THE SEVEN SEALS
Lesson
13
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Review
Our last study
considered three basic rules of
interpretation for apocalyptic
prophecies. In shortened
form they are:
- Apocalyptic
prophecies have a
beginning and ending
points in time.
Events within the
prophecy that mark the
passage of time must
occur in order in which
they are presented.
- Apocalyptic
prophecy is not fulfilled
until all the
specifications and the
chronology of the
prophecy are both met.
- Applicable
scripture must interpret
those elements believed
to be symbolic for the
Bible must interpret
itself.
We also learned
that Revelation has three
languages types. These are:
- Symbolic
or spiritual
- Analogue
- Literal
The student of
Revelation must be careful to
make the proper distinction
between these language types when
studying the story.
When does
Revelation’s story begin?
In order to
understand Revelation’s
story, we must have a
chronological beginning
date. Because apocalyptic
prophecy deals with sequence or
structure, a chronological
beginning date is extremely
important. We saw this
point confirmed in our study on
Daniel 8. The decree to
restore and rebuild Jerusalem in
457 B.C. marked the beginning of
the 490 years as well as the
2,300-year prophecy!
We have learned
that John’s vision (like
Daniel’s) contained
information for his day and
information on things that would
occur later. How much
later? From the outline in
the previous lesson, we know that
Revelation 4-6 contain a new
sequence. These chapters
tell us about a great convocation
in heaven where Jesus is found
worthy to take a book sealed with
seven seals. Upon receiving
the book, Jesus begins to open
the book by breaking one seal
open at a time. What is
this book? What is inside
it? Why is it sealed
up? When does this scene
take place?
The all-important
book
We need to read
the story that surrounds the book
with seven seals. Notice
John’s remark:
“After this I
looked, and there before me was a
door standing open in
heaven. And the voice I had
first heard speaking to me like a
trumpet said, ‘Come up here,
and I will show you what soon
must take place after this.’
{2} At once I was in the Spirit,
and there before me was a throne
in heaven with someone sitting on
it. {3} And the one who sat
there had the appearance of
jasper and carnelian. A
rainbow, resembling an emerald,
encircled the throne.
{4} Surrounding
the throne were twenty-four other
thrones, and seated on them were
twenty-four elders. They
were dressed in white and had
crowns of gold on their
heads. {5} From the throne
came flashes of lightening,
rumblings and peals of
thunder. Before the throne,
seven lamps were blazing.
These are the seven spirits of
God.
{6} Also before
the throne there was what looked
like a sea of glass, clear as
crystal. In the center,
around the throne, were four
living creatures, and they were
covered with eyes, in front and
in back. {7} The first
living creature was like an lion,
the second was like an ox, the
third had a face like a man, the
fourth was like a flying
eagle. {8} Each of the four
living creatures had six wings
and was covered with eyes all
around, even under his
wings. Day and night they
never stop saying: Holy, holy,
holy is the Lord God Almighty,
who was, and is, and is to
come.’ {9} Whenever
the living creatures give glory,
honor and thanks to him who sits
on the throne and who lives
forever and ever, {10} the
twenty-four elders fall down
before him who sits on the
throne, and worship him who lives
for ever and ever. They lay
their crowns before the throne
and say: {11} ‘You are
worthy, our Lord and God, to
receive glory and honor and
power, for you created all
things, and by your will they
were created and have their
being.’
{5:1} Then I saw
in the right hand of him who sat
on the throne a scroll with
writing on both sides and sealed
with seven seals. {2} And I saw a
mighty angel proclaiming in a
loud voice, ‘Who is worthy
to break the seals and open the
scroll?’ {3} But no one in
heaven or on earth or under the
earth could open the scroll or
even look inside it.
{4} I wept and
wept because no one was found who
was worthy to open the scroll or
look inside. {5} Then one of the
elders said to me, ‘Do not
weep! See, the Lion of the
tribe of Judah, the Root of
David, has triumphed. He is
able to open the scroll its seven
seals.’ {6} Then I saw a
Lamb, looking as if it had been
slain, standing in the center of
the throne, encircled by the four
living creatures and the
elders. He had seven horns
and seven eyes, which are the
seven spirits of God sent out
into all the earth.
