Revelation 16:17-21 - "It is Done!

“Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "It is done!" This is the final bowl judgment of God’s great wrath that is poured out at the very end of the Seven-year Tribulation. When the seventh bowl is emptied out, the throne and the temple of heaven unite in saying, "It is done!" The mystery of God is finished! The souls under the altar must no longer ask, "How long?" This announcement reminds us of Christ's words on the cross, "It is finished!" When the new heavens and earth are ushered in, God will again say, "It is done!" (Rev. 21:6) Notice this bowl is poured into the air. The devil is "the prince of the power of the air," so perhaps this seventh bowl has a special effect on his dominion (Eph. 2:2). But the immediate result is a devastating earthquake that affects the cities of the nations. Satan's entire system is now about to be judged by God: his religious system (the harlot, Rev. 17), his political and economic system (Babylon, Rev. 18), and his military system (the armies, Rev. 19). The "great city" (Rev. 16:19) is no doubt Jerusalem (see Rev. 11:8). The Prophet Zechariah prophesied an earthquake that would change the topography of Jerusalem (Zech. 14:4). But the key idea here is that Babylon would fall (see Jer. 50-51). "The beast's" great economic system, which dominated the people of the world, would be completely destroyed by God. Added to the earthquake will be a hailstorm with hailstones of tremendous weight. (A talent of silver weighs about 125 pounds!) This judgment is like the seventh plague in Egypt (Ex. 9:22-26). Just as Pharaoh and the Egyptian leaders did not repent, so the earth-dwellers will not repent; in fact, they will blaspheme God! No wonder the hail comes, for blasphemers are supposed to be stoned to death (Lev. 24:16). Reviewing these three chapters, we see the encouragement they give to suffering Christians through the ages of church history. The sealed 144,000 will arrive on Mount Zion and praise God (Rev. 14:1-5). The martyrs will also be in glory, praising God (Rev. 15:1-4). John's message is clear: it is possible to be victorious over "the beast" and be an overcomer! Movements of armies, confederations of nations, and worldwide opposition to God cannot hinder the Lord from fulfilling His Word and achieving His purposes. Men think they are free to do as they please, but in reality, they are accomplishing the plans and purposes of God! Every generation of Christians has been able to identify with the events in Revelation 14-16. There has always been a "beast" to oppress God's people and a false prophet to try to lead them astray. We have always been on the verge of an "Armageddon" as the nations wage war. But in the last days, these events will accelerate and intensify, and the Bible's prophecies will be ultimately fulfilled. I believe the church will not be on the scene at that time, but both Jewish and Gentile believers will be living who will have to endure Antichrist's rule. Tomorrow I will share how these last bowls of God’s judgments, especially the great heat and the great earthquake, will literally prepare the earth for the Millennial reign of Jesus Christ! The Tribulation will end with a loud voice from heaven saying, “It is done!” Today my friend, we are about to hear the voice from heaven saying, “Come up here!” Jesus Christ may return at any time, and it behooves us to keep our lives clean, to watch, and to be faithful. God bless!