The Seventh Trumpet: Announcement of Things to Come
(Rev. 11:15-19)

I. It announces a Holy Reign (v. 15)
A. The seventh angel sounded his trumpet (v.15a)
a. The seventh or last trumpet in this sequence should not be confused with the last trumpet or trumpet of God that initiates the rapture of the church. [Joel 2:1-2; 1 Cor. 15:51-53; 1 Thes. 4:13-18]
b. The seventh trumpet judgment is part of the “Day of the Lord.”
1. Day of the Lord - A period of time spoken of by both Old and New Testaments which culminates in God judging this world, defeating Satan and the antichrist, restoring the nation of Israel, and ushering in the kingdom of Christ.
c. Those in heaven announce the kingdom of Christ over this world’s kingdom, ruled by Satan.
d. Though it is a future event, it is written as if it has already occurred. (1 Cor.15:24-28; Rom. 8:28-29)

II. It announces a Heavenly Response (v.16-17)
A. The elders (church age saints) praise God for His victory (v.16)
a. Why the elders represent the church.
1. These are glorified human beings and not angels.
2. Elders are always referred to as older men.
3. The elders are wearing golden crowns.
4. The elders must represent the Church age saints because the rest of those who will be saved in the Tribulation have not yet occurred in the book of Revelation.
B. The elder’s praise focus on three of God’s attributes (v.17)
a. Omnipotence – God’s power is that ability to bring about whatever He pleases. His power is that ability which gives life and action to execute His eternal plan. God’s power is like Himself: infinite, eternal, and incomprehensible. It can neither be checked, restrained, nor frustrated by the creature. (Dan. 4:35; Ps. 62:11; Eph. 2:8-10; Rev. 19:6)
b. Eternality – This means that God is self-existent, without termination and free from succession of time. There never was a time when God did not exist and there never will be a time when God will not exist. (Ps. 90:1-2; Is. 9:6; Rev. 1:8)
c. Sovereignty – To say God is sovereign means that He is Supreme Being. “He is the Most High, Lord of heaven and earth. He is Subject to none, influenced by none, absolutely independent; God does as He pleases, only as He pleases, always as He pleases. None can thwart Him, none can hinder Him.” (Ps. 33:6-22; 1 Chron. 29:11-12)
d. It is also an answer to part of the Lord’s Prayer (Mt. 6:9-10; Luke 1:31-33)

III. It announces an Honest Recompense (v.18)
A. These events are a summary of what will occur during and after the bowl judgments:
a. International hostility towards God [Rev. 19:19-21] (v.18a)
b. The resurrection of O.T. and Martyred Tribulation Saints [Dan. 12:1-3; Rev. 20:4] (18b)
c. Judgment upon the wicked [ Rev. 20:12-15] (v.18c)


IV. It announces a Hopeful Reassurance (v.19)
A. The Temple in heaven was opened to all of God’s people to enjoy fellowship with Him.


Point to Ponder:
The surety of these prophecies guarantees that God will return and establish the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Are you ready to meet Him?

John F. MacArthur Jr., Revelation 1–11, MacArthur New Testament Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1999), 308–09.
Ibid., 311.
A.W. Pink, The Attributes of God (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1975), 32.
MacArthur, MNTC, 316.
Ibid., 321.