Revelation: 7 Seals

Around the throne

[s] “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up here, and I will show you things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white clothes; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four creatures full of eyes before and behind. And the first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face as a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle. And the four creatures had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honor and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who lives for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that lives for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for you have created all things, and for your pleasure they are and were created.” (ch. 4)

The second sanctuary scene begins our second timeline. And what a scene this is!

There are many parallels with Ezekiel 1. Both show God sitting on a throne with a rainbow around. Both have the same living creatures with four faces. Whether they are symbolic or real is hard to tell. Both scenes show heavenly fire and lightning.

The big difference is that Ezekiel saw God moving on His throne, while John describes no motion. The throne is stationary in the throneroom, or sanctuary. However, in the next chapter, we will see the Son come to the Father (just like in Daniel 7) and He is most likely brought on His throne. That means we could be looking at both the holy and the most holy places. Whatever the case, we clearly have a sanctuary scene before us.

The scroll with seven seals

[s] “And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals of it. And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look on it. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look on it. And one of the elders said unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals of it. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, You are worthy to take the book, and to open the seals of it for you were slain, and have redeemed us to God by your blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And have made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor and glory, and power, be unto him that sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that lives for ever and ever.” (5:1-14)

Both chapters show a lot of singing and praise. Some readers think this shows God is egotistical. However, we must ask the question, Why do the elders and creatures praise God so much? If they are forced, then God is indeed self-conceited. However, both songs in both chapters tell us why they sing. They are grateful that God created them and then redeemed them. Also, we should not overlook the fact that communication with our Father is always two-way. While they are singing, God is speaking personally to them in their minds. This is just like the prayer experiences we have with Him now.

Chapter five introduces a book, possibly in the form of a scroll. It is written on both sides but no one can read it. Why? As we will see in the next chapter, it contains history. Why can no man read this history? Perhaps it is because this book does more than record history. Apparently, it guides and judges it as well. Who alone is able to do those tasks with love and perfection? Only the Lamb who is the Lion.

[4u] “And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four creatures saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.” (6:1-2)

The seals clearly have something to do with history because they end with Christ’s second coming, but when do they start? I have seen consistent interpretations that start them with the beginning of the world, but for simplicity’s sake we will start with the beginning of the church. This parallels the seven letters. So it is easiest for this introduction to Revelation.

The apostolic church went forth with power and clarity to preach the gospel to the world. It conquered, not by force of arms, but by persuasion of truth. The early church was represented by a white horse because of its original purity and fidelity.

[4u] “And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second creature say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.” (6:3-4)

God’s transforming love through Jesus Christ brings peace to the heart and makes peace between all believers. The fact that peace is taken from the earth shows that the church has lost the power and experience of the gospel. This is very much like the Pergamos church which elevated itself in the ways of worldly power. Rather than keeping its first love of service to all, the red horse church fights among its members as they seek power, position, and money.

[4u] “And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third creature say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see you hurt not the oil and the wine.” (6:5-6)

The descent of the church into the dark ages is sad to see. That which was once white and pure now is black. The root cause was letting go of the Word. This is shown by the high price for the wheat and barley. Matthew 20:2 tells us that (before centuries of inflation) a penny was a day’s wage. Just to get flour for a loaf of bread (the symbol of Jesus, the Word) cost a person a full day of work. Indeed, in the dark ages the Bible was usually banned from being translated into the native languages and was restricted to a few large institutions. However, the Spirit (oil) and the truth (wine) were still available from God. Only selfish, power hungry humans seek to limit the teaching of the gospel.

[4u] “And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth creature say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.” (6:7-8)

The descent of the church appears complete with the pale horse. There is no reference to spiritual truth at all. The primary object of the church in the dark ages was earthly power at any cost. This is just like Jezebel’s bloodthirsty lust for control in Thyatira.

[4u] “And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, do you not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.” (6:9-11)

Even in the dark ages of the church, when it was at the height of its earthly power and exercising cruelty upon its foes, there were faithful members shining like lights. Though they were killed by their own leadership, they are assured a place in heaven with God. Their blood cries out for justice and the promise is given that they will not only be avenged, but also the entire universe will be cleansed of evil, partly due to their contributions and sacrifice.

[g] “And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casts 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. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” (6:12-17)

Notice the similarity of the events in this passage with Matthew 24. With varying levels of descriptive detail, both describe a darkened sun and moon, falling stars, shaken heavens, and scared people. They are both describing Christ’s return.

What stands out most to me in this passage is the phrase, “wrath of the Lamb.” What an oxymoron! How paradoxical! Can you imagine a sweet little lamb chasing crowds of terrified people?! However, the paradox only holds if we limit ourselves to the visual without considering the workings of the human heart.

The Lamb sacrificed His soul and His eternity to bring everlasting life within the reach of all. The seven Spirits from the throne of God spoke to every soul in gentle tones of faith, hope, and love. Yet, He was rejected. Now that rejection is coming to fruition. Now the sinner is realizing in a visual, dramatic, and unmistakable way the consequences of their choice. What before appeared worthless and distant is now valuable and near. Eternal life! Unending patterns of peace and love! Infinite truth and spiritual beauty! All of these are now in front of their faces, and they were rejected for mere trifles, for temporary illusions of power and pleasure!

Some may argue that this is a form of torture, that God is rubbing the losers’ faces in their errors. Why doesn’t God just painlessly vanish all the transgressors and transport the saints to heaven in an instant? Because there is learning that needs to take place and hearts that need to be proved. There must be a minimum amount of time given for the wicked to realize what is happening, to decide how to respond, and whether or not to change their minds in the midst of the new situation. The fact that they still refuse to repent, or even to ask God for help to repent, is made crystal clear. In the great courtroom of the universe, God does not arbitrarily judge anyone. Justice is applied based on the evidence of the heart expressed openly. Those who are terrified of the love of the Lamb will not be happy in heaven. They are perpetually out of sync with Good.

[fw] “And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed a hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nephthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.” (7:1-8)

What is the seal? Why does it take God so long to apply it? Surely it is something more meaningful than a tattoo because the time of trouble cannot start until the saints are sealed. Let’s keep reading.

[fw] “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and from where came they? And I said unto him, Sir, you know. And he said to 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. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sits on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” (7:9-17)

These two passages are inserted parenthentically between the sixth and seventh seals. A special insert happens only one other time, between trumpets 6 and 7.

The story seems to back up a little bit from the final hours of earth’s history in seal six to tell us where the 144,000 and the great multitude come from.

The 144,000 are “servants of our God.” Therefore, the sealing does not make them Christians. They already are. They are sealed as the result of some process after they became followers and began serving God.

The seal is not a tattoo on the forehead or a special chip implanted under the skin. The Father of faith, hope, and love seals His servants with His own name (see Rev. 14:1). The seal is spiritual. It has something to do with moral character. “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.” “In this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; so shall you be my disciples.” (John 13:35; 15:8)

144,000 might be a literal or symbolic number. Either way, they seem to be Earth’s last group of missionaries that convert a great multitude to the Lamb.

The 12 tribes is symbolic because their lineage has been lost for thousands of years, and the list of tribes does not match the original list, and the church inherited the spiritual responsibilities and privileges of Israel. Perhaps 12,000 are sealed from each tribe to show equality and diversity because the New Jerusalem at the end of Revelation has twelve gates named after the Hebrew patriarchs through which all the nations enter.

[g] “When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.” (8:1)

The seventh seal appears to be the counterpart to the sixth. People are looking up at the coming of Jesus at the same time as all the angels are coming down with Him from heaven. Thus, there is silence because of emptiness in heaven.