If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
Summary of the Seven Vials | ||
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Welcome to the conclusion of this section! Let’s pray: |
Lord, The prophetic series of the seven vials, when studied in light of Your whole inspired Word, revealed a rousing call to repentance. In this lesson, we want to parallel these seven messages, in order to better understand their impact for each one of us. May Your Holy Spirit guide us in our search. In Jesus Christ we pray. Amen. |
If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
Summary of the Seven Vials | ||
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Revelation 15:7,8 | Comments |
And one of the four beasts gave to the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who lives 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. |
In our last few lessons, we studied the seven vials of God’s wrath, and the nature of the seven plagues which will strike the world when these seven vials are poured out. |
If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
Summary of the Seven Vials | ||
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If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
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Revelation 11:18 | Comments |
The nations were angry, and Your wrath is come. | In our lesson «The Book of Revelation», we have seen that this book displays a mirror-like structure, in which the historical part (first section) corresponds with the eschatological part (second section). In this structure, the seven trumpets (chapters 8 to 11), punishing the oppressors of God’s people throughout history, correspond perfectly with the seven vials (chapters 15 and 16), which punish the rebellious nations at the end of the world. |
Revelation 16:1 | |
Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God on the earth. |
If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
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If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
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If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
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Revelation 15:1-3 | Comments |
And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, 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. |
In addition to corresponding with the seven trumpets, the seven vials remind us of the plagues which struck Egypt, in the days of Moses. The coming of these plagues, and the miraculous deliverance of God’s people, show very interesting parallels with the situation of the last days. |
If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
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If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
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Exodus 8:22,23 | Comments |
And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which My people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end you may know that I am the Lord in the middle of the earth. And I will put a division between My people and your people. Tomorrow shall this sign be. |
Here is another interesting parallel: whereas both Egypt and the people of Israel were struck by the first three plagues, the Hebrews were spared the last seven plagues, beginning with the invasion of swarms of flies. |
If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
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If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
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Psalm 91:7,8,10 | Comments |
A thousand shall fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you behold and see the reward of the wicked. (...) There shall no evil befall you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling. |
The people of Israel was protected from the last seven plagues of Egypt. Likewise, spiritual Israel (God’s people) will be protected, through Jesus’ blood, from the seven last plagues here on earth. |
Romans 5:9 | |
Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. |
If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
Summary of the Seven Vials | ||
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2 Thessalonians 2:8-12 | Comments |
And then shall that Wicked be revealed, (...) even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all delusion of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. |
The story of the plagues of Egypt also teaches us that, after calling rebellious men to repentance, God finally gives them over to their delusion, just as He will do at the time of the seven last plagues. |
If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
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If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
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Exodus 6:26 | Comments |
The Lord said, «Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt.» |
Finally, the goal of the ten plagues of Egypt was to free God’s people from the oppression of Egypt, an apostate power. Likewise, the goal of the seven last plagues will be to free the people of God from the oppression of Babylon, the apostate power of the last days. |
Revelation 18:4 | |
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, «Come out of [Babylon], My people.» |
If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
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First letter: Revelation 2:7 | Comments |
To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life. | The seven vials also remind us of the promises contained in the letters to the seven churches. So, whereas the first vial strikes unrepentant men with incurable malignant sores, the first letter promises access to the tree of life, whose leaves are «for the healing of the nations» (Revelation 22:2). |
First vial: Revelation 16:2 | |
And the first [angel] went, and poured out his vial on the earth. And there fell a noisome and grievous sore on the men which had the mark of the beast, and on them which worshipped his image. |
If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
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Second letter: Revelation 2:11 | Comments |
