Revelation Lesson 7

Revelation -- Lesson 7

Breaking the Seals Continued

Rev. 6-8:1

In our last lesson, we saw God the Father, on His throne in heaven, holding the 7 Sealed Scroll. We also saw Jesus, Who had been slain as the sacrificial lamb, the atoning sacrifice for sin. Because of Jesus' sacrificial death, He was the ONLY ONE Who was worthy to take the scroll and to break the seals. Then, we saw Jesus take the scroll and begin to break the seals. As the first 6 of the 7 seals were broken, we observed the various events that occurred, as they were observed and recorded by John.

In this lesson, Lesson 7, we will begin by reviewing and expanding upon some of the things that occurred at the breaking of the first 6 seals. We will look at the breaking of the 7th Seal in more detail in our next lesson.

But first, to get all of these events back into our thinking and in sequence, your assignment is to Read Chapters 6 & 7 and Verse One of Chapter 8. As you read these verses, mark the following words: EARTHQUAKE (put a BROWN circle around the word); BLOOD (put a RED circle around the word); WRATH (put a BLACK circle around the word and color the inside of the circle YELLOW); GREAT MULTITUDE (put a green circle around the words, great multitude). Also, there is another "meta tauta = after this, after these things," at 7:9. Put a RED BOX around that phrase if you haven't already done so.

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

pause while you read Rev 6-8:1 and mark the words

Great, I see that you have finished. Now, again by way of review, in the space below, briefly summarize what happened in each Seal. I will do the first 2 for you to give you an idea of how brief this should be.

Seal 1...White Horse with Rider...rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest

Seal 2...Red Horse & Rider with power to take peace from earth & make men slay each other

Seal 3

Seal 4

Seal 5

Seal 6

Seal 7

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

Super! I see you have finished. Now let's look more closely at the 5th, 6th, and 7th seals. And, we will begin with the 5th Seal.

Where were the martyrs? (6:9) ____________________________________________

Yes, they were in Heaven under the altar of God. This specific location is significant because, in the Old Testament, the blood of the sacrificed animals flowed around and under the altar. So, here, in heaven, we see the martyrs, whose blood had also been spilled at death, under the altar. Hmmmm. Also, since the Bible tells us that blood is the source of life and the soul is the life-part of the individual, then it is appropriate that the martyr's souls are described as being under the altar.

Why were they martyred? What had they 'done?' (6:9:) _________________________

What were the martyrs saying? (6:10) _____________________________________

Yes, they were crying out for justice. They had been killed because they Loved and Obeyed God and had testified to others about God, His goodness, His salvation and etc. It is also interesting to note that in Luke 18:7, Jesus said: "And will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night? Will He keep putting them off? I (Jesus) tell you that they will get justice, and quickly. ..." And, Paul who also experienced sufferings, persecutions, and tribulations, and who would himself one day die as a martyr, said in Colossians 1:24: "Now I (Paul) rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of His body, which is the church."

There are, as you might have guessed, varying opinions concerning who these Martyrs represent. Some say that these martyrs, seen at the 5th Seal, are ALL the people who have ever been martyred for God since the beginning of time, with Abel being the first martyr and with those who are currently being martyred around the world, as members of the Church, still being added to that group. BUT, others say that these are ONLY the people who will be martyred during the 7 years of the "70th Week" of Daniel, the time which is depicted in the book of Revelation. Therefore, no members of the Church and no OT martyrs are in this group.

But, we know that Paul Suffered. And most, if not all, of the Apostles died as martyrs, and many members of the Church died as martyrs during the first century and in the past 2000 years. In fact, it has been reported that more people have been martyred in the 20th century alone than in all the prior centuries combined! This is not being very widely reported in the secular media. But God knows! And we should be praying for our Christian brothers and sisters around the world, because many are undergoing serious trials, persecutions, tribulations, and even martyrdom!

But, is this 'normal?' Are Christians to expect to suffer trials, tribulations, persecutions, and martyrdom?

Well, let's be a Berean and check it out. Let's see what the Bible has to say about suffering, persecutions, tribulation, and Martyrdom, and let's see if there any statements or warnings that there will be martyrs, suffering, or tribulation experienced by the Church in the time of the "Church Age," the age in which we are currently living before the "70th Week of 7 years."

And, let's begin with what we have already read in Revelation.

