Seals 5 & 6 of Revelation chapter 6
There are Three Seals yet to come. I can't wait!
Four Seals have been now been opened and revealed by the only one found worthy in both heaven and earth to open them, the Lamb of God. There are three more which must be opened in order to gain full access to the scroll on which they are affixed. If you know anything about sealing scrolls then you should realize that if one or two seals were to remain unopened, the scroll would still be waxed shut.
Many in this generation would say that it is not important to study the Bible in depth, or at all for that matter. What is important, they say, is that you just "believe" and have "love" in your heart. Well, you can't argue that those aren't important, because they are, but you can argue that they are not the ONLY important things. For instance, did you know that even the demons "believe" there is one God (and they also know that Jesus is the Christ), and that even non-believers love and care for their own families.
But Jesus Christ warned us. He said TAKE HEED, I have foretold you all things. Where has He foretold us all things? In His Word.James 2:19
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
Do you think He expects us to read and understand that which He foretold us? I hope you recognize that to be a dumb question (I'm capable of asking them you know). Timothy certainly knew the answer and so he recorded for us that which should be obvious to Christians:Mark 13:23
But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.
Notice though that Timothy added a qualifier as to how we should study. We should rightly divide it.2 Tim. 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Knowing now the importance of these Seven Seals to our understanding of the Word in our generation, and that we should examine them carefully and prayerfully, let us study the Fifth Seal.
Wow, this is revealing! Remember that the "I" in the "I saw" is John who is in heaven at the very throne of our Father witnessing along with the 24 elders and the innumerable multitude of the sons of God, the unsealing by Jesus Christ. And what time is it? It is the day of the Lord (Rev. 1:10), the first day of the Millennium, just before the King of kings and Lord of lords returns to earth to rule all nations with a rod of iron.Rev. 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:
Look who John sees! The "dead in Christ", who are under the altar of God, right there in heaven. (Picture them as being in the center court, with prestigious front row seats, beneath the throne which is elevated before and above them, as well as every one else.) This is an "eye witness" documentation of where the dead are! But they are not dead at all for we shall see them speak in the next verse.
The apostle Paul also made this point concerning where the dead are perfectly clear in 1 Thes. 4. He said that if you believe Christ died and rose again you must also believe that those who have died in Christ have done likewise and are with Him now. Of course, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. That's how it is He is able to bring them with Him when He returns.
So in Seal #5 we must know where the slain, the dead in Christ are! We now know. They are in heaven with Christ.1 Thes. 4:13-14
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
Next we are told why they were slain. They were slain for the Word of God, for boldly and fearlessly teaching the truth and for giving testimony both of Him that was crucified and against those who would crucify.
And guess what? The Four Horsemen have ridden far enough, dropping enough manure, to see to it that at this time the most "Politically Incorrect" subject in our society is the "true" Word of God. They seek to erase it from our government, our schools, our money, and yes, even our churches (Whadda you know, I believe we touched all four dynasties there).
Here is what the dead in Christ were saying as John looked on:
How long? Soon. And there will be a judging and an avenging by He who is holy and true, and every knee shall bow! It is known as the Day of Vengeance of our God, the return of Messiah.Rev. 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?
Do you recall in Luke chapter 4 that Christ went into the synagogue and picked up the Book of Isaiah and read the first half of chapter 61, verse 2, which pertained to His first advent, and then closed the book?
Well, the second half of that verse pertains to His second advent and you can read it for yourself:
His enemies are going to "get what's coming", holy and true. His beloved are going to be comforted.Isaiah 61:2
To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
Back to Rev. 6:11
Next we see that White Robes were given to them. Remember from our study of the Seven Churches in chapters 2 and 3 that white raiment symbolizes purity and righteous acts, which are the "clothing" for the spiritual body. These remnant are not just dressed in "play clothes", they are elegantly adorned in beautiful white flowing robes. They earned them![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.
These saints under the altar of God are then told to be patient for a "little season". That season would be the summer of Mark 13:28.
Why must they rest for that little season? Uh, oh! So that that which shall befall their fellowservants and the brethren of their fellowservants, who should be killed as they were (should be, but won't except for the two witnesses), should be fulfilled.Mark 13:28
Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:
You must understand this part of Seal 5, the number of grace in biblical numerics (see appendix 10 in the Companion Bible). Christ foretold His disciples of this very same happening. Read it carefully, because for some of you, it is your commission, your very destiny. This is reality! How exciting!
