Prophecy 6 – The Six Seals

  • Larry W. Wilson

    • The Six Seals – Revelation 4:1-6:17

    Beginning Point in Time: 1798
    Ending Point in Time: Second Coming of Jesus

    Summary:
    This prophecy focuses on a very important book. Before Jesus created any life, the Father wrote a book and He sealed it up with seven seals so that no one, not even the Son or the Holy Spirit, could see what He had written. This book contains a complete history of life. The life of each angel and human being was written down in careful detail before angels and human beings were created! According to His infinite wisdom, the Father decided that the contents of His history book would not be exposed until the drama caused by sin is completed and the seventh seal on the book is broken. When the seventh seal is broken, the universe will be permitted to see everything that the Father foreknew. The reason the Father chose to write the history book may surprise you. In fact, once you understand why the Father wrote The Book of Life and then sealed it with seven seals, you will begin to understand how an all-knowing God of love could create a wonderful angel who would later become the devil.
    Note: Because this commentary is as succinct as possible, you may want to examine a more comprehensive analysis of this prophecy. If so, please see Chapter 10 in my book, A Study on the Seven Seals and The 144,000 or you can freely download this material at: www.wake-up.org/Revelation/RevSeg1.htm.

    Introduction:
    It is ironic that many Christians give more attention to the seven seals than the contents of the sealed book! After all, the objective of breaking open the seven seals is to expose the contents of this book!

    Each apocalyptic prophecy has a starting point in time and Prophecy 6 has a starting point in time, but the starting point is not described in Revelation 4. The starting point is determined by linking Daniel 7:9-14 with Revelation 4 and 5.[1] Let me explain. Daniel was zoomed forward in Daniel 7 to see the Father, the Ancient of Days, convene a special meeting in 1798. John was also zoomed forward to 1798 to observe the same meeting, but from a different perspective. Both prophets saw the exaltation of Jesus.

    Prophecy 6 unfolds in chronological order. John was taken “in the spirit” to visit Heaven’s temple. An important item he saw in the Father’s right hand was a book sealed with seven seals. John saw the Father search for someone who was worthy to take the book and break the seven seals. Eventually, Jesus was found worthy to receive the book and He began the process of breaking the seals.

    The Father wrote The Book of Life to resolve a contradictory problem before a contradictory problem even existed! The Father foreknew that a day would come when His children would question His integrity and He knew the best way to resolve this coming problem was to create a “time capsule.” The Father wrote The Book of Life to prove to the universe, at an appointed time, that His foreknowledge has no effect on His actions. Even though the Father knows the outcome of all things before they occur, He does not use this foreknowledge to control future events. God knew that people would claim that God uses His foreknowledge to direct the outcome of future events. This problem explains why He wrote the book and why certain angels have been recording life ever since life began. At the end of the 1,000 years in Revelation 20, the recordings of life made by angels in real time will be compared with the contents of The Book of Life.

    When the seventh seal is broken, the Father will demonstrate that His “time capsule” is identical with the recordings made by angels. This will prove to the universe that He perfectly foreknew that sin would occur, as well as who would be saved and who would be condemned long before they were born, and even though He perfectly foreknew the end from the beginning for every angel and person, He loved each one the same. He did not predetermine who would be saved and who would be lost. The Father will prove that He treated each angel and person as though they would live eternally. The Father wants to prove that His love for His children is not affected by His foreknowledge. This is a huge concept to process and we will see this amazing concept unfold in our study on Revelation.

    When the Father wrote The Book of Life, He planned that as each seal is broken, there would be a new revelation about Jesus. Therefore, at the appointed time, seven new revelations will be made about Jesus. When the seventh seal is broken at the end of the 1,000 years, both Jesus and the contents of His book will be completely exposed!

    Three important goals will be accomplished when the seventh seal is broken open. First, it will reveal that Jesus is a separate and distinct God, a co-eternal equal of the Father. The Father wants the universe to know that Jesus has the same powers, prerogatives, and substance as Himself. Second, the Father will prove to the universe that He will not, under any circumstances, use His foreknowledge to protect Himself or His government from harm or rebellion. In fact, even though the Father foreknows the future, He will not allow His knowledge to alter or influence His love or treatment of any person. Last, the Father will prove to the universe that one of His strangest laws is completely harmonious with principles of love. In my opinion, this prophecy contains one of the most fascinating stories found in the book of Revelation.

    The Sequence:

    Revelation 4:1

    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 hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter.
    {1} After I wrote out the directives of Jesus to the seven churches, I saw Heaven open before me and a great temple came into view. It was an awesome structure, far greater than the temple complex in Jerusalem which had been destroyed in A.D. 70. A doorway leading into this enormous temple was open and a voice from inside the temple said, “Come up here John and I will show you what must take place in the future.”[2]

    Revelation 4:2

    And immediately I was in the spirit; and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
    {2} Immediately, I found myself standing in Heaven’s temple. When I saw the magnificence of the temple and the glory surrounding those who were present, I was completely overwhelmed. I felt like a speck of sand. The size and scale of everything was huge and beyond my calculation. As I stood there, I realized that Earth itself was a minuscule, insignificant part of God’s infinite universe. The temple was at least a thousand times larger than any building I had ever seen. A spectacular and dazzling throne was located in the center of the room. It was huge, several stories high. I could see that someone was sitting on the throne, but the light around Him was so brilliant that I could not see any details. Millions and millions of angels were sitting in the temple, far more than I could count.

    Revelation 4:3

    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.
    {3} Words cannot describe the glory of the Father and His exalted throne. The Father’s presence emitted a brilliant light that sparkled like quartz crystal, mixed with bright red flashes of fire. A rainbow of many colors encircled His throne. This rainbow appeared to have three dimensions, like rainbows of light that dance on polished emeralds.

    Revelation 4:4

    And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
    {4} Twenty-four thrones surrounded the Father’s throne, and twenty-four elders redeemed from Earth were seated on these thrones. They wore white clothing and had gold crowns on their heads.

    It is my understanding that the twenty-four elders are people who the Father resurrected along with Jesus. They were taken to Heaven to serve as human observers.[3] The Bible indicates that two witnesses are needed whenever judgment is involved. Therefore, it seems likely that two people were taken from each of the twelve tribes to observe Jesus as He cleanses Heaven’s temple, that is, judges each person prior to the Second Coming.[4] The presence of twenty-four human observers around the throne of God speaks volumes about the transparent nature of God’s government. It is wonderful to realize that twenty-four witnesses will be able to address any concerns that any saint might have about God’s decision on any individual!

    Revelation 4:5

    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.
    {5} Flashes of lightning, heavy rumblings, and peals of rolling thunder emanated from the Father’s throne. The floor of the temple trembled with unseen energy and His glory was indescribable. The atmosphere was charged with energy. Seven dazzling angels stood close to the throne. They were so bright that they looked like seven glowing lampstands. They stood around the throne, ready to do whatever the Father might command. These seven angels are the same seven angels that serve the seven churches, receive the seven trumpets, and pour out the seven bowls.[5]

    Revelation 4:6

    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 beasts full of eyes before and behind.
    {6} The Father’s throne rested on a large expanse that looked like pure glass, clear as crystal. In the center of this expanse, closest to the Father, were four strange looking, but highly exalted creatures.[6] Each of the four creatures had six wings. These four creatures did not look like the seven angels. They stood close to the Father, surrounding Him at the four points of a compass: north, south, east and west. The four creatures were identical. It was clear that they had enormous authority and power because they were close to the Father.

    These four living creatures are a representation of the Holy Spirit who cannot be seen. The Holy Spirit has a name because he is a separate and distinct, co-eternal member of the Godhead.[7] The Holy Spirit is omnipresent, that is, He can be everywhere at once – north, south, east, and west – and this is why John saw him represented as four clones of the same being.[8] The four living creatures were covered with eyes indicating the Holy Spirit is omniscient, that is, He is all-seeing and all-knowing.[9] Ezekiel saw the same four living creatures (cherubim) that John saw.[10] There are a few differences because God often uses repetition and enlargement to enhance our understanding of complex subjects. This invisible member of the Godhead was visibly represented to John as four clones because the Father wanted John to identify and see the actions of the Holy Spirit. There is nothing in the universe like the Holy Spirit. In substance, He is fully God. His unique person, presence, power, and abilities are visibly caricatured in this vision because God wants us to better understand His ministry on behalf of mankind.

    Revelation 4:7

    And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
    {7} Because of my location, I could see that each living creature had four faces. However, only one face on each creature was shown to me. I saw the face of a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle in flight. I remembered Ezekiel’s description: “Their faces looked like this: Each of the four had the face of a man, and on the right side each had the face of a lion, and on the left the face of an ox; each also had the face of an eagle.”[11] Later on, I discovered that one face on each creature was exposed to me so that I could identify and keep separate the four special tasks which the Holy Spirit would be commanded to carry out.

    Revelation 4:8

    And the four beasts 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.
    {8} Each of the four living creatures had six wings – a total of twenty-four wings. This large number of wings indicates instantaneous flight. The Holy Spirit is instantly everywhere or anywhere He wants to be. The four living creatures were covered with eyes, even under their wings. He never stops saying: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was present before anything existed, who lives today and who will eternally exist.”

