Seeing a Sign
Revelation Chapter 15 begins with these words: “And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous.” In saying he saw “another sign,” John was stating this was not the first sign he had observed.
In Chapter 12, John said, “and there appeared a great wonder [literally “sign”] in heaven.” The sign was “a woman clothed with the sun” (Revelation 12:1). Then John said he beheld a second wonder [“sign”]: “And there appeared another wonder [“sign”] in heaven.” The second sign John beheld was “a great red dragon” (Revelation 12:3). The sign of “a woman clothed with the sun” referenced Israel. The sign of “a great red dragon” referenced Satan.
Having identified Israel and Satan as the 2 major antagonists of history, John succinctly summarizes the conflict of the ages as the red dragon (Satan) seeks to destroy the Seed (Christ) of the woman (Israel). God, however, intervened and protected the Seed at birth by warning Joseph to take the infant and Mary down to Egypt because King Herod would seek His life by murdering all the male children in Bethlehem up to 2 years of age (Matthew 2:13, 16).
Following the Virgin Birth, John passes completely over Christ’s life, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection without a word and moves immediately to His ascension to Heaven (Revelation 12:5). This was done to prepare for John’s central point of discussion; namely, Satan’s attempt to kill the woman during the Great Tribulation at the end of the age (Revelation 12:13-14).
Since Satan could not kill the Seed destined to crush his head, he seeks to get the woman (Israel) who gave birth to the Seed to worship the Antichrist and take his mark. Those who will not comply, he will seek to kill. God, however, commands Israel to flee to the mountains where He protects a remnant of her seed for 3½ years during the last half of Daniel’s 70th Week – the final 7 years of this era of human history (Revelation 12:14).
Frustrated at not being able to get at those who have fled to the mountains, Satan turns his hatred toward her offspring. This should not be construed to mean Jews only. Her “offspring” is a reference to believers worldwide who, like father Abraham, have been justified by faith in Christ.
In Chapter 13, Satan, in concert with his emissaries, the Antichrist and False Prophet, launches his final campaign to rule the world. This satanic program began thousands of years earlier in the Garden of Eden.
However, at this point in history, humanity is being confronted with an unmistakable choice – worship Christ or worship the Antichrist. To some, the decision may seem conspicuous – choose Christ. But the tragic reality is that most will choose the Antichrist because their thoughts and deeds are evil. They prefer darkness rather than light.
Rejecting the Antichrist, evidenced by the refusal to take his mark, will come with tremendous cost. It will result in great persecution and martyrdom for many of God’s faithful sons and daughters. This hour of history will be so severe that unless those days are shortened, according to the Lord Jesus, no believing flesh would survive (Matthew 24:21-22).
No one should be dismayed at this devastating attack on God’s children. On one occasion, the Lord Jesus said to His followers, “If any man will come after me, let him … take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).
Revelation Chapter 15 begins with these words: “And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous.” In saying he saw “another sign,” John was stating this was not the first sign he had observed.
In Chapter 12, John said, “and there appeared a great wonder [literally “sign”] in heaven.” The sign was “a woman clothed with the sun” (Revelation 12:1). Then John said he beheld a second wonder [“sign”]: “And there appeared another wonder [“sign”] in heaven.” The second sign John beheld was “a great red dragon” (Revelation 12:3). The sign of “a woman clothed with the sun” referenced Israel. The sign of “a great red dragon” referenced Satan.
Having identified Israel and Satan as the 2 major antagonists of history, John succinctly summarizes the conflict of the ages as the red dragon (Satan) seeks to destroy the Seed (Christ) of the woman (Israel). God, however, intervened and protected the Seed at birth by warning Joseph to take the infant and Mary down to Egypt because King Herod would seek His life by murdering all the male children in Bethlehem up to 2 years of age (Matthew 2:13, 16).
Following the Virgin Birth, John passes completely over Christ’s life, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection without a word and moves immediately to His ascension to Heaven (Revelation 12:5). This was done to prepare for John’s central point of discussion; namely, Satan’s attempt to kill the woman during the Great Tribulation at the end of the age (Revelation 12:13-14).
Since Satan could not kill the Seed destined to crush his head, he seeks to get the woman (Israel) who gave birth to the Seed to worship the Antichrist and take his mark. Those who will not comply, he will seek to kill. God, however, commands Israel to flee to the mountains where He protects a remnant of her seed for 3½ years during the last half of Daniel’s 70th Week – the final 7 years of this era of human history (Revelation 12:14).
