What does the "great and marvelous sign" reveal about God's power and authority? Scripture in focus “Then I saw in heaven another great and marvelous sign: seven angels with the seven last plagues—last, because with them God’s wrath is completed.” (Revelation 15:1) What we observe in the sign • Location: in heaven, affirming a divine, not human, origin • Description: “great and marvelous” — overwhelming in scale and beauty • Agents: seven angels, God’s appointed messengers • Content: seven last plagues, perfectly numbered and final • Purpose: “God’s wrath is completed,” signaling the finish of His judicial work What the sign reveals about God’s power • Absolute control over judgment – Psalm 103:19 “ The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.” • Power to command angelic hosts – Hebrews 1:7 “He makes His angels winds, His servants flames of fire.” • Power displayed in plagues reminiscent of Exodus – Exodus 9:16 “I raised you up to show you My power, so that My name may be proclaimed.” • Completeness of action: the number seven shows nothing is left unfinished • Irresistibility: once God initiates judgment, no created power can halt it (Revelation 6:17) What the sign reveals about God’s authority • Supreme judicial authority: only He decides when wrath is “completed” • Holiness demands righteous judgment (Habakkuk 1:13) • Delegated authority to angels reflects His right to command all realms • Cosmic scope: events originate in heaven and reach earth—His jurisdiction is universal • Final word over history: Isaiah 46:10 “I proclaim the end from the beginning… My purpose will stand.” Echoes throughout Scripture • Exodus plagues — God vs. Egypt’s gods (Exodus 12:12) • Revelation 11:15 “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord” • Revelation 16:1 “Go, pour out the seven bowls of God’s wrath on the earth.” • Psalm 2:4, 9 — the enthroned LORD laughs at rebellion and breaks nations with a rod of iron • Revelation 19:6 “Alleluia! For the Lord God Almighty reigns.” Living in light of the sign • Rest in God’s sovereign control; nothing escapes His plan • Marvel at His unmatched power and the glory of His heavenly court • Revere His authority, knowing every promise of judgment or blessing will be fulfilled • Find confidence that evil’s end is certain; God’s wrath will be completed exactly as foretold |
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