
Sermon Summary: The Seventh Trumpet Sounds
Revelation 11:15–19
Main Idea:
When the seventh trumpet sounds, heaven erupts with praise, declaring that Jesus Christ now reigns as King. What was promised is now fully in motion. The end of the age has begun, and God’s eternal kingdom is assured. The call to every believer is to live in the certainty of Christ’s reign—now and forever.
1. The Boldest Declaration in History (v. 15)
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.”
Across the centuries, leaders have made bold proclamations:
- Polycarp, Luther, Carey, Churchill, MLK, and others declared truth with courage. But no human words compare to the heavenly voices in Revelation 11:15.
This is not political rhetoric or future hope—it is divine reality.
- The Greek verb tense (“has become”) emphasizes certainty, even if fulfillment is not yet complete.
- This moment is the pivot point of redemptive history—the kingdoms of man yield to the eternal reign of Christ.
2. Jesus Reigns — Past, Present, and Future
Some questions arise:
- Was Jesus not already reigning before this moment?
- Yes, Jesus has always reigned sovereignly (Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:8; Matt. 28:18).
- Is Satan reigning now?
- Scripture says Satan exercises limited, temporary influence (2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2), but only under God’s permission.
- Is Jesus’ kingdom future or now?
- Yes. Jesus reigns now spiritually and sovereignly, but Revelation 11 marks the turning point toward His active, visible, and total rule on earth.
The seventh trumpet signals the beginning of the end—the final phase of judgment and the full establishment of Christ’s reign.
3. Heaven Responds in Worship (vv. 16–18)
“The twenty-four elders… fell on their faces and worshiped God…”
Heaven is not silent. The 24 elders praise God:
- “Who is and who was” — but not “who is to come” (Rev. 4:8). Why?
- Because He has come. The future is now.
- “You have taken your great power and begun to reign.”
- This is the active assumption of power—a transition from promise to possession.
The elders acknowledge:
- God’s justice: “The time for judgment has come.”
- God’s grace: “Your servants will be rewarded.”
- God’s wrath: “The destroyers of the earth will be destroyed.”
Though nations rage, God’s plan is not delayed.
Judgment is coming. So is reward.
God’s justice is certain—and perfectly timed.
4. God’s Presence is Fully Revealed (v. 19)
“Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen…”
For the first time, the heavenly temple is opened—and the ark of the covenant is seen:
- Earthly temples were shadows of this heavenly reality (Hebrews 8:5; 9:24)
- The ark symbolized:
- God’s covenant faithfulness
- His presence among His people
- His mercy and atonement
Now, the most sacred object is no longer hidden. The way to God is open.
And with that opening comes thunder, lightning, earthquakes, and hail—physical manifestations of God’s glory and judgment.
This is not mythology. It’s not metaphor. It is the climactic moment of God’s plan moving toward its completion.
5. Application: What Should We Do with This?
Jesus reigns now—and will reign forever.
Here’s what that means for us:
- Worship fully: The elders didn’t just agree with the declaration—they fell on their faces. We must worship with our whole lives.
- Trust God’s justice: Evil may rage, but God will judge sin, reward faithfulness, and finish His plan.
- Come boldly: The temple is open. Jesus made the way for you to enter God’s presence. Don’t stand at a distance.
Key Truths to Take Home:
- Jesus’ reign is not in question—it is guaranteed.
- Satan’s influence is real—but temporary and limited.
- God’s plan is unfolding on schedule.
- The kingdom belongs to Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.
The way is open. Will you come?
Come to worship.
Come to repent.
Come to hope.
Come to reign with the One who reigns forever.
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.”
That’s not a campaign slogan.
That’s eternal reality.

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