Contained in the final trumpet judgment are the seven vial judgments. Revelation 12 to 15 is a parenthesis before the actual pouring out of the vials in Revelation 16, when everything will be destroyed. The history of nations shows that each kingdom of man is always replaced by another. Each kingdom may be invincible at its height, but its power would wane with time. The Antichrist will rule with peace when the world longs for it. At the end of the Great Tribulation, God will destroy the world. This is seen in the vial judgments. Revelation 11:15-19 is a summary introduction to the kingdoms of man changing hands to the eternal, unchanging Kingdom of Christ.

1. A Final Change (Rev 11:15)

The world is ripe for the one-world rule of the Antichrist. When the final change comes, the Lord will do the change. Kingdoms of man will one day be wiped out from the face of the earth, and only the Kingdom of Christ will remain forever. This final change is permanent and eternal. As children of God, we must not be motivated by the things of this world which are reserved for destruction. We must be strangers and sojourners on earth, always motivated by Christ. We must use what God has given us to help ourselves and others spiritually.

2. A Thankful Change (Rev 11:16-17)

The “four and twenty elders” (Rev 11:16) refer to believers. When the final change happens, believers will be very thankful and happy that their prayers have been answered. Jesus will then rule and reign perfectly. They will be thankful that the struggle against sin is over, and that Christ the Almighty will intervene and execute justice against earthly powers.

3. A Forceful Change (Rev 11:18-19)

The Antichrist and his followers will despise this change. The Lord will execute His wrath and judgment against them. They may escape the judgment of men, but not the judgment of the Almighty. God’s mercy in withholding judgment is not permanent. He gives men time to repent, but if they persist, they will be permanently hardened in their sinful state, and He will judge. While God is love and He gives us salvation, He is also holy. His wrath will be upon those who reject His salvation. 

Today, God’s mercy is still upon us. We must make the right choice.