22 January 2008

Text: Revelation 15

(I) THE TEMPLE OF THE TABERNACLE OF THE TESTIMONY

Two references:-

1. The Tabernacle of the testimony

This is an obvious reference to the tabernacle that God commanded Moses to erect

a) What is “the testimony?” (Cf. Exodus 25:16, 21)

b) What is the significance of “the tabernacle?” (Cf. Exodus 25:8)

2. The Temple

a) What is the significance of “the temple?”

i) Glory filled the temple (Cf. 2 Chronicles 7:15)

ii) Departure of the glory from the Temple (Ezekiel 10)

b) The rebuilding of the Temple

i) In the days of Ezra (Cf. Ezra, Zechariah, Haggai)

ii) In the days of Herod (John 2:19-20; Luke 21:5)

(II) THE SEVEN ANGELS FROM THE HEAVENLY TEMPLE

1. Clothing of the angels

a) Pure bright linen (Revelation 15:6)

b) Chests girded with golden bands (Revelation 15:6)

c) Symbolic significance: “For glory and beauty” (Cf. Exodus 28:40)

2. The four living creatures (Revelation 15:7; Cf. Revelation 4:4-9)

a) Their proximity to God

b) Their position in the angelic hierarchy

3. Handing out the Seven Golden Bowls

a) Seven golden Bowls = Seven last plagues (Cf. Revelation 15:1)

b) Symbol of the Bowls = Shallow receptacles (Swift outpouring)

(III) THE GLORY OF GOD

“The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one was able to enter into the temple till the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.” Revelation 15:8

1. Glory of God at Sinai (Exodus 19:16-18; 20:18, 21)

2. Glory of God at consecration of the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-38)

3. Glory of God at the consecration of the Temple (2 Chronicles 7:1-3)

4. Significance of the glory of God

a) His Person

b) His Power

c) His Presence