Topical Encyclopedia The "Sea of Glass Mixed with Fire" is a vivid and symbolic image found in the Book of Revelation, specifically in Revelation 15:2. This imagery is part of the apocalyptic vision given to the Apostle John, which reveals profound truths about the heavenly realm and the ultimate triumph of God over evil.Biblical Reference: Revelation 15:2 states: "And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name were standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands." Symbolism and Interpretation: 1. Sea of Glass: The "sea of glass" is a recurring motif in the Book of Revelation, first mentioned in Revelation 4:6, where it is described as being "like crystal" before the throne of God. This imagery suggests purity, tranquility, and the unchanging nature of God's presence. The glass-like sea represents the separation between the divine and the earthly, a barrier that is transparent yet impenetrable, signifying the holiness and majesty of God. 2. Mixed with Fire: The addition of "fire" to the sea of glass in Revelation 15:2 introduces an element of judgment and purification. Fire in biblical literature often symbolizes God's holiness, judgment, and the refining process. The mixture of fire with the sea of glass may indicate the impending judgment upon the earth and the purifying trials that believers endure. It reflects the dual aspects of God's nature—His mercy and His justice. 3. Conquerors of the Beast: Those who stand beside the sea of glass mixed with fire are described as having "conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name." This group represents the faithful believers who have overcome the trials and temptations of the world, particularly the oppressive forces symbolized by the beast. Their victory is attributed to their steadfast faith and allegiance to God, even in the face of persecution. 4. Harps of God: The harps in the hands of the conquerors signify worship and praise. In the context of Revelation, music and singing are often associated with heavenly worship and the celebration of God's redemptive acts. The presence of harps underscores the joy and triumph experienced by those who have remained faithful, as they participate in the heavenly liturgy. Theological Significance: The vision of the sea of glass mixed with fire serves as a powerful reminder of the ultimate victory of God and His people over evil. It emphasizes the themes of divine judgment, purification, and the reward for faithfulness. The imagery calls believers to remain steadfast in their faith, assured of their place in the heavenly realm where they will join in eternal worship and celebration of God's glory. This passage also highlights the tension between the present struggles of the faithful and the future hope of vindication and reward. It encourages believers to persevere, knowing that their trials are temporary and that they will ultimately stand victorious before the throne of God. Subtopics Sea: Jesus Walked Upon Lake Galilee Sea: Lake Galilee Calmed by Jesus Sea: Symbolical in Daniel's Vision Sea: Symbolical in John's Apocalyptic Vision Sea: The Dead, to be Given up by The, at the Resurrection The Sea: (Covered With Waters) of the Diffusion of Spiritual The Sea: (Roaring) Hostile Armies The Sea: (Smooth As Glass) the Peace of Heaven The Sea: (Waves of) Devastating Armies The Sea: (Waves of) Righteousness The Sea: (Waves of) the Unsteady The Sea: Called The: Great and Wide Sea The Sea: Called The: Great Waters The Sea: Caused to Foam by Leviathan The Sea: Commercial Nations: Derived Great Wealth From The Sea: Commercial Nations: Often Built Cities on the Borders of The Sea: Darkness the Swaddling Band of The Sea: God: Does What he Pleases In The Sea: God: Dries Up, by his Rebuke The Sea: God: Founded the Earth Upon The Sea: God: Made the Birds and Fished out of The Sea: God: Measures the Waters of The Sea: God: Set Bounds To, by a Perpetual Decree The Sea: God: Shakes, by his Word The Sea: God: Stills, by his Power The Sea: Great Rivers often Called The Sea: Inhabited by Innumerable Creatures Great and Small The Sea: Replenished by Rivers The Sea: Rivers Supplied by Exhalations From The Sea: Sailing On, Dangerous The Sea: Seas Mentioned in Scripture: Mediterranean or Great Sea The Sea: Seas Mentioned in Scripture: Red Sea The Sea: Seas Mentioned in Scripture: Salt of Dead Sea The Sea: Seas Mentioned in Scripture: Sea of Galilee The Sea: Seas Mentioned in Scripture: Sea of Jazer The Sea: Seas Mentioned in Scripture: Sea of Joppa or Sea of the Philistines The Sea: Seas Mentioned in Scripture: The Adriatic or Sea of Adria The Sea: Shall Give up Its Dead at the Last Day The Sea: The Clouds the Garment of The Sea: The Gathering Together of the Waters Originally Called The Sea: The Renewed Earth Shall be Without The Sea: The Shore of, Covered With Sand The Sea: The Waves of Multitudinous The Sea: The Waves of Raised Upon High The Sea: The Waves of Tossed to and Fro The Sea: The Waves of Tumultuous The Sea: The Wonders of God Seen In Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |