Revelation Part 6: Chapters 6-7: Seals and the Sealed.

Recap:

Just a quick recap to refresh our memories. The prophecies in Daniel’s 70 weeks can be broken down like so:

Week 1: Rebuilding of temple

Weeks 2-6: The four kingdoms rise and fall (Babylon, Media, Persia and Greece). The final clause of this prophecy ends with Easter Week!

Week 7: the Tribulation, seven year period yet to happen. 

Note, in week 7 there is a break halfway through called the ‘abomination that causes desolation’ (Daniel 9:27). Jesus spoke of this too, saying people should flee Jerusalem when this happens (Matthew 24:15). This halfway point is important to remember.

The Rapture has happened just prior to the opening of the first seal on the scroll in Rev 5:1-4. The day after the rapture the first seal is opened.

The tribulation on earth is covered between chapters 6—19. This is where some of the things people fear are mentioned, as we shall see as we progress. But remember, you are viewing this from heaven if you have surrendered yo life to Jesus. 

Daniel 9:27, seven years are assigned to Israel in God’s prophetic calendar, beginning with the signing of an agreement with the world dictator (the Antichrist), and ending with Christ’s return to earth to judge evil and establish His kingdom. It is this period that is described in Revelation 6—19. 

As we study these fourteen action-filled chapters, we need to remember that John wrote to encourage God’s people in every age of history. He was not only writing prophecy that would be fulfilled in the end times, but he was also writing great theology and dramatically revealing the character of God and the principles of His kingdom. 

The Tribulation is broken down into three parts in the book. 

• the first three and a half years (Rev. 6—9), 
• the events at the middle of the period (Rev. 10—14), 
• and the last three and a half years (Rev. 15—19).

What is so significant about the middle of the tribulation? That is when the Antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel and becomes their persecutor instead of their protector (Dan. 9:27). That is when he ‘abomination that brings desolation’ is revealed.

These chapters describe the cosmic conflict between God and Satan, the New Jerusalem and Babylon, and no matter what “key” (hermeneutical model) we use to unlock Revelation, we cannot help but see the exalted King of kings as He vindicates His people and gives victory to His overcomers.

In every era of its history, the church has had to contend with Babylon - symbolic of satan’s kingdom  (compare Rev. 18:4 with Jer. 50—51) and Antichrist (see 1 John 2:18ff.). Revelation 6—19 is merely the climax of this conflict.

In Revelation 6—7, John characterised the opening days of the tribulation as a time of retribution, response, and redemption.

1. Retribution (6:1–8)

In this section, John recorded the opening of the first four seals, and as each seal was opened, one of the four living creatures summoned a rider on a horse. In other words, events take place on earth because of the sovereign direction of God in heaven.

Identify these horses and their riders:

Seal One: Antichrist (1–2). Daniel states that there is a “prince that shall come,” who will make a covenant with Israel to protect her from her enemies (Dan. 9:26–27). 

In other words, the future world dictator begins his career as a peacemaker! He will go from victory to victory and finally control the whole world.

The Antichrist to resemble the Christ, because Antichrist is Satan’s great imitation! (The white horse).

Even the Jews (who ought to know the Scriptures) will be deceived by him (John 5:43; 2 Thess. 2:1–12). This great deceiver will come as a peaceful leader, holding a bow but no arrows!

Antichrist will solve the world’s problems and be received as the Great Liberator. To give this perspective, the day after the rapture there will be much confusion on earth. At least a third of the world’s population will have vanished! That means doctors, nurses, IT people, accountants, rubbish men, firefighters and all manner of people upon whom the world is dependant will have gone in an instant. The world will be in chaos. One of the world leaders will come forward with the solutions. 

I believe that we Christians will not know the identity father antichrist this side of the rapture (Trump, Putin or mother-in-law!) but the persons will already be a player on the world stage. We can guess but it is unhelpful. Most Christians I hear guessing pick the person they don’t like or disagree with politically. Its not helpful.

The word for crown in Revelation 6:2 is stephanas, which means “the victor’s crown.” Now this victors crown should not make us think this victory is complete. The power of the antichrist is limited and temporary. 

