vindicating the holiness of God and setting forth the reason in this judgment.
These apostate and rebellious people have slain and shed the blood of believers, thus, just as the saints receive rest and reward for their faith, so these will receive punishment fitting the nature of their crimes.
These apostate and rebellious people have slain and shed the blood of believers, thus, just as the saints receive rest and reward for their faith, so these will receive punishment fitting the nature of their crimes.
They have only blood to drink. They have been blood thirsty—now they get their fill.
They have only blood to drink. They have been blood thirsty—now they get their fill.
This gives us another indication that during the Tribulation the shedding of the blood of believers will be without parallel in history.
This gives us another indication that during the Tribulation the shedding of the blood of believers will be without parallel in history.
“who are and who were” refers to the eternal essence of God.
“who are and who were” refers to the eternal essence of God.
As the Eternal One, one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day.
As the Eternal One, one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day.
God is long-suffering but eventually God’s holiness must act and His judgment against sin will be delayed no longer.
God is long-suffering but eventually God’s holiness must act and His judgment against sin will be delayed no longer.
Verse 7 deals with another voice adding to the vindication of God’s acts.
Verse 7 deals with another voice adding to the vindication of God’s acts.
The Tribulation will show God is a God of holiness who is acting justly in His judgment against sin.
The Tribulation will show God is a God of holiness who is acting justly in His judgment against sin.