The Opening of Revelation’s 7 seals
For more than 30 years I have heard messages on the 4 horsemen of the Apocalypse. I’ve read articles, and I’ve heard preachers sermonize eloquently on Chapters 5 & 6 of Revelation. History seems to bear out our understanding and interpretation of those verses. However, something has always bothered me concerning those presentations. It seems we have concluded that the “unsealing” is the same as what is written in the book. Could we be missing an important aspect of the message? There are two dynamics at play here, one is the opening of the seals themselves, and the other being what is written in the book. Our presentations always focus on the history of what the book reveals, but not the opening of the seals themselves. This article will attempt to add to our understanding of the, “opening of the seals”.
The first words of a book set the tone and theme, and the first 5 words of the Book of Revelation are “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” I have heard that the Book of Revelation can be summed up as the 3 “L’s”: Jesus Christ, the Lamb, the Lawyer, and the Lion. If the book of Revelation is really more about the Father’s revelations of His Son, then why do we highlight certain historical events as the primary focus? We know that these are connected to His church, and it is certainly appropriate to mention them, but not to make then the primary focus
By the time we get to chapters 4-6 of Revelation we have already been through the messages of the 7 churches. After John’s greeting to the brethren and his declaration that Christ is coming again, before he presents any message to any church, John sees a vision of the Son of Man. “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last.” Wow! This is quite a revelation of who Christ is.
It is clear from the first chapter that the Father wants the 7 churches to possess a clearer understanding of just, “whom”, they are called to worship, plus a greater understanding of what Christ has done and will do for them directly. He wants to send the message loud and clear, I am with you through any hardship.
John records that each church is represented in Heaven itself by a golden candlestick, and Who should be in the very midst of them? Christ Himself! Not only would His presence be felt, but He provides to each a protective star or angel. This has been the hidden truth that the churches had not grasped as yet, a truth that would need to ring loud and clear to the end of time. We know from our study of those messages how they applied to 7 literal churches of that time, but also how each message is applicable to 7 eras of church history. So the messages are both literal and symbolic.
As we approach chapters 4-6 John takes us behind the scenes into the throne room in heaven itself. We were there in chapter one, but perhaps didn’t realize it, as the focus centered on the One in the midst of the candlesticks. We get much greater detail now, as to the layout of God’s throne, plus those ministering there, the 24 elders and the four beasts. Chapter 4 closes with praise and worship to God, the only One worthy of such.
Chapter 5 begins by calling attention to a book that God is holding in His right hand, John is provided with two details concerning the biblion, (book or scroll): there is writing on both sides, and it is sealed with 7 seals. John’s natural inclination is to loosen the seals and read the scroll, however, no one has the authority to unseal the scroll and read the content. John’s reaction to the sealed book is such to alert the reader that this is an issue that involves the salvation of humanity.
John’s distress is turned to joy when he is informed that one has been found that can both, unloosen the seals, and read the scroll. It is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, the Messiah, Christ Himself that will unseal the scroll and read it. What is it that provides Christ the authority to open the scroll? Verse 6 reveals very clearly, John sees in the midst of the throne, “a lamb as it had been slain.” Because of Christ’s sacrifice, He has been given the authority to, not only take the book from the Father, but to loosen the seals, and finally reveal the content of the scroll. But does the authority simply find its basis in just the crucifixion alone?
Here is a perfect opportunity for God to reveal two distinct explanations of the details concerning the atonement, and how it relates to His church. Remember it is Christ alone that can take the scroll and loosen the seals. So could it be that the loosening of the seals refers exclusively to the part He would play in accomplishing salvation for humanity? Verse 9 highlights this very idea, “Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and has redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.”
Every Christian would be more than capable of listing many of the various aspects of Christ’s ministry to save us, however we are provided (I believe) a clue to the ones that the Father knew would be sufficient to loosen the seals. All of Heaven seems, with one voice, to provide such a list of 7 qualities that the Lamb would need in accomplishing the requirements to open the seals. “Worthy is the lamb that was slain to receive: POWER – riches – wisdom – strength – honor – glory – blessing” (Rev.5:12). Could it be that these 7 characteristics summarize certain aspects of Christ’s ministry that will enable Him to loosen each seal? Remember only He could do it.