He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death. | The second letter promises to save from the second death he who overcomes in Jesus Christ. On the other hand, the second vial turns the sea into «the blood of a dead man», and kills every living creature in it, thus making an immense contrast with the message of life and hope in the second letter. |
Second vial: Revelation 16:3 | |
And the second angel poured out his vial on the sea. And it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea. |
If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
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Third letter: Revelation 2:17 | Comments |
To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the hidden manna. | While the third letter promises to feed the victors in Jesus with the hidden manna, the third vial gives unrepentant men blood to drink. |
Third vial: Revelation 16:4-6 | |
And the third angel poured out his vial on the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood. And I heard the angel of the waters say, (...) «They have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.» |
If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
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Fourth letter: Revelation 2:26,28 | Comments |
And he that overcomes, and keeps My works to the end, to him will I give power over the nations. (...) And I will give him the morning star. | The fourth letter promises the morning star and power to him who overcomes. The fourth vial makes the sun scorching, through the power of God. |
Fourth vial: Revelation 16:8,9 | |
And the fourth angel poured out his vial on the sun; and power was given to him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which has power over these plagues. |
If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
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Fifth letter: Revelation 3:5 | Comments |
He that overcomes, the same shall be clothed in white raiment. | The fifth letter promises the victorious ones the white raiment of light, which is Jesus’ righteousness. Conversely, the fifth vial plunges unrepentant men, rebelling more and more against God, into deep darkness. |
Fifth vial: Revelation 16:10,11 | |
And the fifth angel poured out his vial on the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain. And they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds. |
If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
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If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
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Seventh letter: Revelation 3:21 | Comments |
To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne. | Finally, the seventh letter promises the victorious ones access to God’s throne. And from this very throne, the voice will proclaim the beginning of God’s eternal kingdom, when the seventh vial is poured out. |
Seventh vial: Revelation 16:17 | |
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!» |
If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
Summary of the Seven Vials | ||
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Genesis 6:5-7 | Comments |
And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the Lord that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart. And the Lord said, «I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth.» |
A global study of the seven vials leads us to other amazing discoveries. Similar to the Flood, these vials are God’s response to men’s wickedness. With these vials, God will reverse the work He did at Creation, in order to rebuild, afterwards, a new and perfect world for His people. |
If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
Summary of the Seven Vials | ||
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If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
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If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
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If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
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Genesis 2:2 | Comments |
And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had made. And He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made. |
At the pouring out of the seventh vial, corresponding with Jesus’ return, God will put an end to the destruction of His creation. In a world where evil is no more, He will make a new Creation, and establish His eternal kingdom. |
Revelation 16:17 | |
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!» |
If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
Summary of the Seven Vials | ||
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Revelation 7:13,14,16,17 | Comments |
What are these which are arrayed in white robes? And from where came they? (...) These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (...) They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the middle of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them to living fountains of waters. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. |
Then, those who overcame in Jesus will enjoy complete deliverance. |
If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
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Revelation 21:6,9 | Comments |
And He said to me, «It is done! I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.» (...) And there came to me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, «Come here, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.» |
One of seven angels with the seven vials now invites us to contemplate a distinctly more rejoicing picture: the union of the Lamb of God and His bride. This wedding will be the subject of the next section of our Bible prophecy study guide. Don’t miss it! |
If I Were Told the Future | Lesson 89 | |
Summary of the Seven Vials | ||
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«The smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God.» (Revelation 8:4) |
Heavenly Father, The study of the seven vials has helped us to discover the wonderful richness of the prophetic book of Revelation. We humbly and sincerely ask You to help us seriously prepare ourselves for the glorious event which will take place at the seventh vial: the return of Your Son Jesus Christ, our Savior and our Lord. In His name we pray. Amen. |
