12 The witnesses then heard a loud voice from heaven, saying, “Come up here.” And while their enemies were watching, they were taken up to heaven in a cloud.
13 At that same moment there was a terrible earthquake that destroyed a tenth of the city. Seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were frightened and praised the God who rules in heaven.
14 The second horrible thing has now happened! But the third one will be here soon.
15 At the sound of the seventh trumpet, loud voices were heard in heaven. They said,“Now the kingdomof this worldbelongs to our Lordand to his Chosen One!And he will rulefor ever and ever!”
16 Then the twenty-four elders, who were seated on thrones in God's presence, knelt down and worshipped him.
17 They said,“Lord God All-Powerful,you are and you were,and we thank you.You used your great powerand started ruling.
18 When the nations got angry,you became angry too!Now the time has comefor the deadto be judged.It is time for you to rewardyour servants the prophetsand all your peoplewho honour your name,no matter who they are.It is time to destroy everyonewho has destroyedthe earth.”