“Apocalypse Now”

Lesson 3 – “The things which will take place: Rev. 4-6”

1. Throne Room in Heaven (4:1-11)

(4:1) After these things I looked, … I will show you what must take place after these things

These phrases indicates a chronological sequence in the following ways:

John sees the vision of Ch. 1 which carries over into Chs. 2-3 before this next vision

meta touto à “after these things” divides visions throughout (4:1; 7:9; 15:5; 18:1; 19:1)

The events spoken of in Rev 4:1ff take place after the events of described in Rev 1-3. This is further supported by the instructions Jesus gave John in the first vision (Rev 1:19). These instructions can be summarized as follows:

Rev 1 à “the things which you have seen” – John’s impression of the glorified Christ
Rev 2-3 à “the things which are” – present conditions of the Church
Rev 4-22 à “the which will take place after these things” – future prophecy given in visions

The elapsed time between Rev 3 & 4 is not stated. But the following is reasonable to assume:

John sees this second vision shortly after the first, probably on the same day (cf. Rev 1:10)
The events of the Rev 2&3 were current events of the churches and the events of Rev 4-22 have not begun to happen yet (almost 2000 years – Futurist only)

and behold, a door standing open in heaven,

John’s attention was abruptly given (behold) to this open door in heaven
An open door indicates an _________________
Since this is a new vision there is no reason to believe that this door is the same as in Rev 3:7,8 or 20.
Similar to Ezekiel’s experience (Ezek 1:1), but different in that it seems to be a door, which has already been opened, for the purpose of granting John entrance into heaven. (Contrast Rev 19:11)

and the first voice which I heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said,

John gives us clues to who he hears speaking to him:

“the first voice” refers to Rev 1:10, the only other voice he has heard so far.
“like the sound of a trumpet” – further supports this voice in 1:10 as the voice he is referring to.
Therefore the voice of 1:10 is now speaking again. Who is this voice?

In 1:12, John turns to see the voice and he sees a vision of the glorified Christ
From 1:17-3:22, Christ identifies himself, gives instructions to John, and dictates to him His messages to the seven churches.
In 1:1 Christ promises to “show to His bond-servants” and here “I will show you (John)”
There is no reason to believe that the voice in 1:10 is different from the one whom he saw and heard in 1:12ff.

Conclusion: In light of the evidence above and the fact that commentators do not even discuss an alternative view, it seems safe to conclude that Christ is speaking to John

“Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.”

(4:2) Immediately I was in the spirit,

John is now given a special verbal invitation by Christ to visit heaven.
The purpose of the visit is “revelation”
The revelation is certain – it “must take place” à “These predictions are not designed to satisfy human curiosity about the future, but to remind mankind of who is in control” (Scott)
“I was in the spirit” seems to indicate that between 3:22 and 4:1 he was back in the “flesh” for a time. Therefore, he is now transported, in spirit, to heaven. Where is his body? Still on Patmos.
The most common Pre-Trib view suggests that Jesus is not just calling John, but also his Church (the Rapture). Various things seen in the vision are used as support for this view.
Two problems with seeing the church in this way are as follows:

John is there in spirit. But ultimately he went back to Patmos and died therafter.
John is taken to heaven for the purpose of receiving revelation, not to receive the final salvation of the redeemed

and behold, a throne was standing in heaven,

The picture of God’s throne and heaven is a common one in the OT and in Revelation

Heaven as God’s throne (Isa 66:1-2)
The LORD on His throne in heaven (1Ki 22:19; Ps 11:4; 47:8; Isa 6:1; Ezek 1:26-28)
The throne in the temple of heaven (Isa 6:1; Hab 2:20; Rev 7:15; 8:3; 11:19; 16:7)
Throne appears in Revelation 37 times
The outpouring of God’s wrath proceeds from here (Rev 6:10,16-17; 14:7; 15:1; 16:5,6,19; 18:20; 19:2,11,15)

“in heaven” à John has arrived.

and One sitting on the throne.

