Revelation 15

Revelation 15 – From Wrath to Worship: Jesus Paid It All

Revelation 15 isn’t a preview of disaster, it’s a heavenly unveiling of what Jesus already finished at the cross. The “wrath of God” in this chapter isn’t a future punishment to fear, but the full judgment Jesus took on Himself when He gave His life for us. What looks like fire, plagues, and judgment is really the glory of redemption being revealed.

This vision takes us into the temple of heaven, not to scare us, but to remind us: the way is now open. The veil is torn. The smoke that fills the temple is the fragrance of Jesus sacrifice, accepted forever. The Church, the Bride is seen victorious, pure, and on fire with the Holy Spirit. This chapter is a love song in the fire, where Jesus' finished work prepares His people to shine.

Chapter 15 — Jesus and Bride

Revelation 15 presents a vision of the victorious saints standing on the sea of glass mingled with fire, singing the song of Moses and the Lamb, as seven angels prepare to pour out the last plagues. The finished work of Jesus is the foundation for victory, His sacrifice has brought His people through judgment to stand secure before God’s throne. The Bride’s identity is seen in the redeemed who worship with the song of deliverance, celebrating both Old and New Covenant fulfillment. False religion is defeated; its power broken by the cross, while God’s people rejoice in the justice and mercy revealed in Jesus.

Revelation 15:1

1. God Spirit -Marvellous Judgement!

1 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

great and marvellous, seven angels

seven angels = fullness of the Spirit → Spirit of God = Spirit of Jesus = Holy Spirit 

The seven angels are not seven separate beings.
In Revelation, the number 7 = fullness, perfection, completion.
The “seven angels” represent the fullness of God’s Spirit moving in judgment and redemption.

This vision reveals God’s complete and final judgment against sin, but not against His people. These plagues represent the fullness of wrath that Christ bore on behalf of mankind (Isa. 53:4–6; Rev. 5:9). The sign is “marvellous” because it reveals not doom, but divine justice completed through the Lamb.

The Seven Bowls (Plagues) in Revelation 15 and 16

These are the final outpourings of wrath, consequences of rejecting truth.

Bowl - Description - Chapter & Verse

1-Sores on those with the mark- Rev 16:2

2-Sea becomes blood – all life dies- Rev 16:3

3-Rivers become blood- Rev 16:4–7

4-Sun scorches men with fire- Rev 16:8–9

5-Darkness on Beast’s kingdom- Rev 16:10–11

6-Euphrates dries – Kings gather for war- Rev 16:12–16

7-Earthquake & Hail – “It is done”- Rev 16:17–21

great and marvellous

Indicate the plagues is not bad for man because Jesus took it upon Himself!

in them is filled up

The vision of the seven last plagues is not terror for the Bride but glory, because it reveals the finished work of Jesus. They are “great and marvellous” Why? Because the wrath of God, which should have fallen on mankind, has been fully absorbed into Jesus. “Seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.” The phrase “in them” is key. The wrath of God is not scattered blindly across the world, it has been placed into the plagues, which are carried by Jesus through His atonement. He bore the stripes, the wounds, the curse, the blood, all the plagues of sin’s consequence, so that by His grace, the Bride would never drink wrath but only salvation. These plagues, when seen through the Cross, are not curses on the saints but proof that judgment has already been satisfied. They stand as witness: sin judged, law fulfilled, wrath poured, grace revealed.

Isaiah 53:4–5  “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows… the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
Galatians 3:13  “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us…”

“Great and marvellous” = not fear, but finished work.
Wrath was placed into the plagues and carried by Jesus.
For the Bride, the plagues are proof of grace, not punishment.

Revelation 15:2

2. Spirit Filled Church Pure in Worship!

2 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.

The sea of glass with fire represents God’s people, filled with the Holy Spirit and reflecting His image, restored to what was intended in Genesis 1. This isn’t a scene of destruction but of power, purity, and purpose. The modern Church must focus not on fear-based end-time speculation, but on becoming the Spirit-filled, glorious bride Jesus returns for (Eph. 5:27; 2 Cor. 3:18).

