The Trumpet Judgments, Part 2, Trumpets 1–4

The opening of the seventh seal (8:1-5) introduces the seven trumpet judgments (8:6–9:21; 11:15–19). The purpose of the judgments was (1) to warn unbelievers that their continued rebellion against heaven must end. (2) In a sense, they call unbelievers to repentance because of their limited destruction. (3) They also demonstrate the stubborn nature of those who refuse to repent because as the judgment falls upon the unbelievers. They will not acknowledge their suffering as a consequence of God’s wrath, nor will they repent of their refusal to bow to Him as Lord and Savior.

The trumpets sound an alarm of war. God is fighting against His enemies, who have already been defeated at the cross of Christ. Jesus, in His resurrection and ascension, is seated on His throne on high, sovereignly ruling over human history and Lord and Judge (John 5:22–24).