CHAPTER 6
VERSE 1: (Chapter 6)
​​The FIRST SEAL THUNDER SOUNDS
"And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see."
We are now entering the opening of the First Seal. Remember what we studied about seals in our previous chapter, Revelation 5:1? A seal means that this document is of high importance and is not to be opened until the proper time. We are now at the proper point in scripture where God is going to reveal to us the seals and the events to take place. We also studied that the "Lamb of God" is the Only one worthy to open the seals (Revelation 5:5-7).
The Heavenly picture here is of Jesus, the "Lamb that was slain", holding the book that was in the Father's hand. Jesus is standing there, in a mutilated form, opening the First Seal. The seals had to be opened in order. One seal cannot be opened before another because of the way it is sealed. God is very organized.
Just as the "Lamb" is to open the First Seal, John hears a voice. Not just a subtle voice, but a loud voice. And not just a loud voice, but a voice as loud as "thunder". We have all heard thunder, but there are a few times when we may have heard thunder sound so loud it causes us to be very startled. Loud thunder can be truly frightening indeed. John heard "ONE" of the four beasts talk to him. A beast talking to me would be startling enough, but one that would sound like a blast of "thunder" would be extremely earth shaking! This beast thunders out: "Come and see". John obeys this beast to go see this seal being opened.
May I say here, when people try to tell you that the book of Revelation is too hard to understand, tell them they are mistaken. God wrote Revelation to reveal the future to us. God never makes things too hard for us. Why would God make Revelation hard when He wants all of mankind to read and understand it? God even gave us a help verse in James 1:5 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." Not only does God want us to read and understand His Word, but He also tells us that if we get confused or don't comprehend something, then we just need to ask Him. Ask God. This is a promise here in James. God promises to give wisdom to ANY one of us who will just ask Him. Not only will God give the asking person wisdom, but He will give him wisdom 'liberally'. That means a lot. More than what we asked for. Plus, He promises to not take it away (upbraideth not). God states: "it shall be given". Don't fall for Satan's lies about Revelation or any other part of the Bible being too difficult for us to understand. Satan just doesn't want people to read it.
This next verse is going to describe what John sees, what God wants us to know, as the First Seal is opened...
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VERSE 2: (Chapter 6)
​​The WHITE HORSE
"And I saw , and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer."
Before we proceed, let's notice an important aspect. Notice that every verse in this chapter starts with the word "And" except for the last verse of this chapter, verse 17. You may have already noticed that all of Chapter 5 has every verse starting with the word "And". This signifies that this is one continuous event. It is all connected together. Keep an eye on the word "And" at the beginning of verses and see how they connect to each other.
First, John sees a "white" horse. When the Bible mentions a horse or horses, it means horses used for war. Nowhere in the Bible is it mentioned about the horses used for pleasure. When the Bible refers to horses, it refers to war-like operations. When John saw this "white" horse, it indicated to him that this is a war-like horse, and a war was about to take place.
The first thing that the Bible tells us about this war horse is that it is "white". "White" is to represent purity. However, the rider of this horse is not pure. He is an imposter. He is trying to imitate Christ. He is a deceiver. 1 John 2:18 states that "...it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come..."
The "First Seal" being opened marks the beginning of the Tribulation Period. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 says: "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin (antichrist) be revealed, the son of perdition; 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." 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 continues talking about the Antichrist. "Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness ..." Don't let the "white" horse deceive you.
Next we read that the Antichrist, the rider, has a bow. A bow was one of the most extensively used weapons of war in the Bible times. Psalm 18:34 even mentions a bow made of steel. Bowmen of war were expert in handling the bow. The Antichrist is expert in handling his bow. Notice that no arrows are mentioned here. This Antichrist is not going to use arrows. He is not going to use force. He will be using the bow only. This indicates "peace talks". This Antichrist will devise diplomatic negotiations. He will implement so called 'peace treaties'. He will be exceptionally talented at using his 'peace' weapon.
