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Introduction to End Times Judgments

The seven seals, trumpets, and bowls described in the book of Revelation symbolize God’s final judgments upon an unbelieving world during the end times. These events occur during the tribulation period, generally believed to span the last 3 ½ years of the Tribulation. More info on the tribulation here.

Timing and Historical Context

Some scholars suggest that the judgments mentioned in Revelation either happened during Jerusalem’s destruction in AD 70 or have been unfolding throughout human history. However, historical and biblical evidence supports a future fulfillment. The second-century writer Irenaeus notes in Against Heresies (5.30.3) that John received this Revelation “toward the end of Domitian’s reign,” which concluded in AD 96, decades after Jerusalem fell to the Romans.

John is explicitly told that the visions he receives concern future events: “Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this” (Revelation 1:19, emphasis added). This strongly supports the futurist interpretation of Revelation.

The Seal Judgments (Revelation 6)

In chapter 5, John sees: “Then I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll, written on the inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals… One of the elders said, ‘Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed so that He can open the scroll and its seven seals’” (Revelation 5:1–5).

God holds the scroll in His right hand, symbolizing authority. First-century scrolls were rolled from both ends and sealed to indicate ownership. Only the rightful owner could open them. Here, Jesus—the Lion of Judah—is given His rightful inheritance: the earth and all it contains (Psalm 2:8). The scroll reveals how Christ will reclaim what Satan has taken.

The first six seals bring:

1. First Seal – The Antichrist is unleashed.
2. Second Seal – Wars erupt; peace disappears.
3. Third Seal – Famine spreads across the land.
4. Fourth Seal – Death results from war and hunger.
5. Fifth Seal – Persecution of God’s people, with vengeance filling up after the last martyr falls.
6. Sixth Seal – A massive earthquake and cosmic disturbances.

The seventh seal introduces the trumpet judgments in chapter 8. Jesus’ Olivet discourse (Matthew 24) also references these events.

The Trumpet Judgments (Revelation 8)

“When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them… The seven angels prepared to sound their trumpets” (Revelation 8:1–2, 6).

The first six trumpets include:

1. First Trumpet – One-third of the earth, trees, and grass are burned.
2. Second Trumpet – One-third of sea life dies; ships are destroyed.
3. Third Trumpet – One-third of the waters are poisoned; many die.
4. Fourth Trumpet – One-third of the sun, moon, and stars are darkened.
5. Fifth Trumpet – Locust-like demons torment humanity.
6. Sixth Trumpet – Four bound demons are released to kill one-third of mankind with a massive army.

The seventh trumpet announces Christ’s imminent return and the beginning of the final bowl judgments.

The Bowl Judgments (Revelation 15–16)

“Then I saw another sign in heaven: seven angels with seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete… Each angel was given a golden bowl filled with the wrath of God” (Revelation 15:1, 7).

Unlike the trumpets, which affect only a portion of their targets, the bowls are more comprehensive:

1. First Bowl – Painful sores afflict those with the mark of the beast.
2. Second Bowl – All sea creatures die.
3. Third Bowl – Fresh waters become polluted.
4. Fourth Bowl – The sun scorches people.
5. Fifth Bowl – Darkness covers the Antichrist’s kingdom.
6. Sixth Bowl – The Euphrates dries up; Eastern armies prepare for Armageddon.
7. Seventh Bowl – A colossal earthquake strikes; cities collapse; hailstorms follow.

Lessons from Revelation’s Judgments

God’s judgment is certain and unavoidable: “Also henceforth I am he; there is none who can deliver from my hand; I work, and who can turn it back?” (Isaiah 43:13).

Salvation is available through Christ: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Believers are spared because Jesus bore their sins (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24).

John concludes with a warning and encouragement: “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near” (Revelation 1:3).