They shall deliver you up? Who are they? They are the leaders of the councils and the synagogues of Satan that we read of in Rev 2:9 and Rev. 3:9. The churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia know!Mark 13:9
But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.
The big question is who is the "you" who will be delivered up? Take heed, Christ said, that could be you!
The beating and scourging will be verbal abuse, brow beating if you will, of the most severe nature. (In fact you'll be on the "hot seat" heated 7 times hotter than is wont to be). Imagine a courtroom full of hateful scripture lawyers from the synagogue, skilled prosecuting attorneys, and you are on the witness stand for boldly teaching God's Word, for daring to use the "k" word, etc., i.e. you are on trial for His sake. CNN, MSNBC, ABC, NBC, CBS, etc. all have their cameras rolling and the gavel sounds order in the court, and you....
.... suddenly remember the words of Christ (whom you refer to as "Savior" at this point), and you KNOW there's a reason and a purpose for this!
There's a testimony you are about to give all right! But it won't be directly from you. Almighty God is about to "proclaim" the gospel among all nations.Mark 13:10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
Jesus Christ says don't even think about what you are going to say. So tell your attorney to "chill out" and "Behold the Witness of the Holy Spirit" (on second thought, maybe just tell him to relax, you'll be OK).[11] But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
Because here's where it really gets exciting! At this delivering up, that cloven "tongue" which goes forth in all directions, which was spoken on Pentecost Day in Acts chapter 2, will once again be spoken. Every person of every language of every nation tuned in to listen will hear God's servants give testimony, and they will hear the words spoken in their own dialektos, i.e. their own native language wherein they were born.
For it is not ye that will speak, but Holy Spirit!
Also, at that time of these trials, the rider of the first white horse will be here in person and the world at large will believe he is in fact the real Jesus. But he will be the fake, the false, the instead of Christ, who you better know appears first. And don't forget, one of his names as we read a few verses back is "Death".
Now check out this next verse:
Now you already know that there are two deaths, the First Death and the Second Death. Many people struggle with this verse, but it is really very simple when they understand that the death spoken of here is the Second Death. Hello!Mark 13:12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.
If your spouse or brother or child believes Jesus is here, they will naturally want to help you be "saved" too! Why? Because they love you! Parents don't turn their kids over to anyone to be put to death, even if they are guilty of heinous crimes or even murdering someone. Watched any news lately? They always hire hi-powered attorneys to get their kids off!
But even though they turn a loved one over to Satan, believing in their hearts that he is Jesus, they have just betrayed that loved one, haven't they?
And those "rascally bruisers", you stubborn elect of God, shall be hated for His sake. But not to worry, hang in there, you'll be OK.Mark 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
We will soon document that those with the seal of God in their foreheads cannot be harmed by the false-christ and his little serpentettes. But just so you know that Mark 13:12 speaks of the second death and not the first (flesh), here's Luke's account of the same event.
If you are one of His then not one hair of your head can be harmed!Luke 21:17-18
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. [18] But there shall not an hair of your head perish.
Do you remember the type of the "delivering up", set forth in the Book of Daniel, when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were delivered up before the king of Babylon, the type of spurious messiah? They were tossed into the fiery furnace which was heated 7 times hotter than was wont to be. And guess what? Yep, not one hair on their heads was even singed.
And so the words of the Psalmist rings true as the command to Satan concerning God's elect:
Seal #5 has been unveiled. What incredible comfort there is in knowing His Word!Psalm 105:15
Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
We have now come to the 6 verses of the 6th seal in the 6th chapter of the Book of Revelation. The seals, remember, unlock, i.e. give access to the knowledge (His Word) that is necessary for one to have stored in his/her forehead in order to remain a "virgin" until the true Bridegroom comes at the sound of the 7th Trump, the final trump.
The false messiah though, the look-alike Jesus, Satan, will appear first, before our Lord's return, and shows up at the 6th Trump and the 6th vial, and we will find him here in the 6th seal as well.