This verse also tells us that "a crown was given unto him". A crown shows authority. Only God can give authority. Romans 13:1 says that "there is no power but of God". Psalm 75:7 tells us that "God is the Judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another." God will allow the Antichrist to come on the scene. God is going to allow the Antichrist to deceive the world into believing that he (the Antichrist) has everything under control. After God grants the Antichrist this power, the Antichrist goes out into the world "to conquer". God gave us an example of Himself giving authority to Satan in Job, chapter 1.
In the Book of Job:
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JOB:
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1:6 Satan presents himself to God.
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1:12 God gives permission to Satan to harm anything of Job's. However, God restricts Satan on what he can do and what he cannot do.
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2.1 Satan presents himself to God again because everything Satan tried to do to Job failed.
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2:6 God gives permission to Satan to harm Job physically but not unto death.
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In the end, God prevailed. Likewise, in the End Time, God will prevail again. The destruction of the Antichrist is even foretold in later in Revelation that we will be studying soon. This verse that we are studying right now, the Antichrist will use the "white horse" (peace methods) to conquer and will continue to conquer until Christ puts an end to him. The Antichrist will try using several 'peace methods' as often as he can to accomplish his destruction. Matthew 24:5 says: "For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many." Most of the world will be deceived by the Antichrist. He shall deceive many people.
This is the First Seal. The Second Seal will be opened in the next verse ...
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VERSE 3: (Chapter 6)
The SECOND SEAL
PEACE TAKEN from the EARTH
"And when He had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say,
Come and see."
This verse verifies that the "Lamb of God" will be the only One able to open the seals. Like the first beast, the "SECOND" beast beckons John to come where he is and witness the "Second Seal" open. Remember the description that God gave us of these four beasts? Revelation 4:8 revealed to us what they looked like. Each beast had six wings and eyes all over them. They don't rest at all.
The "SECOND" beast calls out to John to come and observe what is going to happen. John pens it down for us so we know what is going to happen to those on the earth during the opening of the seals. God does not hide this from us. It is right here in black and white in His Word. Let's see this "Second Seal" revealed ...
VERSE 4: (Chapter 6)
​The RED HORSE
"And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword."
Next, we see a "red" horse. Keep in mind that these are war horses. This horse is "red" because it symbolizes blood. The rider, the Antichrist, will try to use his power to take peace from the earth. The previous horse, the "white" one, will make false peace with all the nations of the earth. After his 'peace treaties' are made law, he will start enforcing them. These laws will take peace from the earth. People will "kill one another". There will be riots, stealing, murders, and civil wars. It will be an extremely bloody time because "there was given unto him a GREAT sword."
This will be a very bloody time. The Lord says: "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom..." (Matthew 24:7a).
There are five more seals to go.
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VERSE 5: (Chapter 6)
​The THIRD SEAL
The BLACK HORSE
"And when He had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see.
And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand."
When Jesus opens the "Third Seal", the "THIRD" beast tells John to: "Come and see". Did the Lord ever rebuke any of the beasts for saying "Come and see"? No! The Lord wants all of us to "Come and see". God wants us to see, that is why He gave us His Bible...that is why He wrote Revelation for us. We need to ask God, like David did in Psalm 119:18, to "Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." God will open any of our eyes if we would just ask Him. It's a promise He made to all of us (James 1:5). And just like the four beasts wanted John to "Come and see", Christ really wants us to "Come and see", and learn, and know about the End Times!
When the Lord opens the "Third Seal", He reveals a "black" horse. The color "black" has always stood for death and sadness. We wear black at funerals. This "black" horse will also bring death. Unlike the "red" horse, which brings death by wars, the "black" horse brings death by famines. Many, many people will be starving to death. In Mark 13:8, Jesus says that: "...there shall be famines and troubles...".
The "black" horse has "a pair of balances in his hand". Balances are scales. Before there was coinage, people used silver and gold pieces. Balances were of utmost importance in weighing the silver or gold. During the Tribulation, food will be weighed. Food will be very expensive and even rationed out. The Antichrist may use starvation as a tool to control the world.
VERSE 6: (Chapter 6) ​
FAMINE
"And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine."
