preserving them pure—then testimony—then judgment.
The fifteenth chapter begins a new sign and a distinct subject. No longer various parties in heaven with consequent effects—the child caught away, and the patience and faith of the saints—but the plain statement of the wrath of God being completed or fulfilled; not here, observe, the judgment and victory of the Lamb over the beast; that is all special and administrative, connected with the exhibition of the power and effect in their followers.
Here was “another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels” (this was providential government, not the Lamb or Son of man) “having the seven last plagues.” The sea was seen before the throne. Here it was seen, not only in its fixed purity—but this, connected with trial—judicial trial. But on it, having now gotten the victory, stood those who had overcome the beast and his image, and his mark, and the number of his name. Neither secular persecution nor deceitful power had prevailed over those faithful kept ones—they had the “harps of God”—divine and well-tuned joy. The song they sung was of a double character—the victory of God’s power, the song of Moses—Jehovah
