The Judgment and the Seven Seals

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INTRODUCTION:

This study reveals that the breaking of the seven seals did not take place as an isolated event, but in the context of the investigative Judgment, which is brought to light in chapters 4 & 5. Therefore, the study of the seven seals is a study of the investigative judgment. It reveals the cases of every generation from Adam up to the crucial events that mark the opening of the Judgment for the living.

Prayer Thought: 9T 267 or TM 116

"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; 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. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. 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; 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: for the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?" Revelation 6:12-17. {9T 267.2}

Those who eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God will bring from the books of Daniel and Revelation truth that is inspired by the Holy Spirit. They will start into action forces that cannot be repressed. The lips of children will be opened to proclaim the mysteries that have been hidden from the minds of men. {TM 116.1}

We are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. Many of the prophecies are about to be fulfilled in quick succession. Every element of power is about to be set to work. Past history will be repeated; old controversies will arouse to new life, and peril will beset God's people on every side. Intensity is taking hold of the human family. It is permeating everything upon the earth. . . . {TM 116.2}

Study Revelation in connection with Daniel, for history will be repeated. . . . We, with all our religious advantages, ought to know far more today than we do know. {TM 116.3}

Aim: To examine the nature and scenes of the judgment as illustrated by the seven seals. To understand truth vital for the preparation for the “great and dreadful day of the Lord” -- the judgment of the living.

Read Rev. 4 & 5--Identify Each Part Of The Prophecy.

• A DOOR WAS OPENED (Rev 4:1)

• ONE SITTING ON THE THRONE (Rev 4:2)

• A RAINBOW AROUND THE THRONE (Rev 4:3)

• 24 ELDERS (Rev 4:4)

• SEVEN LAMPS (Rev 5:5)

• SEA OF GLASS (Rev 4:6)

• FOUR BEASTS (with four faces, six wings, and full of eyes) (Rev 4:6-8)

• THE LAMB (with seven eyes and horns) (Rev 5:5-6)

• THOUSANDS OF ANGELS (Rev 5:11-12)

• THE BOOK (Rev 5:1)

This Must Be The Heavenly Sanctuary

Ø A DOOR was opened in heaven--the only door this could be is the door to the MOST HOLY PLACE in the heavenly Sanctuary. See EW 42. Also GC 429, 430.

Sabbath, March 24, 1849, we had a sweet and very interesting meeting with the brethren at Topsham, Maine. The Holy Ghost was poured out upon us, and I was taken off in the Spirit to the city of the living God. Then I was shown that the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ relating to the shut door could not be separated, and that the time for the commandments of God to shine out with all their importance, and for God's people to be tried on the Sabbath truth, was when the door was opened in the most holy place in the heavenly sanctuary, where the ark is, in which are contained the ten commandments. This door was not opened until the mediation of Jesus was finished in the holy place of the sanctuary in 1844. Then Jesus rose up and shut the door of the holy place, and opened the door into the most holy, and passed within the second veil, where He now stands by the ark, and where the faith of Israel now reaches. {EW 42.1}

I saw that Jesus had shut the door of the holy place, and no man can open it; and that He had opened the door into the most holy, and no man can shut it (Rev. 3:7,8); and that since Jesus has opened the door into the most holy place, which contains the ark, the commandments have been shining out to God's people, and they are being tested on the Sabbath question. {EW 42.2}

In the service of the earthly sanctuary, which, as we have seen, is a figure of the service in the heavenly, when the high priest on the Day of Atonement entered the most holy place, the ministration in the first apartment ceased. God commanded: "There shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy place, until he comes out." Leviticus 16:17. So when Christ entered the holy of holies to perform the closing work of the atonement, He ceased His ministration in the first apartment. But when the ministration in the first apartment ended, the ministration in the second apartment began. When in the typical service the high priest left the holy on the Day of Atonement, he went in before God to present the blood of the sin offering in behalf of all Israel who truly repented of their sins. So Christ had only completed one part of His work as our intercessor, to enter upon another portion of the work, and He still pleaded His blood before the Father in behalf of sinners. {GC 428.3}

But clearer light came with the investigation of the sanctuary question. They now saw that they were correct in believing that the end of the 2300 days in 1844 marked an important crisis. But while it was true that that door of hope and mercy by which men had for eighteen hundred years found access to God, was closed, another door was opened, and forgiveness of sins was offered to men through the intercession of Christ in the most holy. One part of His ministration had closed, only to give place to another. There was still an "open door" to the heavenly sanctuary, where Christ was ministering in the sinner's behalf. {GC 429.2}

Ø SEVEN LAMPS OF FIRE before the throne--the candlestick or seven lamps is a sanctuary fixture. Therefore, this proves that this scene in Revelation 4 & 5 must be in the heavenly sanctuary.

SUMMARY: Thus John, the Revelator is describing what took place in 1844--the opening of the investigative judgment, which for John was “HEREAFTER”--after about 96 A,D. This is the heavenly court scene where all those who professed Christ will be judged. (GC 480).

