Revelation 15

[nikolai_42]

Ever read this chapter closely? I guess I hadn't until recently. It is quite interesting. I think it often gets passed over as being the one that has reference to "The Song of Moses (and) the Song of the Lamb". There's a debate as to whether or not that's one song or two. I have no clue. Could be. But if you read on, it gets interesting from a prophetic standpoint. Here's the entire chapter (it's short):

And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.
And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.
And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints."
Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:
And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.
And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.
And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.
Revelation 15

I've underlined some of what I believe to be significant parts of this prophetic vision. I don't believe that there is anything in the Revelation of John that is insignificant or without import. That is, this is a heavenly vision that portends things that affect us here on earth. As such, everything done is with some purpose and intent in mind. God is carrying out a detailed plan and nothing is left to chance. Since all these things must be symbolic (whether or not there are beasts in heaven, we see on earth - not beasts, but kingdoms, for example - we don't see things the same way they are seen in heaven), every symbol must be complete, consistent and meaningful.

So, having underlined several important things, I leave those for now and focus only on those highlighted in red. It is these things which are the source of my questions:

1. What is the "temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven"? How is it reflected here on earth? What is the significance of the fact that the temple WAS closed? And what of the fact that the angels came out of it (when opened)?

2. What does it mean that no man was able to enter into the temple (in heaven)? Obviously the smoke reflects the after affects of burning - a presentation of God's judgment as shown in the vials.

3. What is the importance and significance of one of the four beasts giving the vials to the angel? I don't think this is unimportant. After all, God could have given them to the angels, or the angels could have given them to the beast(s) to carry out.

Thoughts?

[Ted]

Nikolai,

In short, this is typology. We are seeing the heavenly Day of Atonement. Think Leviticus 16:17. When the veil is open, God's glory fills the entire tabernacle so no one can enter but the high priest. Jesus is our high priest...

See http://www.bibleonly.org/press/Conclusion/Chapter%2012.pdf for a complete discussion.

Ted

[nikolai_42]

Nikolai,

In short, this is typology. We are seeing the heavenly Day of Atonement. Think Leviticus 16:17. When the veil is open, God's glory fills the entire tabernacle so no one can enter but the high priest. Jesus is our high priest...

See http://www.bibleonly.org/press/Conclusion/Chapter%2012.pdf for a complete discussion.

Ted

Thanks. I do agree that it is typology. And I think you are definitely on to something. Hebrews 9 certainly speaks of earthly things being shadows of the true heavenly things. But in that sense, I guess I have a little difficulty believing that this is just a re-enactment of the atonement. It may well be, but I'm skeptical. For one thing, men CAN enter the temple after the smoke clears. But we are told that Christ's atonement was once, for all. Also, the fact that Christ Himself doesn't appear to be referenced makes me question that interpretation. I guess I see the smoke being more linked with judgment than anything. I know atonement and judgment are very closely linked, but I am more inclined to believe this has to do with judgment beginning at the house of God.

Granted, these are just my thoughts. I did find the pdf interesting (what I was able to glean on the first scan, that is). I hope to go back to it in some more detail.

By the way...I like your signature.

[Ted]

It's not a re-enactment. Rather, the earthly sanctuary was the shadow, pointing forward to the greater reality.

In this case, remember that it's a symbolic vision. The Day of atonement is in the seventh seal (large amount of incense, 30 minutes of silence), the seventh trumpet (tabernacle opened and ark seen) , and the intor to the bowls, as noted here. All the bowls take place during the heavenly day of atonement.

The issue is the way the apocalypse is structured. The seals thematically present the call of grace (the four horsement are war, famine pestilence, and death, God's arrows to bring back the apostate - Deut 32). The trumpets are the warning of judgment (see the symbolism of yom teruah, the day of blowing). And the bowls present judgment.

Grace leads to the atonement for those who apply (symbolically the 144,000). Judgment follows failure (see the earthquake, hail, sounds, etc. in the seventh seal, trumpet, and bowl).

I discuss this at length in my Primer on Revelation, forthcoming from Wipf & Stock, also on my site.

I hope this helps.

Ted