This is absolutely precious knowledge! If you have "eyes to see" and "ears to hear" you will discover that this sixth seal will reveal something that the majority of Christian ministers and pastors and teachers are completely unaware (ignorant) of, and consequently they cannot understand the events of prophecy foretelling of our present day and the days that lie just ahead. (They have been following the rider of the white horse of the first seal who has led them down a desolate road.) They must therefore rely on "traditional" teachings which defy common sense and can easily be proven to be contradictory to God's Word even by a child. It is no wonder they shy away from the Book of Revelation, even telling their congregations that they won't be here anyway when these events take place, so why bother trying to understand it. Woe unto them!
We have also learned that all Seven of the Seals were given to the disciples by Jesus in Matthew 24 and Mark 13 as Signs of what it would be like just prior to His second advent. To understand this 6th seal then, let's pick it up in Mark 13:14, just after He gave the 5th sign (we'll repeat verse 13).
What is the abomination of desolation? Actually the question should be "who" is the abomination of desolation? Just a little application of rightly dividing the Word will make this very, very simple.Mark 13:13
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.[14] But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:
You will find that "he" is the "abominator" who comes in on the wings of desolation, i.e. lays waste, makes desolate, spoken of by Daniel the prophet in chapter 9 of the book bearing his name. That is why Dr. Moffat translates "standing where 'it' ought not" as "standing where 'he' ought not".
Do you know where he ought not to be standing? The apostle Paul speaks of this exact same event in his second letter to the Thessalonians concerning the son of perdition, i.e. the son who will perish, the abominator who makes desolate, Satan himself:
He stands in the temple of God, where he ought not to be sitting either, claiming he's Jesus Christ. When you see this, Christ continues in Mark 13:15...2 Thes. 2:4
Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
These two verses simply say that when you see this "benchmark" of prophecy come to pass, i.e. Satan posing as Christ in Jerusalem, that time is short and Jesus will return very soon and as watchmen on the tower or workers plowing in the field, there is no need to come down or go back to the house and pack your bags. These verses are figures of speech saying time is extremely short.Mark 13:15 And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:[16] And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.
Oh boy! This verse will cause the unlearned wife to say "Not tonight honey, I have a headache", because she's secretly afraid that she might get pregnant and she senses we may be living in the end time, and she thinks Jesus is advocating not having babies. So you see, ignorance is not necessarily bliss. It can cause you suffer needlessly and to be unhappy! Those with "eyes to see" are "luckier" than those without. (Just thought I'd throw that in as a little extra motivation to study deeper into His Word.)[17] But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
Now ya' all don't seem to have a problem with how the apostle Paul said the very same thing in 2 Cor. 11:2 where he is addressing the church:
If you're waiting for your wedding day to be married to your fiancée, the Bridegroom, then don't go crawling in bed and losing your virginity to someone else. His analogy is to spiritual seduction evidenced by verse 3.2 Cor. 11:2
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
So Mark 13:17 should be a "no brainer" also. Christ is simply saying that when He returns to take His virgin bride and finds she is nursing a baby, guess what? He knows she's already "been had" by someone else! She has been SEDUCED. "Woe unto them" means He's really angry. Let's use a figure of speech, "He's not a happy camper!" How would you feel?2 Cor. 11:3
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Don't be taken out of season! Harvest time is NOT in the winter. Duh! Wait on the Lord, the true one not the fake![18] And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.
The word "affliction" means "tribulation". Here is part of the key to understanding the 6th seal. When the son of perdition stands in the Holy Place showing great signs and wonders, performing miracles in the sight of men, deceiving the whole world into believing he's Jesus Christ, that THAT time will be the greatest tribulation of all time.[19] For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.
In fact, Satan is sooooooo good at deception that Christ has rescheduled this actor's 3 1/2 year personal appearance and performance as "The Messiah is Here" soon to be playing in the Temple in Jerusalem, to a shorter run, the length of which we will learn in chapter 9.[20] And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
So, if someone tells you Jesus has returned and is in Jerusalem, just perform the "pinch test". Pinch yourself really hard with your sharpest fingernails (if you've chewed them off, use your teeth), and if you draw blood, BELIEVE HIM NOT. Say to him "That's really something isn't it, er.. I'm bleeding... look see... would you excuse me? Do you know where I can find a Band-Aid?"[21] And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:
You see, when the true Messiah returns we who are alive and remain will instantly, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the snap of a finger, be changed from our flesh bodies into our spiritual bodies. Have you not read of this "mystery" by Paul in 1 Cor. 15? The flesh age ends when Christ returns.