What did John say in Rev. 1:9 _______________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

What did Jesus say to the

Church of Ephesus (in 2:3) ___________________________________________________

Church of Smyrna (2:10) ____________________________________________________

Church of Pergamum (2:13) __________________________________________________

Church of Philadelphia (3:8 and 3:10) ___________________________________________

Did you notice that not all of the churches were suffering? Yes, you did. And, as you think about those churches (Thyatira, Sardis, and Laodicea) which were not suffering, is there any similarity in what they were doing or NOT doing that might explain this? Yes. What? ______________

Yes, you are correct, they were tolerating things of the world, they were conforming to the ways of the world, they were really not very different from the world. In fact, you could probably not even tell that they were Christians, at least if you looked at their lifestyles, you couldn't. Sure, they might say they believed in Jesus. But, their actions conformed to the ways of the world. Therefore, the world didn't hate them or cause them to suffer. Very interesting. Are YOU suffering for Christ? If not, do you think that maybe one of the reasons might be that you aren't very different from the world? Hmmmmm? Just a thought.

Anyway, suffering was not a foreign thing to many of the churches in the Book of Revelation. And, as we look at some other passages in the Bible, we will find to our amazement or perhaps dismay, that suffering, trials, persecutions, tribulations, and yes, even martyrdom is NOT to be unexpected. I will list a few of the many places where such are recorded. As you read the following passages, underline in RED or BLACK, the comments concerning the various 'sufferings' that believers might expect to experience or to endure. And, if you see any words of encouragement or comfort, underline them in GREEN.

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

SUFFERING for CHRIST !

Acts 5:41-42 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name (of Jesus). Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

Romans 8:17-18 Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us

Hebrews 11:25-26 He (Moses) chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward

James 5:10-11 Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

1 Peter 2:20-21 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.

1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Matthew 5:11-12 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me (Jesus). Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Acts 9:15-16 But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man (Paul) is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for My name."

1 Cor. 4:11-13 To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.

2 Cor 12:9-10 But He (God/Jesus) said to me (Paul), "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Luke 6: 22-23 Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.

Hebrews 10:32-35 Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.

Mark 6:17a For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. ... Mark 6:27-28a ... So he (Herod) immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, and brought back his head on a platter.

Acts 5:18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.

Acts 12:1-4 It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John (yes, this is the same John who wrote the book of Revelation), put to death with the sword. When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.

Acts 16:22-24 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

Acts 26:9-11 "I (Paul) too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. In my obsession against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them.

2 Cor. 11:23b-28 I (Paul) have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.

Ephesians 6:19-20 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Philippians 1:12-14 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard (Or whole palace) and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

2 Timothy 1:8-9a So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, Who has saved us and called us to a holy life

2 Timothy 2:8-9 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained.

Acts 4:3-4 They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.

Acts 5:40b-41 They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

Selected verses from ACTS 6 - 8:3 concerning the Stoning of Stephen:

Acts 6:8:9 Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)--Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, ... 7:2a ... To this he (Stephen) replied: "Brothers and fathers, listen to me! ...7:51-8:3 "You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered Him-- you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but t have not obeyed it." When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul (Paul). While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep. And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.

Hebrews 11:35b-38 Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated -- the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.

Matt. 10:17-23, 28 "Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. On My (Jesus) account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. ... Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One Who can destroy both soul and body in hell."

2 Timothy 3:10-12 You, however, know all about my (Paul) teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings--what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

(Wow! Did you see that !!! Read that last sentence again! And highlight it in Yellow or some vivid color!)

John 15:18-21 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me (Jesus) first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: `No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of My name, for they do not know the One Who sent Me.

John 16:1-4 "All this I (Jesus) have told you so that you will not go astray. They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. They will do such things because they have not known the Father or Me. I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you. I did not tell you this at first because I was with you.

Psalm 1:1-2 O LORD my God, I take refuge in You; save and deliver me from all who pursue me, or they will tear me like a lion and rip me to pieces with no one to rescue me.

Psalm 119:86-87 All Your (God) commands are trustworthy; help me, for men persecute me without cause. They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken Your precepts.

Acts 21:13 Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

1Cor 13:3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Philippians 1:29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for Him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

1 Peter 4:12-19 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

Wow! Those are awesome verses! Suffering is NOT to be unexpected. And, as Paul told Timothy, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted !

In the space below, list some of the persecutions and sufferings that were endured by the Christians who were "living a godly life in Christ Jesus."