Frustrated at not being able to get at those who have fled to the mountains, Satan turns his hatred toward her offspring. This should not be construed to mean Jews only. Her “offspring” is a reference to believers worldwide who, like father Abraham, have been justified by faith in Christ.
In Chapter 13, Satan, in concert with his emissaries, the Antichrist and False Prophet, launches his final campaign to rule the world. This satanic program began thousands of years earlier in the Garden of Eden.
However, at this point in history, humanity is being confronted with an unmistakable choice – worship Christ or worship the Antichrist. To some, the decision may seem conspicuous – choose Christ. But the tragic reality is that most will choose the Antichrist because their thoughts and deeds are evil. They prefer darkness rather than light.
Rejecting the Antichrist, evidenced by the refusal to take his mark, will come with tremendous cost. It will result in great persecution and martyrdom for many of God’s faithful sons and daughters. This hour of history will be so severe that unless those days are shortened, according to the Lord Jesus, no believing flesh would survive (Matthew 24:21-22).
No one should be dismayed at this devastating attack on God’s children. On one occasion, the Lord Jesus said to His followers, “If any man will come after me, let him … take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).
He was not simply speaking of the daily pressures of life. What He was saying to His followers was this: If you are not willing to die for Me should the occasion arise, you are not worthy to be My disciple. This will be such an occasion. The Bible never teaches that following Christ is like a stroll in the park – that to be a Christian is to have no problems and to be healthy, wealthy, and wise.
Then, in Chapter 14, in the midst of the darkness and undiluted evil, the Lamb is seen standing on Mount Zion. The significance of this portrait of Christ standing on Mount Zion cannot be overstated. The Seed of the woman who will crush Satan’s head and whom Satan had attempted to murder at birth is alive and well and standing on Mount Zion, the very heart of Jerusalem, His capital city.
The Lamb, however, is not alone. Standing on Mount Zion with Him are 144,000 Jews. These are those who have rejected the mark of the Antichrist and were sealed by God in Chapter 7. They survived the 7 trumpet judgments and now stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion. They are the “firstfruits” of a great multitude of people from among every kindred, tongue, and tribe who will reject the Antichrist and put their faith in the Son of God (Revelation 14:4).
As noted earlier, John had seen 2 signs in Chapter 12. First, the woman clothed with the sun (Israel); and 2nd, a great red dragon (Satan). Now, in Chapter 15, John sees a 3rd sign. The sign is said to be both “great” and “marvelous” (v. 1). It is “great” in that is speaks of the final triumph and vindication of God in connection with all of history.
It is “marvelous” in that it will showcase God’s holiness, justice, truth, love, and power in the accomplishment of His redemption of Earth. This final sign is identified as “seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God” (Revelation 15:1).
The 7 last plagues are the 7 bowl judgments (Revelation 15:6-7). In identifying the bowls as the “last” judgment of God, it is clear that there were earlier judgments. In saying, “for in them is filled up the wrath of God” (Revelation 15:1), John was saying that following the 7 bowls there will be no need for further divine judgment. With the pouring out of the bowl judgments, the purging of Earth of all that has defiled it through the ages is complete.
A Chronology of the Seals, Trumpets, and Bowls
Since John indicated that the 7 bowls “fill up” or “complete” the wrath of God, the question then arises, “When did God’s wrath begin?” An answer to this important question requires no speculation. John wrote:
Then, in Chapter 14, in the midst of the darkness and undiluted evil, the Lamb is seen standing on Mount Zion. The significance of this portrait of Christ standing on Mount Zion cannot be overstated. The Seed of the woman who will crush Satan’s head and whom Satan had attempted to murder at birth is alive and well and standing on Mount Zion, the very heart of Jerusalem, His capital city.
The Lamb, however, is not alone. Standing on Mount Zion with Him are 144,000 Jews. These are those who have rejected the mark of the Antichrist and were sealed by God in Chapter 7. They survived the 7 trumpet judgments and now stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion. They are the “firstfruits” of a great multitude of people from among every kindred, tongue, and tribe who will reject the Antichrist and put their faith in the Son of God (Revelation 14:4).