    The eyes covering the four living creatures represent a prerogative that belongs only to deity. The Holy Spirit is omniscient. He sees and comprehends everything occurring in God’s vast universe. He can read the minds and thoughts of created beings and He can read the mind and thoughts of the Father because He is a member of the Godhead. Generally speaking, the Holy Spirit serves as a divine conduit. Information flows instantaneously between God’s children and the Godhead through the Holy Spirit.[12] He also serves as an infallible reporter to the Father and the Son. He instantly sees and understands the state and condition of every being in the universe and He relays this information to them.[13] The Holy Spirit observes every sparrow that falls on Earth and instantly reports it to the Father. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit is an infallible messenger sent from the Father to all of His children. The Holy Spirit relays blessings and gifts of grace, courage, strength, wisdom, and truth as the Father determines. The Holy Spirit does not speak to God’s subjects from His own wisdom. He speaks only what He hears from the throne of the Father.[14] Day and night, the Holy Spirit constantly brings glory and honor to the Father because He loves and worships (submits to) the Father as Jesus submits to the will of the Father.[15]

    It is impossible for humans to understand how the Holy Spirit can be in innumerable places at the same time. It is also impossible to understand how He can see everything going on in the universe at the same instant. The Holy Spirit is the only member of the Godhead who exercises the power of omnipresence. This explains why rejecting the Holy Spirit is the only sin that is an unpardonable sin.[16] He is the only means through which angels and human beings can connect with the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit brings truth, peace, and joy to every willing soul and in turn, He presents our petitions and prayers to the Father with expressions that we cannot understand.[17] The Holy Spirit enables the Father and the Son to be in constant touch with their children wherever they are. As a member of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit understands the mind and thoughts of the Father. Therefore, His greatest joy is to lead God’s subjects into endless discoveries about God’s truth and love. The Holy Spirit wants everyone in the universe to appreciate and radiate God’s love and character. The members of the Godhead love each other more deeply than we can possibly understand and the Holy Spirit never stops giving glory and honor to the Father and the Son.[18]

    Revelation 4:9-11

    And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
    {9} The Father does incredible things throughout His expanding universe every day. Whenever the Holy Spirit reports another one of the Father’s wonderful acts,
    {10} the twenty-four elders fall down before the Father, amazed and humbled by His infinite goodness. The elders remove their golden crowns and prostrate themselves on their faces before the Father saying,
    {11} “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things and only through your sustaining power do they exist.”

    Revelation 5:1

    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.
    {1} While I was studying the four living creatures, there was a transition in the temple. The thrones of the twenty-four elders were rearranged for a special convocation.[19] A trumpet blast sounded and a hush fell over the vast assembly. One of the seven angels who stand before God spoke in a loud voice. He called a meeting to order. Billions of angels stood reverently as the Ancient of Days took His seat. The host was seated and the meeting began.[20] I was nearly blinded by the dazzling presence of the Father. I could barely see His right hand extending out of incredible glory. In his hand was a book sealed with seven seals.

    The book sealed with seven seals is also called “The Lamb’s Book of Life.”[21] The Father wrote this book before the creation of the universe, even before the angels were created. The book is sealed with seven seals because the Father does not want anyone to see what He has written until the appropriate time arrives. The Book of Life has been securely stored ever since it was written. Everyone in Heaven knows about the existence of this book, but no one knows the details that are written in it.

    The Book of Life contains a complete history of life. Everyone (angels and human beings) involved in the drama of sin is included – past, present, and future. Using His perfect foreknowledge, the Father wrote the book and sealed it for at least two reasons applicable to this study. First, at the appointed time, the contents of this book will be revealed to everyone who has ever lived. The Father wants to prove to the universe that even though He has perfect foreknowledge, He loves everyone without reservation. He will not use His foreknowledge to manipulate His subjects or protect Himself from sin and rebellion. In other words, the Father will prove that even though He foreknew the enormous cost of sin, even though He foreknew that Lucifer would become His greatest adversary and cause great harm in His house, He created and loved him anyway. The Father also used this same foreknowledge and love on Adam and Eve and their descendants.

    The Father does not deal with His children on the basis of His foreknowledge. Instead, He deals with us on the basis of His love. Even though He knows every future decision that every being will make, He allows each being to exercise his power of choice. He will not force anyone into performing any action for personal advantage. The Father sealed up the book because, at the appointed time, He wants the universe to see that His foreknowledge does not affect or alter His love for His subjects. He respects the free will of His children to the point that He would rather die than violate our will.

    The Father had a second reason for writing The Book of Life. At the appointed time, He will prove to the universe that one of Heaven’s most intriguing laws is righteous and it is thoughtfully based on infinite love and wisdom.

    The Bible indicates that Bible writers knew about the existence of the book which the Father had written,[22] but again, only the Father knows the details written in it. The Son and the Holy Spirit do not know what is in the book.[23] The Godhead planned it this way because if the Son and the Holy Spirit knew what was written in The Book of Life, the Godhead could be accused of conspiracy once the book is opened. To keep the charge of conspiracy from having any validity, special angels have recorded the history of sin’s drama in real time, that is, as life transpires. Recording angels chronicle every thought, word, and action. Their record books are used to judge mankind[24] because the contents of The Book of Life are not exposed until sin’s drama is completed. At the end of the 1,000 years, the seventh seal will be broken and everyone will see that the Books of Record (made by angels) are identical with The Book of Life.

    Because the Books of Record were recorded in real time and a record of each person’s choices is faithfully recorded, there can be no charge that the Godhead conspired to save some people and destroy others. Actually, just the opposite will prove true. The Books of Record will prove that each child of God freely made his or her choices. The record will clearly prove that He loved everyone the same regardless of their choices and their eternal destiny!

    Revelation 5:2

    And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
    {2} The angel who called the meeting to order spoke in a loud voice. “Who is worthy to break the seven seals and open The Book of Life?

    This question has no introduction or explanation. Suddenly, John learns that the Father is looking for someone who is worthy to break open the seven seals and expose the contents of The Book of Life. Although the qualifications necessary to break open the seals are not stated at this point, this announcement does indicate that the time has come to begin breaking open the seven seals. We will learn later in this study that the seven seals contain seven secrets about the Lamb. These secrets are revealed as each seal is broken. Therefore, whoever exposes these seven secrets must meet certain qualifications to insure that the seven secrets are properly revealed and understood.

    Revelation 5:3

    And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
    {3} Curiosity settled like a cloud over the vast assembly. Everyone was focused on the book sealed with seven seals. The angels knew this was an unusual meeting and certainly not a routine question or offer. As I watched the process, no one in Heaven, on Earth or even under the Earth (that is, among the dead), was found worthy to open The Book of Life and look inside it.

    The question of worthiness is paramount to breaking the seals because each broken seal launches a new campaign on Earth. When He wrote the book, the Father predetermined that seven campaigns would be necessary to explain who Jesus really is and all that He represents. This exposure is necessary because Jesus, the Creator, so closely identifies with His creation that no one can tell who He really is unless there is a revelation. The Father wants the universe to know that Jesus, in substance, is His equal. The Father wants everyone to know that man’s redeemer is a co-eternal, Almighty member of the Godhead just like Himself. Even though they are distinct and separate beings, they are like twins, having no difference in substance, powers, or prerogatives. The seven campaigns will be completed when the seventh seal is broken at the end of the 1,000 years. Then, the revelation of Jesus Christ will be completed at the end of sin’s drama. Everyone will then know His full identity. After everyone knows who He is, Jesus will do an amazing thing:

    “Then the end will come, when he [Jesus] hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he ‘has put everything under his feet.’ Now when it says that ‘everything’ has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.”[25]

    When The Book of Life is opened and the information inside is exposed, the Father will be exonerated. Lucifer’s lies and sophisticated logic will be proven false and no argument can be made against God’s love for His creation. John did not know at the beginning of this vision what the seven seals represented, but he evidently understood that the contents of the book had to do with freeing the Father from a cloud of doubts and suspicions. This is why he wept when no one was found worthy to break the seven seals. What is more grievous and heartbreaking than to see someone you love falsely accused?

    God has given His children reasoning powers and the Father is looking forward to a day when everyone in His universe will understand the foundations and operation of His government. When the contents of His book are revealed, everyone in the universe will know that God is love. The Father does not require submission because He is Almighty God. Instead, the Father wants everyone to understand that He is the “servant leader” of the universe. He has every divine power necessary to provide for the welfare of His children and there is no better way through the corridors of eternity than trusting in His infinite wisdom. The Father wants His children to know that He does not use divine power to manipulate His children, instead He uses His divine power to ensure that the laws of love will be forever exalted and enforced. God is called a God of love because His actions are always consistent with love. God is called Almighty God because He insures that nothing will overrule the two laws of love that govern the universe (love God first and your neighbor as yourself). His actions are in perfect harmony with the laws of love because He never steps outside the laws of love!

    The Father is a cheerful giver and He loves a cheerful giver.[26] He will accept nothing less than a cheerful decision to trust Him, love Him, and obey Him. Even though He is Almighty God and has incredible powers, He will prove at the appointed time that He has not and will not ever use these powers to control the choices of His children.

    Why Is The Book of Life Necessary?

    Before we proceed further into this prophecy, a brief explanation about the origin of sin is necessary because The Book of Life will solve several problems created by sin. (A more comprehensive presentation on this topic is found in Prophecy 12.)

    Long before Jesus created Earth, a crisis occurred in Heaven. It all started when Lucifer, the highest created being in the universe, became unhappy with the Father because Lucifer wanted more honor and authority than the Father permitted him to have. When Lucifer realized that he could not have the honor and worship that was given to Michael (Jesus Christ), the archangel,[27] Lucifer became anti-Christ. Motivated by jealousy and sustained by endless bitterness, Lucifer began a secret campaign of sedition against God’s government. Ultimately, he led one-third of the angels into open rebellion against the Father.

