What is the purpose of the final plagues?

The final plagues, often referred to as the “Seven Last Plagues” in the Book of Revelation, hold significant theological and eschatological importance in the Christian tradition. These plagues, detailed in Revelation 16, are a series of divine judgments unleashed upon the earth during the end times.

The sections below examine What is the purpose of the final plagues? with attention to biblical context and application.

This article examines what is the purpose of the final plagues with attention to biblical context and application. Understanding the purpose of these plagues involves exploring their context within the broader narrative of Revelation, their symbolic meanings, and their implications for both believers and non-believers. We will delve into these aspects, drawing on Bible references to provide a comprehensive understanding of the purpose of the final plagues.

What the Bible Teaches About What Is the Purpose of the Final Plagues?

Revelation 16:1-21 (NKJV)

The Seven Last Plagues are described in Revelation 16. Here is an overview of the text:

1. First Plague – Loathsome Sores: Revelation 16:2 (NKJV): “So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image.”
2. Second Plague – Sea Turns to Blood: Revelation 16:3 (NKJV): “Then the second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man; and every living creature in the sea died.”
3. Third Plague – Waters Turn to Blood: Revelation 16:4 (NKJV): “Then the third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood.”
4. Fourth Plague – Men Are Scorched: Revelation 16:8-9 (NKJV): “Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory.”
5. Fifth Plague – Darkness and Pain: Revelation 16:10-11 (NKJV): “Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues because of the pain. They blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and did not repent of their deeds.”
6. Sixth Plague – Euphrates Dried Up: Revelation 16:12 (NKJV): “Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared.”
7. Seventh Plague – The Earth Utterly Shaken: Revelation 16:17-18 (NKJV): “Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, ‘It is done!’ And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth.”

Context and Symbolism

The Book of Revelation is highly symbolic, and understanding the imagery is crucial to interpreting the purpose of the plagues. The plagues mirror the plagues of Egypt in the Book of Exodus, which were also judgments from God intended to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. Similarly, the Seven Last Plagues are divine judgments meant to bring about repentance and ultimately lead to the final defeat of evil.

Purpose of the Final Plagues

Judgment and Wrath

The primary purpose of the final plagues is to execute God’s judgment and wrath upon a sinful world. The plagues are directed against those who have aligned themselves with the beast, taken his mark, and worshiped his image. This reflects God’s righteous anger against sin and rebellion.

Revelation 16:1 (NKJV) states, “Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, ‘Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth.'” The Lord will allow the end-time plagues to take place so that Satan can demonstrate to the universe what a world that is completely under his power would be like. Before the second coming of Christ, God will finally permit Satan’s winds of strife to blow without restraint (Revelation 7:1). The great tribulation will prove to the universe that nothing would change the characters of those still alive upon the earth.

God’s people will trust Him during the worst conditions possible, and His enemies will rebel against Him no matter what. Sometimes hardships and pain bring sinners to repentance, but as the Seven Last Plagues are being poured out, the wicked will reveal that there is no longer any goodness in them. “And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory” (Revelation 16:9, NKJV). For “They blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and did not repent of their deeds” (Revelation 16:11, NKJV).

And “Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great” (Revelation 16:21, NKJV).

Vindication of the Righteous

The plagues also serve to vindicate the righteous who have suffered under the oppression of the beast. The martyrs and saints who have remained faithful to God are assured that justice will be served and their faithfulness rewarded. Revelation 16:5-7 (NKJV) states, “And I heard the angel of the waters saying: ‘You are righteous, O Lord, the One who is and who was and who is to be, because You have judged these things. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. For it is their just due.’ And I heard another from the altar saying, ‘Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments.'”

Demonstration of God’s Sovereignty

The plagues demonstrate God’s ultimate sovereignty over all creation. Despite the power and influence of the beast, God’s judgments reveal His supreme authority and control over the universe. The plagues underscore that no force of evil can prevail against God’s will. Revelation 16:17-18 (NKJV) states, “Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, ‘It is done!’ And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth.”

Prelude to the Final Victory

The final plagues are not just acts of judgment; they are also a prelude to the ultimate victory of God over evil. They set the stage for the final battle and the establishment of God’s kingdom. The destruction and chaos brought by the plagues are part of the process through which God brings about the new heaven and new earth. Revelation 21:1-4 (NKJV) states, “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.'”

Theological and Eschatological Implications

Theodicy and Divine Justice

The plagues address the issue of theodicy, the justification of God’s goodness and justice in the face of evil. They affirm that God is just in His judgments and that the suffering of the righteous will be avenged. The plagues show that God’s wrath is not arbitrary but is directed against specific sins and rebellion.

God’s Protection on the Faithful

God will not allow the plagues to fall until He has sealed His faithful children for heaven. Revelation 7:1-3 (NKJV) states, “After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God.

And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, ‘Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.'” The sealing of God’s people prepares them to stand through the fearful times of stress that will precede the second advent. As in ancient times, a seal on an object testified to its ownership, so the seal of God upon His people proclaims that He has recognized His faithful as His own (2 Timothy 2:19).

Eschatological Hope

For believers, the plagues are a source of eschatological hope. They are part of the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan, leading to the ultimate defeat of evil and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This hope is rooted in the assurance that God’s purposes will prevail and that believers will share in the victory of Christ.

Call to Endurance

The depiction of the plagues in Revelation serves as a call to endurance for believers. In the face of persecution and trials, believers are encouraged to remain faithful, knowing that God’s justice will ultimately be realized. The narrative of the plagues reinforces the call to persevere in faith and to hold fast to the testimony of Jesus. Revelation 14:12 (NKJV) states, “Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”