Now we’re looking at Chapter 6 from a dual application perspective, much like the dual application of the message to the 7 churches. The way we will apply this is by splitting the focus two ways, the content of the scroll provides the history of Christ’s church through to the end, with the loosening of the seals being that which only Christ could accomplish, and defined by 7 aspects of His ministry. Since we have routinely heard of the 4 horsemen of the Apocalypse and the historical focus, this article will open our understanding to that of the loosening of the seals themselves.
The Lamb opens the first seal, and what is heard is a “noise,” (Strong’s 5456, or voice) of thunder, and John’s attention is directed to a white horse. The rider has a bow and a crown, and went forth conquering and to conquer. The rider on the horse is not identified in this single verse, but could this be a description of one of Christ’s activities in His battle with evil? The first descriptive word in chapter 5 verse 12 is power, Christ is worthy to receive POWER. The word power is dunamis (Strong’s – 1411, GREEK – Dynamis). It means strength, ability, power, inherent power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth. When we consider the beginning of Christ’s ministry, we know that it started with great power. This rider is on a white horse, the color of purity, and someone on a journey or mission. We know that Christ accepted His mission as well, as the Spirit led Him into the wilderness.
The rider is pictured with two implements, a bow and a crown, the crown, (stephanos), denotes royalty or one of an exalted rank, the bow is a weapon of warfare. At the baptism of Christ Matt. records that the heavens were opened unto Him, and lo a voice from heaven saying, “this is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Christ here is exalted by the Father, and also chosen for high priestly ministry. Christ is then led into the wilderness by the Spirit to face the enemy. He does not go alone, He is equipped with the teaching of the word of God from his mother’s knee, plus He has the assurance and acceptance from His Father thundered just moments before. As we read through Christ’s wilderness temptations in the Gospel we witness the mighty Conqueror over Satan and his temptations, fittingly symbolized by the rider on the white horse. This first seal to be loosened in the warfare in man’s behalf was extremely significant.
Mighty issues for the world were at stake in the conflict between the Prince of light and the leader of the kingdom of darkness. After tempting man to sin, Satan claimed the earth as his, and styled himself the prince of this world. Having conformed to his own nature the father and mother of our race, he thought to establish here his empire. He declared that men had chosen him as their sovereign. Through his control of men, he held dominion over the world. Christ had come to disprove Satan’s claim. As the Son of man, Christ would stand loyal to God. Thus it would be shown that Satan had not gained complete control of the human race, and that his claim to the world was false. All who desired deliverance from his power would be set free. The dominion that Adam had lost through sin would be recovered.
With the success and victory of Christ 1st direct encounter against Satan behind Him, Jesus begins His ministry. Just as there would be 3 more horses yet to come, Christ would have 3 plus years of ministry left on earth. The next horse John sees is the red horse, and there went out another horse red, and given to him that sat thereon was the ability to take peace from the earth. If there were ever a sysinc way to describe Christ ministry it would be these words, that of taking peace from the earth. The words of Matt.10:34 should ring loud in the ears of the reader, Think not that I have come to send peace on earth, I came not to send peace, but a sword. The rider on the red horse doesn’t just receive any sword, but is given a “great” sword, emphasizing the incredible global conflict between light and darkness.
We have witnessed all through history and see today an overwhelming unbelievable amount of crime, killing and devastation. Literally TRILLIONS have fallen victim to bloodshed. How exacting are the words to the rider on the red horse.
Notice though the second word used in Rev. 5:12, riches, Worthy is the lamb to receive, RICHES. How does this fit with the rider on the 2nd horse? The word riches is the Greek word Ploutos, and means, abundance of external possessions. Well, praise God that this pictures an abundance of redeemed saints, the peculiar treasure of Exodus 19:5, Now therefore if you will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people, for all the earth is mine. The redeemed of the earth are Christ’s riches, purchased by and through His sacrificial plan. Because of His birth, His life of ministry, His death, etc., He has secured a prized possession, souls destined for eternity and the praise of His Father. Though the forgiven saints are brought to view, it is really God’s plan to save us that should receive praise, Paul in his discourse in Romans 11 declares, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out.”