When Satan is kicked out of heaven in Revelation 12:7-9 and comes to earth as the false messiah, you'll read that his angels are cast out with him. These guys are really good too! These are the same fallen angels that seduced the daughters of Adam in Gen. chapter 6. We just read that they are coming to SEDUCE again. How do we know? It's recorded in Matthew's account in chapter 24 concerning this same seal. These are the words of Jesus Christ:[22] For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
It's going to be just like it was in the days of Noe (Greek for Noah). What were they doing back then?Matthew 24:37
But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Who was doing the seducing? The sons of God, the fallen angels who left their first habitation, i.e. their heavenly abode (see Jude), and came to earth and seduced the daughters of Adam, the union of which produced giants and caused the flood of Noah. And what about those people back then?[38] For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
They were unaware of the impending flood about to sweep them away and so they WERE TAKEN in the flood.[39] And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
And so just as it was in the days of Noah, those who are unaware WILL BE TAKEN in the flood of lies and be seduced and impregnated with deception. There is absolutely no other way to interpret what is being said here unless you pluck these verses out of context and twist them to appear to say something they don't. That is how Satan, the illusionist, "un-rightly" divides the Word of God.[40] Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Note: The ignorant and the unlearned that we spoke of earlier, believe that the first one taken is raptured by Jesus Christ. They along with their entire congregations are going to get screwed and lose their virginity! Too graphic? I think not! Eternal life is at stake here!
Just like it was in the days of Noah! We are without excuse! How so? Remember Christ's words back in Mark 13:23? He told us everything, exactly how it is going to be![41] Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
We are now ready to return to verse 12 of Revelation chapter 6 and begin the 6th Seal. I know we are spending considerable time on chapter 6 and each of the seals, but when you think about their importance and the fact that you must have this knowledge "sealed" in your mind so as not to be taken in the flood, then a little extra careful "dividing" is more than justified.Mark 13:23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.
What is it that Jesus Christ would have us learn from the 6th Seal? For one thing, there are TWO TRIBULATIONS! Find out more as we continue in this Book of Revelation!
When is the last time you heard your preacher or minister, or for that matter anybody else's preacher or minister, talk about the Two Messiahs? Who has told you that there are Two Jesus Christs? Who has told you how to tell the Two Jesus Christs apart from one another? And who has told you that there are TWO TRIBULATIONS? In other words, who has explained the 6th Seal to you?
Have you ever observed how the cause of the tribulation is always portrayed as some human flesh "man" who is "probably" alive right now on earth somewhere and is just waiting to be revealed? "Guesses" by the unlearned (those who don't know what the Bible teaches and guess at what it says) include figures such as Saddam Hussein, the Pope, the President, or some Jew living in Israel, and on and on and on. Would you like to see deception at work? Just go into a religious book store and see all the books written about the tribulation! Babel, Babel, which means Confusion, Confusion! Satan, the rider of the white horse in Seal 1, just loves it! You can bet he gives his horse an "apple" for a treat every time someone buys that trot!
That which we MUST LEARN from the 6th Seal is that there are Two Tribulations and we MUST KNOW not only what they entail but the sequential order in which they occur. And it is very simple: There is the tribulation of Satan when he comes to earth first as the false-christ and is followed by the tribulation of Christ, the wrath of Almighty God.
We read much about the tribulation of Satan, the "seduction" as in the days of Noah, the consuming flood that takes those (first ones) who are unaware (have not the seal of God in their foreheads), etc. We shall read much more about this period of time before we finish this great Book of Revelation and about the spiritual devastation it (which is actually peace) brings upon the souls of men, the likes of which can only be compared to the slaughter of warfare and the consuming of flesh by beasts.
Let us now examine the 6th Seal, unveiled by the Lamb of God, taking verses 12 and 13 together as they complete a sentence.
When both Messiahs return (the false first and then the real) they bring "stars of heaven" with them. This should not be mysterious sounding to anyone who has studied Revelation with us up to this point, because we learned in the first chapter what "stars" are symbolic of: they are angels, i.e. sons of God. We know Jesus brings the saints with Him (1 Thes. 4) when He returns.Rev. 6:12 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;[13] 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.
