Chuck Smith: The Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ - Chapter 8

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Pastor Chuck Smith teaches on Revelation Chapter 8, where the opening of the seventh seal ushers in cataclysmic judgments through the sounding of the seven trumpets. He explains the rich symbolism drawn from the Old Testament tabernacle, showing how the prayers of the saints rise to God like fragrant incense. Pastor Chuck concludes by stressing the seriousness of the coming judgments and the urgent need for readiness and salvation before the return of the Lord.

The Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ - Chapter 8

Let’s turn now to Revelation Chapter 8 as we continue our journey through the Bible, moving into the final book.

In Chapter 6 we saw the opening of the first six seals of the scroll. Chapter 7 was parenthetical, giving us additional details about the events within the first six seals. Now, in Chapters 8 and 9, we move into the seven trumpet judgments.

The Book of Revelation often follows this pattern: six events unfold, then a pause for explanation or amplification, followed by the seventh event, which in turn opens into the next series of judgments.

The Seventh Seal

“When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.” (Revelation 8:1)

Silence can be very powerful—especially in a place filled with multitudes. Imagine hundreds of millions in heaven falling silent for half an hour. This is the quiet before the storm, the calm before cataclysmic judgment.

The Seven Angels and the Golden Censer

John then saw seven angels standing before God, each given a trumpet. Another angel came with a golden censer and much incense, to be offered with the prayers of the saints on the golden altar before the throne.

This imagery draws from the Old Testament tabernacle, which was patterned after the heavenly reality. The high priest, entering the Holy of Holies, would carry a golden censer with burning coals and incense, filling the room with fragrant smoke that symbolized the prayers of God’s people.

So here, in heaven, the incense and prayers rise before God. Then the angel fills the censer with fire from the altar and casts it to the earth. Immediately, there are voices, thunderings, lightning, and an earthquake. The silence is broken—judgment is about to fall.

The First Four Trumpets

1. First Trumpet: Hail and fire, mingled with blood, are thrown upon the earth. A third of the trees are burned up, and all green grass is destroyed. Imagine the fires, smoke, and ecological devastation.

2. Second Trumpet: Something like a great mountain burning with fire is cast into the sea. A third of the sea becomes blood, a third of sea creatures die, and a third of ships are destroyed.

3. Third Trumpet: A great star, burning like a lamp, falls from heaven upon the rivers and fresh waters. Its name is Wormwood, and a third of the waters become bitter, causing many to die.

4. Fourth Trumpet: A third of the sun, moon, and stars are struck so that a third of the day and night are darkened. Whether by smoke, ash, or cosmic disturbance, light itself is diminished.

A Warning of Three Woes

John then saw an angel flying through heaven, crying with a loud voice:

“Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!”

The worst is yet to come.

Reflections and Application

These judgments are devastating—touching earth, sea, rivers, skies, and humanity itself. And yet, as Jesus said in John 5:22, “The Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son.” The same Jesus who died to redeem us will one day execute judgment upon a rebellious world.

But take comfort—Scripture promises that the Church is not appointed to wrath. Jesus said, “Pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36).

The call is clear: be ready. When the trumpet sounds for the Church, it will happen in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. There will be no time then to prepare. The time is now.

Closing Prayer

Father, we thank You for Your Word and the warnings You have given. We see how patient You have been, and we know judgment is coming. May we be ready when Jesus calls His Church home, prepared to stand before You in glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven…