The Seven Seals of Revelation

Years ago, when I first read the Book of Revelation, I figured the END TIMES would inflict my grandchildren or great-great-grandchildren. Needing to protect them, I started studying biblical prophecy to educate my family so that the next generation would be prepared for what is to come. Little did I know that the words of God would begin to surface in my lifetime.

When we look at the world today, there are many signs hidden in plain sight. Without reading and studying biblical scripture, a normal person would not be able to pinpoint events that pertain to the Last Days. For everyone living in these uncertain times, being able to discern what relates to prophecy and what doesn't could mean the difference between life and death.

Why does this matter?

Recently, there has been an enormous uptick in global earthquakes, flooding, and other natural disasters. (No, it is not due to global warming.) The crust of the Earth is heaving. Animals, fish, and birds are dying en masse. There is disease, famine, and pestilence. Every day, the news reports unthinkable acts of violence, civil unrest, wars, and rumors of wars. Overhead, the heavens are shaking, asteroids are falling to Earth, the sun is acting out in anger like never before in our time, and the planets in our solar system are changing significantly due to inbound celestial bodies from the outer universe brushing past. And that is not all...

Did you know these things were happening as we speak? Were you aware? I know it sounds terrifying, but everything taking place is all part of God's plan.

Luke 21:9 states, "When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away."

Matthew 24: 6-8 states, "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains."

At this point, you might be wondering if the world is ending soon.

Matthew 24:36 - "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels of heaven, nor the son, but only he Father."

Matthew 24:37 - "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man."

If we are indeed in the Last Days, what do we, as Christians, need to do to prepare? The answer is clear - PRAY. READ your Bible. BELIEVE in Jesus Christ. Say the Apostle's Creed daily to solidify your faith. Understand that we must be mindful of where we are in the Biblical Prophecy. What was prophesied in scripture will come to pass. It is part of the process before we venture home to be with our Father in heaven. God gave us the Book of Revelation as a warning. It is a step-by-step guide for his Faithful Believers. It outlines the time when the Earth passes away and Jesus, the Son of Man, "returns on a cloud with great glory."(Mark 13:26) All of it starts with REVELATION 6.

One of the most recognized symbols of the End Times is the FOUR HORSEMEN of the APOCOLYPSE. They reside in the pages of The Seven Seals. Before we begin, let us first visit Revelation 5 for a moment.

Chapter 5 begins by describing a scroll in the right hand of God. This scroll is sealed seven times over and written on both sides. It symbolizes the judgment of God. (Revelation 5:1–2).

The Lamb Takes the Scroll

REVELATION 5 And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals. 2 Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?” 3 And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look at it.

4 So I wept much because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll or to look at it. 5 But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.”

Here, an angel "proclaims" a question, making it more of a challenge: "who is worthy" to take this scroll and open the seals? At first, it seems that there is no one. Nobody on heaven or earth has both the moral authority and the legal right to take up the judgment of God. In response to what seems a hopeless situation, John beings to weep (Revelation 5:2–4).

6 And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.

Worthy Is the Lamb

REVELATION 5 : 9 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals;

For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood, Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, 10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.”

One of the twenty-four elders reassures John that there is only ONE who can take this scroll: Jesus. He is described as "the Lion of the tribe of Judah" and the "Root of David." John then describes Jesus symbolically, as a Lamb that has been slaughtered, who takes the scroll from the hand of God. In response to this, the beings in heaven, within Chapter 4, begin to sing a new song to God (Revelation 5:5–10).

This passage ends with a series of praises and responses. The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures sing a song praising Jesus for His worthiness to enact God's judgment. In response, an endless number of angels praise Jesus. This praise is then echoed by every creature in creation: "in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them" (Revelation 5:9–14).

Moving onto Revelation 6, like most scripture, the chapters present a certain level of symbolism. It marks a change before the imagery becomes more and more elaborate. This reliance on symbolism must be kept in mind when reading and interpreting John's vision. It was necessary because he did not have the vocabulary to describe the future events being presented to him. Not all of the descriptions in Revelation are meant to be understood in absolutely literal terms - not all are meant to be understood symbolically, either. In some cases, it seems John is describing literal events using dramatic language. Context and caution are useful in knowing which passages fall into which category.

