Truth For These Times

48. THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES

Perhaps we would rather not study this subject, because in many ways it is rather fearful. When the
plagues are poured out, it is a symbol of the wrath of God upon those who have not accepted the
gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. In previous times of our planet’s history, God’s wrath has been
manifested, but always it has been mingled with mercy. However, at the time of the seven last
plagues, God’s mercy is withdrawn. Even though this study is somewhat unpleasant, God has
revealed what will happen at this time for our instruction, also that we might be saved from the
plagues themselves. God’s true followers will not be affected by these divine judgments.

Revelation 15:1 Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having
the SEVEN LAST PLAGUES, FOR IN THEM THE WRATH OF GOD IS
COMPLETE.

The last repentant sinner at this time has heard the call of mercy and turned to God. Then these just
judgments of God will fall on the unrepentant in a shelterless world.

Dan 12:1 At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over
the sons of your people; and THERE SHALL BE A TIME OF TROUBLE,
such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at THAT
TIME YOUR PEOPLE SHALL BE DELIVERED, every one who is found
written in the book.

In the study of the Mark of the Beast we saw how God’s people were oppressed, and experienced a
time of trouble and persecution. At the time of the plagues they have been sealed with the “Seal of
God”, while those who have the “Mark of the Beast” will suffer the plagues. It is now time for the
wicked to have their “time of trouble” in the outpouring of the plagues – the worst trouble the world
has ever experienced. It is during this period that God’s people find deliverance.

Revelation 15:5,6 After these things I looked, and behold, THE TEMPLE of the tabernacle of
the testimony IN HEAVEN WAS OPENED. And out of the temple came the
SEVEN ANGELS HAVING THE SEVEN PLAGUES, clothed in pure
bright linen, and having their chests girded with golden bands.

When the temple in heaven is opened, the plagues are ready to be

poured out. The ministry of mercy for sinners is now ended – the
gospel message will no more unite sinners to salvation.

Isaiah 26:20,21 Come, my people, enter your chambers,

and shut your doors behind you; HIDE
YOURSELF, as it were, for a little
moment, UNTIL THE INDIGNATION IS Angels come out of the temple with the
seven last plagues.
PAST. For behold, THE LORD COMES
OUT OF HIS PLACE TO PUNISH THE INHABITANTS OF THE EARTH
FOR THEIR INIQUITY; the earth will also disclose her blood, and will no
more cover her slain.

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 Lesson 48 – The Seven Last Plagues

When the Lord pours out His wrath upon the earth, God’s people will be sheltered until the plagues
have passed.

THE SEVEN PLAGUES

Revelation 16:2 So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, AND A FOUL
AND LOATHSOME SORE came upon the men who had the mark of the
beast and those who worshiped his image.

The first plague is an ulcer-like sore, perhaps like the boils that
befell the Egyptians when they suffered the plagues of God’s
judgment at the time Israel was delivered from Egyptian
bondage. This plague falls on those who have not heeded the
third angel’s message. They have the mark of the beast or have
worshipped his image. The plagues are not necessarily universal.
If they were, it would perhaps mean that some of the later
plagues would be unnecessary, for there would be no person
alive to suffer them. Sea turned to blood.

Revelation 16:3 Then the second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it BECAME
BLOOD AS OF A DEAD MAN; and every living creature in the sea died.

This is most offensive – as the blood of a dead man – that causes all living things in the sea to die.
One can imagine that the reality will be much worse than the thought.

Revelation 16:4 Then the third angel poured out his bowl on THE RIVERS AND SPRINGS
OF WATER, AND THEY BECAME BLOOD.

This plague is extremely serious because it affects water used for drinking, bathing and irrigation.
This, too, is similar to that plague of Egypt when the waters were turned into blood. It is certainly a
fearful visitation of divine wrath. Such a plague could not last long or all would perish. The
alternative is that it is not universal.

Revelation 16:5-7 And I heard the angel of the waters saying: “YOU ARE RIGHTEOUS, O
LORD, the One who is and who was and who is to be, BECAUSE YOU
HAVE JUDGED THESE THINGS. FOR THEY HAVE SHED THE
BLOOD OF SAINTS AND PROPHETS, and You have given them blood to
drink. For it is their just due.” And I heard another from the altar saying,
“Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your
judgments.”

Such a terrible plague calls for a statement in defense of God for

authorising it. God is certainly just in His dealings. They receive
what they have given for they are guilty of shedding the blood
of God’s saints. The punishment is appropriate for the crime.

Revelation 16:8,9 Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl
The sun scorched men with fire.
on the sun, and power was given to him to SCORCH MEN
WITH FIRE. And men were scorched with great heat, and they
BLASPHEMED THE NAME OF GOD who has power over these plagues;
and THEY DID NOT REPENT and give Him glory.

