Revelation 15 gives us a powerful and awe-inspiring vision of God’s holiness, justice, and ultimate victory. It serves as a prelude to the final judgments that will come upon the earth, but before these judgments unfold, we are given a moment to witness the glory of God and the triumph of His people. This chapter reminds us that even in the midst of God’s righteous wrath, His justice is perfect, and His redeemed people have a reason to rejoice.
The chapter begins with John seeing another great and marvelous sign in heaven. He describes seven angels holding the seven last plagues, which will complete the outpouring of God’s wrath. This vision reminds us that God’s patience, though long-suffering, will eventually lead to a final reckoning. His holiness demands justice, and the time will come when evil can no longer go unpunished. While this may seem like a terrifying reality, we must remember that God’s judgment is not reckless or arbitrary—it is the fulfillment of His righteous plan to restore justice and righteousness to creation.
Before these plagues are poured out, John sees a glorious sight: a sea of glass mixed with fire, and standing upon it are those who have been victorious over the beast, its image, and its mark. These are the faithful ones, those who refused to bow to the pressures of the world and instead held onto their devotion to God. As we reflect on this, we are reminded that faithfulness to God, even in the face of great opposition, is not in vain. There is victory for those who stand firm, and that victory is not only a future promise but a present reality in our lives as we remain steadfast in our faith.
Those who have overcome sing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb. The song of Moses reminds us of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, when God parted the Red Sea and led His people to safety. In the same way, the song of the Lamb celebrates our deliverance through Jesus Christ. We, too, are part of this redemption story. Just as God rescued Israel from slavery, He has rescued us from the bondage of sin. Just as the Israelites sang of God’s greatness after their deliverance, we are called to sing praises for the salvation we have received.
The lyrics of this song proclaim, “Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God, the Almighty! Righteous and true are your ways, you King of the nations!” This is a declaration of God’s majesty, power, and justice. It acknowledges that all nations will one day come and worship Him, for His righteous acts have been revealed. This truth fills us with hope, knowing that despite the chaos and rebellion in the world, the day is coming when every knee will bow before God. It is a reminder that worship is not just an action but a response to who God is. He alone is worthy of our devotion, and our praise should reflect His greatness.
As John continues to watch, the temple in heaven—the tabernacle of the testimony—is opened. Out of the temple come the seven angels with the seven plagues, clothed in pure, shining linen, with golden sashes around their chests. This imagery reminds us of the holiness and purity of God’s judgment. Unlike human anger, which can be flawed and vengeful, God’s justice is perfect and untainted. The angels are given golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. This scene is both solemn and awe-inspiring, showing us that God's judgment is neither hasty nor cruel but an essential part of His divine plan.
Then, the temple is filled with the glory of God and His power, and no one is able to enter until the seven plagues are completed. This moment emphasizes the gravity of what is about to happen. The presence of God is so overwhelming that nothing else can take place until His judgment is fulfilled. It reminds us of moments in the Old Testament when God's presence was so intense that even the priests could not enter the tabernacle. This vision reinforces the idea that God is set apart, holy beyond our comprehension, and that when He moves in judgment, it is a demonstration of His absolute sovereignty.
As we take in the weight of this chapter, we are reminded of several important truths. First, God’s justice is real, and He will not allow evil to go unchecked forever. His patience is meant to lead people to repentance, but there comes a time when His righteous judgment must be poured out. This should give us both comfort and urgency—comfort in knowing that God sees the injustices of the world and will set things right, and urgency in sharing the gospel with those who do not yet know Him.
Second, we see that those who remain faithful to God will be victorious. The image of the redeemed standing on the sea of glass, singing a song of praise, reassures us that our faithfulness is not in vain. Even when the world pressures us to compromise, we are called to stand firm, knowing that God’s promises are true.
Lastly, this chapter reminds us of the importance of worship. The song of Moses and the song of the Lamb highlight God’s power, righteousness, and faithfulness. Worship is not just something we do on occasion; it is a response to who God is and what He has done for us. It keeps our hearts aligned with Him and strengthens our faith in the midst of trials.
As we reflect on Revelation 15, let us be encouraged to live with an eternal perspective. Let us remain faithful, knowing that victory belongs to those who hold onto God’s truth. Let us worship Him with our whole hearts, recognizing His greatness and trusting in His perfect justice. And let us share the hope we have with others, so that more may come to know and rejoice in the salvation of our Lord.