First Seal: The Conqueror REVELATION 6 Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.” 2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.

Revelation 6 opens with Jesus—the Lamb (Revelation 5:5–7)—beginning to open the seven seals on a scroll containing God's judgment on sin (Revelation 5:1–2).

The first seal is opened, and one of the four living creatures around God's throne (Revelation 4:6–8) shouts out a command. John then sees a rider on a white horse, wearing a crown and carrying a bow. His power is conquering, and this figure is often associated with the Antichrist (Revelation 13:1–10): some sort of world leader who will drastically oppose God during the tribulation. The chaos which ensues after this rider means that this is NOT Jesus. He returns separately much later in the End Times (Revelation 19:11–16; 20:4) to establish a peaceful kingdom. The rider described here has a different role in these prophesied events (Revelation 6:1–2).

Simple Breakdown:

· There has been much speculation about who the Antichrist could be – the man of lawlessness who will appear on the world scene as a peacemaker.

· Faithful Believers need to make certain that no man deceives them. (Matthew 24:24-27) 24 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you ahead of time. 26 “So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. 27 For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

· Which world leaders currently oppose Christ and biblical teachings? Who is trying “to change the set times and the laws?” Who will hate Christian believers? Who will persecute them for their beliefs? Do you know? Have you been watching?

· Book of Daniel 7:25 states - He gave me this explanation: ‘The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on Earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole Earth, trampling it down and crushing it. 24 The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them, another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings. 25 He will speak against the Most High and oppress his holy people and try to change the set times and the laws. The holy people will be delivered into his hands for a time, times, and half a time.

· A few candidates come to mind.

1. Is it Klaus Schwab, the ominous leader of the World Economic Forum (WEF) with a warped view of the future of our planet?

2. Perhaps, it's Yuval Noah Harari, Klaus Schwab's right-hand man, who believes humans are now "hackable animals" and that we as humans have evolved to that of gods. He believes the Earth is overpopulated by "useless eaters."

3. Maybe it's Bill Gates? The Microsoft computer geek turned WEF supporter, vaccine investor, and Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) food producer always has something to say on the world scene. In 2018, India’s National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization announced that it would be banning the Gates Foundation from operating in the country after it was revealed that the vaccines the foundation had been promoting “to make people healthier” were actually doing irreparable harm to young girls and that the Gates Foundation “campaigns” were actually “experimental trials of the vaccines.

4. Is it Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who was condemned by members of the European Union (EU) for invoking the Emergencies Act and freezing the bank accounts of those who were peacefully protesting the vaccine mandates in Ottawa?

5. How about Emmanual Macron? He tried to be an international "peacekeeper" by visiting/talking with Vladimir Putin before the invasion of Ukraine.

Romans 16: 17-19 states - Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.

· In the past three years, the World Economic Forum has emerged on the world stage. Quietly working in secret before then, the organization now plans to implement many changes to our world. Are they the ones "changing set times and laws," as mentioned in the book of Daniel? They have suggested new policies on health care, universal vaccinations, the removal of meat worldwide, the limitation of travel (15-minute cities), and conditions to allow or disallow the purchase of necessities. They call it the Great Reset. There are many theories about this organization. Is their mission truly to help the world, or do they have other plans? That is something each of us must research and discern for ourselves. Many Christians believe this Great Reset is the foundation for the Beast Kingdom of Revelation. How is it that a non-governing body can overstep the boundaries of government and our Charter of Rights and Freedoms/Civil Liberties? Their slogan is known to many as YOU WILL OWN NOTHING AND BE HAPPY. Why is that? Is their Digital ID system the makings of the Mark of the Beast, where no man can buy or sell without the mark? Remember the verses listed above – Matthew 24:24 / Daniel 16:17-19 - Do not be fooled. Faithful Believers must question everything and stay alert.

Second Seal: Conflict on Earth 3 When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.” 4 Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.