When Satan is cast out of heaven in Rev. 12:7-9 to this earth, his angels are also cast out with him. So he brings "stars" too!
Now notice in 6:13 that they are cast out as a fig tree casts her "untimely" figs when violently shaken. Untimely figs are figs out of season, i.e. not ripe. Remember, we read that Christ said "pray that your flight be not in winter", out of season. These stars, angels of Satan, appear out of season, BEFORE harvest time which is when Christ returns. Be sure you're not deceived and "harvested" by them.Rev. 12:9
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Now, what about the sun becoming darkened as sackcloth of hair? Doesn't the sun darken when Jesus returns? Yes it does, but by reason of His brightness, not like black sackcloth of mohair. Here's how the sun darkens by the false Jesus:
I know we haven't covered the symbolisms contained in this verse yet, but simply notice that the sun is darkened by reason of the "smoke of the pit".Rev. 9:1-2
And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. [2] And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.
Let's look again at verse 12.
The phrase "the moon became as blood" means that the whole, or full moon became as the color of blood. (See note on "moon" in verse 12 of the Companion Bible)Rev. 6:12 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;
Now let's continue with the 6th Seal.
This is the beginning of the birth of a new age signaling the return of the true Messiah, the second advent.Rev. 6:14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
Do you know why these people from every walk of life want to hide themselves?[15] 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;
It is for the shame of realizing they've been seduced and even caused others to be "had" likewise! We have an expression in English that aptly describes this, they will have "Hit Rock Bottom"!
"Hide us from the shame and embarrassment! I'd rather die than face Him!" People just don't want to face reality, do they? Well guess what? He's real![16] 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:
The second tribulation is come! That's enough! The question is "Who shall be able to stand?"[17] For the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
And the answer is... Those who have endured with patience and maintained their virginity by wearing the full suit of gospel armor (Eph 6) and have 'stood against the fiery darts of Satan'. Yes, they will still be standing. The rest will have fallen short in ignorance and deception and missed the 1st Resurrection and the double portion of inheritance that comes with it. Don't let that happen to you. Learn the Seals and then unroll the Scroll.
Let us now finish the 6th Seal as Christ gave it in the Book of Mark, chapter 13.
Untimely figs shall be shaken out. The only time the "powers of heaven" are shaken is when Satan and his cronies are booted out. Then there is silence in heaven (Rev. 8:1), but woe to those on earth when he comes.Mark 13:24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,[25] And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.
Continuing in Mark 13.Rev. 12:12
Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
And THEN (AFTER), after the tribulation of Satan when he comes as the spurious messiah and NOT BEFORE, they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds with GREAT power and glory. (Ooops, another puncture in the Rapture Balloon.)Mark 13:26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
If you don't want to be harvested out of season then you better do as the Savior instructs: Learn the parable of the Fig Tree.[27] And then shall He send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.[28] Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:
If you're educated in the Word of God and you see these things come to pass, then you will know what's happening! No guesswork![29] So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
But here is the bottom line:
When will all this happen?If you don't know ahead of time that the False Messiah is coming first; if you believe Jesus Christ can return at any moment; if you don't have the Seal of God in your forehead, then it will be next to impossible to convince you that the First Rider of a White Horse, when he appears in person, is not Jesus Christ. For he is most charming and beautiful and he will bring peace and prosperity to the world and he will perform great signs and miracles in the sight of men and his ministers, appearing as angels of light, will be sweet as pie as they seduce you.
The generation referred to here is the generation pertaining to the subject being discussed, i.e. the Fig Tree. When you learn the parable you will find that both the good and the bad figs (Jer. 24) were set out on May 15, 1948 when the United Nations sanctioned the State of Israel.[30] Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
So there will be those of the Baby Boomer generation (which officially began in 1946) who will see the return of Jesus Christ.
You can count on it! And isn't it incredible to know that the Word of God has now been declassified, no longer under seal, available to understand clearly to anyone with eyes to see and ears to hear? Isn't that wonderful? Now's your chance. Go for it![31] Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
We have now come to chapter 7 of the book of the "Unveiling" and, having seen the uncovering of 6 Seals, we would expect to begin the revelation of the final seal, the 7th Seal. But alas, such is not the case. We must "hold back" our viewing the unveiling of the 7th Seal until chapter 8.
Let us find out why.