The next horse to make his appearance in the chapter is a black horse, this is the loosening of the third seal, (Rev.6:5). Black is a color that denotes darkness, the absence of light. The third word from Rev. 5:12 that corresponds to this seal would be,”wisdom”. Near the close of Christ earthly ministry He would go through an experience like non other, a time of trouble such as never was, or had ever been. During Christ time as a man His relationship with His Father had always been very sound, He would always remind the disciples, the Father and I are one. His pre-incarnate existence with His Father was eternal, but now haven taken on the inherited tendencies of fallen man, He is in a potentially vulnerable position. He senses His Father pulling away, veiling Himself from His Son, who is now becoming sin for humanity. This is a terrible time of darkness, a darkness from which there seems no escape, no hope. We find Christ at this hour in a place of solitude, a place normally of comfort and relaxation, Gethsemane, a favorite gathering place among the olive groves on the mount. But on this occasion no such comfort will be found,
Christ must draw from every resource if He is to survive the night. He appeals to His closest friends, who do not understand His anguish, He appeals to them for continued prayer as He wrestles with the plan to save humanity. He is most certainly facing the darkness alone, and the balances are in His hands!
John hears a voice from the sanctuary, from the midst of the 4 living beings, a measure or portion of wheat and barley for a penny. Measure is (choinix) choenix, a dry measure containing four cotylae or two setarii (less than our quart, one litre), which is about as much as would support a man of moderate appetite for a day. What is John to understand from this statement? The message from the sanctuary was clear, a day’s worth of provisions was being presented, the rider on this horse is only going to have this day, this moment to make his decision. Jesus in Gethsemane had asked His Father 3 times to let the cup pass from Him, that is to say, lets find another way to save humanity. He was requesting a release from the heartache, the uncertainty, what seemed to be His final moment connected to His Father.
The message from the sanctuary again is clear, hurt not the oil or wine, a representation of a healthy harvest. Joel 1:10-11 tell of the same elements, the wine, oil, wheat, and barley, languishing due to a plague, and how this left no harvest. Christ must make His choice, all of humanity was waded in the balances, eternity for all humanity was at stake. But how could the Father ask His Son to make such a decision when the plan seemed to be flawed? The plan called for the high priest to make the application of the blood onto the mercy seat,(Kapporeth – place of atonement).
Can you imagine what Jesus was thinking there in Gethsemane? From Christ own statements He must have realized He was to give His life a ransom, He indicated to His disciples that He would be crucified, and be risen on the 3rd day. He knew He was the true Passover lamb, and at just the right time He would give His life. I can see the question on His face, but how then is my blood to be applied to the place of atonement? This was indeed humanly impossible because it was the priest that must make the application. I can hear Christ wondering, how can I make the application if I’m dead, yet this was the protocol for the tabernacle service, the victim was dead, then the blood was applied, this must occur in reality. Jesus in His humannity could not see through the portals of the tomb, so He must trust implicitly in His Father, in what seemed like a plan that could not work.
The Gospels reveal an interesting fact concerning Christ experience in Gethsemane, He was exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death, (Matt.28:38). I don’t believe Jesus expected to come away from the Garden, and why not die in this place? The stress was so severe the capillaries in His skin burst, causing him to sweat blood, (hematidrosis), but the Father’s plan called for the Passover lamb to die, not only the right time, but in the right place. We see demonstrated in Luke 22:43 that God would intervene and prevent the inevitable, Christ death in the Garden. Had an angel not been sent to strength Him, He would have died right there.
With the issues of the conflict before Him, Christ’s soul was filled with dread of separation from God. Satan told Him that if He became the surety for a sinful world, the separation would be eternal. He would be identified with Satan’s kingdom, and would nevermore be one with God. And what was to be gained by this sacrifice? How hopeless appeared the guilt and ingratitude of men!
In its hardest features Satan pressed the situation upon the Redeemer: The people who claim to be above all others in temporal and spiritual advantages have rejected You. They are seeking to destroy You, the foundation, the center and seal of the promises made to them as a peculiar people. One of Your own disciples, who has listened to Your instruction, and has been among the foremost in church activities, will betray You. One of Your most zealous followers will deny You. All will forsake You.
Christ’s whole being abhorred the thought. That those whom He had undertaken to save, those whom He loved so much, should unite in the plots of Satan, this pierced His soul. The conflict was terrible. Its measure was the guilt of His nation, of His accusers and betrayer, the guilt of a world lying in wickedness. The sins of men weighed heavily upon Christ, and the sense of God’s wrath against sin was crushing out His life. God would spare His Son from this place, and allow Him to be lead to the place of the pale horse.