As noted earlier, John had seen 2 signs in Chapter 12. First, the woman clothed with the sun (Israel); and 2nd, a great red dragon (Satan). Now, in Chapter 15, John sees a 3rd sign. The sign is said to be both “great” and “marvelous” (v. 1). It is “great” in that is speaks of the final triumph and vindication of God in connection with all of history.
It is “marvelous” in that it will showcase God’s holiness, justice, truth, love, and power in the accomplishment of His redemption of Earth. This final sign is identified as “seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God” (Revelation 15:1).
The 7 last plagues are the 7 bowl judgments (Revelation 15:6-7). In identifying the bowls as the “last” judgment of God, it is clear that there were earlier judgments. In saying, “for in them is filled up the wrath of God” (Revelation 15:1), John was saying that following the 7 bowls there will be no need for further divine judgment. With the pouring out of the bowl judgments, the purging of Earth of all that has defiled it through the ages is complete.
A Chronology of the Seals, Trumpets, and Bowls
Since John indicated that the 7 bowls “fill up” or “complete” the wrath of God, the question then arises, “When did God’s wrath begin?” An answer to this important question requires no speculation. John wrote:
“And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand” (Revelation 6:12-17)?
With the breaking of the 6th seal around the scroll, 2 events of great significance occur. The 1st event can be described as cosmic disturbance. The heavenly bodies of the sun, moon, and stars will be in total disarray and the resultant impact on the earth will be devastating.
The 2nd event will be people from all stations of life running for cover and concealment among the caves and rocks and mountains. They are seeking to hide from God the Father who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. The reason for their panic is clearly stated: “For the great day of his wrath is come.” That is, God’s wrath is an overhanging event which is about to commence.
Through His prophets, God repeatedly indicated that cosmic disturbance would be the prelude to His “day of the Lord” wrath (Joel 2:30-31; 3:14-15; Matthew 24:29-30; 2 Peter 3:10-11). God’s wrath is announced by the cosmic disturbance associated with the 6th seal and begins with the breaking of the 7th seal. Each seal, when broken, brought some sort of dire consequence upon the earth. The 7th seal contained the 7 trumpet judgments.
The wrath of God that was said to be “filled up” or “completed” with the pouring out of the 7 bowls had its beginning with the blowing of the 7th trumpet. Since the 7th trumpet contains the 7 bowls and the 7 trumpets are contained in the 7th seal, one is faced with the obvious conclusion that the 7th seal contains both the trumpet and bowl judgments.
Practically speaking, this means all the judgments of “the Day of the Lord” are contained in the 7th seal. And, of course, with the breaking of the 7th and final seal in Chapter 8, the scroll could now begin to be opened and the events of the Book of Revelation, from Chapters 8 to 22, begin to unfold.
The 2nd event will be people from all stations of life running for cover and concealment among the caves and rocks and mountains. They are seeking to hide from God the Father who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. The reason for their panic is clearly stated: “For the great day of his wrath is come.” That is, God’s wrath is an overhanging event which is about to commence.
Through His prophets, God repeatedly indicated that cosmic disturbance would be the prelude to His “day of the Lord” wrath (Joel 2:30-31; 3:14-15; Matthew 24:29-30; 2 Peter 3:10-11). God’s wrath is announced by the cosmic disturbance associated with the 6th seal and begins with the breaking of the 7th seal. Each seal, when broken, brought some sort of dire consequence upon the earth. The 7th seal contained the 7 trumpet judgments.
The wrath of God that was said to be “filled up” or “completed” with the pouring out of the 7 bowls had its beginning with the blowing of the 7th trumpet. Since the 7th trumpet contains the 7 bowls and the 7 trumpets are contained in the 7th seal, one is faced with the obvious conclusion that the 7th seal contains both the trumpet and bowl judgments.
Practically speaking, this means all the judgments of “the Day of the Lord” are contained in the 7th seal. And, of course, with the breaking of the 7th and final seal in Chapter 8, the scroll could now begin to be opened and the events of the Book of Revelation, from Chapters 8 to 22, begin to unfold.
The Day of the Lord does not begin at the beginning of Daniel’s 70th Week nor does it continue through Christ’s Millennial (1,000-year) Kingdom – 2 positions sincerely but erroneously held by many of my pretribulation-rapture friends. The Church is not appointed unto God’s wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10; 5:9). God’s wrath begins with the breaking of the 7th seal after the shortened Great Tribulation and following the Rapture of the Church.