“.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”

The saints, the Church, overcome the world system through faith, just as Jesus did (1 John 5:4–5).They do not conform to the image or thinking of the beast (Rom. 12:2). They keep their identity in Jesus, not marked by the world’s values.

“stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.”

This is a picture of a pure, Spirit-filled Body of Christ, standing firm and worshiping in victory.

“Sea of glass” 

Symbolizes purity, transparency, and divine clarity. This echoes God’s holiness and the state of a redeemed people, made clean and unshakable in His presence (Ephesians 5:26-27, Revelation 4:6).

“Mingled with fire” 

Represents the Spirit of God (Acts 2:3), judgment, and purifying power. This fire is not destruction, but transformation, the church operating in power, refined and ignited by the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:16, Hebrews 12:29).

Revelation 15:2 — “A sea of glass mingled with fire…”

The vision shows the saints standing in purity and power. The sea of glass reflects their cleansing through the blood of Jesus, crystal-clear and without spot. The fire mingled in it reveals the Spirit’s power burning within them. This is the picture of a people both purified and empowered, shining with His glory. They have victory over the beast, his image, his mark, and the number of his name,because they carry a different image, the very mind and likeness of Jesus. What was lost in Eden through Adam’s fall is now restored in Jesus. They no longer bear the imprint of the natural man (666), but the image of the Son of God. And they hold the harps of God, a symbol of peace, worship, and harmony. This is not the striving of man, but the rest of God, as in Genesis 2:2–3, where He finished His work and rested. Now, seated with Jesus on His throne (Ephesians 2:6), the saints share in His rest, His music, His peace.

Pure by His blood.
Full of His power.
Resting with His harp.
Seated with Him in glory.

“Them that had gotten the victory” 

These are the overcomers, those who:

Rejected the beast (world systems and religious deception),

Rejected the image (false identity),

Rejected the mark (a mindset/identity of man-based religion or worldly allegiance),

Rejected the number (man's incomplete system – 666, falling short of God’s perfection, which is 7).

“Stand on the sea of glass” 

The redeemed Church now stands in spiritual authority and rest, victorious and established in Jesus.

“Having the harps of God” 

A symbol of worship, rejoicing, and harmony with Heaven’s purpose (Psalm 33:2-3). This is not passive worship, it’s active prophetic sound, victory and proclamation in the Spirit. Jesus is revealed here as coming to a purified, Spirit-filled Church, one that has been cleansed (glass), empowered (fire), and has overcome the false systems of this world. They stand in heavenly victory, aligned in worship and purpose, carrying His fire and image as originally intended in Eden (Genesis 1:26-28).

Revelation 15:3

3.Moses Song -Lamb Song!

3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb

The Song of Moses (Exodus 15:1–18) was sung after Israel’s deliverance from Egypt through the Red Sea. It celebrated God’s victory over Pharaoh, judgment on the enemy, and the salvation of His people. The Song of the Lamb is the new song of redemption through Jesus blood. It celebrates the final exodus, not from Egypt, but from sin and death. Together they show, the Law has been fulfilled, and the Spirit has completed it through the atonement of Jesus.

Moses’ song = shadow of deliverance.
The Lamb’s song = substance of deliverance.

Romans 8:3–4  “…God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us…”  So when Revelation says the saints sing both songs, it means, The Law (Moses) and the Gospel (Lamb) meet at the Cross. The shadow and the substance join in one voice of victory. This dual song represents both the fulfillment of the law (Moses) and the grace of the Lamb (Jesus). It declares: God’s justice in judgment (law fulfilled), and God’s mercy in salvation (grace accomplished). “Great and marvellous are Thy works” points directly to the finished work of Jesus. “...Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.” Jesus is acknowledged as King of the redeemed, and the saints declare His finished work as perfect and true (Rev. 19:11; Heb. 10:10).

Revelation 15:4

4. Judgement bring Righteousness - lead to Worship!

4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

Every living soul, whether believer or not, is ultimately subject to Jesus reign (Phil. 2:10). Even unbelievers cannot escape the spiritual authority of Jesus. 

“For thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee” 

God’s holiness is otherworldly and transforming. His grace flows to all nations, fulfilling the promise that His Kingdom has come and will be recognized by all (Isa. 66:23; Rev. 11:15). 

“For thy judgments are made manifest.” 

