Revelation 16

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with the pouring out of the seven bowls of God's wrath, each representing a different judgment upon the earth. The first bowl brings painful sores upon those who have the mark of the beast, the second turns the sea into blood, the third turns the rivers and springs into blood, the fourth causes the sun to scorch the earth, the fifth brings darkness and pain, the sixth prepares for the final battle, and the seventh brings a great earthquake and hail. Throughout the chapter, God's judgments are described as a call to repentance, emphasizing the importance of turning to Him before it is too late. Key verses, such as Revelation 16:9 and Revelation 16:11, highlight the hardness of heart and the refusal to repent, despite the severity of God's judgments.

Context for the Chapter

Revelation 16 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Revelation, which describes the end times and the return of Christ. This chapter follows the opening of the seventh seal and the sounding of the seven trumpets, and precedes the final battle and the return of Christ. The chapter is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, which emphasizes God's righteous judgment and the importance of repentance. As seen in Isaiah 2:10-21, God's judgment is a call to repentance, and those who turn to Him will be saved.

Heart Application

This chapter calls us to repentance, emphasizing the importance of turning to God before it is too late. As we consider the severity of God's judgments, we are reminded of the importance of faithfulness and obedience, and the need to be ready for Christ's return. We are also reminded of the importance of evangelism, as we seek to share the gospel with a world that is rebellion against God.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Revelation 16 describes the final judgments of God upon the world, emphasizing His righteous wrath and justice. The chapter calls us to repentance, highlighting the importance of turning to God before it is too late. As seen in Revelation 16:9, men are scorched by the intense heat and curse the name of God, yet they do not repent and give Him glory.

Voices from the Church

“The judgments of God are not to be trifled with, for they are the expression of His righteous wrath and justice. As we consider the severity of these judgments, we are reminded of the importance of repentance and the need to turn to God.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The pouring out of the seven bowls of God's wrath is a call to repentance, emphasizing the importance of turning to God before it is too late. As we consider the hardness of heart and the refusal to repent, we are reminded of the importance of faithfulness and obedience.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The First Bowl: Painful Sores (Revelation 16:1-2) — The first bowl brings painful sores upon those who have the mark of the beast, emphasizing God's righteous judgment.
2. The Second Bowl: The Sea Turns to Blood (Revelation 16:3) — The second bowl turns the sea into blood, causing the death of every living thing in the sea.
3. The Third Bowl: The Rivers and Springs Turn to Blood (Revelation 16:4-7) — The third bowl turns the rivers and springs into blood, emphasizing God's judgment upon those who have shed the blood of the saints.
4. The Fourth Bowl: The Sun Scourges the Earth (Revelation 16:8-9) — The fourth bowl causes the sun to scorch the earth, bringing intense heat and pain upon those who have the mark of the beast.
5. The Fifth Bowl: Darkness and Pain (Revelation 16:10-11) — The fifth bowl brings darkness and pain, emphasizing God's judgment upon those who have rejected Him.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

This chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and power over all the earth, highlighting His control over the forces of nature and the hearts of men. As seen in Revelation 16:8-9, God's judgment is poured out upon the earth, demonstrating His righteous wrath and justice.

The Importance of Repentance

The chapter calls us to repentance, emphasizing the importance of turning to God before it is too late. As seen in Revelation 16:9, men are scorched by the intense heat and curse the name of God, yet they do not repent and give Him glory.

The Righteousness of God's Judgment

God's judgments are described as righteous and just, demonstrating His sovereignty and power over all the earth. As seen in Revelation 16:5-7, God's judgment is poured out upon those who have shed the blood of the saints, emphasizing His righteous wrath and justice.

The Return of Christ

The chapter prepares for the final battle and the return of Christ, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience. As seen in Revelation 16:15, Christ warns His people to be ready for His return, highlighting the significance of His return as the culmination of God's plan of redemption.

Lessons from Revelation 16

1. The Importance of Faithfulness — This chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience, highlighting the need to be ready for Christ's return. As seen in Revelation 16:15, Christ warns His people to be ready for His return, emphasizing the significance of faithfulness and obedience.
2. The Severity of God's Judgment — The chapter describes the severity of God's judgments, emphasizing the importance of repentance and the consequences of rejecting God's call to turn to Him. As seen in Revelation 16:9, men are scorched by the intense heat and curse the name of God, yet they do not repent and give Him glory.
3. The Sovereignty of God — This chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and power over all the earth, highlighting His control over the forces of nature and the hearts of men. As seen in Revelation 16:8-9, God's judgment is poured out upon the earth, demonstrating His righteous wrath and justice.
4. The Importance of Evangelism — The chapter calls us to share the gospel with a world that is in rebellion against God, emphasizing the importance of evangelism and the need to spread the message of salvation. As seen in Revelation 16:15, Christ warns His people to be ready for His return, highlighting the significance of evangelism and the need to share the gospel with all nations.
5. The Return of Christ — The chapter prepares for the final battle and the return of Christ, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience. As seen in Revelation 16:15, Christ warns His people to be ready for His return, highlighting the significance of His return as the culmination of God's plan of redemption.