Remember where John is? He was taken in spirit to the Day of the Lord, the first day of the millennium, and then we saw in chapter four he was called up to heaven and has been witnessing the unveiling of the Seals by the Lamb of God.Rev. 7:1
And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
John has just seen the 6th Seal unveiled and now, after that, he sees four angels (the number 4 denotes "earth" in Biblical numerics) standing on the four corners of the earth. This simply means that what is about to be said concerns the entire world, all four quadrants which make up the whole.
The four angels are holding back the "four winds" that they should not blow, i.e. they are stopping their action. What does that mean? Well, every time the "four winds" are spoken of they are always connected with the final events, the consummation of this earth age. You can read of them in Ezek. 37 and in Daniel 7 as well. Or log unto Four Winds
So Rev. 7:1 is simple. John saw that there is a holding pattern concerning the final events of this earth age which are about to befall us. And I am sure there must be a very good reason why, and I am sure we will find out because Christ has foretold all things, remember?
Who is this angel ascending from the east having the seal of the living God? It is the angel of the 7th Seal, containing the 7 Trumps, saying "Hold it right there!"[2] And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
Aha! I knew it. There's the answer. There is a VERY IMPORTANT job that must be done before the four winds are released upon the earth and the final trumpets blow. The "servants" of the living God must have the "seal" of the living God placed "in their foreheads".[3] Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
If you have eyes to see and ears to hear you may be chuckling over such complete and utter nonsense. However, books and tapes and lectures and discussions and guesses like the one just illustrated here as to what is the "mark of the beast" are prevalent everywhere. And it would be funny if it weren't so sad.Hmmmm... sounds like an implant of sorts. Do you think will this require surgery?I heard once that people are going to have the "mark of the beast" stamped, maybe even implanted, on their foreheads, which I was told was the number 666. Someone suggested that it might even be done in Roman numerals like VI VI VI which looks an awful lot like maybe a bar code, doesn't it? It might even be a computer chip.
We have already learned that the Seal of God is His Word. And we are expected to know from common sense or grade school anatomy class that our brains, or shall we say our minds, reside in our foreheads. Duh! So to have the Seal of God in our forehead is simply to have the Word of God in our mind, i.e. to have an understanding of God's Word, of His overall plan of salvation, to even understand the Seals themselves if you will.
It is interesting that the Greek word for "sealed" is sphragizo which means to preserve or mark for security. Why? Read this verse:
Hey, look! When those four winds are released and the hurtin' comes upon the earth, look who is protected; only those with the Seal of God in their foreheads, those who understand the Word of God.Rev. 9:4
And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.
If you DO NOT have the Seal of God in your forehead, then you will have the Seal of Satan in your forehead, the mark of the beast, i.e. Satan's word, which is garbage, deception, and will lead you to the spiritual crematorium because you are "marked" for hurtin'!
It is really very simple. You either belong to Christ, the Son of God, and have His Word, His seal in your mind, or you belong to Satan, the son of perdition, and have his word, his seal (mark) in your mind.
So we know what the Seal of God is (His truth), and who it is that is to be sealed (His servants), but who is to do the sealing?
Next we will not only learn who will (even is) to do the sealing, the teaching of His Word, but we will learn about a group of 144,000 who are going to (even are) get their ears on!
Until then you could ask yourself these questions; "Am I a sealer or a sealee?" I.e. "Do I have eyes to see and ears to hear?" If you do, then you are a servant of the Most High God. How blessed you are!
Have you ever heard about the 144,000 of Revelation? Some churches and sects have taught (and still do this very day) that there will only be 144,000 people go to heaven out of the great tribulation. And of course you could guess that most of those who teach that will tell you those 144,000 are members solely of their church. So you'd better join their ranks if you want to be spared the great tribulation!
In fact, one major group started out teaching that they alone were the 144,000 and once their membership exceeded that number they were forced to modify their doctrine. It would now be those "among them" who were the more righteous servants of God (read "biggest financial contributors") who would be selected. So dig deep and give, give, give and we'll give you recognition as a good Christian.
The first problem with this line of thinking (other than it stinks) is that heaven isn't even mentioned, nor is it discussed at all in relation to the 144,000. So let's recap where we are in the Book of Revelation and learn from Him, not from the imaginations of men who preach "elitism" in order to hold captive their congregations.