This occurs sometime well within the second half of Daniel’s 70th Week. The Church will be on Earth for the Great Tribulation, which is limited to the 5th seal (Revelation 6:9-10; 7:13-14). The Church will not be on Earth during God’s Day of the Lord wrath, which occurs during the trumpet and bowl judgments.
There are some things I have written in this series of articles on Revelation about which I would not be dogmatic (they represent my best understanding of the text), but that the Rapture of the Church occurs before the breaking of the 7th seal and onset of God’s wrath, I have absolutely no doubt.
I hold the Pre-Wrath Rapture as a core belief based on my conviction it is the clear teaching of the Word of God. For one generation, to be on the wrong side of this issue can bring dire consequences. We could very well be that generation.
In the Book of Revelation, the 7 seals around the scroll will be broken, the 7 trumpets will be blown, and 7 bowls will be poured out. The imagery behind the seals, trumpets, and bowls is of great significance. Ancient seals were made from soft clay which hardened quickly. The seals were fastened with twine around important documents for security.
This occurs sometime well within the second half of Daniel’s 70th Week. The Church will be on Earth for the Great Tribulation, which is limited to the 5th seal (Revelation 6:9-10; 7:13-14). The Church will not be on Earth during God’s Day of the Lord wrath, which occurs during the trumpet and bowl judgments.
There are some things I have written in this series of articles on Revelation about which I would not be dogmatic (they represent my best understanding of the text), but that the Rapture of the Church occurs before the breaking of the 7th seal and onset of God’s wrath, I have absolutely no doubt.
I hold the Pre-Wrath Rapture as a core belief based on my conviction it is the clear teaching of the Word of God. For one generation, to be on the wrong side of this issue can bring dire consequences. We could very well be that generation.
In the Book of Revelation, the 7 seals around the scroll will be broken, the 7 trumpets will be blown, and 7 bowls will be poured out. The imagery behind the seals, trumpets, and bowls is of great significance. Ancient seals were made from soft clay which hardened quickly. The seals were fastened with twine around important documents for security.
Seals could only be broken by one who had the authority and power to do so. In Revelation 5, only Jesus had the authority and power to break the 7 seals around the scroll seen in the right hand of God the Father (Revelation 5:1-8).
The trumpets were long and fluted and made from a seamless piece of silver (Numbers 10:2). The blowing of the trumpet had a number of important purposes. One purpose was to call the people to the presence of God at the Tabernacle during Israel’s wilderness wanderings (Numbers 10:3). A second purpose to blow a trumpet was when Israel was to go to war under divine direction (Numbers 10:9).
These 2 things are precisely what will occur in connection with the trumpet judgments. First, God will call His people to His presence (the Rapture – Matthew 24:31; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17); and second, He will go to war during the Day of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:1-10).
The bowls carried by the 7 angels were probably broad in girth, shallow in depth, and made of gold. Religious Jews to this day wash their hands in shallow bowls for ceremonial cleansing before eating their Sabbath dinner. Because the bowls are wide and shallow they can be quickly emptied.
This fits the concept that the bowl judgments are poured out by the 7 angels in rapid, almost machine-gun-like rapidity. It seems, therefore, that the concept of “bowls,” rather than “vials” – which are cited in the King James Version – is more appropriate.
The 70th Week of Daniel ends with the blowing of the 7th trumpet when “the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ” (Revelation 11:15-17). This raises the important question as to when the 7 bowls are poured out since they come out of the 7th trumpet which is blown at the end of the 70th Week. This is critical in any attempt to understand the chronology of the last book of the Bible and the last events of human history before Christ establishes His Millennial Kingdom.
Perhaps it is Daniel the prophet who provides the key. The last half of Daniel’s final 7-year period is referred to as 42 months or 3½ years (Revelation 13:5). It is referred to in the prior chapter as “a time, and times, and half a time” or 3½ years (Revelation 12:14).
The trumpets were long and fluted and made from a seamless piece of silver (Numbers 10:2). The blowing of the trumpet had a number of important purposes. One purpose was to call the people to the presence of God at the Tabernacle during Israel’s wilderness wanderings (Numbers 10:3). A second purpose to blow a trumpet was when Israel was to go to war under divine direction (Numbers 10:9).
These 2 things are precisely what will occur in connection with the trumpet judgments. First, God will call His people to His presence (the Rapture – Matthew 24:31; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17); and second, He will go to war during the Day of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:1-10).