God’s righteous judgments reveal sin and lead to repentance (Rom. 2:4). This is not condemnation for the believer, but a call to grace. "made manifest" mean open to see, this is not about a hidden, future wrath waiting to be unleashed, it’s about the judgment already manifested in Jesus at the Cross.

At Calvary, sin was condemned (Romans 8:3).
At Calvary, the ruler of this world was judged (John 12:31).
At Calvary, the law’s demands were nailed to the tree (Colossians 2:14–15).

The revelation of Jesus goes hand in hand with the manifestation of His judgment. When we see Jesus, we see both God’s love and God’s justice revealed in one act. The Cross is not only salvation, but also judgment: sin is dealt with, Satan is cast down, and grace reigns in righteousness. The law could expose sin, but only Jesus could judge and remove it once for all. Revelation declares this judgment as already revealed, already manifested, already finished. He says: “My judgments are not hidden from you, they are revealed in Me, I bore sin, I crushed death, I made all things new” 

Revelation 15:5

5. We have Access to God Now!

5 And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:

This is the spiritual temple, the Body of Christ. The testimony is “It is finished.” The veil was torn, and now access to God is open through Jesus (Heb. 10:19–22). This opening signifies that the sacrifice has been made, and the testimony completed.

This is a declaration of access and revelation through Jesus:

The Tabernacle of Testimony (OT) housed the Ark of the Covenant, the tablets of the Law, the witness of God’s covenant. It was hidden behind the veil, only entered by the high priest once a year. In Jesus, the veil was torn (Matthew 27:51), the testimony fulfilled, and the temple in heaven opened permanently. Now, God’s truth, His covenant, and His presence are no longer hidden, they are open to all who believe.

Hebrews 10:19–20  “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.” The opening of the temple is the opening of heaven itself, access to God, the testimony of His covenant, and the truth of His Son now revealed to the world.

Revelation 15:6

6. The Bride – The Priesthood!

6 And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.

This verse refer to the Seven Spirits of God, this is the attributes holy Spirit is working in- but this verse is about Holy Spirit in the Bride making us pure for Jesus our husband. That is why John writes “clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.”Church as His Bride.

Clothed in pure and white linen:

White linen is always the mark of holiness, purity, and priesthood (Exodus 28:39–43; Revelation 19:8). Here it points to Jesus risen in glory, the true High Priest who entered not with animal blood, but with His own (Hebrews 9:11–12).

Girded with golden girdles:

 Gold represents divinity and kingship. This echoes Revelation 1:13, where John saw “one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.”  This shows us the angels are not independent beings but manifestations of Jesus’ Spirit.

Seven angels with seven plagues:

Seven = fullness, perfection. This is the Holy Spirit carrying out the finished judgments of Jesus, not random destruction. These plagues are the outworking of Calvary, the exposure of sin and the collapse of man’s systems.

The Revelation

This verse proves that the “seven angels” = Jesus operating through His Spirit in fullness.

Jesus = the High Priest clothed in white.
The Spirit = the sevenfold expression of His authority.
The plagues = judgment on sin already borne by Him, now revealed against all opposition.
The seven angels are not seven separate messengers, they are the fullness of the Spirit revealing the risen Jesus as Priest, King, and Judge.

"Seven angels"

 = The fullness of the Spirit at work

The number seven symbolizes completeness or perfection, and represent how the sevenfold Spirit of God (Isaiah 11:2; Revelation 1:4, 4:5) works through the Body of Jesus to execute God’s righteous judgments. He is not bringing wrath from anger, but holy, Spirit-led correction, redemptive in nature, not destructive for the Bride.

"Clothed in pure and white linen" 

= Righteousness of the saints (the Bride)

White linen is consistently associated with the righteous acts of the saints (Revelation 19:8). It is not their own righteousness, but that which they receive through Jesus. This shows that the Bride (the Church) has been made clean and pure, not by works, but by the Spirit (Titus 3:5, Romans 8:4).

"Breasts girded with golden girdles"

 = Love, purity, and divine readiness

Gold represents divine nature and purity (1 Peter 1:7), and the girdle across the chest (heart area) shows that the Bride’s affections are girded with heavenly love, bound in truth, faithfulness, and service to her Husband (Jesus). It echoes the description of Jesus Himself in Revelation 1:13, showing that the Bride is one with the Bridegroom.

