11:14-19 How are we to understand what is said here?
11:14-19 How are we to understand what is said here?
The third woe in V14 is the last of the three woes pronounced by the angel flying in the midst of heaven in Rev 8:13. These three woes are synonymous with the fifth, sixth, and seventh trumpet judgments (cp Re 8:13).
As we learned in our study on Rev 10:1-7, the third woe synonymous with the seventh trumpet judgment is the casting down of Satan out of heaven to the earth. This is the mystery of God which He has declared to the prophets, that will be delayed no longer. It will be fulfilled at this time (cp Rev 10:1-7; 12:7-12
(See also comments on Rev 10:1-7)). The seventh trumpet judgment involves the events of the last three and a half years of the tribulation leading up to Christ's second coming. It includes the seven vial or bowl judgments beginning in Rev 16:1 (cp Re 16:1-4, 8, 10, 12, 17).
In Rev 11:16 the church, represented by the twenty-four elders, prophesy what will happen at Christ's second coming: hostile nations will be overcome by God's wrath (cp Psa 21:9; Isa 26:20-21; 30:27-28; 2Th 1:7-10); the wicked dead will be judged at the great white throne judgment at the end of Christ's millennial reign on earth (cp Rev 20:11-15).
Satan though will be judged both before and after Christ's millennial reign (cp Rev 20:1-10). The saints will be judged at the judgment seat of Christ in heaven. Scriptures do not say when, so it is no use speculating (cp Ro 14:10-12; 1Cor 3:11-15; 2Cor 5:10 (See also comments on Ro 14:10-12 and 1Cor 3:11-15)).
By His defeat of Satan, God becomes sovereign over the kingdom of this world. Until then Satan is its prince, or god (cp Jn 12:31; 14:30; 2Cor 4:3-4; Eph 2:1-2).
Although God is sovereign over the kingdom of this world after He casts out Satan, it will still be three and a half years before He actually takes possession of the earth because the tribulation has to run its course first. The temple of God being opened to reveal the ark of the covenant in Rev 11:19, signifies God's redeeming purpose in the midst of judgment (cp Re 11:19).