    Prior to His life on Earth, Jesus lived among the angels as one of them. As the archangel, Michael,[28] Jesus looked like them and talked like them. Later, when Jesus became a man, Jesus looked like a man and talked like a man. However, Jesus is far more than an angel or a man. Jesus is a member of the Godhead, the Creator of everything that exists.[29] As God, He has lived as an angel and a human. Our Creator is willing to live as one of His creation so that He might reveal the wonderful ways and character of the Father to His creation!

    Lucifer had a serious problem with Christ. Lucifer wanted to be exalted among the angels like the archangel. After all, Lucifer was the other covering cherub. He cloaked his envy and bitterness with self-righteousness. He began to create doubts about God’s integrity by twisting topics that God had not yet clarified. Lucifer discovered that holy angels could be alienated from God if he put the Father and Michael (Jesus) in a suspicious light. For example, everyone in Heaven knew that the Father had foreknowledge. Lucifer argued that since the Father already knew what each angel would think and do, the Father could not be outwitted or overthrown. The Father was a dictator and it was “His way or the highway.” Lucifer claimed there could be no freedom or democracy in Heaven because the Father was an all-knowing dictator. The Father would prevent any angel from improving and gaining a higher place in His government. Lucifer insinuated this was grossly unfair. He used his own situation as proof. Why should he be treated as a lesser angel throughout eternity? Why should one covering cherub be more highly honored and worshiped? Lucifer preyed on the other angels’ naive sympathy and some of the angels empathized with Lucifer’s “unfair” situation. Lucifer also told sympathetic angels that the Father did not give angels the power of choice because any choice that was contrary to God’s way would be considered rebellion. Further, Lucifer asserted that the angels were just eternal “slaves” and the Father was nothing more than an omnipotent control freak!

    To ensure that the angels took his arguments seriously, Lucifer taunted the angels with a law that no one understood at the time. When He created the angels, Michael declared to the angels a “strange law.” This law defined the penalty for sin which is sudden death by execution. Jesus also explained this law to Adam and Eve at their creation. Simply stated, this strange law says, “You will be killed on the day that you sin.”[30]

    Using arguments that were skillfully and logically framed to put the government of God in the poorest possible light, Lucifer convinced one-third of the angels that the Father could not possibly be a God of love because “the sudden death law” was inescapable. Lucifer charged that if someone should happen to exercise their power of choice in a way that God did not like, the result would be sudden death! Lucifer’s arguments were so sophisticated and convincing that one-third of the angels lost their respect, and finally, their love for the Father and Michael, the archangel.

    Lucifer’s political propaganda made the Father appear to be a tyrant. Lucifer positioned God’s strange law in such a way that many of the holy angels became angry with God. Lucifer argued that God’s sudden death law and God’s foreknowledge are inseparable. Therefore, God is a God of control; not love. Lucifer induced animosity and prejudice toward the Father and he taunted the angels who chose to remain loyal to the Father and Michael. Ridicule can be intimidating, so Lucifer may have added ridicule to his arguments to further obscure the truth. Using devious subterfuge against the Father, Lucifer created two false options: Either obey God and be His eternal slave or exercise the power of choice and immediately die. These options, he claimed, do not represent a God of love. Lucifer justified his hatred for the Father and Michael with this logic: The Father already knows what we are going to do and He has a law that justifies our death should we step out of line. With God, there is no choice. So, Lucifer invited the angels to join with him and together they formed a “better government.” They would not be the eternal slaves of a powerful tyrant who claimed to be a God of love.

    Remember, rebellion did not exist in the universe before Lucifer began campaigning against the Father and even more, the angels had not observed a single instance of the “sudden death” law. They had no knowledge of good and evil and because no one had seen evil before, Lucifer could make a compelling case against God that appeared solid and logical. Eventually, Lucifer’s envy led him to commit conspiracy. Lucifer convinced one-third of the holy angels that the Holy Father was unfair and unloving. Strange as this may sound, the Father did not have a legitimate way at that time to prove Lucifer wrong. Of course, the Father could have presented logical arguments that would have silenced Lucifer or He could have snuffed out Lucifer’s life, but that would prove nothing. God wisely allowed Lucifer to spread sedition throughout Heaven to test the angels’ faith. Would they obey God’s first commandment? When tempted, would they love God with all their heart, mind, and soul? God permitted the love and faith of His angels to be tested in the same way that He has allowed the love and faith of human beings to be tested. Love and faith in God cannot be validated until it is tested and demonstrated. When Lucifer’s rebellion reached critical mass (one-third of Heaven’s angels infected with disaffection), God stepped into the fray and ultimately, Lucifer and his angels were cast out of Heaven.

    When the Father wrote The Book of Life, He foreknew Lucifer would rebel, He foreknew how Adam and Eve would fall and He foresaw Jesus dying on the cross. The Father foreknew all of these things before any life was created and He wrote them down. Because God is eternally committed to the principles of love, from the beginning His primary concern was not Lucifer’s rebellion or Adam and Eve’s fall. Looking through the corridor of eternity, the Father planned a way for resolving the sin problem so that the future likelihood of sin would be extremely remote. God does not want sin to occur a third time. This explains why God allowed Lucifer to exercise his freedom for a period of time. He allowed Lucifer’s willful rebellion to test the faith and loyalty of His angels.

    Each angel carefully considered Lucifer’s arguments, and two-thirds of the angels chose to remain loyal to the Father even though they could not answer Lucifer’s arguments. Two-thirds of the angels chose to remain faithful to God because they were convinced that God is love. Everyone understood that God had given them the gift of life and He had faithfully met every need. Before Lucifer became evil minded, Heaven had been a joyful place to live, but Lucifer’s actions changed everything. The angels that chose to remain loyal did so because they believed there was sufficient evidence to justify their faith and loyalty to God. For them, the evidences of God’s love outweighed Lucifer’s skillful complaints.

    Lucifer’s defiance led to war and Lucifer and one-third of the angels disappeared.[31] Suddenly, there was an eerie silence in Heaven. As the full impact of Lucifer’s rebellion began to dawn on the remaining angels, I am sure that many hearts were broken. Close friends had parted ways and loving relationships were terminated. I am sure that human words cannot describe the sadness that the Father and Michael, the Creator, felt that dark day.

    After the Father cast Lucifer out of Heaven, Lucifer sought a place where he could rule as lord and king. He was determined to show the universe that his ideas for government were superior to God’s government. Lucifer saw an opportunity to gain control of a new creation when Jesus created Earth. Maybe Lucifer reasoned that it would be easier to start with a new creation than to destroy an existing government on some planet and rebuild it. I am also sure that Lucifer was fascinated with the ability that God had given to Adam and Eve to procreate. Again, Lucifer saw an opportunity. If he could get Adam and Eve to disobey God’s law,[32] he could grow an ever expanding kingdom of subjects. What Lucifer did not know, however, was that God had a plan to redeem sinners should sin occur without defiance. Satan did not know that a plan of redemption was prepared if it should become necessary.

    Bible students know the story. Lucifer lied to Eve, and Adam willfully sinned because he loved Eve more than God. (He violated the first law of love.) Ever since that awful day, endless cycles of sorrow, suffering, and death have occurred on Earth. Of course, the Father foreknew all these things and before any of them occurred, He wrote a complete history of life before any life was created. The Father perfectly sealed His book with seven seals to keep the details of His foreknowledge a secret. If the information in The Book of Life was prematurely released, it would be very difficult for the Father to overcome any accusation. For example, consider this often repeated argument: Since the Father knows who will be saved and who will be lost, He has predetermined who will be saved and lost. When The Book of Life is opened, this argument (and others) will be proven false. So, the Father wisely sealed up The Book of Life and the contents will not be exposed until the thousand years have ended.[33]

    For the greater good of the universe, the Father did not execute Lucifer and the angels, or Adam and Eve on the day they sinned. He temporarily and wisely stayed their execution to allow sin and rebellion to fully mature. Remember, God’s primary objective is preventing a third episode of sin. Therefore, the Father wants everyone in the universe to clearly understand the properties of sin before He annihilates any sinner.

    Who is Worthy?

    Now that we have considered some background information on The Book of Life, let us return to the story of the courtroom scene and the angel’s question, “Who is worthy?” The Father is obviously looking for someone who is capable of resolving the sin problem so that His government and policies can be exonerated. The Father is planning ahead. He is looking forward, billions of years in the future. When thousands of new worlds exist and an infinite number of inhabitants have been created, He wants everyone to know that even though He has perfect foreknowledge, He did not and He will never use this divine power to protect Himself from rebellion or sin. He wants everyone to understand that His “sudden death” law is based on divine wisdom and love for oncoming generations. Looking back on sin’s drama, all future creations will see that the Father allowed Lucifer and sin to exist for a few thousand years because He wants all current and future beings to understand the horrific consequences of sin. Personally, I believe the Father will dramatically expand the number of children living in His universe after the knowledge of good and evil has been fully defined and understood.

    After the truth about good and evil is exposed to the universe, the “sudden death” law will be viewed very differently than before. Unlike human governments that create laws on an “as needed” basis, God does not create moral laws on an “as needed” basis. Consider this scenario: At the end of the 1,000 years, God will resurrect all of the wicked so that Jesus can review their life’s record with them. Jesus wants each wicked person to review his or her life and realize that His judgment of them was careful, righteous, and fair. The information in the Books of Record, as recorded by angels, will be presented. Each wicked person will be forced by the evidence presented that his choices were accurately recorded and that Jesus judged righteously. (Every knee will bow.[34])

    After the admission of the wicked takes place, the seventh seal will be broken and The Book of Life will be opened and compared with the Books of Record. Everyone will see that the contents are identical. They will also see that the names of the wicked were blotted out of The Book of Life. This feature makes the event very interesting. Everyone will then be forced by the evidence to admit that God did not use His foreknowledge to protect Himself from rebellion and He did not use His foreknowledge to determine the eternal destiny of any being!