Revelation 19:7–8 – “...for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready... arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.”

Isaiah 61:10 – “He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness...”

2 Corinthians 11:2 – “...I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.”

Ephesians 5:26–27 – “That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word… a glorious church… holy and without blemish.”

Song of Solomon 4:7 – “Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.”

Revelation 15:6 is more than just a vision of judgment, it’s a revelation of the Church’s unity with Jesus through the Holy Spirit. The “seven angels” represent the full, perfected work of the Spirit, moving not only in power but in purity and intimacy. The pure linen and golden girdles show that the Bride is now ready, clothed in righteousness, guided by divine love, and one with the image of her Bridegroom. This is not a vision of wrath, but a spiritual unveiling of how the Spirit has prepared the Bride, clean, bold, and beautiful, to shine with the same glory as her Lord. 

“clothed in pure and white linen”

Symbolizes being made clean through the Lamb’s sacrifice and hint to the Bride representation of the Church (Rev. 19:8).

“girded with golden girdles.”

Duel Symbol of priestly service and not just bride of Christ, Jesus is the true High Priest (Heb. 4:14).

Revelation 15:7

7. Gospels and the Spirit!

7 And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.

This is a great example to the reference of the Written Word became the Living Word.

See Addendum- 7 Spirits and the 7 Vials

And one of the four beasts “The Four Living Creatures “ 

Representing one of the living creatures in Revelation vision, symbolizing the sacrificial aspect of Jesus, who offered Himself for us. One of the four beasts (living creatures) → The “beasts” (ζῷα = living ones) represent the living Word of God,  the Gospel in its fourfold witness (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), or Jesus Himself revealed through the Word. Revelation 4:6–8 shows them full of eyes (all-seeing), declaring “Holy, holy, holy.” They stand for the living testimony of Jesus.

gave unto the seven angels

These seven angels - can be understood as representations of different manifestations or acts of Jesus in Spirit of God "Holy Spirit" in this vision.  When we look at "Gave unto the seven angels" it means "The Word empowers the Spirit." Just as Jesus said: “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). The living Word is the vessel through which the Spirit operates. Seven angels = The sevenfold Spirit of God (Isaiah 11:2), the fullness of the Spirit operating in perfection. Together, this shows Jesus the Living Word giving expression through the Holy Spirit in fullness.

The 7 Spirits of God = The Complete Character and Work of the Holy Spirit in Jesus

 Revelation 4:5“And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.” (see also Revelation 1:4; 3:1; 5:6) These are not seven separate spirits, but the sevenfold expression of the one Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus, fully revealed in the Son of God.

 Isaiah 11:2 – The Sevenfold Spirit of God

“And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him...”

The Spirit of the Lord – Authority and identity as God

The Spirit of wisdom – Divine insight
The Spirit of understanding – Spiritual perception
The Spirit of counsel – Guidance and leadership
The Spirit of might – Power and strength
The Spirit of knowledge – Deep awareness of God's truth
The Spirit of the fear of the Lord – Reverence and humility

These all rested upon Jesus, the Anointed One, showing that the fullness of the Holy Spirit dwells in Him bodily (Colossians 2:9).

seven golden vials

Heavenly Veils / Openings- These reveal spiritual transitions, heaven responding to earth or revealing Jesus. Seven golden vials full of wrath: Gold = divinity. Wrath = God’s settled judgment against sin. These vials aren’t “future nuclear plagues” but the outpouring of the Cross, where Jesus took wrath on Himself and revealed judgment already finished (John 12:31–32). The seven golden vials, symbolize the perfect completeness of Jesus’ ability to carry and execute God’s wrath.