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 Lesson 48 – The Seven Last Plagues

The first three plagues are poured out upon the earth, sea and fountains of waters. The next three are
poured out upon the sun, the beast’s throne and the river Euphrates, respectively. The seventh is
poured out upon the air.

The sun has previously been beneficial to man, now it sends

forth an excess of heat and energy, tormenting men and
destroying life. Its worst results must be the most severe drought
man has ever known. Instead of acknowledging their guilt men
blaspheme the name of God. They repent not, demonstrating
their devotion as servants of Satan.

Revelation 16:10,11 Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl Darkness on the earth.
on the throne of the beast, and his KINGDOM BECAME FULL OF
DARKNESS; and they GNAWED THEIR TONGUES BECAUSE OF THE
PAIN. They blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their
sores, and did not repent of their deeds.

Men have chosen spiritual darkness, now they must suffer literal darkness. The absence of light and
heat would be all the more oppressive and painful after the intense heat experienced under the
fourth plague. Here is a darkness that can be felt, similar to the plague in Egypt. Perhaps they gnaw
their tongues in pain because of the intense cold accompanied by the prolonged darkness. Notice
too how this plague strikes at the very seat of the great apostasy of the latter days – the Papacy. At
this stage, the sores of the first plague are still causing suffering.

Revelation 16:12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river EUPHRATES,
and its WATER was DRIED UP, so that the way of the kings from the east
might be prepared.

When Cyrus defeated Babylon, he diverted the river Euphrates by digging many ditches. The water
level was lowered so that his men could march into Babylon under the river gates and defeat the
mighty city. The drying up of the river Euphrates was a forerunner of the destruction of Babylon. In
a similar way, in this verse the drying up of Euphrates is a forerunner of the destruction of
antichristian Babylon.

Revelation 16:13-16 And I saw THREE UNCLEAN SPIRITS LIKE FROGS coming out of the
mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of
the false prophet. For THEY ARE SPIRITS OF
DEMONS, performing signs, which go out to the kings
of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to
the battle of that great day of God Almighty. “Behold, I
am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and
keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his
shame.” And they gathered them together to the place
called in Hebrew, ARMAGEDDON.
Dragon, beast and false prophet.
The dragon represents paganism and spiritualism; the
beast, the Papacy; and the false prophet, apostate Protestantism – the three great religious apostasies
since the flood. These constitute latter-day Babylon. To God they are repulsive, as a frog is
repulsive to humans. They are controlled by demons and perform miracles to make their deceptive
work appear genuine. They are preparing for the battle of the great day of God Almighty –
Armageddon. This battle is mentioned in Revelation 19:17-21.

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 Lesson 48 – The Seven Last Plagues

Revelation 16:17-21 Then the seventh angel poured out his

bowl into the air, and a loud voice
came out of the temple of heaven,
from the throne, saying, “IT IS
DONE!” And there were noises and
thunderings and lightnings; and there
was a great earthquake, such a mighty
and GREAT EARTHQUAKE as had
not occurred since men were on the No second chance once probation closes.
earth. Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the
nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the
cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. Then every island fled away,
and the mountains were not found. And great hail from heaven fell upon
men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God
because of the PLAGUE OF THE HAIL, since that plague was exceedingly
great.

God’s voice sounds forth – “It is done.” The greatest earthquake this world has ever seen takes
place, demonstrating the fierceness of the wrath of God. Hailstones well in excess of fifty pounds
(approx 25 kg) each pelt the earth. Men blaspheme God for the third time – totally unrepentant, thus
the 7 plagues are ended. The next great event is the second coming of Christ – verse 15.

THE CLOSE OF PROBATION

Zephaniah 2:1,2 GATHER yourselves together, yes, gather together, O undesirable nation,
BEFORE THE DECREE IS ISSUED, OR THE DAY PASSES like chaff,
before the LORD’s fierce anger comes upon you, before the day of the LORD’s
anger comes upon you!

Here is a decree that proclaims the close of human probation. There is no second chance, no
repentance, and no forgiveness of sin when probation has closed.

Revelation 22:11,12 HE WHO IS UNJUST, LET HIM BE UNJUST STILL; he who is filthy, let
him be filthy still; HE WHO IS RIGHTEOUS, LET HIM BE RIGHTEOUS
STILL; he who is holy, let him be holy still. And behold, I
am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to
every one according to his work.

When probation closes we are sealed for eternity. Those

who are saved are forever secure. Those who are unprepared
are forever lost. Probation closes before the plagues begin to
fall and the door of mercy will be closed. The beginning of
the plagues is the end of the day of salvation. Probation will
close when man least expects it. When Christ finishes His
Jesus no longer intercedes for the
human race when probation closes. mediatorial work in the heavenly sanctuary, there will be no
more mercy for the sinner. The decree will go forth and the
plagues will be poured out.