Yes, all kinds of terrible things happened to those who Worshiped, Obeyed, and Preached Jesus. Even Martyrdom was NOT an uncommon thing. Countless believers through the centuries have experienced and endured sufferings, tribulations, trials, persecutions, and martyrdom. Those under the throne had also been martyred and were told (in Rev. 6:11) to "wait a little longer until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed." Will any of us be a part of that number? A Godly Christian recently said, "Every believer in Christ ought to be prepared not only for suffering but also for Martyrdom!" Are you prepared? Am I? Hmmmmmmm.

But, you say, what about that verse in I Thessalonians 5:9 that says: "For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath (ORGE) but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Yes, it is true. God did say that. But, notice, He said that we, His people, are not to suffer Wrath (ORGE). Orge is God's wrath, it is the wrath that He is going to pour out on the unrepentant world, on those who refuse to worship Him.

The suffering, persecution, and martyrdom that the believers have been experiencing and enduring through the centuries is NOT the wrath of God. Rather, it is the wrath of the devil and the worldtoward God and Jesus and those who love, serve, worship and obey Them. It is because these things have been done to God's people by the devil and the devil's followers (the world), that the WRATH (ORGE) of God is going to come on the earth. This is what the martys under the throne are crying out for -- so that the evil deeds and their martyr deaths will be avenged! And, that is what we have been promised that we will escape. In I Thess 5:9 we are told that we will escape the Wrath (Orge) of God when He avenges all the evil which has been done in this world. And, escape it we will.

Look at Rev. 6:12-17. Read that passage again. And, notice especially verses 16 and 17. What do you see announced? ________________________________________________ .

Yes, in Rev. 6:16-17, the WRATH (ORGE) of God is feared, proclaimed and announced by

___________________________________________________________________

And, This is the first time in the Book of Revelation that the Wrath of God has been stated to have Come or is about to come! And, This is what the Church is to escape.

When we look at the events in the 6th and 7th Seals, you might just notice that the "Great Escape / The Rapture" occurs, right on schedule and just as God promised. For, even though the "kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains." And even though they said to the mountains and rocks "... hide us from the face of Him Who sits on the throne and from the WRATH (ORGE) of the Lamb! For the great day of Their WRATH (ORGE) has come...", in actuality the Wrath has not yet come! It is about to come! And it is beginning to begin. But, as you know from reading the book of Revelation, they haven't seen anything yet! If they think this is bad! Well, as it was said in the musical, My Fair Lady, "Just you wait, Henry Higgins, just you wait!"

Indeed, these fearsome events in Seal Six might be a one last chance for many people to "reconsider and turn to Christ" before the WRATH (Orge) Begins. Look at what Joel 2:28-32 says and, as you read this passage, which is another prophecy that many people think includes the event of the 6th seal, ask yourself, do some people turn to Jesus and accept His gift of salvation and become saved during the events of the 6th seal?

JOEL 2:28-32 And afterward, I (God) will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood (is this describing the events in the 6th seal???) before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said, among the survivors whom the LORD calls.

These words of the Prophet Joel, which are from the Old Testament, were quoted by Peter In Acts 2:17-21, in his sermon at Pentecost at the time that the Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus to the Church. Peter, in explaining to those who were questioning the amazing events that occurred at the time of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, quoted this passage and prefaced it with the statement, ... "This is what was spoken by the Prophet Joel: In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit ...Therefore, Peter was explaining and proclaiming that THE LAST DAYS had begun! Therefore, the last days began 2000 years ago!

It is also interesting to note that the Passover, at which this event occurred and when Peter gave this explanatory message, was 50 days after the Sabbath of the Passover week when Jesus had been crucified and 10 days after Jesus had ascended to heaven (Jesus ascended 40 days after His resurrection from the grave.) It is now 10 days after Jesus' ascension and Jesus, at this Passover and at the time of this sermon by Peter, has just sent His promised Holy Spirit to indwell and empower them and all believers then and in the future.

Peter explained that, because the Holy Spirit had been sent at this time, this was the beginning of THE LAST DAYS as prophesied by Joel. Therefore, there are those who believe that it was at this time that Jesus in Heaven, in the scene depicted for us in Revelation 5, took the scroll and began to break the seals! And, therefore, the First Seal was the releasing of the spirit of the Antichrist. Indeed, John, (yes, the same John who wrote the book of Revelation) seems to confirm this when he said in I John 4: 1-4 "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God. Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. THIS IS THE SPIRIT OF THE ANTICHRIST, WHICH YOU HAVE HEARD IS COMING AND EVEN NOW IS ALREADY IN THE WORLD. You, dear children are from God and have overcome them, because the One Who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."