The crown that Jesus Christ wears is diadema,“the kingly crown” (Rev.19:12). Whilst the antichrist wears a crown it is lower than Jesus’. The antichrist could never wear the diadem, because it belongs only to the Son of God.

We shall note later that the sequence of events in Revelation 6 closely parallels the sequence given by our Lord in His Olivet discourse, and the first item mentioned is the appearance of false Christs (Matt. 24:5).

Seal 2: War (3–4). Antichrist’s conquest begins in peace, but soon he exchanges the empty bow for a sword. The colour red is often associated with terror and death: the red dragon (Rev. 12:3), the red beast (Rev. 17:3). It is a picture of bloodshed. 

War has been a part of humanity’s experience since Cain killed Abel. We know of wars but this will be a worldwide warring. The antiChrist’s peace is never really peaceful!

Seal 3: Famine (5–6). The colour black (horse) is often connected with famine (Jer. 14:1–2; Lam. 5:10). 

Famine and war go together. A shortage of food will always drive up prices and force the government to ration what is available. “To eat bread by weight” is a Jewish phrase indicating that food is scarce (Lev. 26:26). Food is payed for by weight here.

During the tribulation, people will have to work all day just to secure food for themselves! There will be nothing the family! 

But luxuries will be protected and the rich will get richer (Rev 6:6c).

We see the world heading this way already.

Seal 4: Death (7–8). John saw two images: Death riding a pale horse and hades (the realm of the dead) following him. Christ has the keys of death and hades (Rev. 1:18), and both will one day be cast into hell (Rev. 20:14). 

Death claims the body while hades claims the soul of the dead (Rev. 20:13). 

John saw these enemies going forth to claim their prey, armed with weapons of the sword, hunger, pestilence (death), and wild beasts. In ancient times, hunger, pestilence, and the ravages of beasts would be expected to accompany war (note also Jer. 15:2; 24:10; Ezek. 14:21).

Remember it is the Lamb opening the seals. God is in control and that His purposes will be accomplished.

2. Response (6: 9–17)

John recorded two responses to the opening of the seals, one in heaven and the other on earth.

Seal 5: The martyrs (9–11). 

9: When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. 10 They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” 11 Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters, were killed just as they had been.

When the Old Testament priest presented an animal sacrifice, the blood was poured out at the base of the brazen altar (Lev. 4:7, 18, 25, 30). In Old Testament imagery, blood represents life (Lev. 17:11). So, here in Revelation, the souls of the martyrs “under the altar” indicates that their lives were given sacrificially to the glory of God. 

The apostle Paul had the same idea in mind when he wrote Philippians 2:17 and 2 Timothy 4:6.

The Greek word martus, which gives us our English word martyr, simply means “a witness” (see Rev. 2:13; 17:6). These saints were slain by the enemy because of their witness to the truth of God and the message of Jesus Christ. 

These martyrs represent those who have been martyred for their faith through the ages but also those in the Tribulation (see 6: 11c). Even in our century, thousands of true believers have laid down their lives for Christ; they will receive the crown of life (Rev. 2:10).

Some of these have accepted Jesus as Lord under the rule of the antichrist. How is this possible? Remember the purpose of the Tribulation is to bring Israel, the Jews, back to God. But also there will be new Gentile believers. It occurs to me that those of us with unsaved family and friend may find they accept Jesus after the rapture because everything we have been telling them is proven true.

The great question, however, was not whether their enemies would be judged, but when? “How long, O Lord?” has been the cry of God’s suffering people throughout the ages (see Ps. 74:9–10; 79:5; 94:3–4; also Hab. 1:2). 

The saints in heaven know that God will eventually judge sin and establish righteousness in the earth, but they do not know God’s exact schedule. It is not personal revenge that they seek, but vindication of God’s holiness and the establishment of God’s justice. Every believer today who sincerely prays, “Your Kingdom come!” is echoing their cry.

Seal 6: Natural disasters (12–17).