The second seal results in another shout from one of the angelic living creatures and a second rider. This horse is red and is associated with war. This complements the first rider's power of conquering—though the warfare predicted here might be a response to this world leader rather than the way he rises to power (Revelation 6:3–4).

When you look at the world today, we see a time not seen since World War II. Nations are rising against nations and kingdoms against kingdoms more than ever before. World War III is looming, and as faithful believers, we can feel the heaviness of it in the air. China wants to overtake Taiwan. Russia is battling Ukraine, NATO (and its allies), and the USA. A war is smoldering between Iran and Israel. So much unrest. So many opportunities for something to go wrong.

Visit www.crisisgroup.org/visual-explainers/10-conflicts-2023/ to keep tabs on the current list of wars and rumors of wars taking place worldwide.

This past weekend, protests in Holland resembled the trucker protests in Canada, but it was for a different reason. The rally brought out thousands of people to stop the government from implementing laws that would reduce nitrogen remissions by half before 2030. This change includes the reduction of livestock by a third. (Also means a reduction in food by a third.) Those farmers who refuse the new laws will "be warned they could be subject to compulsory buyouts" and ultimately lose their livelihoods. Holland is the second largest farming producer next to the United States.

(Climate Science Note - As Faithful Followers of Christ, we believe He perfectly engineered our planet with purpose and precision. The world does not need fixing. The climate science being brought forward today is not the truth. Our world is reacting to the sun's Solar Cycle 25, which is entering a solar maximum. In turn, the Earth is approaching its 12,000-year cycle, similar to the times of Noah and the dinosaurs. Our world is changing because God planned for it to happen this way. Nothing - not carbon emission reduction, climate science, etcetera, will stop what the Bible has prophesied. If you are unaware of climate truth, I suggest you watch the following and come to your own conclusions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYhCQv5tNsQ )

Third Seal: Scarcity on Earth 5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So 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 a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.”

The third seal again brings a command from one of the living creatures and another horseman. This horse is black, and the rider carries a set of scales - balances meant to weigh things carefully. This immediately suggests scarcity. Typically people are careful to make precise measurements of things that are scarce or precious. Another voice in the verse, not identified, indicates that what is scarce is food, referring to wheat and barley. The quantities of grain and money are both for one day, suggesting famine, where people are struggling to make ends meet. On the other hand, finer things like oil and wine are not "harmed," implying that the rich and powerful are somewhat protected from this particular disaster. How convenient... (Revelation 6:5–6).

Through the pandemic, we saw interruptions in the supply chain. This caused panic and alarm. From the toilet paper shortage to chicken and meat, pasta, bread, and eggs, it was a time of great uncertainty and fear for some. For those faithful believers, who have surrounded themselves with knowledgeable people, they were prepared a month in advance of the shortages and were able to stock up while demand was not yet interrupted. Which side of the fence were you on? Prepared or unprepared? When we read this passage, what does it tell us? It has been prophesied that there WILL BE famine - scarcity of food. Prepare yourself.

Fourth Seal: Widespread Death on Earth 7 When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.” 8 So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.

The fourth seal and command bring a horse described as PALE. When we refer to something as being Pale, it usually means sickly. In Greek texts, the word chlōros is used to describe the pale horse - a yellowish-green colour symbolizing infection or decay. It's translated as "pale" in many English translations to distinguish it from the first white horse and to evoke the imagery of the rider - DEATH. Death is followed by Hades: in this context, a reference to the unseen spiritual world. Whether this horseman's effects are separate from the other three or coordinated, his impact is horrific. War, famine, disease, wild animals, and so forth kill a fourth of the people of earth (Revelation 6:7–8).

What could kill so many people on Earth?

1. In the past three years, the world has seen an increase in excess death as a result of the Covid pandemic.

2. A brewing global nuclear war would bring many countries around the world to their knees. This could be a near-extinction-level event, depending on its severity. Just the presence of nuclear weapons being showcased around the globe could spell disaster if human-error results in a mistaken detonation.