Hmmmmmm.

Well, in the Fifth seal, we saw the martyrs under the altar. And, since the Last Days DID begin at that Pentecost time when Peter said that the Last Days had come. Then, IF Jesus began to break the seals at that time, then, hmmmm, perhaps those martyrs under the altar in the 5th seal are members of the Church. Hmmmm. What IF Jesus only broke 5 seals at the time of that Pentecost described in Acts 2? And, what IF we are now 'holding at the 5th seal?'.... while those martyrs are "waiting a little longer until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed." before God begins to send His WRATH and avenge their deaths and all the other evil deeds that have occurred on earth since time began. And, what IF the NEXT event on God's time table, which has NOT yet occurred, but which is NEXT, is the 6th Seal! Hmmmmm.

Well, IF that is a possibility, let's review what happens at the breaking of the 6th Seal. Several things happen VERY RAPIDLY, probably in the space of only a few minutes. List them below (and, since we have already talked about 'thing one', I will list it for you.)

1. (6:12-17) GREAT EARTHQUAKE, sun turned black like sackcloth... moon turned blood red, stars fall to earth ... sky receded like a scroll ... every mountain and island was removed (literally = moved, set in motion, etc), kings of earth, etc. say: " .... the WRATH (ORGE) of the Lamb ... the great day of Their WRATH (ORGE) has come ... "

2. (7:1-3) ______________________________________________________

3. (7:4-8) ______________________________________________________

4. (7:9-17) _____________________________________________________

And then, IMMEDIATELY after the events in the 6th seal, the 7th seal is broken (8:1). What happens? (8:1) ___________________________________________________

Where is the silence? ______________________________________________

And then in Chapter 8, the Golden Censer is thrown down and, among other things, there is another EARTHQUAKE (hmmmm, these seem to be some kind of a major Marker thing! Hmmm). And, then the Blowing of the Trumpets begins. And with the Blowing of the trumpets..... "Henry Higgins" stops waiting and starts EXPERIENCING WRATH! You want to see Wrath, REAL WRATH (OGRE). Just look at the Trumpets and the Bowls (Vials)!!! Now THAT is WRATH! These Seals were just "Birth Pangs and have been going on for almost 2000 years." (And it was during all that time that the spirit of the Antichrist and his followers persecuted the Christians just because they were Christians and took peace from the earth and caused famines and wars and death and .....) But, now it is time for the Birth. And all you mothers out there (and all you guys who have passed kidney stones) KNOW what happens AFTER the Birth Pangs! The Birth! WOW.

But, we will talk about the Trumpets and the Bowls in later lessons. Now, let's return to the events in the 6th and 7th seals. Let's see if God keeps His promise (and you know He will, for God ALWAYS keeps His promises) in I Thess 5: 9 that we (the Church) are not appointed to suffer WRATH (Orge), which is feared to have begun at the 6th Seal but really begins with the Golden Censer and the Blowing of the First Trumpet.

so..... 6th Seal !

1. Earthquake, horrible events (and they sure sound like the events that were also described in that Joel passage, don't they? Yes), and it seems that the WRATH (ORGE) of God is about to begin.

2. 4 angels hold back the winds while another angel comes up and

3. The 144,000 Jews are Sealed on their foreheads, identifying them as servants of God the Father. Then,

4. IMMEDIATELY John sees in Heaven A GREAT MULTITUDE THAT NO ONE COULD COUNT FROM EVERY NATION, TRIBE, PEOPLE AND LANGUAGE. They are standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.

Two questions are buzzing in your head. So let's examine them, though not necessarily in the order in which you are MOST interested. So you will just have to wait a while longer (like the Martyrs under the throne) while we think about the 144K. (K, you know, is shorthand for thousand, so instead of writing 144,000, I will often refer to them as the 144K if that is ok with you. Thanks).

Who are the 144K? (hint, read 7:4) Then, circle your answer from the 3 major views held today.

1. the 144K Jehovah's Witnesses who will be saved
2. A symbolic large number of Christians who will go through the final 7 years
3. They are 144,000 Jews from the 12 Tribes of Israel (12,000 from each tribe)

Explain your answer:

Hmmmm. You mean the Bible really means what it says? Imagine that. So, yes, Answer 3 is correct.

