Its Time To Get The Bowls Out

IT IS TIME TO GET THE BOWLS OUT

Revelation 15:1-8

As we have been moving through the Book of Revelation we have moved back and forth between heaven and earth. In chapter 1-3 we were on earth. In chapters 4-5 we moved to heaven. Then in chapter 6 we were back on earth. In chapter 7 we were once again in heaven and then in 8-11 on earth again. In chapter 12 we went back to heaven and in chapter 13-14 back to earth. As we come to chapter 15 we are back in heaven again.

There is a great contrast between the heavenly and earthly scenes. When on earth there are scenes of wrath, and when in heaven there are scenes of worship. You always find heaven a place of joy and the earth a place of judgment.

Revelation 15 is the shortest chapter in the book. It sets the stage for the seven bowls of wrath that will be poured out. We have already seen the opening of seven seals and the sounding of seven trumpets. As we move into chapter 16 we will see the beginning of the seven bowls of wrath being poured out. As we shall see, God’s wrath has been severe up to this point, but when the bowls of wrath are poured out, there will be no mercy. God’s wrath as seen in these seven bowls is undiluted.

We saw a preview of this time in Revelation 14:10 where we read that the wrath of God is “poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation.” The wrath of God to this point had been mingled with mercy and longsuffering, but at this stage the longsuffering of God is exhausted and His mercy unavailable.

Chapter 15 tells us that it is time to get the bowls out. Let’s look at this heavenly scene that prepares for this time by first noticing:

1. THE REVEALING SIGN IN HEAVEN

John says in verse 1, “And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous.” This is the third “sign” that we have seen in Revelation. The first we saw in Revelation 12:1: “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars.” The word “wonder” is the same word as “sign.” The first sign was the woman which we saw represents the nation of Israel.

The second we saw in Revelation 12:3, “And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.” The second sign was the great red dragon which we saw representing Satan.

The third that we see in Revelation 15 involves 7 angels who are the dispensers of the seven bowls of God’s wrath. John describes them in verse 1 as “seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.”

This sign is very revealing for a couple of reasons. First, this third sign:

A) Declares The Finality Of God’s Wrath

These 7 angels have 7 “plagues.” The word “plagues” describes a wound created by a stroke. Figuratively is descriptive of a calamity. These plagues are the final strokes of God’s wrath. Notice carefully that these 7 plagues are called “the seven last plagues.” These are the seven finals strokes of God’s wrath or the end of His judgment upon the earth.

John also says of these 7 last plagues that “in them is filled up the wrath of God.” The word “filled” is very interesting. It is the Greek word tetelestai which is the word Jesus used on the cross when He cried, “It is finished.”

It is a very picturesque word that was used in a variety of ways. It was a word used by servants and slaves. A master would tell his servant to go do something and when the servant had completed the task, he would come back and say “tetelestai – I have finished the work you gave me to do.”

It was a priest’s word. The Jewish people would bring their sacrifices to the priest to be examined, because it was against the law to offer a sacrifice with spot or blemish. When the priest had examined the sacrifice, he would say “It is perfect” or tetelestai.

It was an artist’s word. When an artist completed his work he would step back and say, “Tetelestai – the picture is completed.”

It was a merchant’s word. To a merchant the word meant “the debt is paid in full.” The merchant would take your money for a debt and then give a receipt. On the receipt you would find the word tetelestai – the debt has been fully paid.

It is understandable why Jesus used this word on Calvary. He had completed the work the Father sent Him to do. As God’s perfect Lamb, He had paid sin’s debt in full.

As used in relation to God’s wrath being poured out on the earth, it signifies that the seven bowls of wrath are the seven last plagues or the final stroke of God’s wrath on the earth. With them God’s judgment of the earth will be complete.

Furthermore we see that they:

B) Describe The Fullness Of God’s Wrath

In verse 7 we read, “And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.” The word “vials” means “bowls.” These bowls are described as being “full of the wrath of God.”

The word “full” means “to swell out.” They are so full that they are about to burst or run over. There is no withholding or limits to God’s wrath. God’s wrath in Revelation has been seen like a river flowing over the top of a dam, but in the seven bowls, the dam breaks and God’s wrath comes rushing forth in all its fury.

