How can we prepare for God's final judgment as depicted in Revelation 15:8? Facing the Scene in Revelation 15:8 “ ‘And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.’ ” • The smoke shows God’s unveiled glory and holiness—so intense that created beings cannot draw near while His righteous wrath is poured out. • The closed temple door underscores that a moment will come when mercy’s open invitation is paused while judgment runs its full course. Why God’s Glory Fills the Heavenly Temple • In the Old Testament, clouds and smoke often marked God’s presence (Exodus 19:18; 1 Kings 8:10–11). Revelation 15:8 completes that pattern, proving once again that every prophecy and symbol in Scripture aligns perfectly. • The scene assures us that judgment is not random but flows from God’s holy character—pure, just, and unstoppable (Nahum 1:3). What the Closed Door Teaches Us Today • Opportunity to approach God is limited to the span of this present age (Isaiah 55:6). • Once the final plagues begin, access is suspended; therefore, preparation must happen now (2 Corinthians 6:2). Steps for Readiness – Receive the finished work of Jesus • “If you confess with your mouth ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) – Walk in daily repentance and cleansing • “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) – Pursue holiness • “But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” (1 Peter 1:15–16) – Maintain confident perseverance • “You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36) – Worship with reverent awe • “Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” (Hebrews 12:28) – Serve and witness while doors are still open • “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19) Living in the Light of the Coming Plagues • Keep alert: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42) • Hold loosely to the present world: “Since all these things will be destroyed, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives.” (2 Peter 3:11) • Anchor hope in God’s promise: “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’… Whoever is thirsty, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17) Prepare now, live holy, and cling to Christ; when the smoke fills the heavenly temple, you will already be safely in His grace. |
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