And when He had opened the 4th seal, I looked, and behold a pale horse and His name that sat on him was Death. The word for pale is chloros,(green), we derive our word chlorophyll from this, meaning green color. It is the rider who is called Death and the Grave, (Hades), the green horse is a depiction of the exact opposite, opportunity and life. When we think of a fertile place we think green, a place where things grow, but at first this does not seem to be a place of growth, but a place of death and the grave, or was it? Whereas this ending of the suffering of Christ I’m sure was a relief to some present, and certainly His Father and angels in Heaven, this death was also a place of growth and a new beginning.
Christ’s sacrifice brought an end to the sacrificial system, as type met and replaced anti-type, the shadow was now in the past and dispersed, the reality had come, the promised one of old, the Messiah, the true payment for sin. For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew know sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him, (2 corth. 5:21). Christ sacrifice was like a dormite seed planted in fertile ground that would spring forth multitudes of living plants to life eternal. The 4th praise in Revelation 5:12 uses the word, “strength”, as a summary for His experience at Calvary. The GREEK. word for “strength” is, (ischys), and means, ability, force, strength, might, each and every one of these qualities would be needed as He tread the winepress alone!
Christ was crucified by Roman soldiers, and the empire was in full swing by the 1st century. The Revelator says that power was given to death and the grave over the fourth part of the earth to kill with the sword, with hunger, with death, with animals. Only Rome could fit all these stipulations.
(From the PBS series The Roman empire in the 1st century “Two thousand years ago, the world was ruled by Rome. From England to Africa and from Syria to Spain, one in every four people on earth lived and died under Roman law. The Roman Empire in the first century AD mixed sophistication with brutality and could suddenly lurch from civilization, strength and power to terror, tyranny and greed.” The world population at that time was around 250 million, 1/4 of the world’s population resided in the Roman empire, but to live there was a risk.
As an example of how vulnerable a person or family was I’ve listed just a few examples: (From the PBS series) -“The assassination of Julius Caesar was not just a turning point in Augustus’ life, it was a turning point in world history. Augustus was extremely young at this time, only in his nineteenth year. Yet when he knew that he had been made Caesar’s heir, he immediately took up the political legacy of Caesar. He entered the mainstream of Roman politics. He didn’t hesitate to try to avenge his father. That meant, of course, stepping onto the stage of politics, raising an army and immersing himself in a contest for supreme political power in Rome.
(Narrator): He displayed brutality against enemy prisoners. Once, when a father and son were begging for their lives, he ordered that they should draw lots to determine which one should be executed. The father offered himself and was killed. Because of this, the son committed suicide. Augustus watched them both die.” This type of brutality became the norm for the kingdom. It became the norm because of the incredible insanity at the top Governmental levels. The next paragraph is a brief description of the twisted mindset and turmoil.
“Although Augustus was dead, his dynasty lived on. But the lottery of hereditary rule meant that Rome would be governed by a bizarre cast of characters, including the good, the bad and the ugly. The weakest link, Augustus had outlived his preferred heirs – his two grandsons. So when he died, it was his son-in-law, Tiberius, who became emperor. Tiberius knew he was not first choice. So did everybody else. Worse still, he had none of Augustus’ political skills or judgment. He was also suspected of murdering the war-hero, Germanicus. Tiberius eventually became a recluse and appointed an amoral opportunist, Sejanus, as his deputy. Seeing the chance of a lifetime, Sejanus began persecuting his rivals. But just when he seemed unstoppable, Tiberius turned against him and Sejanus was executed.
Sejanus was just a taste of things to come. With no sons of his own, Tiberius named his great-nephew, Caligula, as his heir. Mad, bad and dangerous to know, at first, Caligula was a breath of fresh air. But shortly after taking power, he began behaving strangely. He pretended to be a god and seduced married women. Suspecting everyone, he persecuted both friends and rivals for treason. Before long, his advisors had had enough and Caligula was murdered by his closest advisors. His only heir was his uncle, Claudius, who had been deformed by a childhood illness and had spent his life as the butt of family jokes.