The bowls carried by the 7 angels were probably broad in girth, shallow in depth, and made of gold. Religious Jews to this day wash their hands in shallow bowls for ceremonial cleansing before eating their Sabbath dinner. Because the bowls are wide and shallow they can be quickly emptied.
This fits the concept that the bowl judgments are poured out by the 7 angels in rapid, almost machine-gun-like rapidity. It seems, therefore, that the concept of “bowls,” rather than “vials” – which are cited in the King James Version – is more appropriate.
The 70th Week of Daniel ends with the blowing of the 7th trumpet when “the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ” (Revelation 11:15-17). This raises the important question as to when the 7 bowls are poured out since they come out of the 7th trumpet which is blown at the end of the 70th Week. This is critical in any attempt to understand the chronology of the last book of the Bible and the last events of human history before Christ establishes His Millennial Kingdom.
Perhaps it is Daniel the prophet who provides the key. The last half of Daniel’s final 7-year period is referred to as 42 months or 3½ years (Revelation 13:5). It is referred to in the prior chapter as “a time, and times, and half a time” or 3½ years (Revelation 12:14).
It is also referred to as “[1,260] days” or 3½ years, based on the Hebrew lunar calendar which is approximately 5 days shorter than our solar calendar of 365 days each year (Revelation 12:6). However, near the very end of his book, Daniels adds 75 days to the last half of his 70th Week prophecy. He wrote:
“And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away [the Antichrist will put a stop to Israel’s reinstated sacrificial system at the midpoint of the 70th Week], and the abomination that maketh desolate set up [the introduction of an image or representation of Antichrist referred to as “the abomination of desolation” by the Lord (Matthew 24:15)], there shall be [1,290] days” (Daniel 12:11).
Here Daniel extends the 1,260 days of the last half of his 70th Week by 30 days to 1,290 days. But he is not done; he continues by saying: “Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the [1,335] days” (Daniel 12:12).
Again, Daniel extends the period of time beyond the 70th Week by another 45 days – from 1,290 to 1,335 – for a total time expansion of 75 days. It is during this extended period of time that the 7 bowl judgments are poured out in rapid succession. The purpose of this purging of Earth of all that has defiled it since the advent of sin is preparation for Christ’s Millennial Kingdom.
Christ’s triumph will be so complete that they (those who had gotten the victory over the Antichrist) “sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb” (Revelation 15:3). One is immediately reminded of the author of the epistle to the Hebrews who wrote of Moses who was a faithful servant and of Christ who was worthy of even more glory because He was faithful as a son (Hebrews 3:5-6).
Again, Daniel extends the period of time beyond the 70th Week by another 45 days – from 1,290 to 1,335 – for a total time expansion of 75 days. It is during this extended period of time that the 7 bowl judgments are poured out in rapid succession. The purpose of this purging of Earth of all that has defiled it since the advent of sin is preparation for Christ’s Millennial Kingdom.
Christ’s triumph will be so complete that they (those who had gotten the victory over the Antichrist) “sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb” (Revelation 15:3). One is immediately reminded of the author of the epistle to the Hebrews who wrote of Moses who was a faithful servant and of Christ who was worthy of even more glory because He was faithful as a son (Hebrews 3:5-6).
The song of Moses being sung by those who had gotten the victory over the Antichrist probably refers to the song Moses and the children of Israel sang at the Red Sea where they triumphed over Pharaoh and his soldiers (Exodus 15). It could, however, also refer to the song Moses wrote near the end of his life in which he spoke of God’s wondrous faithfulness to His people (Deuteronomy 32):
“Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest” (Revelation 15:3-4).
The Bowls of Wrath
The 7 angels to whom were given the 7 bowls are now commanded to pour out their assigned divine judgment on Earth. The bowls are poured out in trip-hammer rapidity. They will devastate Earth beyond humanity’s ability to fully comprehend. It is important, however, to remember that none of God’s children will experience any of the trumpet or bowl judgments. Believers will only be present on Earth through the 6th seal, and then they will be raptured (Revelation 6:12; 7:13-14; 8:1).
Because there is similarity between some of the trumpets and bowls, many commentators suggest that they overlap and run concurrently. These same commentators tend to play down the significant differences between the trumpets and bowls. The unfortunate result is that they make a hodgepodge out of the chronology of the Book of Revelation.