Our God is all-knowing. Not only does God remember the past, He holds every day in the present, and He knows the future. God Almighty also knows exactly what everything is going to cost during this time of famine! God tells us what things are going to cost during the Tribulation Period, right down to the very penny! He says right here in this verse: "A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny". A measure equals about a quart. Back in the Bible times, people worked a whole day for a 'penny'. Matthew 20:2 shows this fact: "And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard." God is telling us here that people will have to work a whole day for a measure of wheat. In other words, people will work eight hours to buy a loaf of bread. A loaf of bread will cost one day of wages. If someone is making $10 an hour and works eight hours a day, then bread would cost around $80 a loaf. Barley will be a little cheaper. People will be able to get three quarts of barley for $80, that is, if the average wage is $10. If the average wage is more, the cost of food will be more. People will not be able to buy food. People will be dying of starvation. People will be breaking into stores and houses to find food to feed their little ones and themselves. It will be dark, black days of starvation.
$20 for 2 slices of bread ?!
Even during the Tribulation Period, God is still gracious. He gives commands "hurt NOT the oil and the wine". God will always have control over the Antichrist and any harm he will try. Satan may be allowed to dimmish wheat and barley, but only on God's terms. Satan knows, even now, that he will not be allowed to touch the oil or the wine. Oil has always been a very lucrative business, even in biblical times. Oil holders are very wealthy. During this time, the rich may be getting richer and the poor getting poorer.
​Wine was used in the bible for medicinal purposes in 1 Timothy 5:23: "... use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities." Many medicines have alcohol in them. God may be letting the wine be available to help people physically through this horrible time on earth. Proverbs 31:6 says to: "Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts." People have died since Adam and Eve. During the Tribulation Period, it is going to be even more traumatic and people on the earth will be very heavy hearted.
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VERSE 7: (Chapter 6)
​The FOURTH SEAL
DEATH
"And when He had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see."
In this scripture, we see the "FOURTH" beast beckoning to John to "Come and see". The number four carries an emphasizing importance on faith. It reminds us of our smallness before God. Let's see in the next verse what this "FOURTH" beast has to show to those on earth and what is about to happen ...
geralt
VERSE 8: (Chapter 6)
​The PALE HORSE
"And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with the sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth."
According to Webster's Dictionary, "pale" means to have color reduced, be feeble, or frail. According to Healthline, paleness can be due to low blood flow. Paleness can also occur due to emotions. Have you ever heard of saying: 'pale as a ghost'? This is where that saying comes from. Paleness can occur when a body reacts strongly to a trigger such as fear, heat exposure, or emotional distress. Anxiety can also cause paleness. Paleness can cause some people to faint. This "pale" horse is going to cause major health problems. Have you ever seen a person on their deathbed? They can look very "pale".
The Antichrist will sit on the "pale" horse of Death. Our verse says: "...and his name that sat on him was Death". The other horses contribute to death, but when the Antichrist sits on the "pale" horse he will bring death. In other words, the "pale" horse is going to do just what this verse says: "...power was given...to kill". This verse even tells us how many he is going to kill. A "fourth part" of the whole earth will die during the Tribulation Period! That is a lot. Every fourth person will die. If there are twelve people in a family, then three of them could die. If a town has 25,000 people, then 6,250 of them may die!
How is this rider, that is named 'Death', controlled by the Antichrist, going to kill a fourth part of the earth? Our verse even tells us how. Remember, Revelation is to reveal, not to conceal. Here are the four ways we are told that the "pale" horse is going to use to kill people: "with the sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth". Notice that the "FOURTH" beast shows John the fourth horse, and the fourth rider. The "pale" horse uses four powers to kill a fourth part of the earth. The number four demonstrates that we need to have faith in God. People desperately need faith in God, especially during the End Times. However, there will be very few people that will have faith. Jesus, Himself, asks the question: "...when the Son of man (Jesus) cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8). When the Lord comes back, will He find faith? Most people will just 'go with the flow'.
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God also makes it very clear that we know what the four weapons are that the antichrist is going to use during this time. We understand what the sword means. It represents war and bloodshed even against each other. We understand hunger. We know that food is going to become scarce ... extremely scarce. People will die from lack of food. Third, is with death. This could be natural death or death due to the circumstances. The fourth weapon is 'with the beasts of the earth". We are seeing this more and more everyday as we near the End Times. Yesterday on the news, there were two young men attacked by a mountain lion on a normal hiking trail. One man was killed and the other man suffered severe injuries. There are increasing accounts of alligators killing people in Florida and other such like areas. One man died from a snake bite. The list of animals becoming more vicious grows worse as we near the Rapture. Soon we will be taken out of here if we have accepted Christ as our Saviour. Everyone else will be left behind to experience even more frequent, severe attacks from the 'beasts of the earth'.
