Chuck Smith: The Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ – Chapter 15

Pastor Chuck Smith teaches Revelation 15, a transitional chapter between the vision of Armageddon and the final plagues. He explains Revelation’s non-linear structure and unpacks the heavenly scene where the redeemed stand on a sea of glass, singing the Song of Moses and the Song of the Lamb—hymns of gratitude for deliverance and redemption. Pastor Chuck highlights the dual nature of God’s work: salvation through Christ and righteous judgment upon sin. He emphasizes that God’s judgments are just, calling believers to reverence and worship. The chapter closes with seven angels emerging from the heavenly temple, holding the bowls of God’s wrath, as the temple fills with smoke signifying God’s glory and power. Pastor Chuck offers profound insight into holiness, redemption, divine judgment, and ultimate deliverance promised to all who believe in Jesus Christ.

The Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ – Chapter 15

Let’s turn now to the Book of Revelation, Chapter 15.

In the latter part of Chapter 14, John saw a vision of the preparation for the Battle of Armageddon. As we move into Chapter 16, he will describe this great battle in full detail—who the participants are, and how it will unfold. You’ve probably heard the phrase “Battle of Armageddon.” Next Sunday night, when we’re in Chapter 16, we’ll take a complete look at this battle and its outcome.

But Chapter 15 serves as an interlude between Chapter 14, where Armageddon is introduced, and Chapter 16, where it is fully developed.

Revelation’s Non-Linear Structure

The Book of Revelation is not written in strict chronological order, which makes it challenging for our Western minds. We usually expect a book to follow a straight timeline, but Hebrew literature often lays out the broad picture first, then circles back to fill in details.

For example, Genesis 1 gives the full account of creation in seven days, while Genesis 2 zooms in on the creation of man. Revelation follows a similar pattern: it lays out scenes broadly, then fills in the details.

This is especially true with the seven seals, the seven trumpets, and the seven bowls of God’s wrath. They appear to run concurrently. If you compare the trumpet judgments with the bowl judgments, you’ll notice a parallel order in what is affected.

Chapter 15 fills in some of these details, particularly concerning the heavenly scene during the Great Tribulation.

The Heavenly Scene

John shifts from earth back to heaven. This time, he does not see the Church, but rather those saved out of the Great Tribulation.

Back in Chapter 6 (the opening of the fifth seal), John saw the souls under the altar crying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, before You avenge our blood?” They were told to rest until their full number was complete. In Chapter 7, that number was fulfilled, and John saw a great multitude standing before the throne in white robes.

Now, in Chapter 15, John again sees these believers—those who overcame by refusing the mark of the beast or worship of his image, many of them martyred for their faith. Their victory was not in defeating the beast, but in remaining faithful, loving not their lives even unto death.

He also sees the 144,000 sealed Jews—12,000 from each tribe—God’s witnesses during the Tribulation. They are preserved, standing with God’s seal, protected from judgment.

Seven Angels with Seven Plagues

John sees another sign in heaven: seven angels with seven last plagues, in which the wrath of God is completed. These plagues will end the Tribulation period when the bowls are poured out.

Before the throne, John sees a sea of glass mixed with fire. Those who gained victory over the beast stand on the sea, holding the harps of God. They sing the Song of Moses and the Song of the Lamb.

The Song of Moses and the Song of the Lamb

• The Song of Moses (Exodus 15, Deuteronomy 32) was sung after Israel’s deliverance at the Red Sea. It celebrates God’s power, redemption, and judgment on His enemies. It also carried warnings to Israel should they forsake God.

• The Song of the Lamb (Revelation 5) is sung by the redeemed Church. It celebrates Christ’s worthiness to take the scroll, His sacrificial death, and His redemption of people from every nation, making them kings and priests to God.

Together, these songs celebrate both deliverance and redemption, testifying to God’s mighty works.

God’s Righteous Judgments

Those in heaven sing:
“Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are Your ways, King of the saints.”

They have witnessed God’s redemption and also His judgments on a rebellious world. The judgments of God are never arbitrary; they are righteous and fair. Though people often accuse God of being unfair, Scripture consistently affirms His justice.

“Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. All nations shall come and worship before You.” (Psalm 22, Philippians 2).

Even in judgment, God calls all nations to repentance and worship.

The Temple in Heaven and the Seven Bowls

John then sees the temple of the tabernacle in heaven opened. The earthly tabernacle Moses built was patterned after this heavenly reality. Out of the temple come seven angels, clothed in pure white linen with golden sashes, carrying seven golden bowls filled with the wrath of God.

One of the living creatures gives them these bowls. The temple is filled with smoke from the glory of God, just as Solomon’s temple was filled at its dedication. No one can enter until the seven plagues are completed.

This marks the final outpouring of God’s wrath before the return of Christ.

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for giving us victory through Jesus Christ, the Lamb who redeems and delivers. Help us to remain faithful, to be salt and light in a dark and decaying world. Strengthen us by Your Spirit, and prepare our hearts for the coming of Your kingdom.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.