    Later, when the wicked advance on the Holy City to destroy it, the saints will also see the wisdom of the Father’s “sudden death” law. Going forward into eternity, the beauty of this law is simple. It limits the cancer of sin to one sinner.* By destroying a sinner on the day that he sins, the virus of sin cannot be passed to another person. During the drama of sin, the truth about good and evil was completely revealed. Once the universe properly understands the curse of sin, everyone will agree that God’s love and His sudden death law are not in opposition. Furthermore, everyone will know that Jesus will not die again to redeem sinners. Consequently, anyone who deliberately defies the laws of love will be executed on the day he exhibits defiance. There will be no excuse or tolerance for rebellion. Because God’s children will always have the power of choice, there will always be a possibility of sin erupting in the universe, but God has allowed sin to run its evil course in Heaven and on Earth one time and this drama will not happen again. If defiance should rise again, it will last one day.

    * Note: When the saints are taken to Heaven, none will have a carnal nature. There will be no predisposition toward sin or rebellion toward God.[35] When the carnal nature is removed, committing sin will be more difficult than sinners overcoming temptation. This may be difficult to comprehend, but throughout eternity, sinning will not come naturally or easily. However, rebellion and defiance will always be possible because God grants His children the power of choice.

    I have alluded to this point previously, but I believe after the current drama of sin is finished, Jesus will endlessly create new planets and He will fill them with new people. Suppose a billion years from now a newly created person is tempted to sin. I believe the Father will, if necessary, send all of the redeemed from planet Earth to visit with that newly created being. Ex-sinners will try to reason with that being about the horrible consequences of sin. However, if God’s newly created being chooses to defy God and continue to rebel (as Lucifer did), then God will act to protect the universe from sin by annihilating the sinner on the day that he commits sin. If this should occur, all of the watching universe will agree that God’s action was appropriate.

    These substantive issues have been discussed because breaking the seven seals and revealing the contents of The Book of Life is an extremely important part of apocalyptic prophecy. Even though the Father is Almighty God and is omnipotent, He needs two infallible witnesses who can prove that He is love. The Book of Life will serve as one witness and the other witness must be a worthy person who can break open the seven seals and carry out the requirements ordained in each seal.

    Revelation 5:4

    And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
    {4} Looking at the service taking place in Heaven’s temple, it broke my heart to think that the Father needed a savior! The realization that no one was found worthy to exonerate Him cut like a knife into my heart and I began to weep. Was there no one who could clear His holy name?

    This scene is paradoxical in a way. John saw an omnipotent God sitting on a glorious throne. Even with all His might and power, Almighty God needs someone to exonerate Him and His government from Lucifer’s lies. The interplay between God’s power and wisdom, His vulnerability, and His love is astonishing. The Father has more than enough power to destroy and recreate the whole universe in a split second, but His incredible love for His children prevents Him from violating the will of the weakest being. He never controls us for His personal benefit. What an amazing God! In Revelation 5, we learn the Father needs a savior to prove that His foreknowledge and the “sudden death” law are governed by love instead of tyranny. What the Father needs is someone who can successfully lead the universe into the light of this profound truth.

    Sin has created a basic problem between man and God. Sinners naturally distrust God and even born again Christians find it difficult to trust in God at all times and in all circumstances! God’s infinite ways are vastly superior and often seem mysterious because His ways are not our ways. This makes God especially vulnerable to suspicion and distrust if anyone chooses to be suspicious and distrusting. This vulnerability explains why faith and love are the essential building blocks of God’s kingdom. How does a person worship, adore, obey, and live in the present with an infinite God whose actions and ways will not be completely understood for several thousand years? Until understanding arrives, faith and love are required. This is why Lucifer was able to make headway against God and one-third of the holy angels made a big mistake. Faith in God, when seen in reverse, always makes perfect sense.

    When the angel asked, “. . . . Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?”[36] the question really contains three parts. Who is qualified to open the book and prove that the Father will not use His foreknowledge and His “sudden death” law to protect Himself and His throne? Who can prove to the universe that the Father is selfless and righteous? Who can prove that His actions and laws are based on love? The four living creatures, the twenty-four elders, or the seven angels who stand before God were not qualified and no one was found on Earth, dead or alive.

    I wept and wept because I, too, was unworthy to help the Father. I could not exonerate the character and government of my God and Father, even though I would count it an honor to die for Him.

    Revelation 5:5

    And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
    {5} One of the twenty-four elders noticed my weeping. He came over to me and said, “John, do not weep anymore! Look, the Lion from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has been found worthy! He is qualified to break open the seven seals and reveal the contents of the book.” I immediately thought, how wonderful is this? Jesus will save the Father! And why not? He is my Savior, too!

    Revelation 5:6

    And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, 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.

    {6} I had been so absorbed with the angel’s explanations and my own grief that I did not see Jesus come forward and offer Himself to the Father. As I looked through my tears I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne. He was surrounded by the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders.

    In Heaven’s economy, supreme acts of love are given highest honor and recognition. Actions speak louder than words in Heaven’s currency. Jesus is represented in this scene as an innocent lamb “looking as though it had been slain” because this caricature highlights a profound truth: No one in all of the universe has demonstrated the height, width and depth of love more than Jesus. In Heaven, the worthiest is the loveliest, not according to appearance, but according to action. Jesus was willing to forever cease to exist to redeem sinners. There is no act or sacrifice in the universe that equals what Jesus did. Jesus was willing to forfeit His eternal life so that it could be given to sinners. On the basis of demonstrated love for sinners and perfect love and submission to the Father under the most distressing circumstances possible, Jesus was found worthy to receive the book sealed with seven seals. The Father needed someone who had fully demonstrated the dimensions of love to exonerate His government of love. This is why the Lamb is described as “looking as though it had been slain.” The reciprocity between the Father and Jesus is interesting. Jesus totally surrendered Himself to the will of the Father to save mankind and now, the Father will totally surrender His throne to Jesus to exonerate His government! Because Jesus provided the greatest example of love ever witnessed, Heaven’s court agreed, only Jesus was worthy to receive the book with seven seals.

    When Jesus was declared worthy, a great coronation celebration followed. The Father stepped aside and gave the Lamb sovereign power over the whole universe (represented by the seven horns).[37] The seven angels who stand before God bowed down before Jesus. From this time forward, they will serve as servants of Jesus/Almighty God and do all that He commands.[38]

    Revelation 5:7

    And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
    {7} Jesus approached the Father and received the book from His right hand. From this point on in the book of Revelation, the book with seven seals is called, “The Lamb’s Book of Life.”

    Revelation 5:8

    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 odours, which are the prayers of saints.
    {8} The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before Jesus and gave Him praise and every honor. As representatives of the human race and beneficiaries of Christ’s salvation, each elder was given a harp and a golden bowl full of incense. The harps are used for singing praises and the bowls for burning incense. When the twenty-four elders put special incense on the live coals that were in the bowls, a wonderful fragrance filled the courtroom.

    Imagine being there, enveloped in the glory of God and hearing the inexpressible music of Heaven’s choir jubilantly singing with gratitude and joy. This glorious assault on the senses must evoke visual, auditory, olfactory, intellectual, and emotional overload, all at once! Words cannot describe this magnificent state of heightened awareness and joy.

    Revelation 5:9

    And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
    {9} Then the elders and the four living creatures sang a new song. New songs occur in Heaven whenever a new experience occurs. I was amazed that everyone already knew the words of the new song as they sang! It was so inspiring to realize that the Holy Spirit gave everyone the new words to sing at the same time! Words cannot describe the thrill of watching the elders and the living creatures play their harps and sing to the Lamb: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain, and with Your own blood You have redeemed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have proven that you love others more than you love Your own life.

    Revelation 5:10

    And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
    {10} Even more, You will soon receive those on Earth who love you and obey you. You have ordained them to be priests to serve our God forever so that sin will never happen again.” Amen!

    Revelation 5:11-12

    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 honour, and glory, and blessing.
    {11} As I looked around the huge room, I heard the voices of that vast throng, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne along with the living creatures and the elders.
    {12} And in a loud voice they sang: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain. He has been exalted above every name.[39] He is worthy to receive the seven attributes of divine sovereignty: Power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise!”

    Revelation 5:13-14

    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 honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth 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 liveth for ever and ever.

    {13} Then Heaven seemed to explode again with singing and rejoicing as every creature in Heaven was singing and praising God. In unison they sang: “To God be the glory, to the Father who sits on the throne, and to His Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever! We honor the humility of the Father to be openly examined. We honor the sacrifice and victory of Jesus over sin and we agree that He alone is worthy to break open the seven seals and exonerate the Father.”
    {14} The four living creatures ended the song by saying, “Amen,” and again, the twenty-four elders fell down on their faces and worshiped the Lamb and the Father.