The test of Lesson 89 is waiting for you!
Source of the Pictures of this Lesson |
Header Picture: LIEBANA, Beatus of. «The plague angels ordered to pour out their bowls» from «Commentary on the Apocalypse» (Morgan Beatus) (c.950), The Pierpont Morgan Library, New York. In: «Revelations - Art of the Apocalypse» (GRUBB, Nancy), Abeville Press Publishers, 1997, p.32. Screen 1: Photo in: «Master Clips 500,000» by IMSI, CD #16, MP022.JPG. Screen 2: In: «La Révélation - le grand dénouement est proche», New York, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, 1988, p.218. Screen 3: In: «Revelation Seminars», Seminars Unlimited, 1986, lesson #22 («Les sept fléaux de l’Apocalypse»), p.1. Table of Screen 3: CONVERSE, James. In: «The Triumph of God’s Love, volume 2» (WHITE, Ellen G.), Pacific Press Publishing Association and Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1950, p.557. Screen 4: In: «Revelation Seminars», Seminars Unlimited, 1986, lesson #23 («Les trompettes annoncent la chute de Rome»), p.1. Screen 5: «One-way mirrors cover a Toronto, Canada, building.» In: «Deluxe Compton’s Interactive Encyclopedia CD - 1998 Edition», Compton’s Home Library, 1997. Screen 6: MANISCALCO, Joe. In: «Images from the Bible and Sacred History CD», Chosen Works, MLI Software, JM237.BMP. Table of Screen 6: In: «Revelation 15 & 18:4-24 : God’s People and the Seven Last Plagues», G.C. Ministerial Association, 1976, p.1. Screen 7: In: «La Révélation - le grand dénouement est proche», New York, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, 1988, p.121. Screen 8: In: «The Bible for Children - Retold by Bridget Hadaway & Jean Atcheson», London, Octopus Books Limited, 1973, p.62. Table of Screen 8: MUELLER, Carl. In: «The Living Bible Encyclopedia in Story and Pictures, volume 10», New York, H.S. Stuttman Co.Inc., 1968. Screen 9: MONTERO, José Pérez. In: «The Children’s Bible Story Book» (DE GRAAF, Anne), Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1992, pp.64,65. Screen 10: In: «The Bible Story, volume 2» (MAXWELL, Arthur S.), pp.112,113. Used by permission. Copyright ©1954, 1982 by Review and Herald® Publishing Association, USA. All Rights Reserved. Table of Screen 10: MARGETSON, W.H. In: «The Bible Picture Book» (CHALMERS, Muriel J.), Thomas Nelson and sons Ltd., p.17. Screen 11: In: «Revelation Seminars», Seminars Unlimited, 1986, lesson #22 («Les Sept Fléaux de l’Apocalypse»), p.4. Screen 12: In: «Revelation Seminars», Seminars Unlimited, 1986, lesson #6 («Le Glorieux Enlèvement selon l’Apocalypse»), p.4. Screen 13: MOLAN, Chris. In: «Forever Stories, volume 3» (BYERS, Carolyn), p.7. Used by permission. Copyright ©1989 by Review and Herald® Publishing Association, USA. All Rights Reserved. Table of Screen 13: STEWART, Arvis. In: «Bible Stories for Children», New York, Macmillan Publishing Co.Inc., 1980, p.95. Screen 14: In: «The Bible Story, volume 2» (MAXWELL, Arthur S.), p.122. Used by permission. Copyright ©1954, 1982 by Review and Herald® Publishing Association, USA. All Rights Reserved. Screen 15: Picture from the Web site: http://www.revelationillustrated.com/shop/image22.asp Screen 16: Picture from the Web site: http://www.revelationillustrated.com/shop/image22.asp Screen 17: Picture from the Web site: http://www.revelationillustrated.com/shop/image22.asp Screen 18: Picture from the Web site: http://www.revelationillustrated.com/shop/image22.asp Screen 19: Picture from the Web site: http://www.revelationillustrated.com/shop/image22.asp Screen 20: EASTMAN, Bryant. In: «La Sentinelle» magazine (October 1994), Pacific Press Publishing Association, p.13. Table of Screen 20: ANDERSON, Harry. In: «The Triumph of God’s Love, volume 1» (WHITE, Ellen G.), Pacific Press Publishing Association and Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1950, p.322. Screen 21: In: «The Watchtower» magazine (July 15, 1994), New York, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, p.7. Screen 22: In: «La Tour de Garde» magazine (April 15, 1990), New York, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, p.10. Screen 23: JUSTINEN, Lars. In: «Questionnaire Adulte de l’Ecole du Sabbat», Pacific Press Publishing Association, Third Quarter, 1999, front cover. Table of Screen 23: First picture: Photo by BAKER, John. In: «Signs of the Times» magazine (July 1998), Pacific Press Publishing Association, p.8. Second picture: In: «Master Clips 500,000» by IMSI, CD #20, 20900.JPG. Third picture: Photo by BAKER, John. In: «Signs of the Times» magazine (July 1998), Pacific Press Publishing Association, p.8. Fourth picture: Taken from: Chip’s Storm Chasing Photo Gallery (http://www.eatel.net/~chip/storms.html), photo number 10. Screen 24: In: «The Watchtower» magazine (May 1, 1998), New York, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, p.1. Table of Screen 24: First picture: In: «ClickArt 65,000» by Broderbund, CD #4, NATPL041.JPG. Second picture: In: «Revelation 15 & 18:4-24 : God’s People and the Seven Last Plagues», G.C. Ministerial Association, 1976, p.1. Third picture: In: «ClickArt 65,000» par Broderbund, CD #4, NATOT328.JPG. Fourth picture: In: «La Révélation - le grand dénouement est proche», New York, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, 1988, p.222. Screen 25: In: «Questionnaire Adulte de l’Ecole du Sabbat», Pacific Press Publishing Association, Second Quarter, 1999, front cover. Table of Screen 25: First picture: In: «Photo Gallery 5,000 volume 2» by Media Graphics International, 035_211.JPG. Second picture: In: «La Révélation - le grand dénouement est proche», New York, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, 1988, p.135. Third picture: Michelangelo, «The Creation of Adam». In: «Microsoft Encarta 98 Deluxe». Fourth picture: In: «Vous pouvez vivre éternellement sur une terre qui deviendra un paradis», New York, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, 1982, p.178. Screen 26: In: «Revelation Seminars», Seminars Unlimited, 1986, lesson #6 («Le Glorieux Enlèvement Selon l’Apocalypse»), p.1. Screen 27: GREENE, Nathan. «The Lion and the Lamb». In: «Inspirational Fine Art», Hart Classic Editions (www.hartclassics.com), p.4. Screen 28: Photo in: «Master Clips 500,000» by IMSI, CD #19, 111547.JPG. Screen 29: Photo in: «Master Clips 500,000» by IMSI, CD #16, HI078.JPG. |
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