The Revelation

The Seventh Bowl and the Battle of Armageddon
Lesson 28 Bobby Stafford

The Seventh Bowl and the Battle of Armageddon
(Revelation 16:13–21)

Introduction:

Revelation 16 reveals God’s final judgments upon those who persecuted His people. These visions of wrath remind us that God’s justice is sure, His promises are complete, and His people are secure. The pouring out of the seventh bowl and the mention of Armageddon declare that God’s victory is total and final.

The Setting of the Seventh Bowl

The book of Revelation was originally written to Christians of the first century who were suffering severe persecution under the pagan Roman Empire. The churches of Asia, mentioned in chapters 2 and 3, faced relentless pressure from the emperor cult to bow down and worship Caesar. These faithful believers needed assurance that God had not abandoned them. Through John’s vision, God promised that the Roman Empire—the great persecuting power—would fall. The six bowls of wrath poured out earlier in the chapter symbolized God’s judgments being unleashed upon that corrupt empire, both internally through moral decay and externally through invading forces and natural disasters. The seventh bowl completes God’s promise to bring the empire down completely.

Three Unclean Spirits

Before the final bowl is poured out, John sees three unclean spirits like frogs coming from the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. These represent Satan, the Roman Empire, and the corrupt religious system that supported emperor worship. Their unclean spirits symbolize deceitful teachings and ungodly influence spreading throughout the nations. Just as frogs were unclean in the Old Testament, these words and doctrines were abominations, corrupting hearts and turning nations against God’s people. These demonic forces gathered the kings of the earth together for “the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” Satan was still attempting to destroy the church by stirring up opposition through lies and false wonders.

The Warning to Be Watchful

In verse 15, the Lord interjects with a solemn warning: “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.” This is one of the seven beatitudes of Revelation. The Lord reminds His people to remain watchful, pure, and faithful. Garments represent one’s spiritual condition. Those who keep their garments clean—undefiled by sin—will be blessed when the Lord comes. Just as Jesus warned in His earthly ministry that His coming would be unexpected, this passage urges every believer to stay ready, to keep their lives pure, and to walk in holiness.

The Gathering at Armageddon

The evil powers are gathered “to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.” The term means “Mount of Megiddo,” referring to an area north of Jerusalem known for great battles in Israel’s history. However, this is not a literal battlefield. The imagery is symbolic, just as the beasts and the frogs are symbolic. The valley of Megiddo represented a place of decisive conflict. Throughout history, many battles had occurred there, and it came to signify the clash between good and evil. God chose that name to picture His final triumph over all ungodly forces. Armageddon, therefore, is not a physical war but a spiritual one—a divine judgment where God conquers His enemies.

The Seventh Bowl Poured Out

Verse 17 declares, “Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, ‘It is done!’” The bowl being poured into the air signifies judgment upon Satan’s realm—the prince of the power of the air. God’s wrath strikes the very heart of evil influence. The loud voice from heaven announces the completion of His purpose: “It is done.” The series of sevens—seals, trumpets, and bowls—all signify fullness, completeness, and perfection. God’s justice is total; His victory is sure.

Immediately, John describes thunder, lightning, and a great earthquake—signs of divine power and finality. The earthquake was greater than any before it, symbolizing the total collapse of the Roman world. The great city was divided into three parts, the cities of the nations fell, and “great Babylon” (a name representing Rome) came into remembrance before God. Just as ancient Babylon once opposed God’s people and was destroyed, so too would Rome, the new Babylon, receive the cup of God’s fierce wrath.

Total Devastation and Hardened Hearts

John writes that “every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.” This language shows the overwhelming nature of God’s judgment. Even the mightiest things on earth would crumble before His power. Then came great hailstones from heaven, each weighing about a talent—nearly one hundred pounds. The damage described here is total devastation, signifying that the Roman Empire would never rise again.

Yet even in this display of divine power, many still blasphemed God. They did not repent or turn from their sins. Just as Pharaoh hardened his heart despite the plagues of Egypt, many hardened their hearts against God’s warnings. Their rebellion shows how far sin can blind the human heart.

Lessons for the Church Today

Although this vision was fulfilled in the downfall of Rome, the lessons remain vital. God’s justice will always prevail. Every power that opposes Christ’s church will ultimately fall. The final judgment will far surpass anything the Roman world experienced. When Jesus returns “with His mighty angels in flaming fire, taking vengeance on those who do not know God and who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 1:7–8), there will be no escape.

This passage also reminds the faithful that God always protects His own. Just as He comforted persecuted Christians in the first century, He strengthens His people today. Our task is to remain faithful, to keep our garments clean, and to live in readiness for the Lord’s return.

The Seventh Bowl and the Battle of Armageddon Sermon Outline:

• Introduction: God’s final wrath against Rome (Revelation 16:13–21).

• Historical Setting: Written to first-century Christians persecuted under Rome (Revelation 2–3).

• The Six Bowls: God’s judgments upon Rome’s internal decay and external threats (Revelation 16:1–12).

• Three Unclean Spirits: Satan, the Roman Empire, and false religion working together (Revelation 16:13–14).

  • Represent demonic influence and false teaching.

  • Their abominations incite nations against God’s people.

   

• The Watchful Christian: “Blessed is he who watches and keeps his garments” (Revelation 16:15).

  • Remain spiritually clean and ready for Christ’s coming.

   

• Armageddon Explained: Symbolic “Mount of Megiddo,” the place of decisive conflict.

  • Represents spiritual warfare, not a literal future battle.

  • God’s victory is assured.

   

• The Seventh Bowl: Poured into the air—judgment on Satan’s realm (Revelation 16:17).

  • “It is done”—God’s purpose complete.

  • Thunder, lightning, and earthquake signify total destruction.

  • Great Babylon (Rome) remembered before God for judgment.

   

• Symbolic Language of Finality: Islands fleeing, mountains gone, hailstones of immense weight.

  • Complete devastation of Rome’s power.

  • The unrepentant blaspheme God.

   

• Lessons for Believers:

  • God’s judgments are righteous and sure.

  • The faithful must remain watchful and pure.

  • Christ will return to judge all nations.

  • The faithful will rejoice; the unfaithful will face eternal loss.

   

Call to Action:

This vision calls every believer to remain steadfast and pure. The Lord’s coming will be sudden, and His judgment will be final. We must live in readiness, walking in holiness and faithfulness. If we have not obeyed the gospel, we must do so now—believing in Christ, repenting of sin, confessing His name, and being baptized for the forgiveness of sins. The faithful will stand victorious; those who refuse will face God’s wrath.

Key Takeaways:

• God’s wrath is complete and certain (Revelation 16:17).

• Armageddon represents the victory of righteousness over evil (Revelation 16:16).

• The faithful are blessed for keeping their garments pure (Revelation 16:15).

• God’s enemies always fall; His church always endures (Matthew 16:18).

• The final judgment will far surpass Rome’s destruction (2 Thessalonians 1:7–9).

• Today is the day to prepare for eternity (2 Peter 3:10–12).

Scripture Reference List:

• Revelation 16:13–21 — The seventh bowl and the symbolic battle of Armageddon.

• Revelation 2–3 — The seven churches under persecution.

• Ephesians 2:2 — Satan as “the prince of the power of the air.”

• Matthew 24:42–44 — Christ’s warning to watch and be ready.

• 2 Thessalonians 1:7–9 — Christ’s final judgment upon the disobedient.

• 2 Peter 3:10–12 — The destruction of the world by fire and the call to holy living.

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

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