Event-Reference:

Heaven opens to show God's throne -Rev 4:1

Seals broken by the Lamb -Rev 5:1–6:1

Veil of silence, Intercession begins -Rev 8:1

Temple opened, Ark seen -Rev 11:19

Heaven opens, Rider on White Horse -Rev 19:11

New Heaven & Earth appear -Rev 21:1

Veils Opened is Symbolic Opening of Temple in Heaven:

Revelation 11:19  And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

Revelation 15:5  And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:

Connection Between Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God

Jesus = God in the flesh
“He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.”  John 14:9
“In Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.”  Colossians 2:9

The Holy Spirit = Spirit of God = Spirit of Jesus
“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”  2 Corinthians 3:17
“God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts.”  Galatians 4:6
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.”  Colossians 1:27

The Seven Spirits = The fullness of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit = The Spirit of Jesus
Jesus = The visible image of the invisible God
The Trinity is not divided, but fully united in Jesus.

full of the wrath of God 

This wrath is not arbitrary but is the just judgment of God’s holiness and righteousness, poured out upon the altar mingled with the Lamb’s precious blood, signifying atonement for sin through Jesus’ sacrifice.the wrath is not poured out on man but on Jesus himself. Jesus then mix the wrath with His own blood and give it to man as a cup of grace when the believer drink it in faith! 

This wrath is not wild anger or arbitrary punishment. It is the holy, just judgment of God against sin. And where is it poured out? Not on man, but upon the Lamb Himself at the Cross. The wrath that should have consumed us was mingled with the blood of Jesus on the altar of sacrifice. The wonder of grace is that Jesus then takes this cup, once filled with wrath, and transforms it into a cup of grace. He offers it to us, not as destruction, but as salvation: “This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:20). By faith, the believer drinks this cup, not of wrath, but of mercy. The very judgment that should have condemned us now becomes the testimony of love. Wrath mingled with blood turns into life.

Isaiah 53:5 “The chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
2 Corinthians 5:21  “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Wrath = God’s holy judgment.
Poured on Jesus, not man.
Mingled with blood = atonement.
Offered back to man = a cup of grace.

who giveth for ever and ever 

This phrase emphasizes the eternal nature of Jesus’ priestly and kingly ministry, affirming His everlasting power and authority to dispense God’s righteous judgment. Judgment is eternal in grace or in separation from God, we decide what side we want to live in.

About Matthew and the Lion

Matthew’s Gospel starts with the genealogy of Jesus emphasizing His royal lineage, linking well with the lion, the king of beasts, symbolizing Jesus as King of the Jews. The lion represents courage, royalty, and strength, fitting for the kingly and messianic focus in Matthew. The ox (connected to Luke) is often linked to sacrifice because of its role as a sacrificial animal in the Old Testament, which fits Luke’s emphasis on the priestly, sacrificial role of Jesus.

Jesus the The Lion (Matthew) - living beast give the seven golden vials of wrath?

The passage in Revelation 15:7 mentions one of the four living creatures giving the seven golden vials (bowls) full of the wrath of God to the seven angels. Symbolically, this mean the kingly authority (lion/Matthew) is the one commissioning the execution of God's righteous judgment. Jesus as the King (lion) authorizes the righteous wrath to be poured out, this fits the role of the lion who represents Jesus authority and power. The sacrifice aspect, however, is more closely connected to the ox (Luke), since it symbolizes sacrifice. The beast giving the vials emphasize authority over judgment rather than sacrifice. Matthew is traditionally linked to the lion, the symbol of kingship and authority. The lion giving the vials indicate Jesus’ kingly authority to execute God’s wrath. The sacrifice part of Jesus is symbolized by the ox (Luke). So, the “one of the four beasts” giving the vials is the lion, emphasizing Jesus authority, not necessarily the sacrifice directly. One of the living beings "Jesus the Gospel of Good News" (Rev. 4), hands over the vials. These "angels messengers is Holy Spirit representation of  Jesus the Gospel" also symbolize aspects of Jesus’ redemptive acts, because only He could carry the full wrath upon His body. The vials are golden, meaning precious, perfect, and righteous, not uncontrolled rage but a act in love and sacrifice.

“who liveth for ever and ever.”

Jesus, the Lamb who endured God’s wrath once for all, lives forever (Rom. 6:9–10).

The Revelation

The Living Word (beast) releases the Perfect Spirit (seven angels).
The Spirit then pours out what the Word has accomplished: the finished judgment of the Cross.
The wrath is not random destruction but the revealed reality that sin is condemned and the Lamb is victorious.

