What does Revelation 8:5 mean?

This verse reports the last thing that happens in heaven before the trumpet judgments begin. In the prior verse, the smoke rising from burnt incense represented the prayers of God's people. The eighth angel fills the censer with fire from the altar and hurls it onto the earth. The altar represents sacrifice for sinners, and fire represents judgment.

Because Jesus, God's Lamb, was sacrificed on the cross for our sin, God withholds His judgment from us. Romans 8:1 explains, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." However, in Revelation 8:5 judgment on sinners follows the altar of sacrifice. Those who remained unbelievers prior to the tribulation had rejected Christ's atonement and therefore must experience God's judgment. The tribulation judgments offer a stern warning to all today who harden their hearts against the Savior. Proverbs 29:1 cautions: "He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing." The Scripture urges: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts" (Hebrews 3:15).

Loud thunder, rumblings, streaks of lightning, and an earthquake precede the seven trumpet judgments. These ominous occurrences must truly cause earth's inhabitants to tremble.