Possibly Rome’s most unlikely emperor, Claudius worked hard and was a surprising success. At home, he passed a number of far-sighted laws. Abroad, he conquered Britain, succeeding where Caesar had failed. His weakness was women. His first wife, Messalina, had a string of affairs that threatened his throne. After she was killed, he decided to marry his niece, Agrippina. This was a huge mistake. Agrippina only wanted to promote her son, Nero. She persuaded Claudius to disinherit his own son. She then murdered Claudius. Now Nero was emperor.
Again, a good start soon gave way to a darker side of extravagance and random killings. Then, fed up with Agrippina’s interference, Nero had her, (his own mother) killed. Nero was out of control and Rome was at the mercy of a mad tyrant. There was only one solution. After 14 years as emperor, the Senate declared Nero as a public enemy. He fled and committed suicide. Augustus’ dynasty was over and Rome descended again into civil war.” What a fitting description by John who had been living through the madness as a first century citizen of Rome. Maybe the imprisonment on Patmos was the best place to be. Certainly God used His faithful servant in a remarkable way while there.
Revelation 6:9 brings us to the opening of the 5th seal, John sees souls under an altar, the Greek word for soul is psyche, which denotes, (breath), and is defined almost a hundred times as a life or soul once lived, with thoughts, feelings, desires, etc. It is a representation of those who were martyred for their faith and commitment to the cause of Christ. Their cry is a metaphorical one, not literal, used to present a simple question to God. How long is the injustice and persecution going to last? When is all the mediation going to be over, so the wicked can receive their reward? It is not a strange thing for folks to ask God questions, How long Lord, wilt thou be angry for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire? (Psa. 79:5). How Long Lord, wilt thou hid thyself for ever? shall thy wrath burn like fire? (Psa. 89:46). The
essence of the question after opening the 5th seal is summed up in, (Psa. 94:3), Lord, How long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph?
They cry with a loud voice, How Long, O Lord, holy and true dost thou not judge and avenge our blood, on them that dwell on the earth? The word judge is a key that helps us determine what role Christ is playing as the 5th seal is opening. The word Judge is the Greek word, (Krino), and means: 1) to separate, put asunder, to pick out, select, choose, 2) to approve, esteem, to prefer, 3) to be of opinion, deem, think, 4) to determine, resolve, decree, 5) to judge, you get the picture.
The environment pictured is one of the Sanctuary, and Christ’s pre-advent work of judgment there. The word from Rev. 5:12 that corresponds to this work as Savior, is the word, Honor, GREEK. (time), a valuing by which the price is fixed, and a most appropriate summary of the work underway by Christ in the Sanctuary. It is truly a work of the fixing of all human destiny that is underway in the sanctuary above, when this work of investigation and determination is over, probationary time will close, and Christ will prepare to return to rescue the redeemed.
The next verse as well supports the Sanctuary imagery, as God responds to the question presented, White robes, (or the righteousness of Christ), is now brought to view. And white robes were given unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled, (Rev.6:11). The introduction of the robes is evidence of a determination being made by God of those represented, as being saved or sealed for eternity. Once again the work of the true high priest is displayed, only God could make such a determination of the destiny of mankind. The word “white” is the word, leukos), and means light, bright, brilliant, a) brilliant from whiteness, (dazzling) white, 1) of the garments of angels, and of those exalted to the splendor of the heavenly state, and Robes is the word, (stole), an equipment in clothing, a) spec. a loose outer garment for men extending to the feet, worn by kings, priests, and persons of rank.
This verse presents an interesting opportunity to further understand not only the work of God in the Sanctuary above, but His work, through the Spirit, on those who will live just before human probation closes and He returns. Notice that these robes are, “given”, in verse 11, Greek. (Didomi), 1) to give, 2) to give something to someone, a) of one’s own accord to give one something, to his advantage, 1) to bestow a gift. Clearly what is being presented is the glories covering of Christ righteousness being provided for those born again believers who have died in the hope of His promises and coming. There are only 4 verses in scripture that use the words white robes, all synonymous with Christ righteousness, and eternal life.
We will notice however in one of those other verses, a distinction is made concerning the white robes. In the next chapter, (Rev. 7:14), we find the use of these same words, but expressed quite differently, “And I said unto him, Sir, thou knows. And he said unto me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and “have washed their robes”, and made them “white” in the blood of the lamb,” (Rev.7:14).
