In Revelation 16, we see the introduction of the Vial Judgments. These judgments are very similar to the trumpet judgments found in Revelation 8, but the Vial Judgments are more severe. They seem occur in quick succession and are directed specifically at the Beast and his political/religious systems. These will prepare the way for the Battle of Armageddon and the beginning of the Millennial Kingdom of Christ on earth.
1. Vial 1 - Physical sores
V2 “And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.”
2. Vial 2 - The oceans to blood
V3 “And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.”
3. Vial 3 - Fresh water to blood
V4 “And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.”
4. Vial 4 - The sun scorches mankind (Mal. 4)
V8 “And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.”
5. Vial 5 - Darkness
V10 “And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,”
6. Vial 6 - Drought
V12 “And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.”
7. Vial 7 - (Super) Natural Disasters
V17-18 “And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done. And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.”
LESSON - These judgments have many similarities to the plagues God brought upon Egypt in the days of the Exodus. Notice the response of the people will be similar to that of Pharaoh. V9, 11, 21 “And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. And (they) blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds. And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.” We must be faithful to witness and warn people of God’s coming judgment. Not only are we providing the repentant opportunity, we are also making the unrepentant accountable for their rejection of the Messiah, His messengers, & our message of grace and mercy. Not everyone will receive our message, but everyone should have the right to hear it!
~Mike
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