The Seven Angels

"After this I looked and in heaven the temple, that is, the tabernacle of the Testimony, was opened. Out of the temple came the seven angels with the seven plagues. They were dressed in clean, shining linen and wore golden sashes around their chests. Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls filled with 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 one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed." (Revelation 15:5-8 - New International Version)

The tabernacle that Moses built and the temple built by Solomon were both patterned after the true temple in heaven. John sees seven angels coming out of the temple. They have just left a personal and private audience with God. These angels are dressed in white with golden sashes. Some think they are dresses as priests; others that they are dressed as ancient generals.

One of the four beasts, who are constantly in God's presence, hands each of the angels a bowl. These bowls are filled with God's anger.

The temple fills with the glory of God in the form of a thick cloud of smoke. The fate of the earth has been sealed. God's judgment is about to fall. No man is allowed into God's presence during this time.

This chapter should remind us that God always acts in holiness and justice. When he pours out his wrath it is the right thing to do. It also shows how serious heaven takes these events. These plagues are not sent to the earth arbitrarily or hastily. Only after an audience with God himself in the heavenly temple do these angels take the bowls and go to the earth.

We should neither question God's character because of his anger, nor underestimate the horror of it. Sometimes what is right and true is not pleasant.