    A Short Summary of the Seven Seals

    Sometimes, it is good to have a bird’s eye view of a topic that is quite involved. Therefore, a short summary of my understanding of the seven seals might be helpful before we proceed. The first seal was broken in 1798. This seal is a campaign that promotes salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone. This campaign is controversial because it is in conflict with all of the religions of the world. In fact, millions of Christians have been led to believe that salvation comes through rituals, sacraments, or church affiliation. None of this is true. Salvation comes through faith, obediently surrendering our will (go-be-do) to the will of Christ. The campaign begun with the first seal will continue until the time when the seventh trumpet is about to sound. The second seal was broken in 1800. This seal concerns the translation, publication, and distribution of the Bible – the only book on Earth that speaks authoritatively for God. This campaign will become very controversial during the Great Tribulation because Bible truth is opposed to the desires of the carnal nature. The third seal was broken in 1844. This seal reveals the concept of a pre-advent judgment. Jesus began judging the dead in 1844 and He will judge the living during the Great Tribulation. This campaign has been controversial, in part, because it rejects the idea that a person is judged at death and sent immediately to Heaven or hell. The fourth seal will be a campaign that reveals the sovereign authority of Jesus. This campaign has not begun yet, but when it does, a great controversy will erupt as to what constitutes the will of God. The breaking of the fourth seal will mark the beginning of the Great Tribulation. Billions of people will learn after the fourth seal is broken that everyone on Earth is required to worship Jesus as Creator and Redeemer. Of course, this will be controversial. The fifth seal will be a campaign that reveals the faith of Jesus. There will be millions of martyrs for Christ when the fifth seal is broken. These martyrs will demonstrate the peace and resolve that only comes through faith in Jesus. The sixth seal will be a campaign revealing Christ’s authority as Almighty God. When the sixth seal is broken, Jesus will appear in clouds of glory at the Second Coming. He will return to Earth to destroy the wicked and rescue the righteous. Finally, the seventh seal will be a campaign that reveals the eternal deity of Jesus. The whole universe will learn that Jesus is equal to the Father in every way. After Jesus destroys the wicked and the Earth with fire, He will create a new Heaven and a new Earth. The saints will then watch as Jesus humbles Himself again. Jesus will return the power and authority which the Father gave Him. Once again, Jesus will become submissive to the Father’s will. Jesus will do this because of His great love for the Father and His creation.

    The seven seals reveal Jesus:

    • Seal 1: The salvation of Jesus
    • Seal 2: The teachings of Jesus
    • Seal 3: The judgment of Jesus
    • Seal 4: The sovereign authority of Jesus
    • Seal 5: The faith of Jesus
    • Seal 6: The glory of Jesus
    • Seal 7: The deity of Jesus

    When Jesus is revealed for all that He is at the end of the 1,000 years, the universe will see that the three members of the Godhead are inseparably united. They are submissive to each other. They are one in purpose, plan, and action and they love their children with as much love as they love one another. They are mirrors of each other.[40] When Jesus came to Earth at His First Advent, most of the world was unaware of His arrival. When Jesus comes to Earth the second time, the result will be much different. Every eye will see Him.[41] The whole world will know who He is. The saints will rejoice and the wicked will perish.

    The First Seal – The Salvation of Jesus

    Revelation 6:1

    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 beasts saying, Come and see.

    {6:1} After the songs of praise came to an end, everyone was seated and silence fell upon the throne room. A sovereign Jesus sat beside the Father on the throne.[42] I watched closely as the Lamb broke open the first seal.

    The seven seals represent a seven step process that will, at the end of the 1,000 years, reveal everything about the love and full identity of Jesus Christ. The Father has ordained that everyone in the universe should know that Jesus Christ is Almighty God, just like Himself. Jesus is made of the same eternal substance as the Father and He has the same powers and prerogatives as the Father. Jesus is a separate, distinct, co-eternal member of the Godhead. Yet, Jesus was willing to lay aside His powers and prerogatives and surrender Himself to the will of the Father in order to save mankind. The humility of Jesus is also seen in the Father. After Jesus received the book sealed with seven seals, the Father took “a back seat.” The Father gave Jesus sovereign authority so that the drama of sin and the exoneration of God’s government of love could be brought to a successful conclusion. Jesus still continues to carry this enormous responsibility today.

    The seven seals can be compared to seven political campaigns in the sense that the purpose of a political campaign is the exposure of a candidate with his or her ideas on “the way government should run.” The purpose of the seven seals is a seven-step exposure of Jesus as the savior of sinners, Almighty God, Prince of Peace, King of kings, and Lord of lords.

    {6:1 – continued} After Jesus broke the first seal, He spoke for a few moments to the first living creature that had a face which looked like a lion. Then the first living creature spoke to everyone seated in the courtroom. His voice boomed with great authority. It sounded like thunder as he said, “Come and see the assignment the Lamb has given me.”

    Revelation 6:2

    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.
    {2} As I watched, the first living creature transformed Himself into a rider on a white horse. I was astonished until I remembered that Zechariah also saw the work of the Holy Spirit represented by four horses.[43]

    In his vision, Zechariah saw white, red, brown, and gray horses pulling chariots. When Zechariah asked his attending angel what the horses and chariots represented, the angel said, “These are the four spirits [the four living creatures] of Heaven, going out from standing in the presence of the Lord of the whole world.”[44] The colors of the horses are associated with a specific direction in Zechariah’s vision. The white horses went toward the west. The red horses went toward the east. The black horses went toward the north and the dappled (gray) horses went toward the south. When viewed in their entirety, the color and identity of the horses in Zechariah’s vision and the horses in John’s vision are identical. The difference is that in Zechariah’s day the horses were pulling chariots. In John’s vision there are no chariots. There is only a rider on a horse. I believe this indicates the Holy Spirit must travel faster and farther, because there is less time. In both visions the four living creatures go throughout the Earth toward the four points of a compass.

    After the first living creature was transformed into a rider on a horse, He left the throne room in a hurry. He departed on a mission that will not end until the door to salvation is closed.[45]

    The four horsemen in Revelation 5 represent four campaigns which the four living creatures (the Holy Spirit) conduct. Each mission is associated with one of the four faces that John saw. Each campaign builds upon the accomplishments of the previous campaign and when the final campaign is completed, the whole world will not only know about Jesus, but it will also know who Jesus really is. Currently, even though three seals have been initiated, most of the world still does not understand who Jesus is. When the fourth seal is broken, progress will abruptly improve. At that time, the groundwork laid by the first three campaigns will prove to be very effective. Jesus will soon shatter the religious paradigms of the world. He will break the fourth seal and a display of divine wrath will turn the whole world upside down. (Note: The first four trumpets in Revelation 8 delineate these horrific events. This topic is examined in Prophecy 8.) When God’s wrath is unleashed on Earth, billions of people will hear the message given by God’s servants (the 144,000) and thoughtfully consider a gospel that is unlike anything ever heard!

    Daniel 7:9-14 aligns with Revelation 5. Daniel saw Jesus exalted to the throne (in 1798) and given sovereign power. John also saw Jesus receive the book sealed with seven seals (in 1798) and given sovereign power.[46] These two scenes align for several reasons, but primarily because sovereign power is bestowed upon Jesus in both visions. When Jesus broke open the first seal, the Holy Spirit (the first living creature with the face of a lion) began a campaign in Europe and the New World (the United States). The Holy Spirit opened up the hearts and minds of people to their great need of salvation through faith in Jesus. This was a difficult, but an important transition. For more than twelve hundred years, the Roman Catholic Church had claimed that salvation came through obedience to the traditions and sacraments of the Church. When papal power was broken in 1798, the time had come for the world to hear the truth about salvation. The Bible teaches that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. No ritual, clergy, or church can save a sinner. A person’s connection to Christ does not come through a priest, preacher, rabbi, or cleric. Rather, a connection with Jesus is available to every person through the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus speaks to us through the Holy Spirit and Jesus offers salvation to any person willing to obey His teachings and voice.[47]

    After the power of the papacy was wounded in 1798, the Holy Spirit put a compelling desire within Protestants to broadcast salvation through faith in Christ around the world. When it comes to revealing all that Jesus Christ is, the doctrine of salvation through faith in Christ (justification and sanctification) is the first and greatest teaching of Christ. The bow carried in the rider’s hand is not a weapon of war as artists commonly portray it. The Greek word toxon indicates the bow is made of fabric which indicates the bow carried in the rider’s hand is a winner’s ribbon. This bow indicates the victory that is given to everyone who abides in Christ. (See Appendix B.) In fact, victory over the carnal nature is only possible through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. A believer can overcome the power of sin through the power that Jesus will send him through the Holy Spirit! The gospel of Jesus always produces division and conflict when it is proclaimed with clarity and power. Lucifer and his demons will be sure of that!

    The opening of the first seal initiated a sevenfold process revealing who Jesus really is. The first living creature (the one having a face like a lion) went throughout the Earth searching for souls. The Holy Spirit caused a great awakening in the United States and Europe and many people rejoiced to learn that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone. After breaking the first seal, the work of the Holy Spirit took off and the gospel of Jesus began to grow. This work will continue until the seventh trumpet occurs.

    The Second Seal – The Teachings of Jesus

    Revelation 6:3

    And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
    {3} The Lamb spoke to the second living creature, the one who had the face like an ox. (Oxen are known for their great strength.) The Holy Spirit spoke in a loud voice, “Come and see the assignment the Lamb has given me!”

    Revelation 6:4

    And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
    {4} With this, the Holy Spirit transformed Himself into a rider on a red horse. He left Heaven’s throne room on a mission to empower and expand the spiritual revival that had just begun on Earth. The Holy Spirit carried with Him a great sword which represents the Word of God.[48] This campaign centered on the translation, printing and distribution of God’s great sword, the Bible.