The One is distinguished from:

The Lamb, Lion from the tribe of Judah, Root of David (Rev 5:5,7; 6:16; 7:10)
The Holy Spirit (Rev 4:5; 5:6 à cf. Zech 4:1-10)

The picture in Revelation is consistent with all of the other passages in the OT where God is seated on His throne in Heaven.
Jesus describes himself as sitting with His Father on His Father’s throne. Jesus will some day have His own throne where we will reign with Him (Rev 3:21; 20:1-4)
Conclusion: God the Father is sitting on His throne.

(4:3) And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance;

A Jasper stone is crystal clear, costly as the new Jerusalem is described later in Rev 21:11. Possibly a diamond.
A Sardius is a deep red stone also called Carnelian or Ruby. Sardis was named after this stone

· What is the significance of the colored gems to describe God the Father on His throne? A few suggestions:

o Judgment by water vs. Judgment by fire

o Goodness of God vs. Severity in judgment

o God’s deity vs. His humanity

o Holiness of God vs. Justice of God. God’s holiness is the reason that these judgments must take place. The motif of brightness and redness is a common one in scripture (Ezek 1:4; 8:2; Dan 7:9:10; Rev 1:14; 10:1; Ex 13:21)

and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance.

The rainbow has a very significant place in the Bible (Gen 9:8-17).

The rainbow is a sign of the covenant
The covenant is between God and all living creature on the earth
God covenanted not to destroy by a flood

The rainbow was emerald in color (green)

Some commentators believe that through the color green and the reference to God as the covenant keeping God, display his grace and mercy.

Overall, the significance of the precious stones certainly represent the kingly nature of the One on the throne and may look ahead to the new creation (Rev 21:10-11, 18-23)

(4:4) Around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads.

Identification of these twenty-four elders who are sitting on the twenty-four thrones has been a source of much debate. There are basically six main views, which fall into two main categories. They are either men or heavenly beings. Below are some of the arguments for each.

| ! They are Men

| ! They are Heavenly Beings

|

| ! Believers are promised to reign with Christ, not Angels

| ! Believers reigning with Christ happens later (Rev 20:4)

|

| ! Angels are not seen in scripture on thrones

| ! Argument from silence. But they are called princes which would indicate that they could have crowns and thrones (Dan 10:12-21; Rev 9:7; 1Ki 22:19)

|

| ! Angels are not referred to in scripture as elders

| ! Isa 24:23 could well be referring to heavenly host. Elders are grouped with other heavenly beings (7:11;19:1-4)

|

| ! Angels are not shown in scripture wearing crowns

| ! Same as throne argument

|

| ! White clothing is mainly reserved for saints

| ! Angels can be dressed in white (Jn 20:12)

|

| ! Crowns are for the redeemed overcomers

| ! See Rev 9:7

|

| ! Context with Rev 2:10; 2:26; 3:5; 3:21 identifies them as overcomers

| ! Yes, but they are in different visions. The context of the current vision is more powerful.

|

| !

| ! They perform angelic functions (5:5;7:13-14àDan 10:12-21; 12:1-8) (5:8à8:3)

|

| !

| ! They sing about the redeemed (Rev 5:9-10)

|

| ! What men?

| ! What do they represent?

|

| ! (1) 24 Elders of Israel (1Chr 24:5-19)

| ! Represent the OT Priestly order

|

| ! (2) 24 Elders of the Church

| ! A Special class of Angels

|

| ! (3) 12 Patriarchs & 12 Apostles

| ! Represent 12 Patriarchs and 12 Apostles (All redeemed)

|

Conclusion: Commentators are all over the map on this one. MacArthur-Men(2); Thomas-Angels(2)

(4:5) Out from the throne come flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder.

“Out from” – (Thomas) “This is a reverent way of saying that the One who sits on the throne is responsible for them.”
It reminds one of the OT when God presented Himself before the nation of Israel. (Ex 19:9-19)
Surely what John is seeing here indicates God’s displeasure with mankind as shown by similar display during:

The 7th Seal (8:5)
The 7th Trumpet (11:15-19)
The 7th Bowl (16:17-20)

And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God;

What are these? Seven lamps? Seven Spirits?
A contrast exists between the lamps described here vs. the lampstands described in 1:12,20.