{7} He came and
took the scroll from the right
hand of him who sat on the
throne. {8} And when he had
taken it, the four living
creatures and the twenty-four
elders fell down before the
Lamb. Each one had a harp
and they were holding golden
bowls full of incense, which are
the prayers of the saints. {9}
And they sang a new song:
‘You are worthy to take the
scroll and to open its seals,
because you were slain, and with
your blood you purchased men for
God from every tribe and language
and people and nation. {10}
You made them to be a kingdom and
priests to serve our God, and
they will reign on earth.’
{11} Then I looked
and heard the voice of many
angels, numbering thousands upon
thousands, and ten times ten
thousand. They encircled
the throne and the living
creatures and the elders. {12} In
a loud voice they sang:
‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was
slain, to receive power and
wealth and strength and honor and
glory and praise!’ {13} Then
I heard every creature in heaven
and on earth and under the earth
and on the sea, and all that is
in them, singing: ‘To him
who sits on the throne and to the
Lamb be praise and power, for
ever and ever!’ “
Revelation 4 and 5
The elders?
Who are the 24
elders? The Bible
doesn’t explain who they are
in clear terms. They are
mentioned 12 times in
Revelation. However, there
are some very strong clues that
reveal their identity.
First, the term elder means
“one who has gone
before,” or someone of
greater
experience. Revelation 5:9
indicate that the blood of Jesus
has redeemed the elders.
Paul tells us that Jesus took
some resurrected people to heaven
with him at the time of His
ascension. Ephesians 4:7,8
But perhaps the greatest evidence
supporting the idea that these
are people who once lived on
earth is the location of their
thrones. Understand that
billions of angels are in this
assembly. The judgment of
human beings is taking
place. And who should be
given a front row seat to observe
the fairness and mercy of
Jesus? Those who have been
redeemed!
The Lamb’s
book
John clearly saw
the Lamb deemed worthy to take
this all-important book from the
right hand of the Father.
Revelation 5:7 Even though John
does not call the book sealed
with seven seals the “book
of life” in chapter 5, he
clearly refers to this book of
life in other places in
Revelation. It’s the
only book the Lamb receives in
Revelation’s story!
Notice:
“All
inhabitants of the earth will
worship the beast – all
whose names have not been written
in the book of life belonging to
the Lamb…” Revelation
13:8
“…The
inhabitants of the earth whose
names have not been written in
the book of life from the
creation of the world will be
astonished when they see the
beast…” Revelation
17:8 (Note when the book of
life was written.)
“Nothing
impure will ever enter it (New
Jerusalem), nor will anyone who
does what is shameful or
deceitful, but only those whose
names are written in the
Lamb’s book of
life.” Revelation 21:
27
Daniel knew of
this book even though he does not
call it by name! Speaking
about the close of probation,
Daniel says, “At that time
Michael, the great prince who
protects your people, will
arise. There will be a time
of distress such as not happened
from the beginning of nations
until then. But at that
time your people – everyone
whose name is found written in
the book – will be
delivered.” Daniel
12:1
King David knew of
this book. “Your eyes saw my
unformed body. All the days
ordained for me were written in
your book before one of them came
to be.” Psalm 139:16
There is only one
place in the Bible that tells us
when this book is opened:
It’s at the end of the 1,000
years. This is when the 7th
seal is broken. John says,
“And I saw the dead, great
and small, standing before the
throne, and books were opened.
Another book was opened, which is
the book of life…”
Revelation 20:12
The book of life
was composed and perfectly sealed
up before the creation of the
world. It contains the story of
the plan of salvation and the
outcome. When the great day of
reckoning comes at the end of the
1,000 years, the resurrection of
the wicked takes place.
Revelation 20:5 At this one and
only time in earth’s
existence, all members of the
human race are alive! It’s a
grand and terrible moment.