The opening of the sixth seal will produce worldwide including the first of three great earthquakes (Rev. 6:12; 11:13; 16:18–19). All of nature will be affected: the sun, moon, and stars, as well as the heavens, the mountains, and the islands. Compare this scene with Joel 2:30–31 and 3:15 as well as with Isaiah 13:9–10 and 34:2–4.

People will try to hide from the face of God and from the face of the Lamb! We will see more of “the wrath of God” as we progress through Revelation (Rev. 11:18; 14:10; 16:19; 19:15). We will also encounter the wrath of Satan (Rev. 12:17) and the wrath of the nations as they oppose God (Rev. 11:18). 

If men and women will not yield to the love of God and be changed by the grace of God, then there is no way for them to escape the wrath of God. The martyrs cried, “Avenge us!” but the unbelievers on earth will cry, “Hide us!” 

Social status, political power, fame, followers on socials and wealth will not deliver anyone in that terrible day. John’s list included kings, captains, and slaves, the rich and the poor. “Who can withstand it?” (Rev. 6:17)

The phrase “wrath of the Lamb” seems a paradox. “Wrath of the lion” would be more consistent. We are so accustomed to emphasising the meekness and gentleness of Christ (Matt. 11:28–30) that we forget His holiness and justice. 

The same Christ who welcomed the children also drove the merchants from the temple. 

God’s wrath is not like a child’s temper tantrum or punishment meted out by an impatient parent. God’s wrath is the evidence of His holy love for all that is right and His holy hatred for all that is evil. 

The people mentioned here are shameless. They refuse to submit to God’s will. They would rather hide from God in fear (remember Adam and Eve?) than run to Him in faith. They are proof that judgment by itself does not change the human heart.

Not only will men seek to hide from God, but they will blaspheme Him as well (Rev. 16:9, 11, 21)!

But is there any hope for believers during this terrible time of judgment? And what about God’s special people, the Jews, who made a covenant with the Antichrist? Certainly people will trust the Lord even after the church is taken to heaven, but how will they manage? We turn to Revelation 7 for some of the answers.

3. Redemption (7:1–17)

See blog bonus for parallels between Jesus’ pro hectic words in Matthew 24 and Revelation 6-7.

It is important that we see the difference between the two groups of people described in this chapter.

- 7:1–8: Jews = 144,000; sealed on earth.

- 7:9–17: Gentiles from all nations = beyond number; Standing in heaven before God

While we are not told explicitly in Scripture that the 144,000 Jews are God’s special witnesses, and that the Gentile host is saved through their ministry, this appears to be a logical deduction; otherwise, why are they associated in this chapter? The parallel with Matthew 24:14 also indicates that the 144,000 will witness for the Lord during the tribulation.

The sealed Jews (1–8). 

Angels are associated with the forces of nature: the wind (Rev. 7:1), fire (Rev. 14:18), and water (Rev. 16:5). Stopping the winds implies a “lull before the storm.” During the day of His wrath, He will use the forces of nature to judge humankind.

In Scripture, a seal indicates ownership and protection. Today, God’s people are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13–14). This is God’s guarantee that we are saved and safe, and that He will one day take us to heaven. 

The 144,000 Jews will receive the Father’s name as their seal (Rev. 14:1), in contrast to the “mark of the beast” that Antichrist will give those who follow him (Rev. 13:17; 14:11; 16:2; 19:20).

This seal will protect these chosen Jews from the judgments that will “harm the land and the sea” (Rev. 7:2), and occur when the first four angels blow their trumpets (Rev. 8). The judgments are intensified when the horrible locusts are released from the pit (Rev.9:1–4). Protected from these awesome judgments, the 144,000 will be able to do their work and glorify the Lord.

In every age, God has had His faithful remnant. Elijah thought he was alone, but God had 7,000 who were yet faithful to Him (1 Kings 19:18). 

The sealing described in Revelation 7 certainly has its background in Ezekiel 9:1–7, where the faithful were sealed before God’s judgment fell. So, while these 144,000 Jews are an elect people in the last days with a special task from God, they also symbolise God’s faithful elect in every age of history.

The number 144,000 is significant because it signifies perfection and completeness (144 = 12 x 12). We are told that these 144,000 are all Jews, and even their tribes are named.