In 1:20, lampstands à lychniai, which is used for inside lamps
Here lamps à lampades is better translated “torches” which were used for outside lighting

This is further enhanced by the use of “burning” à kaiomenai, which indicates that this was a torch that emitted a blazing fierce light. In Rev, this was for the purpose of judgment (Rev 8:8,10; 19:20; 21:8).

The “seven spirits”, from the discussion of Rev 1:4 very likely represent the Holy Spirit (cf. Zech 4:1-10 which uses the same word for torch and Rev 5:6)

In 1:4, the Holy Spirit is a source of God’s grace and peace towards His bond-servants
Here, He is the “consumer of the ungodly” (Thomas)

(4:6) and before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal;

John sees something in front of the throne so foreign to him that he must use metaphors to describe it
Glass in ancient times was often less transparent than today. But John describes it as like “crystal”.
What is this? Here are a few choices that some scholars have presented

“A visual phenomenon which adds to the awesome splendor of the throne room.” (Mounce). This is like we see in Ex 24:9-10 where God is seen on a “pavement of sapphire.”
God’s throne standing on the waters of the firmament (Gen 1:7; Ps.104:3; Apocryphal writings)
The sea shows God’s separateness from his creation by suggesting vast distance (a Sea)
It indicates God’s purity and holiness:

In the OT Lavers (Ex 30:18-21; 1Ki 7:38-39) and the molten Sea (1Ki 7:23-37) in the temple were used for priestly purification.
Crystal description would indicate purity

(Thomas) – “It pictures the splendor and majesty of God on His throne that set Him apart from all His creation, a separation stemming from His purity and absolute holiness, which he shares with no one.”

and in the center and around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes front and behind. (4:7) The first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like that of a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle.

“living creatures” is the noun form zaon of the verb zao which was used in Rev 3:1 for life. It is better translated as “living beings”.
Who are these living beings and what do they represent? This, once again, is a subject of much debate!

The early church writers, almost unanimously, thought they represented the four gospels.
Represent four attributes of God
Represent four points of the Zodiac (the ox, lion, scorpion, aquarius)
Represent the four standards of the tribes of Israel (Judah, Reuben, Ephraim, Dan – Num 2:7,10,18,25)
A high order of angels (Seraphim or Cherubim), with a special relationship to animate creation. There are many similarities to these living ones and those found in Isa 6 and Ezekiel, which we know are called Seraphim or Cherubim. Consider these similarities:

Four in number (Ezek 1:5)
Full of eyes (Ezek 10:12)
Creatures used to describe – Lion, Ox, Man and Eagle (Ezek 1:10)
Six wings (Isa 6:2)
Song of praise to God (Rev 4:8 à Isa 6:3)
“Zaon” is derived directly from Ezek 1:5 and is used interchangeably with “Cherubim” in Ezek 9:3; 10:15,20
They are given prominence in their position (“in the center” and “around the throne”) – close to God, and in their Judicial responsibility (Rev 6:1-7)

(4:8) And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within;

Six wings just like the living beings in Isa 6. Two to cover their face, Two to cover their feet, and Two to fly.
“Full of eyes” reminds one of Ezek 10:12. This may indicate “alertness and comprehensive knowledge” (Mounce)

and day and night they do not cease to say, “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is the LORD GOD, The ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME.”

“They do not cease to say…” – Does this mean without ceasing, continuously forever and ever?

They do have other functions (6:1,3,5,7)
“do not cease” is qualified by “day and night” – like Paul’s labor (1Th 2:9; 2Th 3:8)
The “when” of 4:9 would indicate a temporal nature to their praise
Conclusion: “do not cease” as an extreme literal is probably not the best interpretation

The living beings praise God in a very similar fashion to those in Isa 6. Three attributes of God are brought forth.

Holiness – in contrast to his creation
Omnipotence – “the Lord God, the Almighty” – is shown later in Rev in the wrathful acts on the world (11:17; 15:3; 16:7,14; 19:6,15; 21:22)
Eternality – “who was and is and is to come” - see notes on 1:4

Psalms 93, 97 & 99 are great praises to the Lord that communicate much of the same truth as these living beings.