With the wicked
resurrected, Satan immediately
stirs the vast multitude with
rebellion. He convinces the
numberless crowd that God intends
to do them harm. He incites a
dramatic uprising to destroy the
New Jerusalem and the
saints. As the wicked rush
upon the city, Jesus speaks. The
multitude is stopped in their
tracks.
Silence falls upon
the breathless mob for about half
an hour. Revelation 8:1 Jesus, as
King of Kings and Lord of Lords,
speaks. The anger and
rebellion of the numberless mob
dissipates. As lighting pierces
the darkness, the wicked realize
they stand before their Maker. He
is not a tyrant. He is not angry.
He speaks.
Jesus explains the
plan of salvation to the
multitude. The wicked behold
the love of God. Each person
understands the economy of
salvation. Each person’s
life is presented from the open
books. The wicked see their deeds
just as God saw their deeds. Each
person beholds the spiritual
influences of good and evil upon
their life. They see the choices
they made. He who sees the hearts
and reads the motives reveals sin
to them with unvarnished clarity.
The wicked know why they are
condemned. All justification for
sin is expelled in the light of
God’s love. With every
motive fully exposed, sin is seen
as nothing more than love for
self. The wicked now know what
the love of Jesus is, why he died
on Calvary and why they cannot be
saved.
At the end of this
revelation, every knee bows
before Jesus with deepest
emotion. The wicked admit Jesus
is fair and just in his eternal
decision and the righteous admit
that Jesus is unbelievably
merciful. Jesus said, “
Before me every knee will bow; by
me every tongue will swear. They
will say of me ‘In the Lord
alone are righteousness and
strength’ All who have raged
against him will come and be put
to shame. But in the Lord all the
descendants of Israel will be
found righteous and will
exult.” Isaiah 45:23-25 even
though the wicked admit the
justice and love of God, they
cannot change their evil course.
Outside of God there is no power
to overcome sin! Such is the
heinous power of sin.
John says,
“Then another book was
opened which is the book of
life.” At last, the breaking
of the 7th seal allows
the mysterious book of life to be
opened. Heaven’s most
intriguing book has been sealed
for thousands of years and it
contains not only the story of
salvation, but also the names of
all who have been granted eternal
life! The victors stand around
the throne with deep interest.
What a moment!
What a day! If the number of the
redeemed of all ages is
14,567,259,123 that’s the
exact number of names remaining
there! The names of the wicked
were blotted out when the book
was written. Both the wicked and
the righteous watch with
amazement. The wicked have no
argument with the salvation of
the saints. The mercy and justice
of Jesus has been revealed to
them. The righteous bow in awe
that Jesus knew them before the
world existed! Consider the
significance of this moment. One
group bows before Jesus
recognizing his fairness and
justice while the other group
bows before Jesus recognizing his
love and mercy!
The opening of
this book proves two very
important things. First, it
unquestionably proves the
omniscience of God. He knows
everything about everything. The
contents of the book, written
before the world came into
existence, clearly describes what
actually took place upon earth.
Each member of the human family
beholds the story written in the
book of life, and knows the story
is accurate for he was an actor
in the story. The book of life is
identical to the book of deeds
with one exception. The names of
the wicked are blotted out of the
book of life.
Secondly, the book
of life unquestionably proves
that god actually granted the
power of choice to each person.
Each member of the human family
knows that his eternal reward was
his choice. Those inside the New
Jerusalem know they are there
because they chose Jesus as their
Savior. Those outside the city
know they are there because they
chose to reject the prompting of
the Holy Spirit. The net effect
is this: Even though God
knows everything about
everything. He does not
manipulate his subjects on the
basis of foreknowledge. The power
of choice was freely bestowed
upon all his children and the
opening of this book confirms it!
The book of life
is so-called because it contains
the names of those who will live
forever. This book will be
studied for eternity. The
contents of this book will be
compared with the Bible and the
books of record throughout the
ages, for the redeemed will never
cease to marvel at the love of
God.