An explanation of the distinction between the two verses could be an entire book all its own, we’ll attempt to just provide a summary of the differences with the hope that the subject will be studied out more thoroughly by the reader. What differences do we discover from these verses? And what avenues do they open for our consideration?
Perhaps most obvious to start with is the time; one group is pictured as having already past from the scene of human history, while the other is present or yet future. One group is pictured as dead, the other living. Though the Bible reveals the potential for many folks to receive salvation, (Gen. 26:4, Titus 2:11), God in His foreknowledge has revealed, compared to all that have ever lived, a relative few that will survive for eternity, (Matt. 7), Christ calls it the narrow road that leads to life, “and few there be that find it”. It is a parallel to the story of Noah in the Ark with just his immediate family with the rest of the non-believing world outside the ark of safety. The simple reason that multitudes will be saved is because they accept Christ’s invitation and were born again. These have been pictured as those who are provided with the white robes, garments necessary for eternity, garments that represent the full measure of Christ righteousness. If you do not process the wedding garment, (Christ righteousness), at the judgment you will not be allowed to remain for the wedding banquet, (Matt. 22:11-14).
Those under the altar that are given the white robes, receive them after their lives have been reviewed, and the judge has determined they accepted His free gift of Salvation. With their probation closed by death they no longer can make decisions or choices that would disqualify them as a wedding guest, and so they are pictured as receiving the full righteousness of Christ, however they are also told that they must wait for those at the end to exhibit a similar conviction of truth, and be willing to follow the lamb whithersoever He goeth, even under the penalty of death. This is an important consideration for the other group who are pictured as washing their garments, making them white, in the blood of the lamb. This group lives through to the end of time, and will never experience physical death. Paul in his discourse to the Thessalonians is one of the clearest statements revealing this, For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, and with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first, (the ones given the white robes), then we which are alive, (those who wash their robes), and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
There are many who have not considered thus far the degree of commitment that will be needed to survive the perils of the very last days. Even during Paul’s ministry there was the call for dedication and holiness, And He gave some, apostles; and some prophets, and some evangelist; and some pastor/teachers; for the perfecting, (or maturing ), of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying, (building up), of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
Though Christ has provided the ticket for the kingdom, which He alone could accomplish, (2 Corth. 5:18), we must realize that making preparation to take the trip is just as necessary. Just like any trip we would consider for vacation or research time must be set aside to make adequate preparation. This aspect of the plan of Salvation is called Sanctification, where we utilize the grace provided to bring us into harmony with God’s will. As we co-operate with the Spirit in this process we become more like Christ in character,
and one with the kingdom of Heaven. The Spirit of God must bring a people to the place where they can stand firm with no mediator in the Sanctuary above, in other words to be sinners who are not sinning. We must follow after the example of Christ who, as a man, reflected the character of His Father by a willingness to follow all of His instruction. We are not saved by doing this, but it provides God the opportunity to end His mediatorial work, and come to our rescue.
You see, God’s people will live in the sight of a holy God, even after probationary time closes. Only those who are reflecting Christ character will survive through the 7 last plagues and never see physical death. The wicked living at that time will be destroyed by the brightness of his coming, (2 Thess. 2:8). Perhaps at this moment it seems unlikely that any could qualify for such an emergency, but what is truly at stake is the very character of the Father. It is God’s character that is on trial, and His character will be vindicated in the lives of those living through the darkest hour of this world history.
Only by being fully under the control of God’s Spirit could we survive the ordeal. Christ is the perfect example of this, in the New Testament, He suffered tremendous humiliation even the death of the cross, (Phil. 2:8). In the old we have the example of Enoch, who at 65 had a son, (Methuselah), and after realizing the closeness of that relationship, went on to himself trust God to the fullest, and walked with God for 300 years and he was not for God took, (translated him to heaven), having never tasted of death. This is a true demonstration of the power of the Gospel, but not only to the level of actions but that of the mind. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalted itself against the knowledge of God, and bringeth into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ,” (2 Corinthians10:5). We must let the mind of Christ be in us, (Phil. 2:5), that He will work in us to will and do of His good pleasure, (Phil.2:13). Only then can we be more than a conqueror, through Christ who strengthens us, (Rom. 8:37).
