Revelation Part 49
There is a biblical precedent for trumpets being used to announce the establishment of a king. The trumpet serves as a call to attention, directing everyone to recognize what is taking place.
The seventh trumpet announced in Revelation 11:15 covers an extended period of events rather than necessarily representing one instantaneous moment. It sets in motion the final sequence that culminates in Christ's return and the establishment of His government.
This raises an interesting question concerning 1 Corinthians 15:51-52. Paul says that the resurrection and transformation of the saints will occur "at the last trumpet," in a moment, "in the twinkling of an eye." Is the seventh trumpet of Revelation the same "last trumpet" Paul describes? Both passages involve the final trumpet, the establishment of God's Kingdom, and the culmination of God's plan. Revelation 11 presents the seventh trumpet as encompassing a series of events, while 1 Corinthians 15 emphasizes the instantaneous transformation of the saints. The connection is therefore something to consider as Revelation 11:18 says,
"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.”
The seventh trumpet announces the destination, but events leading to that destination still have to occur. God's judgments will continue. The pattern is consistent with God's dealings throughout Scripture. In Egypt, God used plagues to demonstrate His power and to overthrow the false gods and systems of Egypt. Elijah called down fire from heaven to demonstrate that the Eternal was God. Throughout Scripture, God's judgments serve to reveal His authority and expose the inability of human beings and false systems to save themselves.
The final judgments will likewise demonstrate God's power. The beast and the systems supporting him will ultimately be defeated. The kings and rulers of the earth who have given their authority to the beast will be brought into judgment. What appears to be an unstoppable human system will ultimately collapse before the rightful King.
The final triumph occurs when Jesus Christ returns in power and glory. Revelation 19 describes Him riding upon a white horse, with the armies of heaven following Him, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, and riding on white horses. On His robe and thigh is written the name, "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." Every human king, president, prime minister, ruler, and government that has given authority to the beast will ultimately have to answer to the true King.
The seventh trumpet announces the coming victory, but the judgments leading to that victory continue to unfold. The final bowls are not described until Revelation 15 and 16. Revelation is showing us the certainty of the outcome before giving us every detail of how that outcome will be accomplished.
Revelation 11:15 contains the announcement that the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ:
"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!’”
This can be viewed as a proclamation of the coronation of Jesus Christ as King over the earth.
There is a biblical precedent for trumpets being used to announce the establishment of a king. In 1 Kings 1:32-40, Solomon was anointed and proclaimed king, and trumpets were sounded so that the people would know that the new king had been established. The trumpet served as a call to attention, directing everyone to recognize what was taking place.
The seventh trumpet has this same kind of announcement. The rightful King is being established! The world has been under the influence of another ruler, but that counterfeit authority is coming to an end. Satan has sought to establish his own government and his own system, but his dominion is temporary. Christ's reign is permanent.
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