We had just finished chapter six where the Lamb of God had opened six seals and it looked like we were ready for number seven. But in Rev 7:1 John then saw the four angels whose job it is to release the four winds upon the earth, which bring about the final events of this flesh age, standing on the four corners of the earth, N, S, E, W. Four remember is the number of "earth" in Biblical numerics. In verse 2 then we read (in Baby Boomer paraphrase form):
But after those things John looked and ascending in the eastern sky, "It's a bird, it's a plane, it's an angel having the Seal of the living God saying to the four winds of the earth with a great voice 'Stop, do not bring about the final events of this earth age until we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads'."We learned that to be sealed in your forehead means to have His Word in your mind. So to be sealed is to be taught! So the end will be held-up, delayed for awhile, until a great teaching of the truth of His Word to the servants of the living God is accomplished. So let's be about our Father's business.
Wait a minute! These 144,000 are of all the tribes of Israel and it doesn't say anything about a church!Rev 7:4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
And besides, I thought race doesn't matter? That's correct as far as salvation goes, for it is available to all of God's children regardless of race, but did God create the races to exist just until Christ paid the price and then His purpose for them was finished? Don't be silly. In the next few verses the tribes will be specifically named so as to dispel this rumor. Not only that, the nations (Greek word ethnos, meaning non-Israelite races) are present at the New Jerusalem throughout eternity and they have kings as well.
Where are the 12 Tribes of Israel today? Did you know that the Book of James was specifically written to them? So this New Testament apostle recognized them and there whereabouts, didn't he?Rev. 21:23-24
And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. [24] And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
Following King Solomon's reign, the last king to reign over the entire 12 Tribe House of Israel, the House of Judah, along with most of Benjamin, split from the House of Israel. (Look at the maps in the back of any Bible which has them and you will see the northern House of Israel and the southern House of Judah, for they are separate). Although all those of true Judah are of the 12 Tribe House of Israel, the other 11 Tribes are not of Judah, i.e. not Jews.James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
Here's a brief synopsis of the terms Hebrew, Israelite and Jew:
Abraham was an Hebrew, which comes from the word "eber" meaning "from across the river". Abraham's nephew, Lot, was also an Hebrew. Abraham then begat Isaac, who naturally was Hebrew, too. However, neither Abraham, nor Isaac, nor Lot were Jews! Why? Judah hadn't been born yet. Furthermore, we will have Lot and his descendants growing and multiplying as Hebrews, but they will never be of Israel or Judah. So there are Hebrew people, even to this day, who are not even of Israel (Jacob) much less of Judah.
Then Isaac begat Jacob whose name was changed to Israel and he had twelve sons who, today, have become nations, and their populations are as numerous as the sands of the sea and the stars of the sky. (If you are living in the U.S., you are living in one of those nations of true Israel). All twelve sons were Israelites (born of Jacob, who was Israel). But obviously only those of his son Judah were of Judah, i.e. "Jews".
Without a doubt, this is one the biggest reasons preachers and ministers of today are clueless about end-time Bible prophecies. Ask them where the United States and Great Britain are referred to in prophecy. When they can't give you an answer, or try to spiritualize (read "spin") them into the church of God, or worse yet gentiles, say "In other words, God forgot to mention the super power of super powers of the end-time in Bible prophecy?" It is at this point that you will be told it is of little importance my child, just have love in your heart and be kind and love Jesus, and don't worry, you'll be raptured away when all these events happen anyway.
No sealing of God's Word here! And so the mark of the beast has been firmly imbedded in her forehead, i.e. Satan's seal, his teachings. She'll be first to be taken in the field.
An entire book could be written here concerning who the 12 Tribes of Israel are and where they are today, but obviously space and time will not afford us. However, if you haven't read E. Raymond Capt's little booklet the "Abrahamic Covenant" then by all means contact Artisan Publishers at www.artisanpublishers.com and purchase a copy. It will give you an outline of the identity of God's people, who basically make up the Free World, the Christian nations. The so-called ten lost tribes are not lost to our Father, nor to those who have the seal of God in their foreheads.
Here are the nations of the full House of Israel to be taught before the four winds are let loose:
You see, Judah is only a small part of the entire House of Israel.[5] Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.