Now we come to the opening of the 6th seal, the one on which almost all agree, is the 2nd coming of Christ. The 6th summary word of Rev. 5:12 is glorious. We cannot even imagine the glory of that moment. The opening of the 6th seal is designated by a GREAT earthquake. It is pictured as so great that every mountain and island were moved out of their places. “And I beheld when he had opened the 6th seal, and lo, there was a GREAT earthquake; and the sun became black as sack cloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.” Our historical application of these verses transpire over the course of 78 years, with the Lisbon earthquake occurring in Nov. 1755 AD and the falling of the stars with the great meteor shower of Nov.1833 AD.
What seems to be pictured from the context of the verses is that at the coming of Christ all these things, (natural and unnatural events), seem to be occurring again. This makes perfect sense as we understand the concept of a duel application of prophecy. The children of Israel were an example of this, they came to Kadesh Barnea shortly after leaving Egypt, right on the verge of the promised land, but because of unbelief, God sent them back into the wilderness. Forty years later a new generation gathered at the same location and entered. God’s remnant church also had its Kadesh Barnea experience, with the 1888 movement. And also because of unbelief back into the wilderness we went. We are simply coming around a second time with a new generation as well. WE see also in Matt. 24 Jesus Himself blending the prophecies of the destruction of Jerusalem, and the end of the world together, a revealing that certain elements of both would occur at each event.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the key words. The word earthquake occurs 16 times in Scripture and is translated as “Seismos” for the Greek references, and is where we get our modern word of “seismic”. As we know seismic activity is the moving or shifting of the earth’s crust. Most of the references in Scripture and certainly those used in the book of Revelation are referring to this activity to a greater degree than we now experience. The Greek word, “megas” is used with 6 out of the 7 references found in Rev. and means great or mega. Mega is truly a unique situation unlike anything we have ever experienced, this is the very concept expressed in Rev. 16:18, “And there were voices , and thunders, and lightning; and there was a Great (megas), earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great”.
Chapter 16 of Revelation highlights 7 plagues that fall, unmixed with mercy, on an unrepentant world. Cities are laid low from seismic activity, (earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis), others from great hailstones weighting between 100lbs – 200lbs. A question that comes to mind is if HAARP is setting the stage for these incredible excesses in nature? (HAARP is the environmental experimentation that has been conducted by various Governments over the past 20 years). There are a number of university locations that work with (HAARP) that have been pumping out radio waves into the atmosphere and mapping the effects. Of course the military is interested in the research as a weapon of debilitation.
What happens at the end is because it is the end. Civilization as we now know it will cease. Human probationary time will close, and as Christ comes under the opening of the sixth seal a mega earthquake is also described. One detail mentioned in both ref. of Rev. 6:14 and Rev. 16:18 is that every mountain and island are moved out of their places. This highly suggests a worldwide event, with unprecedented results, ones from which humanity could not recover from.
Another point is that of a, “fear”, that takes hold as described in verse 15 of Rev. 6, Kings, great men, (or woman), wealthy men, (or woman), chief captains, those strong in influence, (pastors, teachers, professionals, etc.) . Every slave, every free man, was running for cover. During the Gulf war, the dictator Saddam Hussein, was eventually found hiding in a cave, which he fled too once he realized enemy troops were closing in. All those unrepentant souls who are alive when Christ returns, will run from His presence, to caves and mountains not wanting to face the consequences of their actions and thinking. What Christians call the 2nd coming in reality is a literal rescue, from unconverted, agitated, self-absorbed, satanically processed individuals, who feel empowered from their great numbers, and their commitment to the powers of darkness. The last verse of this section ends with a simple question, “For the Great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” The answer is equally as simple, only those who are reflecting His character, (1 John 3:1-3). “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doeth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in Him, purified himself, even as He is pure.
Finally we have come to the seventh or last seal, however you’ll notice it is not listed just after the sixth. The original Scriptures were not separated by chapters and verses, so the fact that the 7th seal is not loosened until chapter 8:1 could mean very little, or it could be highly significant. If we are following our
summary verse outline of Rev. 5:12, the final summary word listed is the word, “blessing”. Almost anyone that I have talked with or heard referencing Rev. 8:1, (the silence in Heaven for 1/2 hour), has described it as God’s home base being empty, because They have all come to rescue the redeemed from earth at the 2nd coming. The 1/2 hour is described in prophetic time, that of 7.6 days, (one prophetic hour is approx. 15.21 days). This explanation sounds plausible at the surface, however when you probe beneath, it begins to break down. If no one is left watching the store so-to-speak, or left in Heaven when Christ returns, you might expect that no sound would be heard would be there. However, even if this were the case, that “silence” is actually taking place under the 6th seal not the 7th. The fact that John, under inspiration separated the loosening of this last seal with an entire chapter I see as significant. I see it as a literary attempt to separate for exclusivity, due to the importance of the event. It would seem that John was deliberately distancing this last seal to ensure that it would not be confused with the sixth. Also, the Word says and when, “He”, (Christ), opened the 7th seal, (Rev. 8:1), how could Christ open the 7th seal back in heaven, when He was coming during the time of the 6th seal?
