The Revelation

Revelation 15, Great and Marvelous: The Seven Last Plagues
Lesson 26 Bobby Stafford

Revelation 15, Great and Marvelous: The Seven Last Plagues
 

Introduction

(Revelation 15:1)
John’s vision in Revelation 15 reveals the final display of God’s wrath against those who persecuted His people. It reminds us that God’s judgments are perfect, complete, and sure, while the faith of His saints endures through suffering.

A Great and Marvelous Sign

John begins with another vision — “a great and marvelous sign in heaven.” He sees seven angels holding “the seven last plagues,” for in them “the wrath of God is complete.” This word last is significant. In the original language, it signifies consummation or completion. These plagues represent the final acts of divine judgment — the end of all that opposes God’s purpose.

Throughout Revelation, John reveals this pattern: before God’s wrath is poured out, His faithful are shown secure and justified. In chapter 7, the saints are sealed before the trumpet judgments. In chapter 14, the redeemed stand victorious on Mount Zion before the harvest of judgment. Here in chapter 15, the victorious saints are again revealed before the final wrath is unleashed. God’s people are always safe before His justice falls.

The Sea of Glass Mingled with Fire

John then sees “something like a sea of glass mingled with fire” and those who had victory over the beast standing upon it. This scene recalls the sea before God’s throne in Revelation 4. That sea represented the separation between sinful humanity and a holy God. But here, it is mingled with fire — symbolizing the purifying trials through which God’s people have passed.

Peter spoke of faith tested by fire (1 Peter 1:6–7). These Christians had endured fiery persecution from Rome yet emerged victorious. Their faith became the bridge over which they now stand before God. The fire that tested them purified and refined them. Because of endurance, they now stand near His throne, holding “harps of God,” symbols of praise and triumph.

The Song of Moses and the Lamb

These saints sing “the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb.” Like Israel rejoicing after crossing the Red Sea in Exodus 15, these redeemed souls celebrate deliverance from bondage — not from Pharaoh, but from the beast and false religion.

Their song glorifies God:
“Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty;
Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints.
Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy.”

This was a defiant hymn in the face of Roman idolatry. The emperors claimed divinity, demanding worship. Yet the saints proclaimed that only Jehovah is holy and worthy of glory. All nations, they declare, will one day bow before Him — not Caesar — for His judgments are revealed. Every persecutor, every empire that exalts itself above God, will fall before His throne.

The Temple Opened in Heaven

John then beholds “the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven” opened. This heavenly scene reflects the Holy of Holies where God’s presence dwelt. From this temple emerge seven angels clothed in pure white linen, with golden bands across their chests — heavenly messengers on a divine mission. Though they carry plagues of judgment, their garments show purity and holiness, for what they execute is just and righteous.

One of the four living creatures gives them “seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God.” The number seven again denotes completeness. These bowls contain the full measure of God’s judgment against Rome. The seals revealed God’s plan, the trumpets warned of coming wrath, and now the bowls execute that wrath in full.

The Glory of God Fills the Temple

Finally, the temple is filled with the smoke of God’s glory and power. No one can enter until the plagues are fulfilled. This recalls the tabernacle in Exodus 40 and the temple of Solomon in 1 Kings 8, when God’s glory filled the sanctuary so fully that none could approach. It signified divine presence, holiness, and finality.

Here, the meaning is clear: once God decrees judgment, no one can interfere. His will is final. The persecuting empire cannot resist. No human, angel, or power can change what God has ordained. His judgment upon Rome — and upon every power that opposes His church — is certain and unstoppable.

Lessons from Revelation 15

God’s people in the first century needed this assurance. Rome’s power seemed invincible, but God’s word declared its end. Though the saints might not live to see it, they could endure persecution knowing victory was already secured. Their faith rested not in present comfort but in God’s eternal promise.

This chapter also reminds every believer that when God’s will is determined, it will be fulfilled. Some of His decrees, like Christ’s coming and the church’s establishment, are unconditional. Others are conditional, depending on human obedience. But His judgment upon evil is sure. Rome fell exactly as God decreed, just as every proud nation will fall in time.

And one day, all who refuse Christ will face eternal judgment. The “wrath of God” completed against Rome foreshadows the final day when Satan, the beast, and all who follow them will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10). There, suffering is not temporary — it is everlasting.

Great and Marvelous: The Seven Last Plagues Sermon Outline:

Primary Text: Revelation 15:1–8

Theme: God completes His righteous wrath while His persecuted saints stand victorious in worship.

Aim: Strengthen the church to endure trials, worship God alone, and respond to His fixed judgments with repentance and faithful obedience.

I. Setting and Flow of Revelation

1. Pattern repeated in Revelation: God secures His people, then judgment falls on their enemies (Revelation 7 before the trumpets; Revelation 14 before the harvest; Revelation 15 before the bowls).

2. Historical backdrop: first-century persecution under Rome; pressure to worship the emperor (Revelation 13; Revelation 2:10).

II. A Great and Marvelous Sign in Heaven (Revelation 15:1)

1. Seven angels with the “seven last plagues.”

2. “Last” signifies completion and consummation of wrath; nothing partial or provisional remains.