Themes from Revelation 16

1. God's Righteous Judgment — This chapter emphasizes God's righteous judgment, highlighting His sovereignty and power over all the earth. As seen in Revelation 16:5-7, God's judgment is poured out upon those who have shed the blood of the saints, emphasizing His righteous wrath and justice.
2. The Importance of Repentance — The chapter calls us to repentance, emphasizing the importance of turning to God before it is too late. As seen in Revelation 16:9, men are scorched by the intense heat and curse the name of God, yet they do not repent and give Him glory.
3. The Sovereignty of God — This chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and power over all the earth, highlighting His control over the forces of nature and the hearts of men. As seen in Revelation 16:8-9, God's judgment is poured out upon the earth, demonstrating His righteous wrath and justice.
4. The Return of Christ — The chapter prepares for the final battle and the return of Christ, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience. As seen in Revelation 16:15, Christ warns His people to be ready for His return, highlighting the significance of His return as the culmination of God's plan of redemption.
5. The Importance of Faithfulness — This chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience, highlighting the need to be ready for Christ's return. As seen in Revelation 16:15, Christ warns His people to be ready for His return, emphasizing the significance of faithfulness and obedience.

Questions for Meditation

1. What is the significance of the seven bowls of God's wrath, and how do they relate to the larger narrative of the book of Revelation?
2. How does this chapter emphasize the importance of repentance, and what are the consequences of rejecting God's call to turn to Him?
3. What is the significance of the mark of the beast, and how does it relate to the final judgments of God?
4. How does this chapter prepare for the final battle and the return of Christ, and what is the significance of Christ's warning to His people in Revelation 16:15?
5. What is the connection between God's judgments and His character, and how does this chapter emphasize His righteous wrath and justice?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Revelation 16

	Sermon	Description
	The Last Days of America by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God sent him to New York City for two reasons: to find a holy remnant who would pursue holiness and righteousness, and to warn of comin
	(Revelation - Part 6): Reign of Christ a Divine Imperative by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the current state of the world and the need for deliverance from oppression and sin. He emphasizes the importance of a perfect leader who can
	The Time of Armagedon by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events leading up to the battle of Armageddon as described in the book of Revelation. The sixth angel pours out his bowl upon the river E
	Attributes of God (Series 2): God's Perfect Justice by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of atonement for our sins. He explains that every moral inequity will be judged unless covered by sufficient atonement. He hi
	The Destiny of Man by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and fulfilling our destiny as Christians. He explains that our destiny is to live for the glory and honor of
	Blood on Your Hands by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes God's unfailing compassion and faithfulness towards the house of Israel. He highlights the influence our lives have on others, particularly
	Week of Meetings-07 Armageddon-Who When Where by Dwight Pentecost	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events that will occur after the Lord Jesus Christ takes believers to be with Him. He mentions that the nations of the earth are currentl
	(Through the Bible) Revelation 13-15 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the final judgments of God and the coming of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that mankind has reached the peak of rebellion against God, and it i
	Week of Meetings-04 Gpd's Picture of the Great Tribulation by Dwight Pentecost	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events described in the book of Revelation, specifically focusing on the seals and vials of God's wrath. He explains that the seals repre
	(Easter Convention 2008) Quiet Time Tips by Gerhard Du Toit	In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal routine for prayer and devotion. He starts his day by spending the first half hour listening to old hymns, which helps him enter a s

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Revelation 16

In this chapter, we see the pouring out of the seven bowls of God's wrath upon the earth, which is a call to repentance and a demonstration of God's righteous judgment. The bowls bring various judgments upon the earth, including painful sores, the turning of the sea into blood, and the scorching of the earth by the sun. Despite these judgments, men refuse to repent and instead curse God, highlighting their hardness of heart and rebellion against Him. The chapter prepares for the final battle and the return of Christ, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The pouring out of the seven bowls of God's wrath is a call to repentance, and a demonstration of God's righteous judgment upon those who have rejected Him.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?