As we consider Christ’s activities to save us the list has included; His baptism and wilderness experience, His 3 plus years of ministry, His Gethsemane experience, His passion at the cross, His heavenly intercession and sanctuary ministry, His second coming, and finally, we have come to what could only be a special time of silence.
I see this event as one that we somewhat trivialize, we lump it in with the 6th as though it has no real significance compared to the others. Remember the loosening of the seals would be something that only Christ could accomplish, and each of these related events would in totality bring about Salvation for humanity, and eternal security for His kingdom. These facts in themselves allow for incredible significance of each seal, and particularly the last.
When one examines Scriptural references of the throne in Heaven, one thing that is always obvious is the praise that is on-going there. The four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day or night, saying Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come, (Rev. 4:8). There is never a time of Silence where God is, but there will be a time when it is commanded. In Chapter 8:1 of Rev. is says that when He opened the 7th seal, “there was”, silence, the (“there was” is the Greek word, (Ginomai – to become, begin to be, to come to pass, it is a verb). The very distinctive impression is that the silence is commanded, much like when a president would enter the room for the state of the union address.
The word silence is the Greek word sige – silence (feminine noun, Thayer’s Lexicon (Help) G4602 – to command silence by making the sound st or sch). The word is used only one other time in Scripture in Acts 21:40 and it is here we see the usage of the word in action. Paul has stirred up a hornets nest in the temple at Jerusalem, and is being dragged out to be stoned, when the chief captain gets the word that all Jerusalem is in an uproar. The Roman soldiers quickly intervene, and secure Paul to a castle for questioning. Paul identifies himself as a Jew and request of the chief caption to allow him to speak to the angry mob. This is when we come to verse 40, And when he had given him license or permission, Paul stood on the stairs, (elevated position), and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying… Here we see the context of the usage of the word, Paul uses his hand to get everyone’s attention, and a great silence is made, or commanded. We do see a similar scenario displayed in Zech 2:13 by God Himself, Be silent, O ALL flesh, before the Lord for He is raised up out of His Holy Habitation. This seems like the very time of the opening of the 7th seal, when God Himself has the floor for a very special pronouncement or blessing.
Just imagine the Father beholding the results of His Sons efforts to secure a people unto Himself. We’re all standing there around the throne, the cost has been an infinite price to get us there. Out of all the trillions that have come onto the scene, now gathered around the throne are just a relative few, who have accepted the free gift. But the few are a prized possession, and most welcomed into the Father’s presence. Christ who has humbled Himself for the sake of the redeemed, must now for the sake of HIs Kingdom be exalted. It is time for a special blessing from the Father to exalt the son of man to His rightful place on His throne. This is not a time of no sound, but a time of thee sound, silence is commanded, as the sound of the Father’s blessing showers His Son. A time of the ultimate coronation of the Son,
a time of special blessing and appreciation for a blessed work, the work of redemption.
We know intellectually that Christ already sits on His Father’s throne, but to secure God’s everlasting kingdom, that sin would never rear its ugly head again, Jesus the son of man, before all saved flesh, receives from His Father a special blessing, a special coronation. AS the Son is blessed of His Father we too are blessed, for everyone knows that Christ has taken His rightful place. Sin began in Heaven the first time, due to Lucifer’s inability to understand that Christ was the Son of God, and not just another exalted angel such as himself. Jealousy and pride developed and the rest of the story is history. There will be no place for these characteristics in the world made new, though we will always possess free will, the plague of sin will never ever rise again, and in part because of Christ willingness to loosen the 7th seal. The loosening of the 7th seal may be His greatest act, that of securing eternity for all the redeemed and His Father.