The Trumpets
A Sermon on the Trumpets in Revelation
Originally preached April 1, 1955
Scripture
Sermon Description
What do the trumpets in Revelation stand for? Why are they in the book? How can their teaching be applied today? In this sermon on the trumpets, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teaches more about these symbols from the book of Revelation. He notes that the trumpets afflict only one-third of their objects. This is contrary to the seals of Revelation, which afflict things as a whole. What do the trumpets represent? They represent what happens to those who persecute God’s people. Many times when people are punished for their sin, it is easy to think that it is all a coincidence, but Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener that these calamities in Revelation are sent by God Himself. This is important to remember because it is a reminder that God will judge those who have afflicted His people. Just like the plagues of Egypt, the trumpets in Revelation serve as a warning that God sees the trouble of His people and will seek justice for them. Finally, are these trumpets meant to be taken and understood literally? Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows why this is not the case and how to best interpret these symbols of Revelation.
Sermon Breakdown
- The book of Revelation consists of 7 parallel visions revealing the history of the church from Christ's first coming to his second coming.
- The book can be divided into two main sections: Chapters 1-11 depict the conflict between Christ/the church and men. Chapters 12-22 depict the conflict between Christ/the church and spiritual forces of evil.
- Chapters 1-3 show the different spiritual conditions of the church throughout history.
- Chapters 4-7 show God's people encountering opposition from the world through the opening of the seals. The seals show that forces are arrayed against God's people because they are God's people.
- Chapters 8-11 (the trumpet series) show what happens to those who oppose God and persecute the church. The trumpets are warnings of judgment and punishment on the ungodly.
- The trumpet judgments only affect 1/3 of things, showing they are partial judgments, unlike the bowl judgments in Chapter 16 which affect everything.
- The trumpet series parallels the plagues on Egypt for oppressing God's people. The plagues were warnings for Pharaoh to let God's people go.
- The things that happen to the ungodly (calamities, natural disasters) are ordained by God as punishment for sin and persecution of the church.
- The 5th trumpet shows hell being unleashed on earth and restraints being removed. This has happened at times in history and is happening now. God allows greater evil to punish the world.
- The 6th trumpet shows terrible wars that wipe out masses of people. These wars are God's punishment on the world.
- Despite the judgments of trumpets 1-6, men do not repent (9:20-21). Calamities do not convert people - only the Holy Spirit can do that.
- Chapters 10-11 show the church during this time. The little scroll is sweet but bitter, symbolizing the sweetness of the gospel leading to the bitterness of suffering and persecution.
- The two witnesses in Chapter 11 are the Old and New Testaments. They prophesy and are eventually killed, symbolizing the suppression of the Scriptures. But they come back to life, showing the Scriptures can never be destroyed.
- Chapter 11:15-19 shows the final judgment, as in the 6th seal. The nations are angry but face God's wrath. The temple is opened and the ark is seen.
Sermon Q&A
Questions and Answers About Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on the Book of Revelation
What is Dr. Lloyd-Jones' approach to interpreting the Book of Revelation?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones takes a general interpretive approach to Revelation rather than examining every detail. He views the book as consisting of "a series of seven revelations or visions, each one parallel to the other, each in a sense dealing with the same thing from a slightly different standpoint and aspect." He suggests that the theme is "the history of the Christian church from the first coming of our Lord to his second coming," with different aspects of that period being revealed throughout the book.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones divide the Book of Revelation?
He divides the book into two major sections: chapters 1-11 and chapters 12-22. The first section describes "the conflict of the Lord Jesus Christ and his church against men, against human instruments." The second section reveals the same conflict but on a deeper level, showing that "we wrestle not really against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against spiritual wickedness in high places." This shows that the ultimate conflict is with the devil and his agencies.
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones teach about the trumpet series in Revelation?
According to Lloyd-Jones, the trumpet series (chapters 8-11) represents what happens to people who persecute Christ's followers. Unlike the seal series which shows what happens to God's people, the trumpet series shows God's judgments on their persecutors. The trumpets are warnings of judgment and punishment. Importantly, he notes that under the trumpets only "a third part" is affected, indicating partial rather than total judgment.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain natural disasters and calamities in light of Revelation?
Lloyd-Jones teaches that natural calamities such as "earthquakes, volcanoes, overflowing, and things like that" are under God's control and represent part of His judgment on those who persecute His people. He states, "these great wars which have brought such calamities to mankind are the punishment of God." He specifically interprets both World Wars of the 20th century this way, saying they were God "addressing mankind, punishing the world of men that will not listen to him."
What does the "sweet in mouth but bitter in belly" book symbolize in Revelation 10?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains this as representing the gospel experience. Initially, when someone first receives the gospel, it brings incomparable sweetness. However, as believers internalize it, they inevitably face persecution and opposition: "as certainly and as surely as you become a Christian... you'll get trouble. It will lead to suffering. It will lead to persecution." This bitterness isn't the gospel itself but the consequences of following Christ in a hostile world.
Who are the two witnesses in Revelation 11 according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?
Lloyd-Jones suggests the two witnesses represent the Old and New Testaments, "the law and the gospel that always go together." He notes that while he cannot prove this interpretation definitively, it fits the biblical pattern where "the law prepares for the gospel, and the gospel reflects its radiance upon the law." He adds that "you can't really understand one without the other."
What are the main antagonists of Christ and His church according to Revelation 12-14?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies several antagonists: 1. The dragon - representing the devil himself 2. The beast from the sea - representing secular powers and governments that persecute believers 3. The beast from the earth - representing false religions that appear lamb-like but speak like a dragon 4. The great harlot (Babylon) - representing the seductive power of the world and sin 5. People with the mark of the beast - representing those who belong to the worldly system
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones teach about worldly persecution of the church?
He teaches that persecution is inevitable for true believers, quoting Paul's words that "all that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." Lloyd-Jones warns against those who claim that "you come to Christ and all will be well with you. And you'll never have another trouble in the whole of your life," calling this "a lie." He explains that opposition often comes from those who previously were kind to us before our conversion, but now turn against us because "you are changed and they are not."
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones interpret the temporary defeat of the two witnesses?
He interprets this as a prophetic picture of times when the gospel witness seems almost destroyed, and the world congratulates itself on outgrowing Christianity. He suggests that "there is a day coming... when it will almost look as if the Christian witness and testimony will finally have been destroyed." During this time, the world will rejoice and celebrate, thinking God, Christ, and His cross have been forgotten. However, this defeat is temporary, as the witnesses are eventually resurrected and ascend to heaven.
What is Dr. Lloyd-Jones' ultimate message of hope in his interpretation of Revelation?
Despite all the persecution, suffering, and apparent defeats that Christians will face, Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes the ultimate victory of Christ. He concludes by pointing to "the glorious victory of the Lord Jesus Christ over every one of them [the antagonists], and how they are all ultimately cast into the lake of perdition. And the Christ and his bride become one and enjoy one another in the eternal glory forever and forever." This assurance of final victory serves as comfort and encouragement for believers facing trials.
Great Biblical Doctrines
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.