To properly understand the book of Revelation, one must first recognize that the book largely covers the Christian dispensation. The prophecies begin shortly after the first advent of Christ and trace the history of the Christian or “Gospel Age.” From this standpoint, the sequence of seven churches, seven seals and seven trumpets generally run concurrently. The reason for the three accounts is to illustrate how events of the age affect different elements of society. The seven bowls, or “vials,” first appear in chapter 15, and are said to be full of the wrath of God (verse 7). This describes the final outpouring of God’s judgments at the end of the age.

Seven Seals

The seven seals first appear in Revelation 5. God is seen holding a scroll that was sealed with seven seals. An angel then proclaims, “Who is worthy to open the book (or scroll), and to loose the seals thereof?” No one was found worthy until one of the elders says “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David hath prevailed to open the scroll and loose the seals” (verse 5). Then Jesus takes the scroll from God and begins to loosen each seal, one after another through chapter 6.

Chapter 6 then describes events that were to transpire as each seal was opened. This reveals God knew what was to happen as the new Christian age would develop.The seals described how events affect sincere followers in Christ. The events described were going to be painful for the Lord’s true followers. Their loyalty to God and His principles were to bring them great suffering. However, no matter what was permitted by God, the outcome would be the marriage of the Lamb and the establishment of God’s kingdom, described in chapters 19-22.

The opening of each seal then marked a point in time when certain events would take place during the age.

Seven Trumpets

In chapters 8-11, the seven trumpets depict the same time periods as the seven seals?but from a different perspective. The trumpets describe the effect on the religious world in general. There are simply too many symbols to share in a short answer here. To read a more detailed explanation of each trumpet, we recommend this article in The Herald magazine: The Seven Trumpets – The Herald (herald-magazine.com)

Seven Bowls (or Vials)

The bowls are said to contain the wrath of God, also described as plagues. The important element is what the bowls contained, not the bowls themselves. The seven last plagues are an allusion to the 10 plagues poured upon Egypt that God used to free Israel from slavery. To the Egyptians, the plagues were a terrible affliction. To the Hebrews, they led to freedom. The contemporary point is that having the correct perspective on the “great time of trouble” (Matthew 24:21) now unfolding is important.

Pouring out the contents of the bowls describe the gradual breaking down of human institutions in preparation for the kingdom of God. Those entrenched in worldly systems may not see the plagues as beneficial. But those who understand the joys and blessings that lie beyond the trouble are encouraged by the outpouring of God’s wrath. Each plague affects a different element of society.

Additional Resource:
For a thorough explanation of each plague, we refer you to an excellent treatise on the entire book of Revelation titled, The Keys to Revelation.The plagues are in explained in detail beginning on page 408.

(Free PDF view/download) PDF: The Keys to Revelation
(For more information and to order a hard copy book) The Keys to Revelation