(4:9) And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to him who lives forever and ever,

Who sits on the throne? See 4:8
As stated before the “when” indicates a temporal and repetitive nature of their praise (cf. Rev 11:16-17; 19:4)
“glory, honor and thanks” describe what the living beings were doing in verse 8. How so?

(4:10) the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

In response to the praise of the living beings the 24 elders do three things:

They fall down – this is the first of six times they fall down before God or the Lamb – 3 times joined by the four living creatures (5:8; 7:11; 19:4) – once joined by all the angels (7:11) – and three times by themselves (4:10; 5:14; 11:16)
They worship him – by addressing him with praise in verse 11
They humble themselves by giving Him more glory – they cast their crowns before as if they are not important to them, or as if He deserves them more than them. This gives honor to Him.

Everything revolves around the “One who sits on the throne”

(4:11) Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power;

They sing a different song to the Lord, addressing Him directly. They are validating what the other living creatures are saying and doing. We will see a multitude of songs of praise that are sung to the Lord around the throne.
Worthy are You, our Lord!

What does it mean to be worthy?
Is He worthy?

These in heaven believe it.
Does the world believe it?
Do we believe it?

for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.

Why is He worthy? They shout it out three times for emphasis – He is the CREATOR
What are the practical day-to-day implications of this?

Isa 45:9
Rom 9:18-24
Job 31:35-37; 38:1-12; 40:1-9; 42:1-6
Ph. 3:7-10

Conclusion: It’s all about HIM!!

2. The Scroll and the Lamb (5:1-14)

(5:1) I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a book written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals.

Biblion à “book or scroll”.
Is it a single sheet rolled up, or multiple sheets bound together like a book (a codex)? Answer: a scroll

“Written inside and on the back” and “seals” were typical of a scroll in John’s day.
Codex writings did not become available until the 2nd century A.D.

It is currently in the possession of God the Father
“sealed up with seven seals” indicates a very strong and secure seal. How are the seals placed?

The custom was to affix them on the outside edge of the top of the scroll
Some have suggested they were inside throughout the scroll along the longitudinal edge
Conclusion: see discussion of the scrolls contents at the end

(5:2) And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?”

Who is the strong angel?

Gabriel has been involved in revelation before (Dan 8:16; 9:21; Lk 1:26,19)
Michael has been involved in end times matters (Dan 12:1-3; Jude 9)
Another angel whose name not disclosed as in two other places (Rev 10:1; 18:21)

Loud voices (20 times) are prominent in Revelation (1:10; 5:12; 6:10; 7:2,10; 8:13; 10:3; 11:12,15; 12:10; 14:7,9,15,18; 16:1,17; 19:1,17; 21:3), and may indicate importance, magnitude and scope of the message.
Worthiness is a multi-faceted word, which has the concept of character, position and ability, especially when coupled with “was able” of verse 3.

(5:3) And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look into it.

This description of heaven and earth is a common technical way to describe the scope which applies to the whole universe (Ex 20:4,11; Psa 146:6; Phil 2:10)
The fact that a search is taking place is testimony to the importance of this book. The fact that no one is found indicates a serious problem that no one in God’s creation is able solve!

(5:4) Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it;

“weep greatly” = “Loud Wailing”
Why is John responding in this way?

Obviously, it adds more to the nature of the importance of the scroll, but has three suggested views:

John is struck by the moral incapability of all of God’s created beings
John is upset that the contents of the scroll will not be revealed to him as promised in Rev 4:1
John believes that the words of content of the scroll and their fulfillment might be in jeopardy

Conclusion: Although unstated, the latter option seems the best fit with his intense emotional response

The significance of opening and looking into it is discussed in verse 5

(5:5) and one of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.”

One of the twenty-four elders calls John to “cease wailing”, like two other times in the NT (Lk 7:12-16; Lk 8:52) because of what Jesus was about to do. Why?
Behold = Pay attention!
He overcame! (cf. Rev 3:21; Jn 16:33; 1Co 15:55-57)
Who overcame? Answer: _____________

The Lion from the tribe of Judah (Gen 49:8-10)
The Root of David. Root is a metaphor for “offspring” and a term for the Messiah (Isa 11:1-10; Jer 23:5)

The purpose of overcoming was to open the book. It must mean more than just opening it.

