Podcast Episode 27 (Condensed)
Welcome back to Wytinsea Writes! We’re here with a new bible study on Revelation 15. Now, Revelation 15 is short but powerful chapter. I am excited to break down this chapter and discuss what God is saying through scripture. If you’re new to my blog, I encourage you to start with Revelation 1. John of Patmos has been banished for spreading the gospel. Yet, the Lord is showing Him prophetic visions of the end times. Now, if you didn’t read my blog on Revelation 14, I encourage you to catch up by reading that one first. Click here for Revelation 14.
Let’s dive in. If you’d prefer to listen to the podcast version of this bible study, click here. Remember, John the Revelator aka John of Patmos is speaking. Revelation 15:1 NLT states, “Then I saw in heaven another marvelous event of great significance. Seven angels were holding the seven last plagues, which would bring God’s wrath to completion”. The angels in verse one symbolizes who God has appointed to carry out His wrath at the end of the warfare between Satan and God’s holy people. We will discover later in the chapter that this final vengeance against the enemy is just and necessary unto God. God’s judgement may not always happen the way we want it to or expect it to, but God will always render judgement one way or another.
Verse 2 states, “I saw before me what seemed to be a glass sea mixed with fire. And on it stood all the people who had been victorious over the beast and his statue and the number representing His name. They were all holding harps that God had given them”. So, the fire in the sea could symbolize divine vengeance that is about to fall upon the evil ones. When we think about a plague, we know that is some sort of infectious and ubiquitous disease that leads to various deaths. The verse also mentions how those who were victorious stood on the sea mixed with fire.
Clearly, God has raised up these holy, persecuted believers. I can’t help but think of Luke 10:19 NLT, “Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy…” God has given the believers standing on the sea mixed with fire dominion over the enemy. They didn’t bow to Satan and take the mark of the beast, so God is very well pleased with them. Being that these believers are holding harps, it indicates they are ready to worship Christ and celebrate their redemption. Not only that, but the wicked is about to be destroyed forever.
In Revelation 15:3-4 NLT, it says, “And they were singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb: “Great and marvelous are your works, O Lord God, the Almighty. Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations. Who will not fear you, Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous deeds have been revealed.”
The redeemed believers are singing to God because it was only the mighty hand of the Lord who saved them. The song of Moses was also sung in Exodus 15 when God led his people through the Red Sea. And now, in the final book of the bible, the song is mentioned again. Just like God delivered the Israelites out of slavery and bondage in Exodus 15, God delivered these believers in Revelation 15 from the hand of the enemy as well. Glory be unto the One who rescues His people!
As Revelation 15 continues, verses 5-6 states, “5 Then I looked and saw that the Temple in heaven, God’s Tabernacle, was thrown wide open. The seven angels who were holding the seven plagues came out of the Temple. They were clothed in spotless white linen with gold sashes across their chests.” We know that the temple John sees is very real because it is mentioned in Revelation 8:3-5 and Revelation 11:9. In those scriptures, it talks about God’s people ascending to a golden altar and how the temple revealed the ark of covenant.
Being that white represents purity, these angels that are unleashing God’s judgment are righteous and holy. Remember, Jesus wore white linen in Revelation 1:13 as He appeared to John on the island of Patmos. As for gold, it symbolizes many things such as glory, divinity, success, purity, or even refinement.
The ending of Revelation 15 mentions in verses 7-8, “Then one of the four living beings handed each of the seven angels a gold bowl filled with the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. 8 The Temple was filled with smoke from God’s glory and power. No one could enter the Temple until the seven angels had completed pouring out the seven plagues”. It is important to understand the two versions of God that humans experience with Him. One side is all about love, grace, and mercy. In God’s love, He gave His only begotten Son to die for our sins (John 3:16). The other side of God reveals His wrath and judgement. He pours this out onto the wicked, rebellious, and unbelievers. They are the ones who reject the opportunity to repent and turn to Him (John 3:36).
So, no one is allowed to enter this temple in heaven (from now until the end of the tribulation period). I am reminded of 2 Chronicles 7:1-3. When Solomon dedicated the temple, not only did fire flash down, but the presence of the Lord was so mighty that no one could enter it. I encourage you to study those verses to understand it’s correlation to Revelation 15:8. The point is that without the merciful and loving invitation from God, no human could experience intimacy or closeness to Him. We wouldn’t be able to survive the power of His glorious presence.
One may ask, what can we learn from Revelation 15? A lot. For starters, the completion of God’s wrath will occur. And it is not because God is mean, unloving, or cruel. It is because He is a righteous vindicator. He is just and His reason for seeking vengeance against the rebellious is justified. He wouldn’t be God if He didn’t distribute His wrath on those who’ve done evil. The Lord never lets sin get away. It just like an earthy parent. A good father would never allow their child to be corrupt in their household (refusing to take accountability) without correcting their behavior. God is a goodfather and His judgement on those who refuse to repent and continue to rebel leads to consequences. The way God addresses consequences is through judgement or wrath. The wicked behavior must be corrected once and for all. And for those types of people, their fate is through hellfire.
The good news is that not everyone will be destroyed. The bible mentions in this chapter and several others throughout the book of Revelation about the victorious ones. Those whose lives will be preserved get to spend eternity with Christ. Those whose soul will be saved will experience the presence of God forever. Why? Because they didn’t give in to Satan’s tactics. They didn’t fall for the oke doke. They repented and were washed of their sins. They stood for Christ, righteousness, and His Word. They held it down for the kingdom and stood on business for the gospel of Christ. Despite the hardships, persecution, warfare, trials, and temptations. They endured to the end.
So as for us, God is warning us what will happen if we don’t repent, turn away from our sin, and if we are deceived by Satan. Our fate will be horrible. But if we hold fast to the Word of God, obey the principles of the bible, and keep the faith, we will be rewarded like the Saints in this chapter. We will earn our crown. We will stand over the glass sea mixed with fire as victorious. In the end, we will experience ultimate freedom with Christ. The Lord will rescue us from the wicked world once and for all.
I encourage you to reflect on your daily practices. What does your life with Christ look like? How do you remain obedient to God’s Holy Word? Does your life reflect a walk with Jesus daily? Matthew 3:8 NLT says, “Prove by the way that you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God”. That verse is straight to the point and simple to understand. Of course, it is easier said than done. I get it. But it is worth meditating on. Our lifestyle, choices, habits, and behaviors must reflect one that God is pleased with. I pray that this bible study has ignited a fire in you to stand for Christ and reject the world. I hope that you not only examine your own life but pray for the lives of those who are lost, stagnant in their walk, rebellious, lukewarm, and even wicked. God doesn’t want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9). And prayer can make all the difference.
Thank you so much for reading my blog on Revelation 15. Don’t forget to like, comment, and share with someone you care about. Until next time, with Wytinsea Writes!
