Revelation #19: Revelation Chapter 11:15-19 – The Seventh Trumpet and the Third Woe

Revelation #19: Revelation Chapter 11:15-19 – The Seventh Trumpet and the Third Woe

Introduction: Interpreting Revelation

Continuing our study of Revelation, we arrive at the end of chapter 11, focusing on the seventh trumpet. However, before diving into verses 15 to 19, it is important to address a foundational question: How should we interpret the book of Revelation? Why do you believe what you believe about it? Is it merely because you were taught this way, or have you personally delved into the Word and taken the time to study Scripture deeply?

This time spent in Revelation should be an opportunity to review and solidify your own beliefs and understanding. In Europe, there is a prevalent interpretation known as the historical view, which sees Revelation as a reflection of the Church’s trials throughout history—from the time of the Apostle John until the end of the age. This means, in this view, we are living in the time of the Apocalypse.

However, the interpretation we follow here is more literal, taking words at their primary, normal meaning unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. For instance, when John is told to measure the temple of God and its worshippers but not the outer court (Revelation 11:1-2), the historical interpretation sees this as a symbolic depiction of the true Church being oppressed by the world.

The Seventh Trumpet (Revelation 11:15-19)

Now let’s focus on the climax of chapter 11, where a monumental announcement is made in heaven:

Verse 15:
“The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.’”

The sounding of the seventh trumpet signifies the end of the Great Tribulation and the imminent establishment of the Messiah’s reign. This moment encapsulates the overarching message of the book: the triumph of Jesus Christ over the forces of evil and the inauguration of His eternal kingdom. The loud voices in heaven proclaim one of the most profound declarations concerning Christ—that the kingdoms of the world now belong to God and His Messiah.

This trumpet also sets the stage for the seven bowls of wrath, the final judgments to come, described in Revelation 16. These bowls of wrath complete God’s plan to bring judgment on the earth and its inhabitants, ushering in the full manifestation of Christ’s reign.

The Kingdom of Christ Established

One of the most beautiful announcements in Scripture is found here: “The kingdom of the world is now the kingdom of our Lord and His Messiah.” The language of this verse resonates with the prophecies of the Old Testament, where Christ’s dominion over the earth was foretold:

• Psalm 2:7-9 prophesies that God will give the nations to His Son as His inheritance.
• Daniel 2:44 promises that God’s kingdom will be eternal and will crush all other kingdoms.
• Isaiah 9:6-7 speaks of the everlasting reign of the Prince of Peace, expanding His rule with justice and righteousness.

These promises have awaited their full realization, and here, in the seventh trumpet, we witness the culmination of God’s plan.

Currently, the kingdoms of the world are under the control of Satan, who is described as the “god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4) and the “prince of this world” (John 12:31). Satan even offered all the kingdoms of the world to Jesus during the temptation if He would bow down to him (Matthew 4:8-10). Yet, Jesus rejected the shortcut, knowing that God had already promised these kingdoms to Him, but through the path of the cross. Now, with the seventh trumpet, that promise is fulfilled.

Worship in Heaven (Revelation 11:16-18)

Verses 16-18 show the worship of the twenty-four elders before God. They fall on their faces and give thanks to God, declaring that His great power has been exercised, and His kingdom is being established. This worship highlights the awe and gratitude of heaven’s inhabitants as they witness the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan.

The twenty-four elders praise God for several key reasons:

1. His sovereign rule: God’s long-promised reign over the earth is finally being established.
2. The arrival of judgment: The time has come for God to judge the dead and reward His servants—the prophets, the saints, and all who fear His name.
3. The destruction of evil: Those who destroy the earth will themselves be destroyed. This refers not only to environmental degradation but also to the moral and spiritual destruction caused by humanity’s rebellion against God.

The contrast between the anger of the nations and the righteous wrath of God is profound. Human anger is powerless and often unjust, but God’s wrath is holy and omnipotent. The time has come for the final judgment, as described in Revelation 20, where the dead will be judged according to their works, and the wicked will be cast into the lake of fire.

The Vision of the Temple and the Ark (Revelation 11:19)

The chapter concludes with a powerful vision: “Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within His temple was seen the ark of His covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a severe hailstorm.” (Revelation 11:19)

This revelation of the heavenly temple and the ark symbolizes God’s faithfulness to His promises. The ark of the covenant, representing God’s presence and His covenant with Israel, is a reminder that God has not forgotten His people. Just as He was faithful to Israel in the past, He will fulfill His promises to them in the future, including the new covenant promised in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and reaffirmed in Hebrews 8:8-13.

The accompanying signs—lightning, thunder, earthquakes, and hail—serve as symbols of God’s powerful and awe-inspiring presence, as seen throughout Scripture during moments of divine revelation and judgment.

Conclusion: A Call to Faithfulness

The seventh trumpet heralds the final chapter in God’s redemptive plan. It proclaims that the kingdoms of this world are now under the authority of Christ, and His reign will last forever. This announcement calls us to consider where we are investing our time, energy, and resources. Are we building for the kingdom of God, or are we entangled in the kingdoms of this world, which are destined for destruction?

As the missionary once said: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.” This is the essence of following Christ, surrendering temporal things for the sake of eternal rewards.

The historical interpretation of Revelation offers great encouragement for the Church, reminding us that Christ is victorious, and we are called to be faithful witnesses until His return. Let us heed the call to live in light of eternity, trusting in God’s perfect timing and sovereignty.

-sermon series by Pastor Michel Bohrer