Day 364 - Declares Justice: The Final Plagues and the Exposure of False Power

Welcome to Day 364 of The Glory Team Bible Reading Plan.

Revelation 15–18 reveals the final outpouring of God’s righteous judgment against persistent rebellion and the corrupt world system that opposes Him. These chapters show God responding decisively to unrepentant sin after repeated warnings, emphasizing that His judgments are just, measured, and holy. The narrative moves from heavenly preparation (chapter 15), to the execution of divine wrath through the bowl judgments (chapter 16), to the exposure of spiritual corruption symbolized by Babylon (chapter 17), and finally to Babylon’s complete destruction (chapter 18). Together, these chapters highlight the contrast between God’s holiness and humanity’s rebellion, showing that evil may flourish temporarily but will ultimately fall. God is revealed as sovereign over history, patient yet firm, and faithful to vindicate His people. These chapters prepare the reader for Christ’s final victory and the establishment of His righteous kingdom.

Revelation 15

Revelation 15 serves as a heavenly prelude to the final judgments, emphasizing God’s holiness and justice before His wrath is poured out. John sees seven angels holding the last plagues, which complete God’s judgment because they bring His wrath to its full expression. The scene shifts to worship, where those who overcame the beast stand beside a sea of glass, praising God for His righteous acts and faithfulness. Their song, called the song of Moses and the Lamb, connects God’s past deliverance of Israel with His future redemption of His people. The heavenly temple is filled with smoke from God’s glory, symbolizing His overwhelming presence and holiness. No one can enter the temple until the plagues are finished, showing that God’s judgment proceeds according to His sovereign will without interruption.

Revelation 16

Revelation 16 describes the pouring out of the seven bowl judgments, which are direct, swift, and severe expressions of God’s wrath against unrepentant humanity. These judgments affect the earth, sea, rivers, sun, and the kingdom of the beast, revealing the total scope of divine judgment. Despite intense suffering, people continue to curse God rather than repent, demonstrating hardened hearts and deliberate rebellion. God is declared righteous because His judgments correspond to the bloodshed and injustice committed by the wicked. The chapter climaxes with the gathering of the nations at Armageddon, preparing for the final confrontation against God. The final bowl brings a massive earthquake and the collapse of worldly power, signaling that human systems cannot withstand God’s authority.

Revelation 17

Revelation 17 focuses on the spiritual nature of evil by portraying Babylon as a seductive woman riding a beast, symbolizing a corrupt alliance between false religion and political power. Babylon represents a system that entices nations away from God through immorality, idolatry, and deception. The beast and its kings appear powerful, but their authority is temporary and permitted by God for His purposes. The chapter explains that these rulers will eventually turn against Babylon, leading to her destruction. This reveals that evil is inherently self-destructive and cannot sustain unity. Ultimately, the Lamb will overcome them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and His followers share in His victory.

Revelation 18

Revelation 18 announces the complete and irreversible fall of Babylon, emphasizing the collapse of the world’s economic, cultural, and moral systems opposed to God. Heaven declares her judgment just, while the nations mourn her fall because of lost wealth and power. Merchants and leaders grieve not out of repentance but because their prosperity depended on Babylon’s corruption. God calls His people to come out of her, urging separation from sinful systems to avoid sharing in her judgment. The chapter highlights how Babylon glorified herself and lived in excess, ignoring God and exploiting others. Her sudden destruction demonstrates that worldly success without righteousness is temporary and ultimately empty.