Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction:

a

The blowing of the seventh trumpet is of utmost significance, and it is of special relevance in the understanding of the remainder of this book.

In the program of God, it brings us chronologically to the breathtaking entrance of eternity where the mystery of God is finally unraveled.

It brings us in God’s program as far as chapter 21 where eternity begins.

The broad outline of events which are significant to God is given to us here by the Holy Spirit.

This section is a summary, a syllabus, or a capsule synopsis of events up to the door of eternity.

[J.

Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary, electronic ed., vol. 5 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997), 984.]

Main Thought: The Seventh Trumpet signals the sovereignty of our Lord, enraptures us in the elders' worship of the Almighty, and encourages us with the presence of our prayer-answering God!

Crown Him with Many Crowns!

Rejoice, the Lord is King!

O Worship the King!

Now Thank We All Our God! "...And He shall reign for ever and ever!"

Sub-intro:

a

The apocalyptic revelation continued to keep the reader in suspense as to the ultimate finale.

With the conclusion of the Seven Seal Judgments there was silence in heaven for about half an hour followed by the Seven Trumpet Judgments (.).

Now, with the seventh and last Trumpet Judgment, the Revelator unveiled general statements of victory and judgment, several more interlude passages (Chapters 12, 13, 14, 17, and 18), and finally the Seven Vial Judgments (Chapters 15, 16, and 19).

The culmination of divine wrath on wickedness is hinted at but not realized immediately.

John must unfold more details to give a complete vista of the perfect judgment of the Lord Jesus Christ on His sinful creation.

[Thomas M. Strouse, To the Seven Churches: A Commentary on the Apocalypse of Jesus Christ, Selected Works of Dr. Thomas M. Strouse (Bible Baptist Theological Press, 40 Country Squire Rd., Cromwell, CT 06461, 2013), 452.]

[Thomas M. Strouse, To the Seven Churches: A Commentary on the Apocalypse of Jesus Christ, Selected Works of Dr. Thomas M. Strouse (Bible Baptist Theological Press, 40 Country Squire Rd., Cromwell, CT 06461, 2013), 452.]

Body:

I.

The Beginning of the End ().

A. The Seventh Angel Announcing (v.

15a).

When we read these passages, “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever,” and again, “Then cometh the end, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to the Father, and God shall be all and in all,” we are transported in thought to the utmost verge of future history.

The end stands in contrast to the beginning.

Sin began in man putting God off the throne of his heart and will; redemption ends in “God being all and in all.”

[W.

Robertson Nicoll, ed., The Sermon Outline Bible: 1 Peter–Revelation, vol. 12 (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1958), 319.]

Some have endeavored to link this seventh trumpet with the last trump noted in .

They therefore arrive at the conclusion of a mid-trib Rapture.

Several comments bear making.

There is absolutely no contextual connection between that which Paul wrote there and here.

Trumpets were a common form of signaling of the first century.

The last trump of , in all likelihood, is simply the final signal of the church age.

It is the signal of the termination of the age.

There is no connection contextually or otherwise with the seven trumpets judgments of Revelation.

Moreover, as will be apparent, the sounding of the seventh trumpet is near the end of the Tribulation.

Though seven vial judgments await, their execution will be rapid.

It is apparent there is but a short time until Armageddon.

Thus, the purported Rapture at this time is at some otherwise nondescript point in the latter stages of the Tribulation.

It really makes no sense.

[David H. Sorenson, Understanding the Bible, An Independent Baptist Commentary - Hebrews through Revelation, vol.

11, Understanding the Bible, An Independent Baptist Commentary (Northstar Ministries, 2007), 451–452.]

B. The Mighty Voices Affirming (v.

15:b.)

In contrast with previous trumpets where a single voice was heard, here a mighty chorus from heaven joined in the proclamation.

[John F. Walvoord, “Revelation,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed.

J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 957.]

1.

The Realm of the Sovereign God.

Although the CT changed the article and noun from feminine plural to feminine singular..., this change runs counter to Daniel’s full statement: “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever” ().

[Strouse, 453.]

Although the CT changed the article and noun from feminine plural to feminine singular (h` basilei,a tou/ ko,smou), this change runs counter to Daniel’s full statement: “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever” ().

[Strouse, 453.]

Thomas M. Strouse, 453.]

2. The Rule of the Sovereign God.

See also:

Is.

Zech.

14:9

C. The Twenty Four Elders Adoring ().

1.

Their Humbled Position ().

2. Their Honoring Praise ().

a.

The Thanks in Their Praises (v.

17).

The Song of the Messiah ().

This is the fourth great song in the Book.

1st, was the Song of Creation ().

2nd, was the Song of Redemption ().

3rd, was the Song of Victory ().

4th, was the Song of Messiah ().

[Dr.

James Smith and Robert Lee, Handfuls on Purpose: For Christian Workers and Bible Students, n.d., .]

1) For Who God Is: (v.

17a).

a) Lord

b) God

c) Almighty

Also used in ; ; ; , ; , ;

d) Eternal

e) Expected

Note the sad scribal error that has impacted the CT.

2) For What God Has Done (v.

17b).

a) Taken His Power

b) Seized His Throne

They gave thanks for three special blessings: that Christ reigns supremely (), that He judges righteously (), and that He rewards graciously ().

In , the elders praised the Creator; and in , they worshiped the Redeemer.

Here the emphasis is on the Conqueror and the King....Christ not only reigns supremely, but He judges righteously ().

The Lamb is also the Lion!

In , the elders praised the Creator; and in , they worshiped the Redeemer.

Here the emphasis is on the Conqueror and the King.

Keep in mind that in John’s day the church on earth looked as though it were defeated, for Rome was the conqueror and king.

John was reminding the saints that they were “a kingdom of priests” reigning with the Saviour ().

It may seem at times that the throne of heaven is empty, but it is not.

Jesus Christ has both power and authority—in fact, all authority (, where the word power means “authority”).

“Thou … hast begun to reign” is a good translation.