! (5:6) And I saw between the throne with the four living creatures and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth.

“between” means in the midst of the group (Rev 3:21; 7:17; Acts 7:56; Heb 10:12)
Lamb in the NT and as the Messiah (Jn 21:15; Jn 1:29; 19:14;31-36; Isa 53:7)
“standing” indicates that He is not dead, but “as if slain” indicates that fatal wounds are evident”
“seven horns” indicate complete power of a king (Num 23:22; Deut 33:17; Rev 12:3; 13:1)
“seven eyes” indicate complete vision which represent the sending out of the Holy Spirit (Jn 15:26). See also the notes on Rev 1:4 and 4:5 for info on the Holy Spirit.

(5:7) And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.

This is similar to the vision of Daniel 7:9-14
Christ is seated at His right hand and then takes the scroll from the Father. The tense of the verb “took” has a interesting emphasis on a permanent and long lasting effect.
According to what follows, this is a momentous event in the course of history! Christ, the messiah is the only one worthy and able to approach the One on the throne and take the scroll.

(5:8) When he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

The 4 and 24 fall down, almost as if they know what is going to take place.
“holding a harp”, usually connected in scripture with joy, gladness and prophecy (Rev 14:2; 15:2-4)
“incense” was used by the OT priest to offer up a sweet aroma to the Lord (Leviticus & Numbers)

Often incense is associated with prayers going up to God (Psa 141:2)
The bowls may support a Jewish view that Angels are the carriers of the prayers of men (Thomas)

Prayers of the saints for what? Cf. Lk 18:7-8; Rev 6:10-11; 8:3-5)

(5:9) And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the book and to break its seals; for you were slain, and purchased for God with your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.

“A new song” – used in the Psalms as a praise or gratitude for new mercies (Ps 33:3; 40:3; 96:1; 98:1; 144:9)

In Isaiah the new song is in response to the glory of “new things” (Isa 42:9-10)
In Rev 4 the song praises God for creating.
Here the new song is given because of what the Lamb has done and is about to do.

“Worthy are you” – the Lamb is worthy in the same way the Father was worthy – for His works and His being

He is worthy because He is the Messiah (the Lion from Judah, the Root of David)
He is worthy because He overcame
He is worthy because He was slain and used his bloodshed to purchase men for God (1Co 6:20; 7:23; Gal 3:13,14; 1Pet 1:18-19)
Men have been purchased from all types of humanity. (Rev 14:2ff)
Creation itself is redeemed by him (Rom 8:18-25; Rev 15:2ff)

(5:10) “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.”

This is the amazing inheritance we have as a result of what He has done! In Rev 1:6 it is given as our hope. Here the Messiah is praised for it (5:10). And in Rev 20:4,6 and Rev 22:5 it is finally realized.

So what is the scroll and what are its contents?

Here are several suggested views on this matter:

Book of the New Covenant (Jer 31:31-34; Rev 20:1ff)
Will of inheritance to the saints (Rev 11:15; 5:9)
Lamb’s book of life (Rev 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12,15; 21:27)
God’s redemptive plan
Title Deed to the world (Jer 32:10-14; Gen 3; Rev 11:15)
A record of the future (The Revelation of Jesus Christ) which is then shown to John in the form of a vision (Isa 29:11-12; Ezek 2:9-3:1; Dan 12:1-4,9; Rev 1:1; 4:1; 22:6-10; Rom 8:18-25)

3. The Seven Seals (6:1-17; 8:1)

(6:1-2) “Then I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, “Come.” 2 I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.”

• 1st Seal à (6:1-2)

– Who is the rider and what is he doing?