And, this is not the first time that God has called out a group for sealing and protection. Look at this passage in Ezekiel 9. (If you have time, you really should read the entire context of this passage which is Ezekiel Chapters 8-11. It is the sad, tragic, and awesome story of the Glory of God departing from the Temple! It is must reading!) But, for now, let's just look at the part which may give us confirmation that God is again calling out a group of His Chosen people, the Jews, and will protect them during the time of His WRATH (OGRE) by sealing them. In Ezekiel, God did a similar thing before bringing Judgment on Israel and its idolatrous leaders and people. Hmmmmm.

As you read this passage, underline in Blue or purple WHY this group was chosen to receive the mark of protection..

Ezekiel 9:3 b-6 Then the LORD called to the man clothed in linen who had the writing kit at his side and said to him, "Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done in it." As I (Ezekiel) listened, He said to the others, "Follow him through the city and kill, without showing pity or compassion. Slaughter old men, young men and maidens, women and children, but do not touch anyone who has the mark. Begin at My sanctuary." So they began with the elders who were in front of the temple. ....

You really MUST read this entire passage. It will add sooooo much to your understanding of the 144K and why they are sealed and what they will do during the 7 years. But, alas we do not have the time in this SHORT lesson. So, please, read Ezekiel 8-11 sometime this week!

Now, the long awaited Question! Who is this GREAT MULTITUDE in 7:9-17? Before we answer that, your next assignment is to read those verses again, and, as you read, put a GREEN circle around the words, GREAT MULTITUDE.(Yes, you already did this in the first assignment, but check to be sure you did. Now, as you read, also circle, in green, every word used in place of that phrase (they, their, our, these, who, them, etc.)

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

pause while you read Rev. 7:9-17 and circle your words

Great! I see you have finished. Very interesting description of this group. Does it sound like anyone you know? Does it sound like you? Don't answer that question yet. But, let's put on our BEREAN hats for a few minutes and check something out. You'll recall that in Rev. Chapters 2 and 3, Jesus gave some promises to Overcomers. Let's see if perchance these people received any of these promises. So, in the following chart, I will list the promises. And you see if you can find any place in Rev 7:9-17 where these were fulfilled. I will do the first two for you as an example.

PROMISES TO THE OVERCOMERS (in the Churches)

Ephesus

.....2:7 eat from the tree of life...........7:16 never hunger again

Smyrna

.....2:11.not hurt by 2nd death...........7:10 cry out 'salvation belongs to our God ...on throne

Pergamum

.....2:17 given hidden manna.....................................7:16

.....2:17 white stone with new name

Thyatira

.....2:27 authority to rule over the nations...................5:10 & 7:15

.....2:28 given the Morning Star.................................7:15 & 7:17

Sardis

.....3:5 will walk with Jesus dressed in white............. 7:9 & 7:17

.....3:5 name not blotted out of book of Life..............7:9

.....3:5 name will be acknowledged by Jesus

....................................... (Note: Palm Branches are a sign of victory)

Philadelphia

.....3:10 be kept from hour of trial.............................7:14

.....3:12 a pillar in temple of God..............................7:15

.....3:12.never again will leave temple of God............7:15

.....3:12 Name of God written on them

.....3:12 Name of New Jerusalem written on them

.....3:12 Name of Jesus written on them

Laodicea

.....3:21 Sit with Jesus on His throne.........................5:10 & 7:15

.....3:20 Will eat with Jesus.......................................7:17 & 7:16

.....3:18 white clothes to wear...................................7:9 & 7:14

It is interesting to note that some of these items are blank. Perhaps this is because some of these promises are special rewards which are obtained at the Bema Judgment Seat. Since this group has just appeared in heaven and has NOT yet been to the Bema, they do not yet have their Rewards from that Judgment. More about the Bema in Lesson 8.

Also, in 5:9-10, the 4 LC's and 24E's said: "You (Jesus) are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from

____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________ and have

made them to be a ____________________________________________ to serve our

God and they will _________________________________________________ .

Hmmmmmm. So, Who ARE these people? _____________________________

But, Wait! Don't answer that question yet! I know you probably have an 'opinion' about this, but before you fully decide, let's be Berean's and check this out some more before we decide.