    In the early 1800s, the Holy Spirit began prompting Protestants to establish Bible societies in Europe and the United States. The result has been impressive: The British and Foreign Bible Society (1804), the Basel Bible Society (1804), the Berlin (later Prussian) Bible Society (1805), the Pennsylvania Bible Society (1808), the Connecticut Bible Society (1809), the Massachusetts Bible Society (1809), the International Bible Society (1809), the Bible Society of India (1811), the Russian Bible Society (1812), the Swedish Bible Society (1814), the Netherlands Bible Society (1814), the Icelandic Bible Society (1815), the Norwegian Bible Society (1816), the American Bible Society (1816), the Bible Society in Australia (1817), and the Protestant Biblical Society of Paris (1818). When viewed as a whole, the task has been laborious and expensive and many people have given sacrificially to this cause. The Bible (or portions of it) now exists in more than 2,572 languages and dialects. Since 1908, Gideons International has distributed about 1.7 billion Bibles. Since 1942, Wycliff Bible translators have helped to complete more than 700 translations. This enormous project, spanning the globe, could not have been possible if it were not through the persistent ministry of the Holy Spirit. No book has outsold the Bible and no other book comes close in terms of exposure and distribution.

    The relationship between the first two seals is important to notice. First, the Holy Spirit searched for people who were eager to understand the truth about salvation through Christ. Then He moved upon these people to share their knowledge by reproducing and distributing the Word of God. The teachings of Jesus are transforming. First, there is good news that God Himself has provided atonement for our sins through Christ (the doctrine of justification). Second, there is good news that justification is accompanied with a miraculous refining experience (the doctrine of sanctification). People who are willing to overcome the power of sin through Christ’s strength will receive a winner’s ribbon and a golden crown. The Bible societies have done (and are doing) their appointed work. They have printed and distributed millions of Bibles around the world! This has been strenuous work, but the Holy Spirit plowed ahead. He gave dedicated men and women the ability and strength to do the impossible.

    Note: The sword of truth always brings conflict. When Jesus lived on Earth, He made people angry by speaking the truth. Jesus said the problem is that men love darkness and they are afraid of the light of truth. The Jews killed Jesus because they did not want the light of truth to expose their evil ways. Evil people will do whatever it takes to keep the truth from being known. During the Great Tribulation, a time will come when speaking Bible truth will be very inflammatory. Evil men will persecute and kill those who love God’s Word thinking they can eliminate the light of truth that shines from God’s Word,[49] but God’s truth cannot be stopped. God will endure forever and so will His truth. The campaign of the second seal will end when Lucifer sets up his theocracy (sixth trumpet).

    The Third Seal – The Judgment of Jesus

    Revelation 6:5

    And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast 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.
    {5} The third living creature said to the assembled host, “Come and see the assignment the Lamb has given me!” I watched as the Holy Spirit transformed Himself into a rider on a black horse! He left Heaven with a pair of balancing scales in His hand. The Holy Spirit carried a solemn message to the people on Earth that Jesus had begun to cleanse Heaven’s temple.

    Because the third seal indicates judgment and the third seal follows the formation of Bible societies in the second seal, the third seal had to have been broken after the formation of the Bible societies. I believe the third seal was broken in 1844. This seal perfectly aligns with the scene in Daniel 7:9,10 where the court was seated and “the books were opened.” The third seal aligns with the cleansing of Heaven’s temple mentioned in Daniel 8:14. Consider this: We know from the earthly temple services that the cleansing of the temple was a judicial process. The earthly temple became defiled by the record of sin and this necessitated an annual cleaning on the Day of Atonement. Similarly, Heaven’s temple has been defiled by the record of our sins and the assignment of guilt is determined during judgment. When all of the guilt is removed from Heaven’s temple and placed on the heads of sinners or the scapegoat, this will leave Heaven’s temple cleansed. Furthermore, Revelation 5:5 aligns with the exaltation of Jesus in Daniel 7:13,14. Jesus received the book sealed with seven seals and was given sovereign power in 1798 to conclude the sin problem and to exonerate the Father’s government. As each seal is broken, the events associated with it provide us a brighter revelation of all that Jesus is.

    The pre-advent judgment illuminates the ministry of Jesus as the Judge of mankind.[50] After Jesus broke open the third seal in 1844, He opened the Books of Record in Heaven and began to investigate the lives and deeds of men and women who have died throughout Earth’s history. The Holy Spirit led people into this timely understanding of truth around 1844. Unfortunately, the nature and importance of 1844 remains largely misunderstood by most Christians today. This darkness will evaporate when the next seal is broken because the judgment of the living begins with the fourth seal.

    Revelation 6:6

    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 thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
    {6} I heard a voice calling for laborers. The Holy Spirit called many people saying, “God needs you to be His missionary. To finish His work on Earth, Jesus needs Bible teachers to help the world understand the everlasting gospel. Who will go and teach this message? Be assured that each teacher will receive a quart of wheat for a day’s wages. Later, when the barley crop is ripe for harvest, he will be paid three quarts of barley for a day’s wages. On top of this, fresh oil and new wine will be included!”
    The purpose of this calling is both a solicitation and a promise. Jesus needs a continual supply of born-again trustees who will teach His gospel. Everyone who labors for the Lord will be paid a respectable wage for their effort. Interestingly, the currency used in Solomon’s day to pay the laborers who built God’s temple was wheat, barley, oil, and wine![51]

    Now that we have investigated the first three campaigns, notice that the first three seals are additive in nature. This means that the activity generated by each campaign builds on the accomplishments of the preceding seal. The first three seals were carefully designed to prepare the world for the horrific events that will occur when the fourth seal is broken.

    The Fourth Seal – The Sovereign Authority of Jesus

    Revelation 6:7

    And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
    {7} When the Lamb broke open the fourth seal, He spoke to the fourth living creature who had the face of a flying eagle and said, “Come and see the assignment the Lamb has given me!” Instinctively, I knew this campaign would be awful. The face of a flying eagle is fierce, focused, and deadly. Like the eagle that silently swoops down on its prey, the events of the fourth seal will come unexpectedly and the results will be deadly.

    Revelation 6:8

    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.
    {8} As I watched, the fourth living creature (the one with the face of an eagle) transformed Himself into a rider on a pale, gray horse. The rider’s name was death and the grave followed close behind. The Holy Spirit was sent on a mission of death and destruction. The scope of destruction was greater than words can describe. I shuddered when I saw one-fourth of Earth’s population perish. God’s wrath is as overwhelming as His grace. God has four deadly judgments. They are sword, famine, plague, and wild beasts.[52]

    The fourth seal will be broken soon and God’s pent-up wrath will be released. The scale of death and destruction that follows the breaking of the fourth seal defies description. (See Prophecy 8.) The breaking of the fourth seal marks the beginning of the Great Tribulation and the judgment of the living. (See Prophecy 12.) A topic of worldwide interest when God’s destruction begins will be the question of what constitutes God’s will. Many people will repent and recognize their accountability to God. Of course, many others will not. One thing is certain. When the fourth seal is broken, life on Earth as we currently know it will end. The whole world will soon experience our Creator’s displeasure with our decadent and degenerate ways.

    This may seem strange at first, but the Holy Spirit (in the form of the fourth living creature) will be sent on a mission to kill 1.75 billion people. Christians do not usually attribute such actions to the Holy Spirit. However, we need to remember three clarifying points: First, the Lamb sends the four riders on horses from the throne room. In other words, Jesus sends the fourth rider from Heaven to Earth to do a deadly work.[53] Second, the rider on the horse is the fourth living creature. For reasons already discussed, we know the four living creatures represent the Holy Spirit. Third, as an example of the Holy Spirit taking action, the Bible states that Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit and He killed them.[54] The Holy Spirit is also God. He has the power to give life and when the Father spoke the word, the Holy Spirit restored Jesus to life.[55] The Holy Spirit is deity and He is more than capable of carrying out the directives of the fourth seal. There is no need for confusion over this. Even though the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are separate and distinct beings, they are one in purpose, plan and action. Therefore, it does not matter ultimately who causes the destruction for they are united about it.

    You may be wondering about the relationship between the Great Tribulation, the fourth seal, and The Book of Life. Remember, the Father wants everyone to know that like Himself, Jesus is a sovereign God. To demonstrate the sovereign authority of Jesus to a religiously diverse world, God must use divine action. For 2,000 years, Christians have been trying to tell the world who Jesus is, and today, 75% of the world has no knowledge or interest in Jesus. Jesus will implement the wrath of God and God’s actions will force everyone to consider who Jesus really is. Remember, Jesus is worthy of worship. He is an equal of the Father.[56] During the Great Tribulation, many people will lament, “Why is God punishing everyone? He already knows who will be saved and who will be lost! Why doesn’t He save the righteous and destroy the wicked and be done with this?” Of course, the Father foreknew who would be saved and who would not before the world was created, but He will not allow anyone to see what He foreknew until the seventh seal is broken at the end of the 1,000 years. Let me be clear. Jesus does not know who will be saved and who will not![57] This is why Jesus began judging the dead in 1844 and He will judge the living in real time. Jesus can only pass judgment on what is seen and heard. This is why the Books of Record are necessary. Jesus judges the dead according to their deeds.[58] Jesus will judge the living according to their deeds, but He will only do so after we have been tested. (See Prophecy 9.)

    The Fifth Seal – The Faith of Jesus

    Revelation 6:9

    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:
    {9} As I continued to watch, the Lamb broke open the fifth seal on The Book of Life and there was an enormous slaughter of God’s saints. I saw that Jesus had a twofold purpose for the martyrdom of His people. First, the strongest testimony that a Christian can give in defense of righteousness and truth is his willingness to lay down his life for Jesus. (Remember Stephen, the first Christian martyr?[59]) Second, Jesus is willing to sacrifice several million Christians in order to save a few non-Christians. In other words, Jesus knows that a few non-Christians will repent and become Christians when non-Christians see the faithful testimony and death of Christians. You may think it strange that Jesus would sacrifice millions of Christians to save a few non-Christians, but remember, Jesus, who is worth more than a million worlds, was sacrificed to save us.

