Revelation 15:4c-8 The day of judgment is God’s ultimate measure to redeem humanity

Revelation 15:4c-8 

“… For your righteous acts are revealed.”

After these things I looked, and the temple of the tabernacle of testimony in heaven was opened, and the seven angels who had the seven plagues came out of the temple, clothed in linen, clean and bright, and girded around their chests with golden sashes. Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power; and no one was able to enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished.

Background

After the saints have ascended to heaven, the day of judgment commences. Judgment is not meant to be the final conclusion; instead, it’s purposed to facilitate salvation to all men. Indeed, the day of judgment serves as God’s ultimate measure to redeem humanity.

Observation

The final line of the song, “For Your righteous acts are revealed,” portents the forthcoming judgment; it refers to God’s righteous acts that are directed at the unrepentantly wicked (see 16:7). The Tabernacle signifies God’s covenant of bring salvation to humanity. And the righteous judgment that follows the opening of the temple of the tabernacle serves as the ultimate measure to save all men. Upon the opening of the temple of the tabernacle, seven angels emerged, each carrying seven plagues. After the angels were given seven bowls filled with God’s wrath, the temple was shrouded in smoke. 

The sight of the tabernacle being enveloped in smoke due to the glory of God brings to mind God’s encounter with Moses and the Israelites on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:18). Subsequently, after Moses completed the construction of the tabernacle, the glory of God descended upon it for the first time, preventing Moses from entering until the glory had lifted (Exodus 40:34). When Solomon ascended to the throne, he constructed the temple of the Lord where a similar event took place (1 Kings 8:10). In all three instances, the glory of God was revealed, signifying the consecration of the earth and His dwelling place. However, John’s vision of the tabernacle shrouded in smoke was situated in heaven, not on earth. This signifies that this time, God is sanctifying and redeeming not just the earth, but also the heavens through the impending wrath. The apostle Peter spoke about this event, 

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10.

Truth

The day of judgment is God’s ultimate measure to redeem humanity.

Certain individuals find salvation simply by hearing the truth proclaimed to them. Others turn to God following His interventions during life’s difficulties. Some come to repentance after enduring the trials of life. Finally, there are those who persist in their wickedness, showing no inclination to embrace righteousness. Consequently, as a final measure, God, who desires for all men to be saved, will endeavour to redeem the wicked by administering judgment both in the physical realm and in the spiritual realms (Hades). Indeed, the wrath of God is the ultimate means to change the heart.

Apostle Peter spoke about God’s attempt in using the flood to redeem the wicked during Noah’s time. In 1 Peter 3:18-21, Peter likened the flood to water baptism, which leads to salvation. The question arises: how did God offer salvation to those who perished in the flood? After the resurrection of Jesus, He went to proclaim the gospel to the spirits of those who had been disobedient and were imprisoned in Hades, having perished by the flood. Peter said,

“For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.” 1 Peter 4:6

The wicked will be subject to judgment in the earthly realm and thereafter when they enter the spiritual realms (Hades). Judgment provides them with the opportunity to repent and attain life while being confined in the spirit realm. Hades serves not as a final destination but as a means to purify the hearts of individuals. God, in His abundant mercy, desires that no one should face eternal destruction. Consequently, the sacrifice of Jesus is intended to provide a justification for redemption; it functions as the key to unlock the gates of hell, allowing the release of those who genuinely repent. 

That said, a pertinent question arises: having endured suffering in hell, will they not choose to repent and abandon their sinful behaviours? It is essential to distinguish between superficial repentance and genuine repentance. Superficial repentance is fleeting; once a brief respite is granted, the individual often reverts to their former misdeeds. In contrast, a truly repentant person expresses a love for righteousness, gratitude for God’s mercy and a commitment to serving God eternally.

In reality, it is unlikely that those who are imprisoned in hell will possess the capacity for repentance. For the sake of clarity, there is perhaps one soul out of a million in hell who may express remorse, and only after enduring thousands of years of suffering. Therefore, it is far better to repent during one’s earthly existence than to gamble on the possibility of salvation enduring the torments of hell.

Application

We must warn people about the coming judgment, where the many will not escape hell. For the people in the church, we must warn them that God judges the heart and the works that from it. Our religious affiliation does not influence God’s fair and righteous judgment. Therefore, we must let go of the false sense of security that religion may bring and start living in a way that is right.

Prayer

Dear Lord, grant me the courage and the wisdom to warn and admonish the people around me. Let the gifts and the love of the Spirit work powerfully through me to bring healing and salvation to many. Use me to bring hope and light in this dark and chaotic era. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.