We are also told in this verse who follows "Death", "...and Hell followed with him". During this time of the "Pale" horse, most of the people who die will be taken directly to 'Hell'. Hell follows Death. Jesus preached more on Hell than He did on Heaven. He wants to warn us that this is a very serious matter. Many people don't want to believe that Hell is real. This belief interferes with people being saved and going to Heaven. The Lord does not want anyone to go to Hell. The Lord knows that Hell is indeed a very real place. This is why He warns us about it all through the Bible. There is a particular incident that Jesus talks about in Luke 16. Please note that this is not a parable. This was a very real event. Proper names were never used in parables. This is a real account that Jesus knew, and He wanted to share it with us so we can warn others. If there wasn't a real Hell, then we wouldn't have anything to be warned about. But Jesus warns us about Hell all through His Word. When you truly love someone, you warn them because you don't want them or anyone to spend eternity in Hell. Here is the true account told by Jesus in Luke 16:19-21. This is a long passage, but worth it. The words are written in red because they are the Jesus' own words:
Luke 16:19-31 Jesus says:"There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreoveer the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets (the scriptures); let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he (Abraham) said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets (the scriptures), neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead."
This account that Jesus gives us here in Luke 16 tells us many things. First, it verifies that Hell is very real. It also shows us that people can see, feel, and reason mentally in Hell. People in Hell can also be very concerned about their loved ones who have not died yet. We are also told that people from Hell cannot get out of Hell, nor go to Heaven. People with the Lord cannot go and help those in Hell. But most importantly, the Lord says twice in this passage that people need to hear Moses and the prophets. That means the Bible. The Bible was not complete during this time period, but they did have the laws of Moses and the prophets ... the Old Testament scriptures. People had the Old Testament which tells of Christ, Heaven, and Hell. Today we have the completed, wonderful Word of God. People need to read and study it. People need to be saved. They need to accept Christ as their own personal Saviour.
Saved people should tell others how to be saved and warn them of Hell. God does not send anyone to Hell. God gives everyone the choice to make. People have their own responsibility to accept the Lord as their Saviour and have their sins forgiven. People have the choice of not accepting Christ. Whoever does not choose to accept Jesus as their Saviour, then they have chosen Hell. There is nothing anyone can do about it after they die. It is definitely too late. This "pale" horse with "Death" following is not to be taken lightly.
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VERSE 9: (Chapter 6)
​​The FIFTH SEAL
The MARTYRED
"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:"
The four heavenly "Beasts" have finished calling John to "Come and see". John now sees Jesus opening the "Fifth Seal". When Jesus opens the "Fifth Seal", the scene changes. We are now reading about what is happening in Heaven. Before, we were seeing what was happening on the earth. The Lord will open the "Fifth Seal" to show John what will take place in Heaven during the Tribulation Period.
The first thing that John sees, as Jesus opens the "Fifth Seal", is an altar. An altar is a place of sacrifice and is usually made of stone. Jesus is the Rock of our salvation. Psalm 62:6 says: "He only is my Rock and my Salvation:" Jesus was the Sacrifice that laid upon the altar. He is the "Lamb of God" that shed His blood for the sin of the world. John 1:29 says: "...Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."
John can see "under the altar" of God. John sees the souls of certain saved people "under the altar". These are special people that John sees. These are people who were martyred for believing in Christ. They believed the Bible. They had the reputation and testimony of being a Christian, and they were killed for it. These people were not afraid to stand up and say they were Christians. They gave their life for their Lord. They are martyrs. God has this special place and a special crown for martyrs. These martyrs are in one of the closest places to God. They are right "under the altar". They are right under Christ. The closest possible place to be near Christ. These martyrs shed their blood for their Saviour, following in His footsteps. "... And they loved not their lives unto the death" (Revelation 12:11).
