Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

And I saw another sign in heaven that was great and marvelous. Seven angels were standing there, each one holding a bowl that contained one of the final plagues. Their presence filled up the wrath of God, which would soon be poured out on the earth.

Before them stood a sea of glass, mixed with fire, where those who had triumphed over the beast and its followers, as well as those who refused to worship its idol, were gathered together. They were playing harps that had been given to them by God. The sound of their music filled the air as they sang praises to their Creator.

The works of God are truly great and marvelous, Lord God Almighty! Your ways are just and true, and you are King over all your people. Who can help but fear and honor you? You alone are holy, and it's only right that all nations will come before you to worship, acknowledging the justice of your judgments.

After this vision, I saw the temple in heaven open wide, and seven angels emerged carrying bowls filled with God's wrath. The bowls were a manifestation of His judgment, which would soon be poured out on the earth.

The seven angels appeared from the temple clothed in white linen, their robes shining like gold around their waists. One of the four living creatures handed them seven golden bowls full of God's wrath. He is eternal and reigns forevermore.

As I watched, a thick smoke filled the temple, billowing out from God's glory and power. The air was so thick with His presence that no one could enter the temple until the seven angels had completed their task, pouring out all of God's plagues on the earth.