Revelation 15
Revelation 15 is one of the shortest chapters in the entire Bible, yet it contains important content that marks a major turning point in the end times. The chapter is set in heaven before the seven plagues (the seven bowls) begin; it depicts a scene that honors God’s righteousness and the victory of the saints. Symbolic images come together to emphasize God’s presence, the beginning of judgment, and God’s holiness and glory revealed within it.
1verseI saw another great and marvelous sign in the sky: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them God’s wrath is finished.
2verseI saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who overcame the beast, his image, and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God.
3verseThey sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God, the Almighty! Righteous and true are your ways, you King of the nations.
4verseWho wouldn’t fear you, Lord, and glorify your name? For you only are holy. For all the nations will come and worship before you. For your righteous acts have been revealed.”
5verseAfter these things I looked, and the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened.
6verseThe seven angels who had the seven plagues came out, clothed with pure, bright linen, and wearing golden sashes around their chests.
7verseOne of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever.
8verseThe temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power. No one was able to enter into the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels would be finished.
A Scene in Heaven: The Sea of Glass and the Song of Victory
In the opening of chapter 15 (verses 1–4), the sea of glass in heaven is described as having fire mingled with it, and the saints—who have overcome the beast, its image, and the number of its name—stand on the sea and sing praises to God. Their song is “the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb,” which sings together about the salvation events of Israel in the Old Testament era (the song of Moses) and Christ’s victory, praising God’s greatness and the nature with which he works justly, and singing about the future when all nations will worship.
The Temple, the Seven Plagues, and the Glory of God
Beginning in verse 5, the temple in heaven (the tabernacle of the testimony) is opened, and seven angels who have the seven plagues appear. At this time, God’s glory and power fill the temple, and there is an indication that no one can enter the temple until the plagues are finished. This symbolizes a sacred and solemn moment when God’s justice is carried out, showing that God’s final judgment through the plagues will without doubt be executed.
Meditation Points
- Chapter 15 leads us to look at the beginning of judgment from a heavenly perspective (glory and justice), not from a human point of view.
- The sight of the saints overcoming suffering and praising God makes us hope for God’s victory and glory in every situation.
- Take time to deeply meditate on the mystery of God’s justice and love, and his plan.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Even amid the difficulties I am experiencing now, can I trust God’s will and victory and wait for him?
- Before God’s holiness and the overwhelming seriousness of the final judgment, check whether I am living in a godly manner by reflecting on myself in everyday life.