Beast = Word of Jesus.
Seven angels = Perfected Spirit.
Together = Jesus operating by His Spirit, manifesting God’s finished judgment.

Revelation 15:8

8. Jesus Atonement -Judgement brings Glory!

8 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.

“No man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.” This reveals that Jesus Himself was dealing with the judgment, the plagues were not poured out on man, but carried by Him in the spirit realm. As He descended into death, He went into hell to take the keys and win the victory over sin and death. That is why no man could enter the temple during this time, there was no access to God, for God was in Jesus dealing with our sin, bearing our plagues, and carrying the curse on our behalf. 

The glory and power of God in the temple: 

This was the very thing the fathers of faith longed to see. Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, they glimpsed shadows, but not the fullness. Even the high priest entered only once a year, trembling, with blood not his own.

No man was able to enter… till:

 Access was closed. The word “till” is revelational,  it points directly to the Cross. No man could enter God’s true presence until the plagues of judgment were fulfilled in Jesus. When He bore them, the way was opened forever. At this moment, heaven itself is closed. Why? Because the judgment is not yet complete. Access to God is delayed because Jesus is carrying out the ultimate work. This echoes the veil of the Old Covenant temple: as long as sin was not yet fully dealt with, man could not freely approach God (Hebrews 9:7–8).

Plagues fulfilled in Jesus:

 The wrath of sin was carried in Him. Once fulfilled, the temple is opened, access is granted. This is why Hebrews declares: “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us…” (Hebrews 10:19–20).

The Revelation

Prophets longed, but could not enter.
Priests entered, but only in shadow.
No man could enter, until Jesus carried the plagues.

Now the temple is open, and the Bride not only enters, but dwells in His glory and power. The plagues are not doom for the saints, but the very thing that opened the temple, granting us eternal access to God’s glory and power through Jesus’ sacrifice.

The Seven Plagues = Jesus Bearing Sin and Judgment
The plagues are not random wrath poured out on mankind, but the judgment of sin itself. Jesus bore this judgment in Himself: “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5).

Jesus in the Spirit Realm = Victory Over Sin and Death
While the temple is shut, Jesus descends into the depths to deal with sin and death at their root. “…when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days…” (Isaiah 53:10).“He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth.” (Ephesians 4:9). “…that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” (Hebrews 2:14).

God Himself Bearing Our Plagues
The temple filled with smoke symbolizes God’s glory hidden while Jesus carried our curse. “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us.” (Galatians 3:13). He bore the “plagues” of judgment so that His Bride would never have to.

The Temple Opens After the Work Is Finished
Once the seven plagues are “fulfilled” in Jesus death and resurrection, access is restored. This is why the veil of the temple tore when Jesus cried “It is finished” (Matthew 27:51). Now, “we have boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19).

Revelation 15:8 reveals a hidden picture of the cross. No man could enter the temple because Jesus Himself had to enter into the depths of judgment first. He bore the plagues of sin and wrath in His own body, descending into death, taking the keys of hell and the grave. Only after He finished this work did the way open for us. The temple is no longer closed, by His blood we now have full access to God’s presence. The smoke = the atonement offering, like the smoke that filled the tabernacle in Exodus. (Ex. 40:34). This is Jesus’ blood sacrifice now received in the heavenly temple.

“no man was able to enter the temple” 

Just like the Holy of Holies in the old covenant, only the High Priest could enter. Here, Jesus is the only One worthy to carry the wrath and enter God’s presence on behalf of man (Heb. 9:12–14).

“until the seven plagues... were fulfilled”

Until judgment is fully satisfied in Jesus, no one can enter. But after the cross, the way is open to all who believe. Revelation 15 shows a Church triumphant, not terrified. The vision shifts the focus from external tribulation to internal transformation.

Jesus beautifully reveal that 

The seven plagues = God’s wrath poured out on Jesus, not the Church.

The sea of glass with fire = the Spirit-filled Church walking in holiness and power.

Worship = both law fulfilled and grace proclaimed (song of Moses + Lamb).

The temple is opened, but only Jesus could walk in and carry the wrath.

After this, God’s plan continues, but the foundation is firm: “It is finished.”