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Before we move on, please take note that John "...saw under the altar the souls of them..." John saw these people. They have a spiritual body. They are not invisible nor a ghost. They are recognizable. John knew they were martyrs. John could see this. Jesus did not have to explain to John who these people were. John saw and recognized them. I had the privilege of being a Hospice volunteer for over eight years. I remember one gentleman, who was on his death bed, asked me a question. He wanted to know how he would recognize his wife when he went to heaven. He was a Christian man. Some people think we will not be able to recognize others when we go to Heaven. However, we will definitely be able to recognize people in Heaven. We will recognize our loved ones. Remember the story of Lazarus in the previous verse? You can see from Luke 16:19-31 that the rich man recognized Lazarus and Abraham.
The Lord tells us in many passages throughout the Bible that people will definitely recognize each other. Mary Magdalene recognized Jesus after He rose from the grave and was in His glorified body. The twelve disciples ate with Jesus after He had risen from the dead. Our heavenly bodies will dine with Jesus at the table for "Marriage Supper of the Lamb" in Heaven (Revelation 19:9). Jesus was with over 500 men in 1 Corinthians 15:6. after He rose from the grave. All 500 men recognized Jesus. We will definitely know each other in Heaven, too.
When we die, God will give us an immortal body. I Corinthians 15:44 tells us that there is a "natural" body, our flesh and bones, and a "spiritual" body. In the same chapter (15) of 1 Corinthians, verse 50, tells us that our flesh cannot go to heaven. This is because our flesh decays. Just like God gives a caterpillar a new body when it comes out of its cocoon, He gives us a new body when we come out of our flesh. The Bible says we will have a body that will never die; it will be immortal. 1 Corinthians 15:53 states: "For this corruptible (that's our flesh) must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality." Our bodies will be changed into one that will never die. We will have the same features. We will live forever in our new recognizable bodies.
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VERSE 10: (Chapter 6)
​​MARTYRS ASK a QUESTION ???
"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?"
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Not only did John see "under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God", but he also heard them. These martyrs were asking a question to Jesus with a "loud voice". These martyrs were not quiet about this. They "cried with a loud voice". All of Heaven will hear them. This question is so important to them that they cry cry a "loud voice". I have heard some preachers say that we are not to ask God questions. Those preachers are in error because Jesus said, "Ask..." (Matthew 7:7). While Jesus walked this earth, He encouraged people to "Ask". There are many examples, innumerable, all through the Old Testament, that document people asking God questions. In the New Testament, Jesus encourages us to ask questions. It is a very good thing to ask God questions. We learn this way. Besides, if we don't ask, then He won't answer. God loves answering our prayers. Jesus said in Matthew 7:7: "Ask, and it shall be given you". Jesus also said in Matthew 21:22: "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive".
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The martyrs, in our verse, are asking God "How long ... dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?" In other words, these martyrs were asking how much longer they have to wait. Wait for what? Wait for God to "judge and avenge" those people who had killed them. The martyrs already knew that God was going to avenge them. They had confidence in God. They did not ask God, "Are You going to avenge our blood?" The martyrs asked 'when'... "how long". They asked how much longer did they have to wait. God is the punisher of sin. God clearly says in Romans 12:19: "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." These martyrs were waiting on God to perform His vengeance on the earth.
VERSE 11: (Chapter 6)
​GOD ANSWERS the MARTYRS​
"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."
First in this verse, we see the Lord comforting these martyrs. He clothes them in "white robes". "White robes" symbolize the righteousness of Christ. Just like a sports team wear the same jersey symbolizing their team, saints have the same "white robes" symbolizing that they belong to Christ. In a sports game, only the players wear the jerseys. Spectators do not wear the professional jerseys that belong to the players. In Heaven, all the saints wear "white robes". Those in Hell will never get a "white robe". They will never be given a "white robe".
Jesus tells them that "they should rest" a little longer. These martyrs will sense the End Times upon the earth. They will be getting anxious because they will know that it will soon be time for the Lord to set up His Kingdom on earth. You can see in this verse that God does not hide these things. He wants us to know just like He wants these martyrs to know that "...their fellowservants also and their brethren, ... should be killed as they were". God is informing them that their loved ones and other Christians on the earth were going to be killed like they were killed. God doesn't sugar-coat stuff. He tells it straight forward. He tells these martyrs that their loved ones and many others will be murdered ... martyred.
