Sounding the Seventh Trumpet
Bible Study Guide
(Verse 15) When John records the angel sounding the seventh trumpet, the last of this series of 7 trumpets, it’s not to be confused with another last trumpet.
Paul, the apostle writes to the people of Corinth. He tells them of the last trumpet the believers will hear. It’ll be the trumpet call of God gathering all His believers to Christ for the rapture.
“Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)
The 7th trumpet of Revelation is not the same trumpet call of God that Paul speaks of. Two different trumpets under different contexts. One trumpet is a call to gather those who have made Christ their Lord and Savior. The seventh trumpet of Revelation is a call warning of judgment and the coming of the third “woe” and the next series of Bowl Judgments.
The sounding of the seventh trumpet should not be misused into thinking that Paul is letting people know that the rapture will occur in the middle of the Tribulation. This would be a false gospel. It does not align with the rest of scripture’s teaching on the rapture.
The End of the Dragon’s Influence on the Earth
Have you ever purchased tickets for a big event well in advance? You wanted to make sure you didn’t miss this event of a lifetime. You waited with great anticipation for the day of it’s arrival. This will pale in comparison to what’s about to place next.
Upon the sounding of the seventh trumpet, John hears a loud noise coming from heaven. It’s the greatest event of all time. One that has been held in great anticipation. It’s the event of our Lord’s return to judge, rule and to reign. His Second Coming.
That is not the case in our world today.
“in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.” (Ephesians 2:2)
“Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.” (John 12:31)
“We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” (1 John 5:19)
It’s evident that the evil one is also the dragon, the serpent of old (Satan), who is allowed to be in control of things on earth. But only for a time. This scene that John describes is that time. His end is near and the rightful King prepares to take what belongs to Him.
The Coronation of Jesus Christ
This is one of the first things Revelation reminds us of in the first chapter. Christ’ return to judge, rule, and reign.
“Look, he is coming with the clouds,”
and “every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him”;
and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.”
So shall it be! Amen. (Revelation 1:7)
The time of Christ’ Second Coming and end of the reign of the dragon (Satan) is near. John is watching a preview of the Coronation ceremony of Christ.
“The kingdom of the world has become
the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah,
and he will reign for ever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15)
Praise and Worship Ceremony In Heaven
(Verses 16-18) John looks on as the twenty-four elders around the throne of God begin their worship and praise. These verses of worship are essentially an outline for the rest of Revelation.
Throughout the history of the Hebrew people, the trumpet has signaled the coming of major events. In this passage, the sounding of the seventh trumpet signifies two major events. One is the coming of the last set of Bowl Judgments upon the inhabitants of earth. The second major event of the 7th trumpet is the soon arrival of the Second Coming of Christ.
“You have taken your power and have begun to reign.” This means, Jesus will inherit what He created and is rightfully His.
“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16)
“The nations were angry and your wrath has come.” The world throughout history has rejected God. We’ve seen through these revelations from Christ to John that the world will continue to reject God. Even while they’re under the horrific and chaotic destruction of His judgments.
“The time has come to judge the dead.” John is referring to the dead in Christ. Those who are still alive on earth and have rejected God. Those who have rejected God and have passed away will not be resurrected for judgment until after the “one thousand years” known as the Millennium.
“Rewarding your servants the prophets.” The Old Testament prophets will be raised at the end of the Tribulation when Christ returns. They are a part of a different group of believers before Christ appeared on earth.
The Wrath of the Sounding of the Seventh Trumpet
(Verse 19) Let’s explore some stark parallels between the death and resurrection of Jesus, and His transfer of power to reign over creation.
Did the events of His death foreshadow the events of verse 19? You might be surprised.
Death & Resurrection vs. Second Coming
When Christ died on the cross, He ended a period of complete separation of humanity from God and ushered in the presence of God through the Holy Spirit’s indwelling in us. He ended a time when mankind was under the law. Jesus replaced the law by fulfilling it perfectly and completely.
When Christ returns to reign and rule, He’ll transition us from a period of God’s only presence being the Holy
Spirit dwelling in us. Because He’ll usher in a time when God will be among us as we return with Christ on the earth.
When Christ died on the cross, there was darkness and an earthquake shook the land.
When He returns to reign and rule, earthquakes, thunder and hailstorms will pound the earth.
The veil of the temple was torn in two. The veil separated the place called the Holy of Holies within the temple. A place where only the Jewish priests could enter. The tearing of the veil was a symbol of the of the need of Jewish priests to intercede for the people to God. Christ became the new High Priest. He’s now our only intercessor for us to God.
When Christ returns to reign, the showing of the temple and the ark of the covenant is similar to the tearing of the temple veil. The ark has always been a symbol of God’s presence and sovereignty. The same goes for the temple. When Christ reigns and the new heaven and new earth are created, there will no longer be a need for either. Because God will be present among His children. He will commune with His creation. This has been His desire since creation.
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