• Suggestion #1

– Christ Himself (Rev 19:11)

• White horse

• He is conquering

– Context Problem:

• Christ doesn’t come to conquer until the end

• Does not fit with the role of the other riders

• Suggestion #2

– Representation of furthering the gospel

• Use of White

• Conquering of souls before judgment (Mt 24:14)

– Problem:

• Out of sequence in Matt 24

• Requires a non-literal interpretation

• Suggestion #3

– The Anti-Christ

• Suggested from:

• Mt 24:4-5

• Dan 9:27; 8:23-25; 11:36-45

• 2 Thess 2

• Context Problem:

• Does not fit with the role of the other riders

• My Preferred Suggestion

– A personification of the “anti-christ(s)” to come

• Fits with a literal interpretation of conquering

• Fits with sequence and message of Matt 24:4-5

• White horse still makes sense if it represents someone trying to impersonation Jesus Christ

– When does the rider come?

• We will evaluate this as we go?

(6:3-4) “When He broke the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come.”
4 And another, a red horse, went out; and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that men would slay one another; and a great sword was given to him.”

• 2nd Seal Opened (6:3-4)

– A rider on a red horse

– Given a great sword

– He takes peace from the earth

• Men would slay one another

– What are the circumstances?

• See Matt 24:6-7

• Promise of peace (Jer 14:13-16; 1Th 5:1-3)

• Hitler promised peace in the 1930s

• Lawlessness is now increased (2 Th 2:1-11)

(6:5-6) “When He broke the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, “Come.” I looked, and behold, a black horse; and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard something like a voice in the center of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not damage the oil and the wine.”

• 3rd Seal Opened (6:5-6)

– A rider on a black horse

• Had a pair scales in his hand

• 1 qt wheat = 1 meal = 1 days wages

• 3 qts barley = 3 meals = 1 days wages

• Don’t damage (waste) the oil and wine

– What is happening here?

• Famine – see Matt 24:7

• Famine is often the natural consequence of war

(6:7-8) “When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come.” 8 I looked, and behold, an ashen horse; and he who sat on it had the name Death; and Hades was following with him. Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by the wild beasts of the earth.”

• 4th Seal Opened (6:7-8)

– A rider on a ashen horse

– Death is the rider – Hades is with him

– Given power to kill ¼ of the earth by:

• Sword & Famine – more the 2nd & 3rd seals

• Pestilence & Wild Beasts

– In history, disease has killed more people than war

• Civil war – more died from disease

• In 1918-19 30 million died from Influenza (3x WWI)

• 14th Century 1/4th of Europe’s population died from Rat-bourne diseases (Black Plague)

• John Walvoord – “The picture before us, in a word, is God's revelation of the dramatic and terrible judgment which will climax the present age. This constitutes a warning to those who are living carelessly in unbelief to beware lest this age engulf them. The prophecy of the end of the age is a spur to Christians to snatch souls as brands from the burning and thus prepare them for the coming of the Lord.”

(6:9-11) “When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained;
10 and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”
11 And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.”

• 5th Seal (6:9-11)

– It is different in nature to the first four seals

– Who are they and when did they live?

• In the past

– 1st Century under Nero or Domitian

– All martyrs throughout church history

• The group slain during the “tribulation” just before Christ’s return

– What altar?

• Golden Altar of Incense (See Rev 8:3-4; 14:17-18)

• Judgment proceeds from this altar in accordance with the prayers of the saints

– What state are they in?

• They are dead – so their bodies have been separated from their souls

• John sees their “souls”

• We are not intended to learn much about their state

– What are they asking?

• How long will judgment be withheld? (Ps 74:9-11)

– In contrast to Jesus & Stephen

– The period of grace will not last forever (2Th 1:6-9)

• “Lord” = “Despot” which indicates divine might, majesty and authority

• On “those who dwell upon the earth” – (Rev 3:10; 8:13; 11:10; 13:8,12; 17:2,8)

– They are in opposition to God

– They are in opposition to His people (see Mt 24:5-9)

– What is the answer to their question?

• Given a white robe

– A gift, possibly representing righteousness

• Told to rest

– Stop the cry for vengeance

– Rest in the blessedness of being in heaven (Rev 14:13)

• A little while longer

– Just like the dragon (Rev 12:9-12)

– As in the angel’s proclamation (Rev 10:5-7)

– What is the answer to their question? (cont’d)

• Until all the martyrs have been killed

– More are decreed to die for their faith

– Am I willing to die?