    When temple services were conducted in Jerusalem, it was customary for priests to pour the blood of animal sacrifices into a large container at the base of the Altar of Burnt Offering.[60] John saw the Altar of Burnt Offering in Heaven’s temple. Beneath this altar was a large container holding the blood of the saints who had been martyred because of their steadfast love for Jesus and His Word.[61]

    Revelation 6:10

    And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
    {10} When Cain murdered Abel, the Bible says that Abel’s blood called out to God for justice.[62] Abel’s blood is personified in Genesis because a great injustice had been inflicted on Abel. In a similar way, the blood of the martyrs will call out to Jesus from the container beneath the altar. I heard the cry, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, must this martyrdom go on? How long, O God, until You avenge our wrongful death?”

    Revelation 6:11

    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.
    {11} Then, all of the martyrs were given a white robe (given the assurance of Christ’s righteousness, the wedding garment) and told to be patient. The saints were told that they were being used by Jesus as living sacrifices so that Jesus might save to the utmost. Martyrdom would continue until a predetermined number of martyrs were killed.[63] In other words, after the number of believers to be killed are killed, martyrdom will serve no further purpose in saving non-Christians.

    There is an interesting connection between the sword of truth (the Bible) in the second seal and the martyrdom of the saints during the fifth seal! When the second seal was broken, the Holy Spirit started a Bible campaign. The Bible was translated, printed, and widely distributed around the world. When the fifth seal is broken, many people will be martyred because the distribution of Bibles had exposed them to God’s truth and they stand firmly for the truth proclaimed in the Word of God.

    A predetermined number of saints and most, if not all, of the 144,000 will be killed during the fifth seal.[64] The blood of martyrs is a powerful testimony and it cannot be easily ignored or silenced. It is comforting to know that Jesus has only to speak the word and millions who now sleep in the dust will come forth from the grave to life immortal![65] The first death is like a temporary sleep, but the second death is forever.[66]

    To be honest, sleeping through the remainder of the Great Tribulation will prove to be a sweet blessing.[67]  The blood of martyrs will cry out for justice, but some of the wicked, after observing the sacrifices of innocent saints, will repent and be saved.  Be assured that each martyr will be given a martyr’s faith.  The Holy Spirit will comfort and empower each martyr to stand firm.  Each one will have perfect peace knowing that Jesus will remember him when He calls the dead in Christ to life!

    The Sixth Seal – The Glory of Jesus

    Revelation 6:12-14

    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 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.
    {12} I continued to watch as the Lamb broke open the sixth seal. I saw a great commotion. Earth began to tremble and everyone was filled with fear. The Sun became an eerie black disk in the heavens, the moon turned blood red in color,
    {13} thousands and thousands of fiery meteors fell from the sky, like late figs drop from a fig tree when it is shaken by a strong wind.
    {14} The sky became violent, rolling up like a scroll, and every mountain and island was removed from their places.

    Revelation 6:15-17

    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 sitteth 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?
    {15} Then the kings of the Earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, even the slaves, and free men, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains.
    {16} They called to the fiery hailstones,[68] saying, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the Father who sits on His throne and from the wrath of the Lamb who sits at His right hand!
    {17} For the great day of their wrath is here, and who can stand?”

    The sixth seal describes the physical appearing of Jesus at the Second Coming. The wicked will be horrified when they see Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Father.[69] As we think about this dramatic scene, two elements are important to consider. First, remember that the Book of Life is not opened at the Second Coming. The Book of Life remains sealed until the seventh seal is broken at the end of the 1,000 years.[70] It is not until the end of the one thousand years that the Father is vindicated. Second, remember that the seven seals are additive in nature. As each seal is broken, a brighter and clearer understanding of who Jesus really is unfolds. Consider the following:

    1. The first seal reveals the truth, salvation comes through faith in Jesus alone
    2. The second seal reveals the teachings of Jesus, found only in the Bible
    3. The third seal reveals the judgment seat of Jesus, He is our judge
    4. The fourth seal reveals the sovereign authority of Jesus, His deadly judgments
    5. The fifth seal reveals the faith of Jesus through His martyrs
    6. The sixth seal reveals Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords
    7. The seventh seal reveals that Jesus is Almighty God, identical to the Father. Notice that the first six seals relate to each other in pairs. The first three seals are causes, and the following three seals are their effects.

    The first seal describes the first work of the Holy Spirit. He impresses sinners with their need of a Savior and the solution is a gospel of salvation through faith in Jesus. The work begun in the first seal ends with the sixth seal because eternal life is imparted to the saints at the sixth seal, that is, at the Second Coming.[71] Notice how the second seal pairs with the fifth seal. The second seal concerns the distribution of the Bible around the world and the fifth seal concerns martyrdom that will come when people firmly stand on Bible truth (the Word of God). Finally, the third seal concerns the doctrine of a pre-Advent judgment (the judgment of the dead) which connects to the fourth seal that deals with the judgments of God and the judgment of the living. When the fourth seal is broken, the seven trumpets will begin. God’s wrath will awaken the living to hear that the hour of God’s judgment has come.[72]

    Evidence That Supports Prophecy 6 Beginning in 1798

    The weight of evidence indicates Prophecy 6 began in 1798.

    1. Many Christians do not understand the humiliation of Jesus, therefore the exaltation of Jesus as Almighty God in Daniel 7:13,14 and Revelation 5 does not seem important. (This topic is examined in greater detail in Prophecy 12.) The basic idea underlying the humiliation of Jesus is that to save mankind from death, Jesus, a co-eternal member of the Godhead who is equal with the Father in every way, had to completely surrender Himself to the Father’s will. This event is described in Psalm 2: “I will proclaim the decree of the Lord [the Father]: He said to me [Jesus], ‘You are my Son [subject]; today I have become your Father.”[73] The humiliation of Jesus explains why He could not come to Earth and do as He pleased. “For I have come down from Heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.”[74] Jesus did as the Father required and on the basis of His perfect submission, Jesus was resurrected. “During the days of Jesus’ life on Earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.”[75]
    2. When Jesus returned to Heaven, He served as man’s high priest until the time came for the sin problem to be concluded.[76] Centuries later, a great convocation was called in Heaven. For reasons discussed in Prophecy 2 (Daniel 7), I believe the Ancient of Days took His seat in Heaven’s courtroom in 1798. The Father issued a restraining order against the little horn power and 1,260 years of papal persecution ended. Then, Jesus went before the Ancient of Days and was given sovereign power and a kingdom.[77] We know that Jesus was given “all authority” over His church before He ascended from Earth,[78] but His authority over the church is not to be confused with sovereign power over Heaven and Earth.[79] After Jesus was found worthy on the basis of demonstrated love, the Father stepped aside. He gave Jesus sovereign power in 1798 to conclude the sin problem. Daniel and John both saw this event because it exposes an extremely relevant part of who and what Jesus is all about.
      Using repetition and enlargement, Prophecy 6 adds some vital information to Daniel 7. Jesus was found “worthy” to receive a book sealed with seven seals when He was given sovereign power (represented by the seven horns on the Lamb’s head). John also heard Heaven joyfully singing that Jesus was worthy to receive seven attributes of worship reserved only for deity: “Power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”[80] Therefore, Christ’s appearance (having seven horns), His worthiness declared to receive the book sealed with seven seals, and the joyful singing in Revelation 5 perfectly aligns with the exaltation of Jesus described in Daniel 7:13,14. The year is 1798 because the convocation assembled that year.
    3. The second seal adds historical fulfillment to the prophecy. The sudden formation of Bible Societies around the world after 1798 is a historical phenomenon that cannot be overlooked. Given the limitations of communication between the continents in the early 1800’s and the rise of various denominations, what could have caused Christians to suddenly embrace the same spiritual objective and mission (the translation, printing and distribution of the Bible) if not the Holy Spirit?
    4. Finally, the breaking of the third seal perfectly aligns with the cleansing of Heaven’s temple.[81] In other words, when the 2,300 days ended in 1844, Jesus began to judge the dead from the books in Heaven.[82] When the third seal is broken, the rider leaves the throne room holding a pair of scales in his hand. This imagery perfectly aligns with the pre-Advent judgment of mankind. Scales have been used for centuries to convey the idea that justice requires weighing the claims and actions of people. Do you remember the words of Daniel to Belshazzar the night the king was killed? “[O King,] This is what these words [the handwriting on the wall] mean: Mene : God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. Tekel : You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.”[83]

    The Rules of Interpretation

    Consider how the Rules of Interpretation are observed in this prophecy:

    Rule One says an apocalyptic prophecy has a beginning point and ending point in time and the events within the prophecy occur in the order given. This prophecy conforms to Rule One because chronological order is self-evident. Additionally, the ordinal numbers given to the seals one through six, affirm chronological order. It is relatively easy to determine that this prophecy ends with the Second Coming (comparing Revelation 6:14-16 with 16:17-21), but when does it begin? I believe the evidence points to 1798. Here is how:

    1. Jesus completely abased Himself to provide salvation for sinners.
    2. Revelation 5 and Daniel 7:13,14 describe the exaltation of Jesus in 1798.
    3. Bible societies on different continents began to translate, print, and distribute the Bible just after 1798 (the second seal).
    4. The 2,300 years in Daniel 8:14 ended in 1844. Jesus began cleansing Heaven’s temple (this is the third seal). Jesus opens the books and cleanses Heaven’s temple by assigning guilt and judging the dead. Christ’s pre-Advent judgment perfectly aligns with the rider sent to Earth carrying a pair of scales.