One last and very
important point. The greatest
punishment God gives a human
being is the “reality of
forfeiture.” When the wicked
behold with their own eyes what
they chose to forfeit, words will
not be able to describe their
anguish. The wicked, in
deepest grief, turn and vent
their remorse upon each other.
They begin to kill one another
and to finish the carnage; Jesus
sends fire from heaven and burns
them up. Sin and sinners are no
more. The universe is free at
last! Free of sin.
Back to the book
with seven seals
So, when does
Jesus take the book sealed with
seven seals? There are only three
choices for the answer to this
question.
1.
Shortly after his ascension
2.
1844
3.
Sometime in the future
The Bible answers
the question! In fact, Daniel
provides the key. Notice
Daniel’s vision recorded in
Daniel 7:
“As I looked,
thrones were set in place, and
the Ancient of Days took His
seat. His clothing was as white
as snow; the hair of His head was
white as wool. His throne was
flaming with fire, and its wheels
were all ablaze. A river of fire
was flowing, coming out from
before Him. Thousands upon
thousands attended him; ten
thousand times ten thousand stood
before Him. The court was seated,
and the books were
opened…and there before me
was one like a son of man, coming
with the clouds of heaven. He
approached the Ancient of Days
and was led into His presence. He
was given authority, glory and
sovereign power; all peoples,
nations and men of every language
worshipped him. His dominion is
an everlasting dominion that will
not pass away, and His kingdom is
one that will never be
destroyed.” Daniel 7:9-14
Consider the
parallels
Several parallels
immediately appear between Daniel
7 and Revelation 4 and 5. The
most important parallel in these
two scenes is that Jesus is
especially honored. He receives
authority, glory and sovereign
power at a specific ceremony in
both cases. According to
John, this point in time is
connected with a Lamb receiving
the book of life. It is
unreasonable to suggest that
Jesus receives glory, sovereign
power and authority on two
separate occasions. In
other words, Jesus wouldn’t
need sovereign power conferred
upon Him again if it had been
previously given to him.
Daniel and John
favorably compare:
Daniel 7:9 and
Revelation 4:2,4
I looked thrones
were set in place.
Before me was a
throne with 24 thrones
surrounding it occupied by 24
elders.
Daniel 7:9 and
Revelation 4:3,4
The Ancient of
Days took His seat. His clothing
was as white as snow; the hair of
His head was white like wool.
The One who sat
there had the appearance of a
jasper and (the brilliance of a
ruby). The elders were dressed in
white.
Daniel 7:9,10 and
Revelation 4:5
His throne was
flaming with fire and its wheels
were all ablaze. And the books
were opened.
From the throne
came flashes of lightening,
rumblings and peals of thunder.
Before the throne seven lamps
were blazing.
Daniel 7:13 and
Revelation 5:7
I saw one like
“a son of man.” He
approached the Father sitting on
the throne and took the scroll
from His right hand.
The Lamb
approached the Father sitting on
the throne and took the scroll
from His right hand.
Daniel 7:14 and
Revelation 5:9,12
He was given
authority, glory and sovereign
power.
The Elders sing of
Jesus, “You are worthy to
take the scroll and open its
seals.” Billions of angels
sing, “Worthy is the Lamb,
who was slain, to receive power
and wealth and wisdom and
strength and honor and glory and
praise!”
The parallel
between the scenes is
unmistakable. Daniel and
John saw the heavenly courtroom
scene. Daniel saw a human being,
“a son of man”,
approach the Father sitting on
His throne and John saw “a
Lamb looking as though it had
been slain” come before the
Father as He sat upon His throne.
Daniel saw thrones put in place
and the court convene with
billions of angels in attendance.
He saw the Father take His seat
and the books of record were
opened. He saw Jesus approach the
Father and receive sovereign
power and glory.
John also saw a
great convocation in the throne
room of the universe and
specifically mentions seeing 24
thrones around the Father’s
throne. Billions of angels
were in attendance.
