In Revelation 16, we read of the fullness of God’s wrath being unleased in the seven-vial judgment. Our God is a loving, merciful and long-suffering God. He is also a very angry God, especially when man does not repent of his sins. The only way to escape the wrath of God is for man to repent of his sins and receive Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour.

1. Pain (Rev 16:2): The first vial judgment is pain, and the first angel will pour it out unto the earth for those who have the mark of the beast and who worship the image of the beast. They will be afflicted with “a noisome and grievous sore.”

At that time, there will be three types of people on earth. The first type already has the mark of the beast and cannot be saved. The second type has the mark of Christ, like the 144,000 saved, but they need to run and hide for their lives. The third type has not decided yet, and will witness those with the mark of the beast suffer the wrath of God. The hearts of the people will be so hardened that even at the end of the seven-vial judgment, they will not repent.

2. Famine (Rev 16:3-4): The second and the third angels will pour out their vials upon the sea, rivers and fountains of water, and the water will become blood. There will be no water left, and famine will result.

God will destroy this earth. We cannot save this earth. It is reserved for destruction by fire. But today we can save the sinner. We can share the Gospel of salvation with them, and pray for their salvation. They do not need to go to hell. Revelation 5:1 tells us that there is “a book…sealed with seven seals.” And Revelation 5:5: “…the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” When the book is opened, God's children will be appreciative and be thankful for their life in Christ. Today, we must stop being carnal. We must use the material things God has blessed us with for our spiritual well-being, and that of others.

3. Just Retribution (Rev 16:5-7): God’s judgment is righteous. In the past, present and future, the enemies of God shed the blood of saints and prophets. These enemies of God will deserve the same suffering that they inflicted on God’s servants. God’s justice will come upon this earth to avenge the blood of His children.

May we live our lives considering the future to come. Check our salvation and make sure every aspect of our lives is right with God and glorifies Him.