Sovereign Justice Served to God’s Glory

Revelation 11:15-19 

15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” 16 And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying:
    “We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty,
    The One who is and who was and who is to come,
    Because You have taken Your great power and reigned.
    18 The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come,
    And the time of the dead, that they should be judged,
    And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints,
    And those who fear Your name, small and great,
    And should destroy those who destroy the earth.”
19 Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail.

After the pause in the trumpets of judgement to show those who are faithful and redeemed servants, after the first two woes, the seventh trumpet sounds.  The heavenly host loudly shout out that Christ’s kingdom takes all others into and under it; He now exercises His divine sovereign authority over all creation as promised.  His reign as King and Lord is eternal and, following the judgement and sentencing on sin and the unrepentant, puts down all rebellion as the time allotted is closed (Hebrews 10:37, 2 Peter 3:9).  The heavenly entourage of elders before the throne of God celebrate the King by falling on their faces in worship, knowing their unworthiness and His great grace.  They praise and thank the Lord God Almighty, the everlasting sovereign One, for His wisdom and power and wrath executed at last on sin and the angrily rebellious sinners opposed to Him and His just rule.  The day of judgement comes near as promised along with rewards for His chosen ones made holy in Christ’s sacrifice.  The ones destroying God’s creation and order will be held accountable at last and forever.  This was emphasized as John witnessed the heavenly temple opened with accompanying thunder, lightning, earthquake, and hail to reveal the ark of His eternal covenant with man which had been violated by man but kept by God.  Justice will be served to God’s great glory and praise. His people will be vindicated.