The 7 angels to whom were given the 7 bowls are now commanded to pour out their assigned divine judgment on Earth. The bowls are poured out in trip-hammer rapidity. They will devastate Earth beyond humanity’s ability to fully comprehend. It is important, however, to remember that none of God’s children will experience any of the trumpet or bowl judgments. Believers will only be present on Earth through the 6th seal, and then they will be raptured (Revelation 6:12; 7:13-14; 8:1).
Because there is similarity between some of the trumpets and bowls, many commentators suggest that they overlap and run concurrently. These same commentators tend to play down the significant differences between the trumpets and bowls. The unfortunate result is that they make a hodgepodge out of the chronology of the Book of Revelation.
This, in turn, leads to a confusing interpretation of the text. The seals, trumpets, and bowls run consecutively, not concurrently. To be sure, there is overlapping. The boils of the first bowl continue on as subsequent bowls are poured out, each adding to the cumulative effect of the wrath of God, but they are each launched in sequence. They are linear, not parallel.
The first angel “poured out his vial [bowl] upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image” (Revelation 16:2).
Millions of men and women throughout the world will take the mark of the beast, but to their sorrow they will find themselves with sickening boils covering their bodies. They chose the mark of Antichrist; they will have additional marks they did not choose which will cover them from head to toe.
“The second angel poured out his vial [bowl] upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea” (Revelation 16:3). The water in the oceans of the world will become thick, dark, and coagulated like the blood of a corpse. (It will be “as” or “like” blood but should not be understood to be actual blood.) As a result, the death and decay of all sea creatures will add to the terrible misery of this judgment.
“The third angel poured out his vial [bowl] upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood” (Revelation 16:4). The fresh water of the rivers and streams suffers the same fate as the oceans. Now men and women will have no fresh water to drink, nor will they have clean water with which to wash the boils on their bodies.
The first angel “poured out his vial [bowl] upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image” (Revelation 16:2).
Millions of men and women throughout the world will take the mark of the beast, but to their sorrow they will find themselves with sickening boils covering their bodies. They chose the mark of Antichrist; they will have additional marks they did not choose which will cover them from head to toe.
“The second angel poured out his vial [bowl] upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea” (Revelation 16:3). The water in the oceans of the world will become thick, dark, and coagulated like the blood of a corpse. (It will be “as” or “like” blood but should not be understood to be actual blood.) As a result, the death and decay of all sea creatures will add to the terrible misery of this judgment.
“The third angel poured out his vial [bowl] upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood” (Revelation 16:4). The fresh water of the rivers and streams suffers the same fate as the oceans. Now men and women will have no fresh water to drink, nor will they have clean water with which to wash the boils on their bodies.
“The fourth angel poured out his vial [bowl] upon the sun; and power was given unto him [the sun] to scorch men with fire” (Revelation 16:8). As the judgments begin to mount with boils and no drinking water, they now begin to be scorched by the sun.
Amazingly, in the wickedness of their hearts, instead of repenting, they blaspheme the name of God. Nor simply a few men and women here and there – but the overwhelming mass of humanity.
“The fifth angel poured out his vial [bowl] upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain” (Revelation 16:10). The expression “the seat of the beast” would be better translated “the throne of the beast” and is almost certainly a reference to the first beast of Revelation 13 who is identified as the Antichrist. We cannot be certain of the location of the throne, however, the prophet Daniel gives us a strong hint.
Writing of the Antichrist, he said:
Amazingly, in the wickedness of their hearts, instead of repenting, they blaspheme the name of God. Nor simply a few men and women here and there – but the overwhelming mass of humanity.
“The fifth angel poured out his vial [bowl] upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain” (Revelation 16:10). The expression “the seat of the beast” would be better translated “the throne of the beast” and is almost certainly a reference to the first beast of Revelation 13 who is identified as the Antichrist. We cannot be certain of the location of the throne, however, the prophet Daniel gives us a strong hint.
Writing of the Antichrist, he said:
“And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas [the Dead Sea to the east and the Mediterranean Sea to the west] in the glorious holy mountain [Mount Moriah, the center of Jerusalem]; yet he [the Antichrist] shall come to his end, and none shall help him” (Daniel 11:45).
The pouring of the bowl upon the throne of the beast will lead to the darkening of his worldwide kingdom. So horrendous will be the discomfort of the followers of the Antichrist from the growing impact of the bowls that “they gnawed their tongues” because of the pain, and still they blasphemed God and refused to repent (Revelation 16:10).