– Are you?

(6:12-17) “ I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood;
13 and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind.
14 The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
15 Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains;
16 and they said to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb;
17 for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

• 6th Seal Opened (6:12-17)

– How are these events to be interpreted?

• Symbolic (i.e Political & Social upheaval)

• Literal – actual cataclysmic events

– The language in 15-17 suggests that the events are actually taking place

– Again, similar to the words of Jesus (Mt 24:29; Mk 13:24; Lk 21:25,26)

– But not hyper-literal

• “stars fall” … “as a fig tree casts its unripe figs”

• “sky was split apart” … “as a scroll”

– When do these events take place?

• Some time in advance of the very end

– Since the 7th seal has not yet even been opened

– It is a forerunner to the last calamities

• “After the tribulation of those days”, just prior to the 2nd coming of Christ.

– The first of three looks at the brink of the end (Rev 11:15-19; 16:17-21)

– A Review of “The Day of the LORD” in scripture

• Isaiah 2:12,17-22

– Reckoning & accountability

– Great fear & terror

– The earth is trembling

– Men want to hide

– All that matters is lost

– The Lord and his splendor is terrifying

• Isaiah 13:6-13

– Great pain, anguish and fear

– God’s fury and burning anger

– Punishment for pride & arrogance

– Darkening of sun, moon & stars

– Heaven trembles

– Earth shaken

• Haggai 2:6-9

– Heavens & Earth shaken

– Sea & Land shaken

– Promise of a greater Temple of God

– Promise of peace

• Zechariah 14:1-7

– Nations gathered against Jerusalem

– The LORD will fight against them

– He will stand on the Mt. of Olives

– It is a unique day

• No light; luminaries dwindle

• No day or night

• But in the evening there will be light

• Joel 2:1-11; 30-31

– The Day is certain and it is near

– A day of darkness & gloom

– He sends forth a great army

• Destruction follows them

• People are in anguish with pale faces

– Wonders in the sky

• Blood, fire columns of smoke

• Sun darkened, moon to blood

– A Great and Awesome Day!

• Joel 3:12-16

– Wickedness is great

– Multitudes are guilty

– Sun & moon grow dark

– Stars lose their brightness

– Heaven & earth tremble

• Isaiah 34:1-4

– Mountains drenched with blood

– The Sky rolled up like a scroll

• Matthew 24:29,30 – Mark 13:24-26

– … After the tribulation of those days

• Sun is darkened

• Moon gives no light

• Stars fall from the sky

• Powers of heaven are shaken

• Son of Man appears in the clouds

• All the tribes mourn

• Luke 21:24-26

– … Until the times of the Gentile are fulfilled

• Signs in the sun moon and stars

• Dismay among the nations

• Men fainting from fear

• Powers of heaven are shaken

• The Son of Man comes in a cloud with great power

– A great earthquake

• As prophesied in the OT (Isa 2:12,17-22; Isa 29:6; Hag 2:6-9; Zech 14:1-4)

– Sun became black like sackcloth

• Isa 13:9-13

• Joel 2:1-11; 30-32

• Acts 2:17-21

– Stars fell to the earth

• It could mean meteors à as opposed to our strict definition of stars

– Sky split apart like a scroll

• Thomas – “This is the human perception of the magnitude of the disturbance”

• Isa 34:4

– “Every mountain & island were moved”

• It does not say they were destroyed, just moved

• Nothing like this has ever happened

– This sounds like the end of the world!

– Who responds to this?

• The Kings

• The Great men

• The Commanders

• The Rich

• The Strong

• Every Slave & Free man

– What is the response?

• The same for everyone – Hide!

• As foretold in Isa 2:10; Lk 23:30

– Hide from who?

• Him who sits on the throne & the Wrath of the Lamb

• Why would they need to hide from His presence?

– “The great day of their wrath has come.”

– Which day? (Nahum 1:2-8)

– Who is able to stand?

“Only those who avail themselves of the grace of God” – Walvoord

! 4. Prophetic Timing and Context of the Seal Judgments

Apocalypse Now - Lesson3