John’s vision in verse 2 takes us all the way back to chapter 4 verse 6, the first time he saw a sea of glass – one like crystal before the throne of God in heaven. This indicates that the scene of chapter 15 has clearly shifted back from earth to heaven, to the very presence of God. But notice that this time, the sea is mingled with fire – for in today’s vision we see God preparing to pour out His wrath on the wicked.

And make no mistake – even though seven angels are directed to pour out the bowls of God’s wrath (15:7), God remains personally involved in this judgment. Just as a cloud of smoke descended on Mt. Sinai when God gave His law to His people (Exodus 19:18), and just as God’s glory cloud filled Solomon’s Temple at the time it was dedicated (I Kings 8:10-11), so the sanctuary in John’s vision was filled with smoke, indicating God’s presence in His sanctuary.

But as we look at the following visions of judgment, we need to keep firmly in mind the last few verses of chapter 14. There, we see Jesus making a clear distinction between His people who are gathered into His presence, and the grapes which are trodden in the winepress of God’s wrath (14:14-20). Just so, we see God’s people standing by the sea of glass and fire in verse 2, not drowning in it. Just as the pillar of cloud and fire led God’s people through the Red Sea while drowning Pharaoh’s army in it (Exodus 14:20-29), God’s people thus have no reason to fear the judgment of Christ that will be so vividly described in chapter 16.

No, instead of being afraid, we should join in the song of the saints in verses 3 and 4, glorifying God, even as we look forward to the judgment of those who reject Christ’s salvation and authority. And why? Because God’s judgment demonstrates His justice, and His authority over all the nations (15:3). God’s judgment demonstrates His holiness and His righteousness (15:4). And until God’s judgment is completed, no one, not even the singing saints, will be able to go into the sanctuary, into the presence of God (15:8).

But we would also do well to follow the example of those who sang that song of praise – for they are described as having conquered or overcome the beast (15:2). In other words, if we rely on Christ to make a distinction between those who follow Him and those who follow the Beast on the Day of Judgment, we need to be truly faithful to Him, turning away from any godless ruler or government that might try to stand in His place, and trusting in Christ alone. Come, Lord Jesus!

Revelation 15:1-8 (ESV)

Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished.
2 And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire– and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands.
3 And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations!
4 Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”
5 After this I looked, and the sanctuary of the tent of witness in heaven was opened,
6 and out of the sanctuary came the seven angels with the seven plagues, clothed in pure, bright linen, with golden sashes around their chests.
7 And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever,
8 and the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished.