Revelation 15:5 - Meaning and Application

Notice, first, how these angels appeared. They came out of heaven to carry out their mission, and the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened (Revelation 15:5). This points back to the most holy place in the tabernacle and temple, where the mercy seat covered the ark of the testimony. There the high priest made intercession, and there God met with his people and heard their prayers.

This scene shows several things. It means that, in the judgments God was about to bring on the antichristian power, he was carrying out the promises and warnings of his word and covenant, which were always before him. It also means he was answering the prayers of his people, prayers offered through their great high priest, Jesus Christ. At the same time, God was avenging the wrong done to his Son, whose authority had been taken over, whose name had been dishonored, and whose saving work had been opposed by antichrist and his followers. It also points to a wider opening for God’s people to worship him in large, solemn gatherings without fear of their enemies.

Notice, next, how these angels were dressed and prepared for their work. They were clothed in pure white linen and had golden sashes around their chests (Revelation 15:6). This was like the dress of the high priests when they went in to ask God for guidance and came out with his answer. It showed that these angels were acting under God’s direction in everything, and that they were going to prepare a sacrifice to the Lord, called the supper of the great God (Revelation 19:17). God’s servants in judgment work in a pure and holy way.

Their weapons were seven bowls filled with the wrath of God. They were armed with God’s anger against his enemies. Even the weakest creature, if sent with God’s anger, would be too strong for any person on earth, and how much more an angel of God. This wrath was not poured out all at once. It was divided into seven parts, to fall one after another on the antichristian party. These bowls came from one of the four living creatures, one of the ministers of the true church. That shows that this judgment came in answer to the prayers of God’s ministers and people, and for the defense of their cause, in which the angels gladly serve.

Finally, notice the effect these things had on those near the temple. They were all, as it were, wrapped in clouds of smoke from the glorious, powerful presence of God, so that no one could enter the temple until the work was finished. The interests of antichrist were so tied up with the civil affairs of the nations that his overthrow could not come without shaking the whole world. During that time, God’s people would have little peace or freedom to gather before him. Their sabbaths would be disturbed, public worship would be interrupted, and everything would fall into confusion.

For the moment, God himself was speaking to the church and to the whole world through terrible acts of justice. But when that work was done, the churches would have rest, the temple would be opened, and the solemn assemblies would gather, grow, and be strengthened. The greatest rescues of the church often come through fearful and surprising works of providence.