‏ Revelation of John 15

* A song of praise is sung by the church. (1-4) Seven angels

with the seven plagues; and to them one of the living creatures

gives seven golden vials full of the wrath of God. (5-8)

1-4 Seven angels appeared in heaven; prepared to finish the

destruction of antichrist. As the measure of Babylon's sins was

filled up, it finds the full measure of Divine wrath. While

believers stand in this world, in times of trouble, as upon a

sea of glass mingled with fire, they may look forward to their

final deliverance, while new mercies call forth new hymns of

praise. The more we know of God's wonderful works, the more we

shall praise his greatness as the Lord God Almighty, the Creator

and Ruler of all worlds; but his title of Emmanuel, the King of

saints, will make him dear to us. Who that considers the power

of God's wrath, the value of his favour, or the glory of his

holiness, would refuse to fear and honour him alone? His praise

is above heaven and earth. 5-8 In the judgments God executes upon antichrist and his

followers, he fulfils the prophecies and promises of his word.

These angels are prepared for their work, clothed with pure and

white linen, their breasts girded with golden girdles,

representing the holiness, and righteousness, and excellence of

these dealings with men. They are ministers of Divine justice,

and do every thing in a pure and holy manner. They were armed

with the wrath of God against his enemies. Even the meanest

creature, when armed with the anger of God, will be too hard for

any man in the world. The angels received the vials from one of

the four living creatures, one of the ministers of the true

church, as in answer to the prayers of the ministers and people

of God. Antichrist could not be destroyed without a great shock

to all the world, and even the people of God would be in trouble

and confusion while the great work was doing. The greatest

deliverances of the church are brought about by awful and

astonishing steps of Providence; and the happy state of the true

church will not begin till obstinate enemies shall be destroyed,

and lukewarm or formal Christians are purified. Then, whatever

is against Scripture being purged away, the whole church shall

be spiritual, and the whole being brought to purity, unity, and

spirituality, shall be firmly established.