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 Lesson 48 – The Seven Last Plagues

DOOR ARK SHUT FLOOD

7 DAYS

CLOSE OF PROBATION 2ND COMING

7 LAST PLAGUES

1 DAY = 1 PROPHETIC YEAR

Amos 8:11,12 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord GOD, “That I will send A
FAMINE ON THE LAND, NOT A FAMINE OF BREAD, nor a thirst for
water, BUT OF HEARING THE WORDS OF THE LORD. They shall
wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro,
seeking the word of the LORD, BUT SHALL NOT FIND IT.”

What a terrible picture, a day when men may desire the Word of the Lord – but it is too late. A
similar situation was seen in Noah’s day. Probation closed for the people back there seven days
before the flood came. When the door of the ark was shut it was – too late.

Revelation 18:8 THEREFORE HER PLAGUES WILL COME IN ONE DAY—death and
mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is
the Lord God who judges her.

One prophetic day equals one year. From when probation

closes, until the coming of the Lord, the plagues will fall –
a time period of one year.

GOD’S PEOPLE SHELTERED

Psalm 91:5-10 YOU SHALL NOT BE AFRAID of

the terror by night, nor of the arrow
that flies by day, nor of the
Like the Waldenses of old, God’s people
pestilence that walks in darkness, will hide in the mountains ands caves.
nor of the destruction that lays
waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your
right hand; but it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you
look, and see the reward of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD,
who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall
befall you, NOR SHALL ANY PLAGUE COME NEAR YOUR
DWELLING.

God’s people have no need to fear at this devastating time. The promise is that no plague will affect
the sincere believer.

Psalm 46:1,2 GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the
mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

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 Lesson 48 – The Seven Last Plagues

ARE YOU READY?

Isaiah 55:6 SEEK THE LORD WHILE HE MAY BE FOUND, CALL UPON HIM
WHILE HE IS NEAR.

Jeremiah 8:20 THE HARVEST IS PAST, THE

SUMMER IS ENDED, AND WE ARE
NOT SAVED!

The saddest words ever to be spoken must be the words of

Jeremiah 8:20. To have to say finally – “we are not saved” is the
greatest of all losses. It will be too late then to change your mind
– your eternity will be settled forever. But there is still time now
– the day of salvation is still open – today you can make your Does Jesus have your heart? Are you
decision to be on the Lord’s side and stand triumphant at last. ready for Him to come?
He wants you in His kingdom – He is pleading with your heart today that you might consecrate it
fully to Him. You have nothing to lose except your guilt and sin and an eternity to gain. Jesus is
waiting for you with outstretched arms – why not respond today – tomorrow may be too late. In 2
Corinthians 6:2 it states, “Behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold, NOW is the day of
salvation.” Dear friend, Jesus is calling you NOW, are you listening to Him?

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 Lesson 48 – The Seven Last Plagues

Review Sheet – The Seven Last Plagues

ASSIGNMENT: Read the Bible study carefully before answering the following questions.

1. What do the seven last plagues demonstrate? Rev 15:1

the seven last plagues, ____ ___ ______ ____ ______ ____ _____ ___ __________

2. What is the first plague? Revelation 16:2

Answer: ____________________________________________________________________

3. What is the second plague? Revelation 16:3

Answer: _____________________________________________________________________

4. What is the third plague? Revelation 16:4

Answer: _____________________________________________________________________

5. For what reason is God declared righteous in pouring out such a terrible plague?
Revelation 16:5-7
Answer: _____________________________________________________________________

6. What is the fourth plague? Revelation 16:8,9

Answer: _____________________________________________________________________

7. What is the fifth plague? Revelation 16:10,11

Answer: ____________________________________________________________________

8. What is the sixth plague? Revelation 16:12-16

Answer: ____________________________________________________________________

9. What is the seventh plague? Explain its meaning. Revelation 16:17-21

Answer: ____________________________________________________________________

10. Before the outpouring of the seven last plagues human probation will close. How does
Revelation 22:11, 12 describe the unchanging spiritual condition of the earth’s inhabitants at
this time?
Answer: ___________________________________________________________________

11. How do God’s people fare during this great time of trouble? Psalm 91:5-10
No evil shall befall you, _____ ______ ____ ________ ______ _______ _____
__________

12. What should we be doing now? Isaiah 55:6

What are the saddest words one could ever speak? Jeremiah 8:20
Answer: __________________________________________________________________

Are you preparing to be on God’s side during the time of trouble? YES _________ NO ________