Some of you may remember back in 1977 when the Kelly Barnes Dam in Toccoa, Georgia broke. An old earthen embankment built in 1887; it backed up 55 square miles of lake. In the wee hours of the morning, the dam broke, and a wall of water, 176 million gallons of water, traveling at 120 mph smashed into the Toccoa Falls Bible College and community claiming the lives of 39 people and doing devasting damage to the campus and town.

I remember several years ago and much smaller dam and lake in my home town breaking after heavy rains. It was known to all where I grew up as Tater Hill Lake. When its earthen dam broke, the water came rushing down the mountain ripping entire houses from their foundation and carrying them down the mountain. I remember riding up to see what had happened and the damage it caused was almost unbelievable. I have never seen anything like it in my life.

The seven bowls of wrath are an expression of the fullness of God’s wrath. As we saw in Revelation 14:10 it will be a pouring out of God’s wrath “without mixture.” It will be an undiluted pouring out of God’s wrath.

Secondly, I want you to notice not only the revealing sign in heaven, but also:

2. THE REJOICING SAINTS IN HEAVEN

In each heavenly scene in Revelation we have seen a scene of celebration and jubilation. Nothing has changed in this heavenly scene. We once again see the saints of God celebrating the glory, goodness, and grace of God experienced in their lives.

As we look at these saints we see them as:

A) Standing Saints

We read in verse 2, “And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.”

This is the second time we have seen a “sea of glass” in Revelation. The first time we saw it was in Revelation 4:6: “And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal.” There we saw that the sea of glass as that which is transparent and fixed. As seen in Revelation it speaks of how God is holy and righteous.

In chapter 4 this sea of glass is as clear as crystal, but in chapter 15 it is “mingled with fire” which indicates that God’s holiness is about to be revealed in His wrath that will be poured out on the earth. Because God is holy, He cannot excuse or ignore sin. The world, at this stage, has been given opportunity after opportunity to be saved. If you are saved, then your judgment was taken by the Lord Jesus when He died on the cross. But if you reject Him, then you will have to bear that judgment yourself. The world that has rejected God’s offer is about to experience that wrath.

It is on this sea of glass mingled with fire that we find the saints standing. The saints that are described are those saved during the tribulation period. John describes them as having gotten the victory over the beast, his image, his mark and name. These are those who had refused to bow to the beast, worship him, and follow him.

We now see them safely at home. They are standing which represents that they are victorious. As we have seen these saints throughout Revelation we have found them to be those “who loved not their lives unto death” (Rev. 12:11). Regardless of the hardships they endured and the cost they paid to serve God, they remained faithful. They were victorious. They were overcomers. What an example for each of us!

We not only see them standing, but we also see them as:

B) Singing Saints

We read in verses 3-4, “And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. ^[4]Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.”

John describes them singing 2 songs. They sing the “song of Moses” and the “song of the Lamb.” The first song sung in the Bible is the song of Moses. The last song is the song of the Lamb. The song of Moses was sung by the children after they had crossed the Red Sea. It was a song that expressed praise for how God had brought them out. The song of the Lamb is sung by the tribulation saints and expresses praise for how God has brought them in.

The song of Moses was sung at the Red Sea. The song of the Lamb is sung at the glassy sea. The song of Moses was a song of triumph over Egypt and Pharaoh. The song of the lamb is a song of triumph over the antichrist. Both are songs of redemption and triumph. Both are fitting songs for these saints who have gotten the victory.

They sing about the greatness of God in verse 3: “And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.”

They sing about the glory of God in verse 4: “Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.”

They sing about what God has done in the past and what He is about to do in the present. It is a thrilling song of victory and praise unto God. I once again remind you that in every heavenly scene in Revelation we see the saints of God rejoicing and giving praise to the Lord. Heaven will be a place of celebration and jubilation for the people of God. There will be nothing quiet about heaven. Heaven will be filled with the sounds of rejoicing.

As well, it will be a place of singing. We have seen singing in heaven in several scenes. I like good singing. I think singing adds much to a service. Good singing I should say! I have heard some singing that not only made the dogs howl, but also made the angels weep.

