The Judgments Begin Revelation 8:6-9
“So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up. Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.”
Over the years I have read and reread the Book of Revelation several hundred times. I have listened to some of the best Bible teachers give their interpretations of the contents of this book. I’ve read dozens of commentaries about it and have even taught through it in Bible survey courses many times. But I still have to admit, it has and still is, somewhat difficult for me to follow the chronological order or the sequence of events that take place in the book.
With that said, I am attempting to explain these events, and when they happen, the best I know how. I am sure there are those who will disagree with my thoughts about exactly when these judgments happen. But one thing I know for sure, is that these are literal judgments, and even though symbolic language might be used to describe them, they will take place at some time in the Seven-year Tribulation and cause tremendous desolations and destruction.
I hear some politicians and world leaders say that the greatest crisis that mankind is facing today is global warming and we must quit using fossil fuels to save the planet and humanity. I’m not sure if they really believe this or it is just an issue they use to scare people into giving them a position of control and authority over our lives. But if they think it is bad now, it doesn't get close to what is going to happen when the trumpet and bowl judgments are released on the earth. There will be a global cooling when a third of the sun is darkened for a period of time when the fourth trumpet sounds (Rev. 8:12). Later in the tribulation, there will also be a tremendous global warming when the sun blazes with great heat when the fourth bowl of God’s wrath is poured out (Rev. 16:8).
I think God must have a sense of humor and He is saying to these God deniers and haters, “You want to stop global warming, I’ll show you how to do it in a day. You think it is hot now, just wait!” I believe many of these judgments are a reminder that God is ultimately in control of the weather and the elements of earth despite what we think we can do to change them.
To summarize, I believe that the seven-seals being opened take place during the first three and half years of the Tribulation. And the seventh seal that reveals the seven trumpet judgments signal the beginning of the last three and half years. The seven vial or bowl judgements take place at the closing months of the Tribulation.
As I read and study the Book of Revelation, I am often reminded that one day God will have the final say and that He will bring to account every evil deed of mankind. Today, my responsibility is to warn those around me to be ready and prepared to flee to the Savior to escape these terrible judgments!
God bless!
Mike, I really appreciate your honesty and explanations of these Scriptures in Revelation that help my simplistic mind better understand. Thank you!