Revelation 15 | Seven Angels with Seven Plagues

Revelation 15 Commentary by Allen J. Huth

In our journey through the Book of Revelation, we arrive at chapter 15 today. We are going to learn about seven angels and seven plagues. Do you wonder what heaven is like? Please read or listen to Revelation 15.

Do the Angels Do the Will of God?

In 1995, at forty years old, on Revelation 15 (NASB), I wrote, “Angels implementing the will of God. Not only at end times, but also at this time. I need angels in my life. I hope they are here helping me. ‘Harps of God’ (v. 2). I need to look into this.”

Can You Learn to Play the Harp as an Adult?

Stepping away from the journals for a moment, we see the harps of God in heaven, praising the Lord. I am not musical; I do not have musical talent. In my middle school days, I tried drumming, but never got very good at it. I do not play a musical instrument, but for some reason I have always had an interest in the harp. In Nashville, Tennessee, in the Opryland Hotel, I saw a harpist play and he was terrific. The fountains of water shot up as the harp played, and the colors changed in the atrium. It was so pleasant. So I have some interest in the harp, but I do not know if I have any ability to play it.

You notice sometimes in these journal entries, I say, “I need to look into this harp playing.” I guess if that is the instrument played in heaven, I ought to learn how to play it. We shall see if in my future years, I ever try to strum a harp.

What Is the Relationship Between God’s Love and God’s Wrath?

In 2008, at fifty-three years old, I read Revelation 15 (NASB) on Christmas Eve. Oftentimes, if you read through the whole Bible in a year, you end up in Revelation around Christmas time. That is exactly what happened in 2008. I wrote, “The completion of the wrath of God is to be released. Evil, sin, will be eliminated, destroyed by God.” Then I wrote, “How does the wrath of God fit with the love of God?” I continued, “Some will be victorious over the beast and his image and the number of his name.” I finished with, “The best hell can offer and some will still not be saved.” Then I noted again, “harps of God” (v. 2).

How Many Plagues Did the Seven Angels Hold?

In 2013, at fifty-eight years old, I wrote, “The beginning of the end. The last plagues for earth. It appears, even up to now, more are being saved. They have come through the tribulation victorious. Seven angels come with the last seven plagues. Seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God. God’s glory fills the sanctuary in heaven. We will not be able to stand in His glory.” My prayer was, “For Your judgment of earth, You are love. You are also a God of wrath. Use me to be a witness for You.”

How Do you Overcome Evil and Temptation?

Verse 2 of this chapter says, “and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name”. They are the ones with the harps of God in their hands praising the Lord. How did they conquer the beast? How do you conquer the temptations of evil in your life today? For them, they held fast to their faith even when threatened with death. You can do the same when threatened by Satan and his temptations. Hold firm, hold fast to your faith in Jesus. By doing so, you will conquer the enemy.

Verse 2 of this chapter says, “and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name”. They are the ones with the harps of God in their hands praising the Lord. How did they conquer the beast? How do you conquer the temptations of evil in your life today? For them, they held fast to their faith even when threatened with death. You can do the same when threatened by Satan and his temptations. Hold firm, hold fast to your faith in Jesus. By doing so, you will conquer the enemy.

What Does the Bible Say About the Sanctuary in Heaven?

Verse 5 says, “After this I looked, and the sanctuary of the tent of witness in heaven was opened”. John had quite a view. Could you imagine seeing the sanctuary of heaven opened? Verse 8 goes on to describe this scene, “and the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished.” Have you ever wondered what heaven is like? Here in the Book of Revelation, thanks to the Apostle John, we get a few glimpses inside heaven’s door.

How Do We Praise the Lord?

We will look at Revelation 16 tomorrow to see what the angels had in the seven golden bowls full of wrath. Until then, while we wait, might our application be to pause and praise the Lord:

“Great and amazing are your deeds,
    O Lord God the Almighty!
Just and true are your ways,
    O King of the nations!
Who will not fear, O Lord,
    and glorify your name?
For you alone are holy.
    All nations will come
    and worship you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed” (vs. 3-4).

Might we join in the heavenly choir praising the Lord.

Prayer

Father, thank You for a glimpse into heaven. We know You sit on the throne. You call the shots. You will call the shots at the end of days. You call the shots in our day. Holy Spirit, give us discernment as we look around our world today. As we see things happen, we might see and understand the sovereignty of God. You truly sit on the throne and Your plan is unfolding across this world. No surprises. All according to Your plan. To God be the glory, great things He has done, is doing, and will do. In Jesus’ name, amen.