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VERSE 12: (Chapter 6)
​The SIXTH SEAL
GIANT EARTHQUAKE
"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;"
John is watching Jesus as Jesus opens the Sixth Seal. John witnesses a "great earthquake". So far, according to Wikipedia, the largest earthquake our earth has experienced was in Valdivia, Chili, which registered 9.4 magnitude. Port-au-Prince records show that over 316,000 people died in an earthquake in 2010 there. The earthquake that John is witnessing will be much greater than any earthquake we have ever known.
When this "Sixth Seal" is opened, not only will there be a great earthquake, but "the sun will become black as sackcloth of hair". We understand what it means for the sun to become black. There will be no heat from the sun and it will be extremely dark out. What does "black as sackcloth of hair" mean? The 1922 edition of 'The System Bible Study' dictionary explains sackcloth. It states that sackcloth is a coarse, dark fabric made of goats' hair. It goes hand in hand with ashes and was worn as a sign of extreme grief. In Genesis 37:34, Jacob put on sackcloth and mourned the death of his son for many days. Not only is it going to be cold and dark outside, but people will be in an extreme state of grief and mourning.
The moon will become "as blood". The moon will not become blood but "as" blood. In other words, the moon will look very red. People may think of death when they see the blood-red moon. Perhaps the red moon will remind the earth of Jesus' death on the cross for them. Even in the darkest of times, Christ shines His salvation. Hopefully, this blood-red moon will help people to recall that Jesus died for their sins and that they can be saved if they would only ask Christ to forgive them and come into their hearts. If people would only pray and ask the Saviour to cover their black sins with His red blood, He would. That's why He died for all who will call upon Him.
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved".
Romans 10:13
VERSE 13: (Chapter 6)
​STARS FALL to the EARTH
"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."
Some of us have already witnessed falling stars. During the Tribulation Period, there will be numerous stars falling to the earth. The word "unto" just means 'to'. The speed of a star coming into earth's atmosphere can be about 30,000 mph. It's temperature can reach around 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. These stars, that will be falling from the sky, are described as a fig tree casting its figs during a "mighty wind". During a tornado, or any other severe windstorm, most all of the figs will be blown off of a fig tree. So likewise, the majority of all the stars will fall from heaven to the earth. Very few, if any, will be left in the sky.
Try to picture this scene in your mind. Billions of stars or meteors are falling out of the sky. They are heading toward the earth at around 30,000 mph and at 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. During the Great Tribulation Period, most of these meteors will hit the earth. In 2013 a meteorite around 62 feet wide hit Chelyabinsk, Russia. It injured over 1,000 people. There was devasting shockwaves. In South Africa, near a little town called Vredefort, a meteor caused a crater about 180 MILES wide. Meteors not only create craters and cause earthquakes, but they also produce tsunamis and fissures in the earth's crust which can release magma. During the Great Tribulation, rivers will be burned up, cities will be destroyed, and utter destruction will be everywhere. Thousands of people, at the minimum, will be killed during this one event of the Tribulation Period. People will not have time to think about accepting the Lord as their Saviour because this judgment will come upon them very quickly.
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VERSE 14: (Chapter 6)
​The HEAVEN is ROLLED UP
MOUNTAINS and ISLANDS MOVE​
"And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places."
First we see that "the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together".
People will NOT see a 'scroll'. They will see "heaven" being rolled together like "a scroll".
The clouds, stars, and planets will all be moved. "Every mountain and island" will be moved out of the way like a scroll being rolled together. They will all be moved out of the sky.
God has been verifying all through His Word, especially in Revelation, that it is His will to REVEAL Himself to us. In the next few verses we are going to read how God reveals Himself again and the responses of the people who are alive on the earth.