“The sixth angel poured out his vial [bowl] upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared” (Revelation 16:12). The Euphrates River is one of the great rivers of the world, more than 1,800 miles long. Historically, its depth was 10 to 20 feet deep, and it was of varying widths. Today, its flow is influenced by dams in Turkey. The “kings of the east” are literally “kings of the rising sun.”
It may refer to armies from China, India, and Japan, numbering as many as 200 million soldiers (Revelation 9:14-16). Three unclean spirits (demons) coming out of the mouths of the dragon (Satan), the beast (the Antichrist), and the False Prophet will influence these armies to gather on the battlefield in north-central Israel. There they will participate in the final battle of history called “Armageddon” (excluding the short conflict at the end of the Millennium; Revelation 20:7-8), and their armies will be decimated by the Lord Jesus Christ.
“The seventh angel poured out his vial [bowl] into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done” (Revelation 16:17). This 7th bowl – the most devastating of all – will bring to an end the Day of the Lord wrath.
“The sixth angel poured out his vial [bowl] upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared” (Revelation 16:12). The Euphrates River is one of the great rivers of the world, more than 1,800 miles long. Historically, its depth was 10 to 20 feet deep, and it was of varying widths. Today, its flow is influenced by dams in Turkey. The “kings of the east” are literally “kings of the rising sun.”
It may refer to armies from China, India, and Japan, numbering as many as 200 million soldiers (Revelation 9:14-16). Three unclean spirits (demons) coming out of the mouths of the dragon (Satan), the beast (the Antichrist), and the False Prophet will influence these armies to gather on the battlefield in north-central Israel. There they will participate in the final battle of history called “Armageddon” (excluding the short conflict at the end of the Millennium; Revelation 20:7-8), and their armies will be decimated by the Lord Jesus Christ.
“The seventh angel poured out his vial [bowl] into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done” (Revelation 16:17). This 7th bowl – the most devastating of all – will bring to an end the Day of the Lord wrath.
It will be an earthquake, worldwide in its intensity, beginning at Jerusalem and reaching to the nations of the world. Giant stones like meteorites will fall from the sky, and still men and women will continue to blaspheme God and refuse to repent of their sin.
These bowl judgments, like the trumpets which preceded them, are the ultimate manifestation of an angry God who is holy, righteous, and just. Humanity rebelled against God’s law, rejected God’s grace, refused God’s mercy, and spurned God’s love. God is longsuffering, not willing that any should perish. But there comes a time when the cup of humanity’s sin is filled full and God says “No more.”
That day will arrive when the 7th seal around the scroll, which contains the title deed to the earth, is finally broken. “God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:31).
These bowl judgments, like the trumpets which preceded them, are the ultimate manifestation of an angry God who is holy, righteous, and just. Humanity rebelled against God’s law, rejected God’s grace, refused God’s mercy, and spurned God’s love. God is longsuffering, not willing that any should perish. But there comes a time when the cup of humanity’s sin is filled full and God says “No more.”
That day will arrive when the 7th seal around the scroll, which contains the title deed to the earth, is finally broken. “God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:31).
Naomi: Tears to Triumph
April 23rd, 2026
It was more of an embittered accusation than a plea for mercy. But now was not the time to rail against God; Naomi had a crucial decision to make. As she paced alongside the main road that led out of the heathen nation of Moab, Naomi rehearsed her words. Two women and three mules were awaiting her decision. Satisfied she had found the right words, she returned to her companions. “Ruth, Orpah, plea...
Rapture & Wrath, Part 14: “The Empire of the Antichrist” (Revelation 17)
April 23rd, 2026
The identification of 7 historical empires used by Satan to accomplish his strategic purposes has been a central focus in this series of posts. In 3 different visions recorded in Revelation chapters 12, 13, and 17, John references a beast with 7 heads and 10 horns.
As the symbolism and significance of these heads and horns are revealed in the light of the prophetic Scriptures, the darkness that e...
Rapture & Wrath, Part 13: “The Seventh Beast Empire” (Revelation 17)
April 23rd, 2026
Difficult days are coming upon Earth, and the desire of our Heavenly Father is that we, as believers, are prepared.
He instructs us to live righteously as we watch expectantly for His Son’s glorious return (1 Thessalonians 5:4-10). In this regard, He has provided for us a wealth of vital prophetic information through His inspired penmen – the apostles and prophets.
You and I – or perhaps our so...