From Sacrifice to Glory - The Temple, the Blood, and the Dwelling of God:

From the very beginning, God’s heart was to dwell among His people. In the Old Testament, this was done through a physical Tabernacle and later a Temple, a sacred space filled with rituals of sacrifice, blood, smoke, and glory. But these were only shadows, temporary signs pointing to something far greater. When Jesus, the Lamb of God, offered His own blood at the cross, He fulfilled every symbol and every ritual. His perfect sacrifice tore the veil, cleansed the guilty, and invited God’s glory to dwell in a new temple, not made with hands, but made of living hearts. His throne is no longer behind curtains but now established within His people. Let’s explore this powerful transformation.

PART 1: Old Testament Temple Offerings – Simple Steps for Understanding:

How the Sacrificial System Worked:

God commanded Moses to build a Tabernacle, a mobile dwelling for God’s presence (Exodus 25:8), later replaced by Solomon’s Temple.

Priests from the tribe of Levi were appointed to serve (Numbers 3:10), and only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place once a year (Leviticus 16:2,34).

People brought sacrifices, perfect animals (lambs, bulls, goats) without blemish (Leviticus 1:3).

The sinner laid hands on the animal’s head, symbolically transferring their sin to it (Leviticus 1:4).

The animal was slain, and its blood was poured out as a substitutionary atonement for sin (Leviticus 17:11).

The blood was sprinkled on the altar daily, and once a year, the High Priest sprinkled it on the Ark of the Covenant’s mercy seat (Leviticus 16:14-15).

The burning of the offering caused a cloud of smoke to rise, symbolizing prayer, atonement, and God's acceptance (Leviticus 1:9; Exodus 40:34).

On the Day of Atonement, only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place with blood for the sins of the entire nation (Hebrews 9:7).

Purpose:

The sacrificial system revealed the seriousness of sin and the cost of forgiveness, death (Hebrews 9:22). Yet, it was temporary, pointing forward to a better, eternal sacrifice (Hebrews 10:1-4).

PART 2: The New Temple—Jesus in Us After the Cross:

What Changed at the Cross:

Jesus became the final, perfect sacrifice, the true Lamb of God (John 1:29).

He also became the High Priest, entering not an earthly temple, but the heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 9:11-12).

His blood did not just cover sin, it removed it once and for all (Hebrews 10:10-14).

When Jesus died, the veil in the earthly temple tore from top to bottom, signifying the opening of full access to God (Matthew 27:51).

After His resurrection and ascension, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit, and believers became the new temple of God’s presence (Acts 2:1-4).

The Smoke and the Glory—Now in Us:

In the Old Covenant, smoke filled the physical temple when God's glory descended (Exodus 40:34; 2 Chronicles 7:1-2). In the New Covenant, that same glory now fills us, the living temples of God:

Romans 8:11 “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you…”

Revelation 15:8 “And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter…”

This vision reflects the finished judgment through Jesus’ blood, the glory of God now filling the new temple. We Are the Temple of His Glory

1 Corinthians 3:16 “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”

2 Corinthians 6:16 “I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God…”

John 14:23 “If a man love me… we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”

Hebrews 9:24 “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands… but into heaven itself…”

Hebrews 10:19-20 “Having therefore… boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus…”

Colossians 1:27 “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

Under the Old Covenant, God's presence was behind a veil in a physical temple, accessed through animal sacrifices and priestly rituals. Smoke, rising from the sacrifice, symbolized God's glory and acceptance, but only temporarily. Through the cross, Jesus became both the Lamb and the High Priest, shedding His own blood and entering the heavenly Holy Place. When the veil tore, the way into God’s presence was opened, not to a building, but to the human heart. Now, we are the temple, God’s throne and glory dwell in us through the Spirit. The smoke of His glory no longer fills buildings of stone, but temples of flesh and Spirit, His Church. “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices…” – 1 Peter 2:5

To My Bride

The Church is called to worship from a place of victory, celebrating both the faithfulness of God in history and the triumph of the Lamb. As the Bride, we overcome by remembering God’s mighty acts, standing on the promises fulfilled in Jesus, and joining the eternal song of redemption. Our calling is to approach God’s throne with confidence, knowing that through Jesus, we have crossed from judgment into freedom, and can sing boldly of His marvelous works.