If you analyze these 12 Tribes of Israel you will find that Dan and Ephraim are omitted and Levi and Joseph are substituted in their place. Why? Because of their idolatry. You can read of it in Lev. 24:10-16, Deut. 29:18-21, Judges 18:2-31, 1 Kings 12:16-33, and Hosea 4:17. However, know this: God has stated that all of Israel shall (eventually) be saved (Rom. 11:29) and therefore we find that Dan and Ephraim are restored in Ezek. 48 during the Millennium.[6] Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.[7] Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.
[8] Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.
There is no mention of why there are 12,000 from each of the tribes of Israel to be sealed, so one can only suppose. But here is the brief outline of the number 12 in Biblical numerics from appendix 10 in the Companion Bible:
Now since we are about to enter the Millennium and Christ is going to set up His Kingdom, and since He is not the author of confusion, but of discipline and order and ranks, and since we have already read that the 12 Patriarchs and along with 12 Apostles are seated before the throne, doesn't it make sense to you that these 12,000 have to do with the coming transition to the new government of God?TWELVE. Denotes Governmental Perfection. It is the number or factor of all numbers connected with government: whether by Tribes or Apostles, or in measurements of time, or in things which have to do with government in the heavens and the earth. Companion Bible, appendix 10, pg. 14.
Next verse:
Well would you looky here! God has not limited the sealing to just the 144,000. It's just that those 144,000 have a special job to do. There will be a GREAT MULTITUDE of ALL NATIONS, and kindreds, and people, and tongues who come out of the great tribulation (I peeked ahead to verse 14).Rev. 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
They are clothed in white robes. We know what that is symbolic of!
And what of the palms? They were used in John 12:12-13 at the Feast where those with them were praising and blessing God. And we find the same thing in heaven. There's no mystery here!
Hosanna means oh save! or "salvation now" which is what is being said by the great multitude in the next verse. (Isn't the Word of God absolutely incredible in it's consistency and accuracy? It should be no surprise though, for it is the Word of the Creator of the Universe.)John 12:12-13
On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, [13] Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.
You should have a very vivid image of the throne by now with its "shekinah glory" radiating forth the beautiful colors of the rainbow, with the "zoon", the protecting cherubs, standing guard, and the 24 elders seated in their formal white robes and wearing their crowns, and the multitudes of the sons of God gathered at this awesome assembly in the throne room of Almighty God which has a floor resembling a crystalline sea of glass. If not, go back and re-read chapter 5.Rev. 7:10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.Rev. 7:11
And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
Speaking of chapter 5, do you remember the seven spirits of God we read of in chapter 5 verse 12? They are given here in reverse order, basically, but with one exception. The "riches" in 5:12 have been replaced by "thanksgiving" in 7:12. Why? Because this is after the great tribulation and they have already received the "riches" for which they are now "thankful".[12] Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
And so it is unto our God for ever and ever. Amen1.) Power 1.) Blessing
2.) Riches 2.) Glory
3.) Wisdom 3.) Wisdom
4.) Strength 4.) Thanksgiving
5.) Honour 5.) Honour
6.) Glory 6.) Power
7.) Blessing 7.) Might
This is just fantastic! Notice here that one of the 24 Elders spoke to John who must have been near where of one them was sitting. I don't think he expected John to know the answer, and so his questions are rhetorical.[13] And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
These came out of great tribulation which implies they were in great tribulation. They washed their own robes in the blood of the Lamb, for only by personally accepting Christ as your savior can you be purified and your robe made white.[14] And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
When we get to the last chapter of this Book of Revelation we will read about our Father leaving the current location of His throne and bringing the New Jerusalem down out of heaven and dwelling among His children for all eternity. (Also read the very last verse in the Book of Ezekiel.)[15] Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
The reason is that the Lamb of God will be with us![16] They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
We shall read of this again in chapters 21 and 22. Let's jump ahead and get a glimpse into the future:[17] For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
The flesh age has passed away and we are in magnificent spiritual bodies that feel no pain, and all the "rudiments", evilness and evil ones, have perished.Rev. 21:4
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
This is the new throne now, in the New Jerusalem, here on earth, and our Father is with us.Rev. 22:1-3
And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
Yes, the throne of God and He who sits upon it will be with us and we shall serve Him who has exciting things planned for us throughout this universe and all of eternity to enjoy.[2] In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.[3] And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve Him:
Do you think a big house and a fancy car now can compare to that?