And, before you decide, you need to know that, of course, there is another giant WWIII Controversy concerning the identification of this Great Multitude! Yes, there are many people who believe that this Great Multitude is the Church which has just been raptured into heaven, only minutes or perhaps seconds after the opening of the 6th seal and immediately after the sealing of the 144K (which probably also only took seconds to accomplish). Therefore, this group, the Church, has not yet been to the Bema Judgment.

BUT, there are other wonderful Godly people who think this group is not the Church, but is a 'flash forward' picture of all the people who will be saved during the 7 years (during the Trumpets and Bowls) even though we see them at the time of the 6th seal.

However, you have read the book of Revelation. And I ask you. ? Did you see some big time revival going on during the Trumpet and Bowl judgments? I didn't. Yes, it is true, some people do repent. For example, see 11:13 and 13:15. But, more often you see repeated phrases such as (write them here):

9:20-21 ___________________________________________________________

16:9 ______________________________________________________________

16:11 _____________________________________________________________

16:21 _____________________________________________________________

Ok, Ok. I hear you say, "but what about Rev. 7:14 where John is told that 'These are they who have come out of (EK) the great TRIBULATION (THILIPSIS).

Well, first of all notice that this is THLIPSIS and not ORGE. Hmmm. And, we do know that the church has had a LOT of tribulation, suffering, persecution and martyrdom. Could that be the THLIPSIS out of which they have come?

And, by the way, THLIPSIS #2347, is used approximately 43 times in the NT, although it is not always translated as Tribulation. Sometimes it is called 'affliction, trouble, hardships' etc. And, yes, of course, many of the times where the word, THLIPSIS, is used, it IS referring to the events in the final 7 years. However, some of the other places where this word is used are: (As you read these verses, underline or circle, in RED, the sufferings or whatever it is that Thlipsis (2346, 2347) is describing or referencing.)

(THLIPSIS (#2347) SUFFERING by the CHURCH

John 16:33 "In this world you will have much trouble (2347,tribulation,) but take heart, I (Jesus) have overcome the world."

Acts 14:22b "...we must go through many hardships (2347) to enter the Kingdom of God...."

Romans 5:3-5 Not only so, but we (Or let us} also rejoice in our sufferings (2347), because we know that suffering (2347) produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.

Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble (2347) or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

Romans 12:12-14 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction(2347), faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

2 Co. 1:4 ...Who comforts us in all our troubles (2347), so that we can comfort those in any trouble (2347) with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

2 Co. 7:4 I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles (2347) my joy knows no bounds. For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn--conflicts on the outside, fears within ...

1 Thess 3:4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted (2346). And it turned out that way, as you well know.

1 Thess 1:4-6 ... because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering (2347), you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

2 Thes 1:4 Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials (2347) you are enduring.

2 Thes 1:6-8 God is just: He will pay back trouble (2347) to those who trouble (2347) you and give relief to you who are troubled (2346), and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus

Ephes 3:13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings (2347) for you, which are your glory.

Rev. 1:9 I, John, your brother and companion in the SUFFERING (THLIPSIS) and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

Rev. 2:9 I (Jesus) know your AFFLICTIONS (THLIPSIS) and your poverty -- yet you are rich! ...

Rev 2:10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer (pascho #3958). I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you and you will SUFFER PERSECUTION (THLIBO # 2346, the verb of THLIPSIS) for ten days. Be faithful even to the point of death.

Rev. 2:22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her SUFFER (THLIPSIS) intensely (megas 3173), unless they repent of her ways.

Hmmmmmmm.

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

Also, in Rev. 7:14, John is told that "These are they who have come OUT OF (EK #1357) the great tribulation (thlipsis)." The Greek word EK is important. Most of those who believe that the group in 7:9 does not represent the Church base much of their argument on this preposition, EK. They say that since the Great Multitude came OUT OF the great tribulation, they must have been IN it and since God said that the Church was not appointed to suffer wrath (ORGE), the Church would not be IN the wrath so couldn't come out of (EK) it. Therefore, they conclude, that this can't be the Church.

Well, let's be Bereans again and examine this preposition, EK. First of all, what does EK (1537) mean? Well, According to the UBS GNT Dictionary, EK (1537) is translated EX before vowels and is a preposition used with the genitive to mean "from, out from, away from." It can also mean "by, by means of , by reason of, because; for; on, at; of"

And Vines defines EK as "a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; ) ...