3. Purpose: to finish God’s just judgment upon persecutors of the saints.

III. The Sea of Glass Mingled with Fire (Revelation 15:2)

1. Echo of the glassy sea before God’s throne (Revelation 4:6).

2. Fire imagery: the saints’ faith refined through suffering and trials (1 Peter 1:6–7).

3. Identity of the victors: those who overcame the beast, his image, his mark, and the number of his name (Revelation 13).

4. “Harps of God”: the language of heaven’s triumph and praise; the posture of redeemed worship before God.

IV. The Song of Moses and the Lamb (Revelation 15:3–4)

1. Continuity of redemption: Exodus 15 and the church’s deliverance in Christ.

2. Confession within the song:

   • God’s works are great and marvelous.

   • God’s ways are just and true.

   • God alone is holy.

   • All nations will come and worship before Him.

3. Theological thrust: Only the Lord deserves fear, glory, and worship; emperor-worship and idols are exposed as false (Exodus 15; Revelation 14:6–7).

V. The Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony Opened (Revelation 15:5–7)

1. Holy of Holies imagery: the place of God’s presence and testimony.

2. Angels clothed in pure linen with golden bands: the purity and authority of their mission.

3. Seven golden bowls of wrath: completion of judgment.

4. Sequence in Revelation:

   • Seals reveal God’s purpose (Revelation 5–8:1).

   • Trumpets warn of coming judgment (Revelation 8–11).

   • Bowls execute the judgment fully (Revelation 15–16).

    

VI. The Temple Filled with the Glory of God (Revelation 15:8)

1. Smoke of glory and power: no one enters until the plagues are completed.

2. Old Testament echoes: tabernacle and temple filled with glory so that none could minister (Exodus 40:34–35; 1 Kings 8:10–11).

3. Doctrinal point: When God decrees judgment, it is certain and unalterable.

VII. Doctrinal Truths to Impress

1. God’s judgments are righteous, measured, and complete (Revelation 15:1).

2. Suffering is a refining fire for the faithful (1 Peter 1:6–7).

3. Worship belongs to God alone; holiness belongs to His name (Revelation 15:3–4).

4. Divine decrees stand; no power can overturn them (Revelation 15:8).

5. God vindicates His people and brings oppressors low in His time (Revelation 14; Revelation 16).

VIII. Applications for the Church Today

1. Endure the fiery trial with hope; trials refine disciples into durable, tested faith (James 1:2–4; 1 Peter 4:12–13).

2. Refuse every form of idolatry and civic religion that asks for the heart’s worship; honor God above all (Acts 5:29; Revelation 14:12).

3. Sing the Song of the Lamb: let gathered worship declare God’s works, ways, and holiness (Revelation 15:3–4; Psalm 96:1–10).

4. Rest in God’s timetable: His decrees are fixed; trust His justice and continue in faithfulness (Hebrews 10:32–39).

5. Call all people to repentance before judgment is poured out (Acts 17:30–31; Hebrews 9:27).

IX. Evangelistic Appeal

1. Salvation offered now through Jesus Christ the Lamb (John 1:29; Ephesians 1:7).

2. Response of faith: hear (Romans 10:17), believe (John 8:24), repent (Acts 2:38), confess Christ (Romans 10:9–10), be baptized for the washing away of sins (Acts 22:16), walk faithfully unto death (Revelation 2:10).

3. Urgency: today is the day of salvation before the bowls of wrath are poured out (2 Corinthians 6:2).

X. Sermon Movements and Transitions (Helps for Preaching)

1. Start with the pattern in Revelation: security of saints before judgment.

2. Move to the sea of glass with fire as the bridge image from suffering to worship.

3. Let the congregation “hear” the Song of Moses and the Lamb with short, memorable confessions.

4. Open the temple in the sermon’s imagination; hand the bowls to the angels; stress certainty.

5. Conclude with application and invitation while the certainty of God’s decrees is fresh.

Call to Action

Endure faithfully under trial and keep your worship pure. Lift your voice with the Song of the Lamb. Repent where idols have crept in. Seek the cleansing of Christ now and stand among the victors when God’s decrees are revealed.

Key Takeaways

• God’s wrath reaches completion according to His holy plan (Revelation 15:1).

• Trials refine faith for praise, honor, and glory (1 Peter 1:6–7).

• Only the Lord is holy and worthy of universal worship (Revelation 15:3–4).

• God’s decrees are certain; none can reverse His judgments (Revelation 15:8).

• Faithful endurance receives the crown of life (Revelation 2:10).

Scripture Reference List

• Revelation 15:1–8

• Revelation 7; Revelation 14; Revelation 16

• Revelation 2:10; Revelation 13

• 1 Peter 1:6–7; 1 Peter 4:12–13

• James 1:2–4; Hebrews 10:32–39

• Exodus 15; Exodus 40:34–35; 1 Kings 8:10–11

• Acts 5:29; Acts 17:30–31; Acts 22:16

• Romans 10:9–10; Romans 10:17; John 8:24; 2 Corinthians 6:2; Psalm 96:1–10

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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