I heard about a wife that liked to sing and whenever she started, her husband would go outside. Hurt and a little dejected she asked him, “Don’t you like my singing?” He replied, “Yes dear, I just wanted to make sure the neighbors know I’m not beating you.”

I can only imagine hearing the voices of these tribulation saints as they sing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb. It will be a glorious sight and a glorious sound.

The third thing we see in this heavenly scene is:

3. THE RESTRICTING SMOKE IN HEAVEN

In verse 5 we read, “And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven.” John saw the Temple in heaven which the one on earth was patterned after. When Moses was given instructions to build the Tabernacle, he was to build it according to the pattern he had been shown. It is possible that Moses saw the Temple in heaven which we now see in Revelation.

Notice that it is called “the tabernacle of the testimony.” The testimony refers to two tablets pf the law that we call the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments were God’s testimony to man of His holiness and His standards for men on earth. They were placed in the ark of covenant as a continual reminder of the holy God they served and what that God expected of man.

Centuries later John sees that nothing has changed about God or His standards. They are the same today as they were when God gave them to Moses. In the future, we will see that they have remained the same. Men may try to change or lower God’s standards, but they still remain the same.

As John sees the Temple he sees it first opened and then closed. Notice first:

A) God’s Angels And An Open Temple

In verse 5 that the “the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened.” When he sees the Temple opened, in verse 6 we read that, “the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.”

The seven angels with the seven plagues that we saw in verse 1 are seen coming out of the temple. John describes that they were clothed in “pure and white linen” which represents the purity of the One they serve.

He sees these angels wearing “golden girdles” which represents the majesty of the One they serve.

In verse 7 we read, “And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.” The four beasts we first met in Revelation 4. Now we see one handing to the angels the seven vials or bowls of wrath that will be poured out upon the earth. These seven angels will be the dispensaries of God’s final and full wrath poured out upon the earth.

The Temple is first seen as being opened and then we see:

B) God’s Anger And A Closed Temple

We read in verse 8, “And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.” Now we see a restricted access to the Temple.

The reason explained why no man can enter the Temple is the smoke that fills the Temple. This smoke is described as coming from “the glory of God and from His power.”

A similar scene is found in the dedication of the first Temple on earth. We read in 2 Chronicles 7:2, “And the priests could not enter into the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord's house.”

This smoke is what is often called the Shekinah glory of God. It is a visible manifestation of God. John sees the Temple filled with God’s presence, glory and power.

The result is that no man could enter. At the earthly dedication of the Temple the priests could not enter. But in Revelation the inability of anyone to enter indicates that God’s mercy is passed and the door is now closed to man. The day of salvation is past. The opportunity to be saved is over. If a person is not saved by this time, there will be no other chances or opportunities to be saved.

The final expressions of God’s wrath are ready to be poured out. The line has been crossed by those who have rejected Him. There is no longer and offered of salvation.

In our last study we saw a preview of this stage in time. We saw in Revelation 14:9-11, “And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, ^[10] The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: ^[11]And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.”

For those who are not saved, their destiny is settled. They are now the objects of God’s wrath and destined to spend eternity in hell with the beast, false prophet and Satan himself.

In Matthew 25 Jesus gave the parable of the ten virgins. Five were called wise and five were called foolish. The wise were those who made themselves ready. The foolish were those who were not ready. Listen to what Jesus said:

“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. ^[2]And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. ^[3] They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: ^[4] But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. ^[5] While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. ^[6] And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. ^[7] Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. ^[8] And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. ^[9] But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. ^[10]And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut” (Matthew 25:1-10)

Listen again and listen carefully to verse 10: “And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.” Take note that the door was shut. There will come a day when God will shut the door. He will no longer offer salvation to man. He will no longer give men and woman a chance to be saved. The door will be shut. The temple will be closed. That’s why Jesus said in Matthew 25:13, “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”

I close with a reminder that God is offering salvation to all who will come. But there will come a day when He will no longer give men a chance to be saved. I don’t know about you, but I am glad that one day I said yes.