The NASB Concordance defines EK as "a primary preposition denoting origin; from, from out of: "and translates it in the text as the NASB as "after (1 time), against (1), among (18), as a result of (4), based on... (5), because of (9), belonged (1), by means of (1), by reason of (1), by way of (1), depends on (1),depends upon (1), derived from (1), greatly (1), grudgingly (1), heavenly (1), inspired (1), on account of (1), on the basis of (2), say (1), since (1), some of (3), through (1), under (1), without (1).

Hmmmm. This is not looking very simple. This may not be the "open-shut" case this has been made out to be. Oh well, let's continue on with our Berean 'investigation.' by looking at some other places where EK (1537) is used in the NT and see if those other places shed any insight into this what EK might be meaning, implying, or indicating.

A few more EK's (1537)

1 Cor 9:19 NIV Though I am free and belong to (EK) no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.

1 Cor 9:19 KJV For though I be free from <1537> all [men], yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

2 Cor 1:8-10 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships (2347) we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from (EK) such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us,

2 Cor 6:17 17 "Therefore come out from (EK) them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you."

2 Peter 2:9 if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from (EK) trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.

1 Thess 2:6 We were not looking for praise from (EK) men, not from you or anyone else.

2 Thess 2:7-8 NIV For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of (EK) the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.

And, as we mentioned before, it is also very interesting to note, as we mentioned earlier, that the preposition, EK, is used repeatedly in the passage referring to the 144K. Hmmmm

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

Well, we could go on. There is so much in God's Word that is significant to this study. But, again time flies and we must bring this lesson to a close. In the next lesson, we will look at the 7th Seal.

But, for now, let's reflect upon what we have read and studied this week. And, perhaps the best way to end is to summarize what we have learned. So, let me ask you, and knowing that this IS a controversial area, know that your answers will not be condemned or criticized. After all, IF all these things were easily understood, there would not be all these major WWIII Conflicts over so many of these subjects. BUT, to the best of your understanding, and based on what you have read and studied,

? Who are the Martyrs under the throne? ____________________________________

? Who are the 144K? And Why are they sealed? ______________________________

? Who is the Great Multitude that appears in Heaven ? _________________________

? What difference does it make IF the church IS the group seen in heaven at 7:9

OR if this group represents ONLY the people who are saved during the final 7 years?

_________________________________________________________________

If this group in 7:9 IS the church, did God keep His promise in 1 Thess 5:9 "For God did not appoint us (the church) to suffer wrath (ORGE) but to receive Salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.".................YES.............NO

Explain your answer: ______________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

? Does the / Will the Church experience severe persecutions, trials, tribulations, and yes, even martyrdom even today?.....................YES.......................NO

? WHY? _____________________________________________________

? Will God one day AVENGE all these persecutions, sufferings, pains, rejections, martyrdoms, etc. of His people or will these go unpunished?

Explain your answer: ____________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Are you personally experiencing any trials, persecutions, sufferings, hardships, beatings, rejections, etc. BECAUSE you are taking a stand for Jesus, refusing to deny His name, and are proclaiming His Word and maintaining His testimony?...................YES........................NO

Or... Have you forsaken your first love for Christ? Have you begun to compromise your convictions and your lifestyle? Have you begun to conform to the world? Can the world see that you are different? Or are you so like the world that there is no real difference in the way you live and they way the world lives?

Who or What do you really care about? Who or What are you willing to die for? Would you -- do you -- renounce your faith in Jesus by the way you are living? Or, are you remaining true to His name? Are you willing to be faithful, loyal and obedient to Jesus and to do all of His wishes and commands EVEN if this would mean that you would be persecuted and perhaps even martyred?

If you were put on trial today, would there be enough evidence to CONVICT you as being a Christian, a Bond servant of Jesus, a TRUE believer in Christ?

Spend some time now in prayer. Evaluate your life, beliefs, convictions, and your relationship with Christ! If you need to get anything straightened out, NOW is the time to do it! When the Rapture occurs, it will be too late. Now is the time to get EVERYTHING right with God!

Now is the time to Choose whom you will serve!

Scriptures unless otherwise indicated are taken from the

International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishers.

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

This material is Copyrighted, but you may copy and freely distribute it,

as long as NO fee for profit is charged and it is NOT changed in any way.

This is for the Glory of God and NOT for the financial profit of man.

Bible Studies Net / "Yes Lord" Ministries

P O Box 22397

Chattanooga, TN. 37422

biblestudiesnet (at) yahoo (dot) com

http://BibleStudies.net