Week 23: The Seventh Trumpet (Revelation 11:13-19)

Last week: The two witnesses (called two lampstands and two olive trees) They testify, are killed, resurrected, called to heaven Rapture of the church/ Second coming of Christ

vs. 13-14 Earthquake This corresponds with what we saw in the opening of the sixth seal (6:12-17). There, the earthquake immediately precedes the final judgment also Will be portrayed at the seventh bowl as well, it says there will be an earthquake greater than anything ever known That earthquake symbolizes the removal of all things:

Hebrews 12:26-28 (NLT) 26 When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: “Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also.” 27 This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain. 28 Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.

vs. 15-17 The Announcement! Revelation 10:7 said, “But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.” The kingdom of this world has become the kingdom of our Lord and his Christ! “The One who is and who was”

vs. 15-17 The Announcement! Kingdom in Scripture refers to the exercise of rule or dominion This is the announcement that dominion over this world has now become the possession of our God and his Christ Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

God’s Wrath Has Also Come! vs. 18 God’s Wrath Has Also Come! The final judgment is not described but introduced We will see this clearly in the events of the final chapters (19-22)… the last battle, the last judgment, the destruction of the destroyers (the beast, false prophet, and the dragon) and the reward of God’s servants

Quick Vision to Conclude vs. 19 Quick Vision to Conclude John sees God’s temple in heaven opened = there is access Ark of His covenant = represents His presence AND covenant promises Lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, earthquake, and hailstorm = signifies judgment & destruction upon the world We have concluded the first half

The Second Half Begins… The second half shows us the exact same time period as the first (from the first to second comings of Jesus) The first half gave us the perspective of the seven seals and seven trumpets; the second will reveal the seven bowls

The Second Half Begins… The first half pictured the outward conflict between the Church and the world while the second half takes us deeper into the Church’s real enemies 14 more weeks…