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CHAPTER 15

1. What does the sea of glass mingled with fire mean?

2. What is the song of Moses and who sings its lyrics?

3. What nation administers global laws during the millennium?

4. Will Saudi Arabia, China or Israel be the center of worship in the future?

5. Why are angels wearing priestly garments in this chapter?

6. Why is the temple closed during the administering of judgments by the seven angels?

7. What makes everything hazy and dark during this period of time?

8. When does God restore mercy and grace during this solemn solemn time of history.

Chapter 15 serves as a preparatory portion of scripture. Its 8 verses serves as an introduction to the seven vial or bowl judgments described in chapter 16.

Verse 1 “ and I saw another sign in heaven……” The sign John now sees is awesome, seven angels possibly the seven angels or messengers of the seven churches, mentioned in chapters 2 and 3 are about to pour out the final seven plagues upon earth. This is the completion of God’s judgment when his wrath is unleashed against rebellious mankind.

Verse 2 “ and I saw as it were a sea of glass …..” As explained in chapter 4 v 6 the sea of glass speaks of tranquility. It is calm and stable and typifies 1. The church at rest; 2. God’s living word. Solomon’s temple contained a sea of glass depicting the word of God as a means of Sanctification; notice that the sea of glass in our text is mixed with fire. This is a beautiful picture of believers standing firmly for Christ under the test of fire having their feet planted on the word of God. The apostle Peter had this in mind when he said in 1^st Peter 1 v 7“ for the trial of your …..” There is no doubt what so ever that the tribulation saints enjoy victory over the beast, his mark and the number of his name 666, by the word of God in prayer. They are willing to die for the name of Jesus and are conquerors in death. Has they remained alive by accepting the beast and his 666 they would have been losers. Instead they are victors for to die in Christ is gain Phil 1 v 21. This is why they stand upon the sea of glass, a picture of the word of God, they are also serenaded by heavens Harpist.

Verse 3 & 4 “ and they sing….. this group saved out of the tribulation sing the song of Moses. Exodus 14. Moses and his people were being pursued by Pharaoh’s armies, the waters closed in on the Egyptians and they perished. The Israelites realizing the protecting of God on their behalf sparing them from the Egyptian ruler, a type of the Antichrist, began to sing a song of worship, praise and adoration to Jehovah. Exodus 15 v 1. Now centuries later redeemed Jews, left earth’s tribulation behind, sings the song of Moses, this does not mean they used the same lyrics, but rather that they as Jews identified with Moses. They belong to Moses nationally, but to the Lord Jesus Spiritually, for their song is also about the Lamb.

Verse 4 reflects the attributes of the king of the nations during this Millennium. Then he is revered because the world fears and glorifies his name, also in homage and respect to his holiness and his mighty acts of judgment and subjugation all nation come to worship in his presence. This is harmony with Isaiah 2 v 2 & 3. Zach agrees in chapter 14 v 16 -17

Verse 5 “ and after that I looked…”The ark of the testimony was kept in the temple of the tabernacle or the Holy of Holies, under Moses it was concealed from the eyes of the people, its mysteries were beyond them, now those days are finally over. The way of the holiest is open to all including the tribulation saints now they may view his workings, because they have access to His abiding place.

Verse 6 “…and the seven angels….” The sight of the seven angels coming out of the temple is breathtaking and frightening. In the earthly tabernacle and temple, men were not allowed entrance, even the high priest only went in once per year after the strict ceremonial practices were observed. The angles are admitted however, because they are created beings of holiness to administer the upcoming bowl judgments. The pure and white linen and golden girdles worn by the angels, are the same items of clothing worn by Old testament Priests. In other words ‘Angel Priests’ are about to judge the world from the place where God’s laws rest. The HOLY OF HOLIES. This judgment is necessary because man has desecrated God’s laws globally. The fact that they are seven angels, the number of completeness means that no stone will be left unturned as they execute their seven judgments upon earth. Hence as they leave the temple they are given their bowls or veils of judgment.

Verses 7 & 8 “and one of the four beasts……” In concluding this chapter verse 8 conclusively proves that the temple area is sealed to angels and men during the final 42 months of the tribulation hour. God’s throne which symbolizes mercy and love, is shut to the public until the period of judgment ends. This of course is during the outpouring of the seven bowls of unprecedented judgment, when God’s judgment has been completed. Men may then again approach the mercy seat. Until that time however all is hazy and dark because of the smoke which fills the temple.

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This site was last updated Saturday June 05, 2004 09:08:29 PM -0400