Even the fact that ten of the tribes were taken by the Assyrians and “lost” is no problem to God. He knows His people and their whereabouts (see Matt. 19:28; Acts 26:7; James 1:1).

This is not to say that interpreting of this passage is not without problems. 

• Why is Levi included when it had no inheritance with the other tribes (Num. 18:20–24; Josh. 13:14)? 
• Why is Joseph named but not his son Ephraim, who is usually connected with his brother Manasseh? 
• Why is the tribe of Dan omitted here and yet included in Ezekiel’s list for the apportionment of the land (Ezek. 48:1)?

Suggestions have been made, but we do not know the answers. We must permit God to know “the secret things,” and not allow our ignorance of them to stop us from obeying what we do know (Deut. 29:29).

The saved Gentiles ( 9–17). 

You cannot read the book of Revelation without developing a global outlook, for the emphasis is on what God does for people in the whole world. 

The Lamb died to redeem people from all languages, tribes, nations (Rev. 5:9). 

The great multitudes pictured here came from “from every nation, tribe, people and language” (Rev. 7:9). This is why our vision as a church is to important but is built on God’s desire: To Make Jesus Know to Everyone, Everywhere (Mark 16:15).

There is no doubt as to who this multitude is, because one of the elders explained it to John (Rev.7:14): they are Gentiles who have been saved through faith in Christ during the tribulation. (We will meet this same group again in Rev. 14.) 

It is relatively easy to confess Christ now, this will not be the case during the tribulation, at least during the last half of it. Then, unless persons wear the “mark of the beast,” they will not be able to buy or sell, and this would leave them without even life’s bare necessities. 

The fact that they are standing before the throne and not seated around it indicates that these people are not identified with the twenty-four elders. In fact, John himself did not know who they were! If they had been Old Testament believers, or the church, John would have recognised them. That the elder had to tell John who they were suggests that they are a special people, which, indeed, they are.

Of course, in the heavenly city (Rev. 21—22), all distinctions will cease and we shall all simply be the people of God in glory. But while God is working out His plan in human history, distinctions still exist between the Jews, the Gentiles, the church, and the tribulation saints.

John gave a beautiful description of these people.

• accepted, for they stood before God’s throne and the Lamb. Their white robes and palms symbolise victory: they were true victors! 
• joyful. They sang praises to the Father and to the Lamb, and their worship was joined by all those who surrounded the throne.
• rewarded. They had the privilege of being before God’s throne and of serving Him.

Seal 7: The opening of the seventh seal will introduce the seven “trumpet judgments” (Rev. 8—11) and the wrath of God will increase both in intensity and scope. 

But before that occurs, we are assured that in His wrath, God will remember mercy (Hab. 3:2). 

Wrapping this up:

Despite the wrath of God multitudes without number will be saved through the blood of Jesus Christ. 

God’s way of salvation has always been the same: faith in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

During that time most will also reject the Saviour and trust “the beast.” There are people today who prefer Satan to Christ.

If you have never trusted the Saviour, do so now. If you have trusted Him, then share the good news of salvation.

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Blog Bonus

The horse imagery in Revelation 6 is probably related to the vision described in Zechariah 1:7–17. Horses represent God’s activity on earth, the forces He uses to accomplish His divine purposes. The center of His program is Israel, particularly the city of Jerusalem. (Jerusalem is mentioned thirty-nine times in Zech.) God has a covenant purpose for Israel, and that purpose will be fulfilled just as He promised.

Considering John’s third theme in this section—redemption—note the parallels that exist between Christ’s prophetic words recorded in Matthew 24 and what John wrote in Revelation 6. The following summary outline makes this clear.

Matthew 24 Revelation 6

False Christs (4–5)    White horse rider (1–2)

Wars (6)    Red horse war (3–4)

Famines (7a)    Black horse—famine (5–6)

Death (7b–8)    Pale horse—death (7–8)

Martyrs (9)    Martyrs under the altar (9-11)

Worldwide chaos (10–13)      Worldwide chaos (12–17)