    Rule Two says a fulfillment only occurs when all of the specifications are met, and this includes the order stated in the prophecy. I believe this prophecy began in 1798 and ends at the Second Coming. This prophecy is underway, but it has not been fulfilled. There are elements within this prophecy that have been fulfilled, but seals four, five and six are yet to be opened. The fourth seal is the next seal to be broken and when this occurs, the world will experience God’s wrath. Death and destruction on an apocalyptic scale will unfold. Twenty-five percent of the world’s population will die. Soon, everyone will see and feel the sovereign power of Jesus Christ, even though it will be grossly misunderstood for a while.

    Rule Three says that apocalyptic language can be literal, analogous, or symbolic. To reach the intended meaning of a prophecy, the reader must consider (a) the context, (b) the use of parallel language in the Bible, and (c) if an element is thought to be symbolic, the Bible must interpret the symbol with a relevant text. The language used in this prophecy is not symbolic because there are no relevant texts defining symbols. On the other hand, we do find the extensive use of analogous, literal, and parallel language. For example, the four living creatures described in Ezekiel 1 and 10 are the same four living creatures described in Revelation 4. The four horses described in Zechariah 6 parallel the four horses in Revelation 4.

    Rule Four is not used in this prophecy.

    References:

    1. For further discussion on this topic, please see pages 58-65 in my book, A Study on the Seven Seals and The 144,000. You can freely download the article at: http://www.wake-up.org/Revelation/RevSeg3.htm. Return
    2. Like Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:2, John was taken in the spirit to Heaven to see certain things. Return
    3. Compare Psalm 68:17,18 and Matthew 27:52,53 with Ephesians 4:8. When Jesus ascended, He led, as firstfruits of the dead, a small group of people who had been resurrected with Him. Evidently, two human witnesses were taken from each of the twelve tribes to witness Christ’s future actions, specifically, His judgment of mankind and termination of sin’s drama. These twenty-four elders will be able to answer any question which the saints may have about the judgment of any individual. They were present during the judgment and their observation (as human beings) of Jesus makes them reliable witnesses. Return
    4. 2 Corinthians 5:10; Daniel 7:9,10; Revelation 22:12 Return
    5. Revelation 1:20; 8:2; 15:1 Return
    6. See descriptions in Ezekiel 1 and 10. Return
    7. Matthew 28:19 Return
    8. Compare with Ezekiel 1:4-26. Return
    9. See also Ezekiel 10:12. Return
    10. Compare Ezekiel 1 and 10 with Revelation 4 and 5. Return
    11. Ezekiel 1:10 Return
    12. John 16:13-15 Return
    13. Acts 5:3 Return
    14. John 16:13-15 Return
    15. John 6:38 Return
    16. Matthew 12:31,32 Return
    17. Romans 8:26 Return
    18. John 16:14,15 Return
    19. Daniel 7:9 Return
    20. Daniel 7:10 Return
    21. Revelation 13:8; 21:27 (Note: After the Lamb receives the book from the Father, John calls the book the Lamb’s Book of Life.) Return
    22. Exodus 32:32; Psalm 139:16-19; Luke 10:20 Return
    23. See Matthew 24:36 (NIV) for evidence that Jesus does not know everything the Father knows. Return
    24. Daniel 7:9,10 Return
    25. 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 Return
    26. 2 Corinthians 9:7 Return
    27. For a discussion on why Jesus is Michael the archangel, please see Chapter 2 in my book, Jesus: The Alpha and The Omega. or download the article at: http://www.wake-up.org/Alpha/Chapter2.htm. Return
    28. Jude 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:16 Return
    29. Colossians 1:16 Return
    30. Genesis 2:17 Return
    31. Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezekiel 28:14-19; Revelation 12:3,4 Return
    32. Genesis 2:16,17 Return
    33. Revelation 20:12 Return
    34. Romans 14:10-12 Return
    35. Hebrews 8:10 Return
    36. Revelation 5:2 Return
    37. Daniel 7:13,14; Luke 1:32; Hebrews 2:8; Ephesians 1:9,10 Return
    38. Zechariah 4:10; Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:3 Return
    39. Philippians 2:9-11; Isaiah 45:23,24 Return
    40. John 14:9-11; Hebrews 1:3 Return
    41. Revelation 1:7 Return
    42. Hebrews 8:1; 9:12 Return
    43. See Zechariah 1:8-11; 4:6; 6:1-8. Special horses were bred for long distance endurance in ancient times so that they might quickly carry a king’s edict throughout his kingdom. The four horses in Revelation 6 reflect this imagery. John saw the Holy Spirit sent out into the world on four horses in the same way that King Xerxes sent horses and riders throughout his empire in Esther’s day. See also Esther 8:8-10. Return
    44. Zechariah 6:5, insertion mine Return
    45. Revelation 14:14-16 Return
    46. See my book, A Study on The Seven Seals and The 144,000, pages 58-65 or go here to download: http://www.wake-up.org/Revelation/RevSeg3.htm. Return
    47. John 14:15; Matthew 7:21,22; 1 John 2:4-6; James 2:24 Return
    48. Hebrews 4:12; Ephesians 6:17 Return
    49. Revelation 12:11; 20:4 Return
    50. John 5:22; 2 Corinthians 5:10 Return
    51. 2 Chronicles 2:8-10 Return
    52. Ezekiel 14:12-21 Return
    53. See Esther 8:8-10 for a parallel. In Bible times, it was customary for riders to be sent from the king’s throne on especially bred horses so that the king’s bulletins might be quickly proclaimed and implemented. Return
    54. Acts 5:3-10 Return
    55. Galatians 1:1; 1 Peter 3:18 Return
    56. John 5:22,23; Philippians 2:6 Return
    57. John 5:30 Return
    58. Ecclesiastes 12:13,14; 2 Corinthians 5:10 Return
    59. Acts 7:54-8:5 Return
    60. Exodus 29:12 Return
    61. Revelation 12:11; 20:4 Return
    62. Genesis 4:10 Return
    63. Revelation 6:11 Return
    64. Revelation 16:6; 18:24 Return
    65. 1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:16 Return
    66. John 11:11-14; Revelation 20:14,15 Return
    67. Revelation 14:13 Return
    68. Revelation 16:21 Return
    69. Mark 14:62; Revelation 6:16 Return
    70. Revelation 20:3-15 Return
    71. John 6:40 Return
    72. Revelation 14:6,7 Return
    73. Psalm 2:7, insertions mine Return
    74. John 6:38 Return
    75. Hebrews 5:7-10, italics mine Return
    76. Hebrews 7:16,17 Return
    77. Daniel 7:13,14 Return
    78. Matthew 28:18 Return
    79. Ephesians 1:9,10 Return
    80. Revelation 5:11,12 Return
    81. Daniel 8:14 Return
    82. 2 Corinthians 5:10 Return
    83. Daniel 5:26,27, insertion mine Return

    Larry W. Wilson

    Larry Wilson, founder of WUAS, became a born-again Christian in 1972. His interest in the gospel led him on a 40+ year quest to learn more about what God has revealed to Earth’s final generation. The results of his research have been shared throughout the world in books, television & radio broadcasts, media interviews, and seminars that are publicly available on all different types of media (see our Christian Bookstore).

    What is Wake Up America Seminars (WUAS)?
    Wake Up America Seminars, Inc. is a nonprofit, nondenominational organization with a focus on the study of End-Time Prophecy. WUAS is not a church, nor does it endorse any denomination. Our focus is singular: We are dedicated to proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ and His imminent return. We are delighted that people of all faiths are diligently using the Bible study materials produced by WUAS. All study materials are based solely on the Bible alone.

    Latest posts by Larry W. Wilson (see all)

    Categories: Bible Prophecy, Jesus' Final Victory Book

    2 Responses

    • Jesus was willing to forever cease to exist to redeem sinners.

      I have always had a problem with that and similar statements, because our salvation was predicated upon Christ’s resurrection. If he had stayed in the tomb He would have had no life to share with us.

      • Hello Lepsie:

        The Father promised Jesus that should He carry out His will in all things and die for the redemption of sinners, He would resurrect Him from death. Jesus speaks plainly about this:

        Luke 18:31-33 “Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him, spit on him, flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.”

        The Father also knew the devil would minimize and mock the death of Jesus saying, “Sure, Jesus died on the cross, but this doesn’t prove anything. The Scriptures declare that He knew from the beginning that He would be resurrected on the third day. This doesn’t prove that He loves sinners enough to die for them. It only proves that He did what you told Him to do because you promised to rescue Him if He did what you demanded. How is this a great sacrifice for sinners?”

        Lepsie, if you understood that Jesus died the second death, a death from which there is no hope of resurrection, your problem is solved.

        While on the cross, the Father put Jesus in a state that Jesus had never experienced.

        2 Corinthians 5:21 “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

        When the Father made Jesus a sinner, Jesus was caught by total surprise because His connection and intimate relationship with the Father was suddenly broken. The Holy Spirit departed from Jesus and He cried out,

        Matthew 27:46 “About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”–which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

        Jesus cried out because He felt abandoned. He was sure the Father’s promise to resurrect Him on the third day was broken through some fault of His own, although like Job, Jesus did not know why the Father abandoned Him. This conclusion prompted Jesus to say in a loud voice (with great anguish) “WHY have you forsaken me?”

        By removing from Jesus the assurance of a resurrection on the third day, the Father waited to see if Jesus would continue into the second death or if Jesus would exercise divine power and save Himself from the second death. The Father’s actions forever silences the devil’s accusation on two fronts. First, Jesus has shown that He love sinners enough that He would die and cease forever so that the Father could give sinners the eternal life that belongs to Him. Second, by dying the second death on the cross, sinners will never have to experience something that our Creator, the Judge of mankind, hasn’t first experienced Himself.

        I hope this helps!

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