Revelation 15
The seven angels with the seven last plagues pour out the final judgments through which the wrath of God is finished (completed, brought to fulfillment)—the seven bowls representing the totality of God's judgment upon impenitent rebellion. The overcomers of the beast and its image stand on the sea of glass mixed with fire, holding harps of God and singing the song of Moses and the Lamb: Great and marvelous are your works, O Lord God, the Almighty; just and true are your ways, O King of the nations. The temple of the tent of witness in heaven is opened, and the seven angels come out clothed in clean, bright linen with golden belts, received by one of the four living creatures who gives them seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever. The temple is filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one can enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels are finished—isolating the world from God's presence as judgment unfolds. The preparation of the bowls of judgment and the worship that precedes them establish that God's wrath flows from his holiness and throne, not from arbitrary violence.
Revelation 15:1
I saw in heaven another great and marvelous sign: seven angels with the seven last plagues - in them is completed the wrath of God - the seven final plagues bring God's wrath to its completion and fulfillment. These plagues echo the ten plagues of Egypt and signal the final judgment upon the beast's kingdom.
Revelation 15:2
And I saw what looked like a sea of glass glowing with fire; and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast and its image and over the number of its name - the saints stand on the sea of glass (the heavenly temple's floor from Ezekiel) triumphant and secure. They have conquered the beast through refusal and faithful witness, not through worldly power.
Revelation 15:3
They held harps given them by God, and sang the song of God's servant Moses and of the Lamb: 'Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty; just and true are your ways, King of the ages' - the victors sing the song of Moses (celebrating Exodus deliverance) and the song of the Lamb (celebrating redemption through Christ). The dual song unites Old Covenant and New Covenant salvation.
Revelation 15:4
'Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy; all nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed' - the canticle declares God's holiness and universal acknowledgment. Even those formerly under the beast's dominion will recognize God's righteous judgment and sovereign rule.
Revelation 15:5
After this I looked, and I saw in heaven the temple - that is, the tabernacle of the covenant law - and it was opened - the heavenly tabernacle, containing the ark of the covenant and God's law, opens to reveal the source of judgment. The opening of the sanctuary signals that God's judicial authority is about to execute justice.