3. Other deadly diseases mutating/emerging. (Ebola, Marburg, and Disease-X are being warned.)

4. Wild animal attacks? www.scientificamerican.com/article/where-is-a-large-predator-most-likely-to-attack-you

Fifth Seal: The Cry of the Martyrs 9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.

The fifth seal brings a contrast to the first four. There is no shout or command. There also seems to be no particular effect on earth at the opening of this particular seal. Rather, John sees martyrs at the altar of heaven who seem to be those killed for God's name's sake during the tribulation. They praise and acknowledge God while begging Him to avenge their deaths. God's response is for them to wait since there are others yet to be martyred for proclaiming Christ as their Father and Saviour (Revelation 6:9–11).

Matthew 24:9-11 warns, “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time, many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and, many false prophets will appear and deceive many people."

There will come a time when we, as Faithful Believers, will have to make a choice. Do we side with the WORLD or side with GOD? For us, there is no need even to ask where our loyalties lie.

Today, there is an ongoing persecution of Christians taking place in the world. In some countries, it is downright barbaric what they do to those who believe in Christ. In the End Times, this will become more and more evident. The Global Elitists have stated that they want a world with no presence of faith, community, or family. In order for the Beast Kingdom to rise, the presence of Faithful Believers must be removed from the Earth. During this time, we must be strong.

(Deuteronomy 31:6) "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."

We will be persecuted for our beliefs - this is written. But we must go forth in death to our place in heaven without fear.

Sixth Seal: Cosmic Disturbances 12 I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. 13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. 14 Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. 15 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave, and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 16 and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

The sixth seal describes a colossal series of natural disasters. John's description here evokes earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, meteor showers, pollution or blockage of the sky, and even atmospheric disruptions. These events are so dire that even the rich and powerful cower in fear. Interestingly, the people of earth acknowledge that these events are the result of the wrath of God. The disaster is so terrifying that even those who suppress the truth of God (Romans 1:18–25) are compelled to admit what is really happening (Revelation 6:12–17).

Simple breakdown:

• The great earthquake will be a global one. No one will escape it.

• The sun will turn as black as sackcloth refers to either a solar eclipse or a darkening of the sun due to debris (volcanic ash/ asteroid impact plume) suspended in the ionosphere blocking out the sun's rays/light.

• The moon becoming blood would mean it takes on a red tinge. Many scientists believe an abundance of atmospheric dust, which contains iron, would create this color to reflect upon the moon.

• The stars falling from heaven - asteroids/meteorites falling to Earth from an incoming debris field originating from deep space.

• Sky rolled up like a scroll - describes an explosion in the skies. The sun has been exploding with multiple Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) in the past few months. Due to the Solar Maximum of Solar Cycyle 25 fast approaching, this explosion could be caused by a micro-nova event.

• Every mountain and island moved from its place - the Earth experiences a Pole Shift. This is part of the Earth's 12,000-year cycle in conjunction with the Sun's Solar Cycle. For thousands of years, this has happened to the Earth. It is not unusual but is deadly nonetheless.

• The Elites (the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men) will hide in mountains - the wealthy are buying up doomsday bunkers, but they will not escape God's Wrath.

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After reading this, do you see correlations between the words of the BIBLE and the events happening today?

Watch for our next blog, where we discuss the 144,000, The Great Multitude in White Robes, and the continuation of the Seventh Seal before diving into The Trumpets.

For more in-depth information on The Seven Seals and how they relate to today's world news, see upcoming special blog posts.

*Note:

1 -To see headlines in the news and how they coincide with biblical prophecy, visit www.ffctv.show. Scroll down to the Wednesday broadcast of "GETTING READY." It will be the most enlightening ninety minutes of your week.

2 - To get in-depth information on how the words of the bible relate to what is happening today and where we stand in the Last Days, visit Pastor Paul Begley on YouTube. (Link can be found in the Spiritual Insight TAB)

He has a very intelligent guest on the show by the name of Mike every Thursday at 9:00 pm EST. This man, a faithful Christian / Special Gov't Operative, reveals insightful information on what is happening in the world today and relates it back to scripture.

Read the Bible. Study the word. Be a FAITHFUL BELIEVER.