Heaven’s most important book
was in the right hand of the
Father. A search through
the universe was conducted for
someone worthy to receive this
important book – for some
heavenly process cannot continue
until this book is
received. John wept because
the business of heaven was
suspended until someone was found
worthy to receive the book of
life. After an intense
investigation throughout the
universe, Jesus was judged worthy
to receive the book. The
elders along with billions of
angels sang enthusiastically as
power, wealth, honor and praise
were conferred upon Jesus.
Jesus received
book of life in 1844
After comparing
the two visions, there is no
question that Daniel and John saw
the recognition and promotion
given to Jesus when He received
power, wealth, strength, wisdom
and praise. From Daniel we learn
that Jesus is promoted at the
time heaven’s court convenes
in 1844. From John we learn
that Jesus is promoted at the
time He receives the book sealed
with seven seals. The honor
conferred upon Jesus in these
scenes confirms that Daniel and
John saw the same scene.
Thus the book of life was given
to Jesus in 1844.
Two other matters
confirm 1844 as the correct
date. First, on the Old
Testament Day of Atonement, the
High Priest had to be found
worthy to officiate on behalf of
Israel before he could conduct
the service. (See Leviticus
16) If we understand that
the courtroom scene described by
Daniel and John symbolizes the
actual Day of Atonement in the
heavenly sanctuary, it is
appropriate that Jesus is found
worthy to conduct the services
related to this occasion.
The last point
confirming 1844 as the date Jesus
received the book sealed with
seven seals comes from the
internal harmony of
Revelation’s story.
Since the story has not been
studied yet, this point is not
helpful at this moment to the
Bible student. However, as
we study Revelation, the harmony
of the sum of the parts will
continue to confirm the
importance and significance of
1844. When we look into the
various sequences that involve
timing, the significance of this
point will be clearly realized.
What are the seven
seals?
According to
Webster, a seal is a device that
secures an object. In this
case, 7 seals perfectly secure
the contents of the book of
life. This means no one can
get into the book and change its
contents. What was written down
in the book cannot be
altered. In fact, the
content of the book of life is
not revealed in Revelation’s
story. The contents are not
revealed until every person who
ever lived stands before
Jesus! John saw when the
book was opened (Revelation
20:12), but he did not see what
was in the book.
The opening of the
seals implies two things.
First, as each seal opens, the
contents of the book are
chronologically nearer to
exposure. The seals are
numbered consecutively, thus when
the 4th seal is
opened, the events that occur
under this seal confirm where in
the sequence we are. When
the 6th seal is
opened, the second coming of
Jesus occurs – but keep in
mind, the book still has one more
seal to be opened. The book
is not opened at the second
coming.
Secondly, and more
importantly, the openings of the
seals only have meaning when we
understand their relationship to
the book. What point is made
unsealing the book with seven
seals if the exposure of the
contents of the book is not the
object of the sequence? The seals
progress in a definite sequence
towards the climatic moment when
the book of life is opened.
The progression of the seals is
viewed in heaven by billions of
attending angels (remember, they
haven’t seen inside the
book) and on earth by people
studying Revelation’s
story! These things may not
be easy to understand at first,
but those who study will
understand. Daniel was
told, “None of the wicked
will understand, but those who
are wise will understand.”
Daniel 12:10
A very brief
review of the 7 seals is outlined
below:
- Rider on
white horse – sets
out to conquer.
- Rider on
red horse – causes
conflict and war.
- Rider on
black horse – warns
of judgment.
- Rider on
pale horse – brings
devastation.
- Martyrs
for truth’s sake.
- The
Lamb’s second
coming.
- Silence
for about a half hour.
Jesus received the
book of life in 1844 and begun
opening the seals at that
time. We will see that the
first three seals were opened
during a short period of time and
that these seals prepare the
world for the events described in
the next three seals!
Before we examine
the seals, we must understand an
important point that is often
overlooked. John is in
vision and he has been taken to
the heavenly throne room to view
the things that occur at the end
of the world. Remember John
was told; “write the things
you have seen, what is now and
what will take place
later.” Revelation 4
begins an apocalyptic sequence
that begins with 1844 and ends at
the end of the millennium.
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