VERSE 15: (Chapter 6)
PEOPLE will HIDE
"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;"
Everyone on the earth during this time are going to see the sky roll together like a scroll. Instead of coming to Christ, these people will run and try to hide themselves. Look at the descriptions of these people. They are "kings, great men" (perhaps presidents, governors, or rulers), "chief captains" (military personnel), "mighty men" (powerful), "bondman" (people in debt), and "free" people (carefree with no worries). Seems like most of these people listed may be only interested in getting rich or having power. This verse doesn't list the poor or the needy. It doesn't list the homeless or the abused. Maybe they may be the ones who will turn to Christ.
Instead of being in their nice homes, these people will be trying to hide in dens, in caves, or on a mountain. It is sad that these wealthy, intelligent, and strong people will be trying to hide themselves in rocks. Maybe they will finally realize that money and things of this earth are very temporary and do nothing to help their spiritual need.
Jesus instructs us in Matthew 6:19-21: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is there will your heart be also."
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VERSE 16: (Chapter 6)
​PEOPLE TALK to the ROCKS
"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:"
This verse tells us what these "kings, great men, rich men, chief captains, mighty men, bondmen, and free" men will be saying. These people will be talking to the "mountains and rocks"! They are desperate. These people will be begging the "mountains and rocks" to "fall" on them. Instead of talking to the mountains and rocks around them, they should be calling out to the Rock of our Salvation, God Himself. Psalm 18:2 says: "The LORD is my Rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer". Instead of running to God, they will be trying to hide.
Why will these people be trying to hide under "rocks" and in "the mountains"? Because when the heaven is "rolled together as a scroll", it will reveal God Almighty. They will see that Heaven is real. They will see God the Father sitting on His throne. They will also see Jesus, the "Lamb of God." They will also know that the Lamb is very angry. These people will want to hide from "the wrath of the Lamb" (Jesus). Hebrews 10:31 warns us: "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." The Lamb of God, which is Jesus, is angry. He is very angry will all the evil on the earth. He is very angry that His children are being murdered. Most of all He is very angry because these people will be refusing to accept Him as their Saviour. They will be refusing to accept His sacrifice. Jesus gave His life on the cross for them. Jesus is called the "Lamb" in this verse. People will see Jesus as the "Lamb". In other words, He will have all the scars of being crucified, and He is very angry. These people will know that He had died for all their sins and that He is very angry with them because they rejected Him.
God has been verifying all through His Word, especially in Revelation, that it is His will to REVEAL Himself to us. God wants us to know Him, and to come to Him. Jesus says in Matthew 11:28: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Jesus asks people to "Come" to Him. Every single person ever born has had, or will have, the opportunity to be saved. The people living on the earth during the Tribulation Period will also have had the opportunity to be saved. However, this will not be the reaction of the unsaved during the Tribulation Period. They are crying to the "rocks and the mountains", not to the "Lamb of God". The Lord is very, very angry. Just look at the next verse!
VERSE 17: (Chapter 6)
​The GREAT DAY of WRATH
"For the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?"
According to Webster's Revised Dictionary, "wrath" is described as "violent anger; indignation; rage". Divine wrath, or Divine anger, is a holy anger against sin. The only thing that can save sinners from God's righteous anger is for sinners to accept Christ' sacrifice for their sin. It is Christ, the "Lamb of God", Who alone can keep the wrath of God off of us. 1 John 1:7b says: "...the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin". When God looks upon those of us who are saved, He sees the blood of His Son. It is the blood of the precious "Lamb of God" that keeps God's wrath off of us. However, the people in our verse will refuse the Gift of God's sacrifice. They will refuse to receive the blood of Jesus to cover their sins. Therefore, the "wrath" of God is upon them.
Romans 1:18 states: "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;" These people will have had an opportunity to be saved, but they will refuse. Perhaps they will be too wrapped up in this world to take the time to ask Christ into their hearts. Perhaps they will be just too hard hearted. Mark 3:5 tells us that Jesus was angered with the people for the hardness of their hearts. Romans 2:5 states: "But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God". When the people, during the Tribulation Period, see God sitting on His throne, they will be very afraid. When they see the "Lamb of God", they will know for certain that the God is extremely angry. They will be terrified! Jeremiah 7:20 says: "Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, mine anger and my fury shall be poured out upon this place..." "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Hebrews 10:31). "For the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?" (Revelation 6:17).