In the typical service only those who had come before God with confession and repentance, and whose sins, through the blood of the sin offering, were transferred to the sanctuary, had a part in the service of the Day of Atonement. So in the great day of final atonement and investigative judgment the only cases considered are those of the professed people of God. The judgment of the wicked is a distinct and separate work, and takes place at a later period. "Judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel?" 1 Peter 4:17.{GC 480.1}

The books of record in heaven, in which the names and the deeds of men are registered, are to determine the decisions of the judgment. Says the prophet Daniel: "The judgment was set, and the books were opened." The revelator, describing the same scene, adds: "Another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." Revelation 20:12.{GC 480.2}

By the king's examination of the guests at the feast is represented a work of judgment. The guests at the gospel feast are those who profess to serve God, those whose names are written in the book of life. But not all who profess to be Christians are true disciples. Before the final reward is given, it must be decided who are fitted to share the inheritance of the righteous. This decision must be made prior to the second coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven; for when He comes, His reward is with Him, "to give every man according as his work shall be." Rev. 22:12. Before His coming, then, the character of every man's work will have been determined, and to every one of Christ's followers the reward will have been apportioned according to his deeds. {COL 310.1}

Thus the Jewish leaders made their choice. Their decision was registered in the book which John saw in the hand of Him that sat upon the throne, the book which no man could open. In all its vindictiveness this decision will appear before them in the day when this book is unsealed by the Lion of the tribe of Judah. {COL 294.1}

NOTE: The only difference is that Daniel saw the Judgment being set up, while John saw it in full session. Daniel saw the opening of the Judgment--John saw the entire proceedings from beginning to end.

The Judgment is in Three Phases

First phase: the investigative judgment of the DEAD. (GC 490; EW 280)

Second phase: the investigative judgment of the LIVING (GC 390; EW 280)

Third Phase: the judgment of the wicked--SENTENCING (GC 480; EW 52,53)

Solemn are the scenes connected with the closing work of the atonement. Momentous are the interests involved therein. The judgment is now passing in the sanctuary above. For many years this work has been in progress. Soon--none know how soon--it will pass to the cases of the living. In the awful presence of God our lives are to come up in review. At this time above all others it behooves every soul to heed the Saviour's admonition: "Watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is." Mark 13:33. "If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee." Revelation 3:3.{GC 490.1}

When the work of the investigative judgment closes, the destiny of all will have been decided for life or death. Probation is ended a short time before the appearing of the Lord in the clouds of heaven. Christ in the Revelation, looking forward to that time, declares: "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Revelation 22:11, 12. {GC 490.2}

I saw angels hurrying to and fro in heaven. An angel with a writer's inkhorn by his side returned from the earth and reported to Jesus that his work was done, and the saints were numbered and sealed. Then I saw Jesus, who had been ministering before the ark containing the ten commandments, throw down the censer. He raised His hands, and with a loud voice said, "It is done." And all the angelic host laid off their crowns as Jesus made the solemn declaration, "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still." {EW 279.2}

Every case had been decided for life or death. While Jesus had been ministering in the sanctuary, the judgment had been going on for the righteous dead, and then for the righteous living. Christ had received His kingdom, having made the atonement for His people and blotted out their sins. The subjects of the kingdom were made up. The marriage of the Lamb was consummated. And the kingdom, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, was given to Jesus and the heirs of salvation, and Jesus was to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. {EW 280.1}

In the typical service only those who had come before God with confession and repentance, and whose sins, through the blood of the sin offering, were transferred to the sanctuary, had a part in the service of the Day of Atonement. So in the great day of final atonement and investigative judgment the only cases considered are those of the professed people of God. The judgment of the wicked is a distinct and separate work, and takes place at a later period. "Judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel?" 1 Peter 4:17. {GC 480.1}

The books of record in heaven, in which the names and the deeds of men are registered, are to determine the decisions of the judgment. Says the prophet Daniel: "The judgment was set, and the books were opened." The revelator, describing the same scene, adds: "Another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." Revelation 20:12.{GC 480.2}

The book of life contains the names of all who have ever entered the service of God. Jesus bade His disciples: "Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven." Luke 10:20. Paul speaks of his faithful fellow workers, "whose names are in the book of life." Philippians 4:3. Daniel, looking down to "a time of trouble, such as never was," declares that God's people shall be delivered, "everyone that shall be found written in the book." And the revelator says that those only shall enter the city of God whose names "are written in the Lamb's book of life." Daniel 12:1; Revelation 21:27. {GC 480.3}

"A book of remembrance" is written before God, in which are recorded the good deeds of "them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name." Malachi 3:16. Their words of faith, their acts of love, are registered in heaven. Nehemiah refers to this when he says: "Remember me, O my God, . . . and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God." Nehemiah 13:14. In the book of God's remembrance every deed of righteousness is immortalized. There every temptation resisted, every evil overcome, every word of tender pity expressed, is faithfully chronicled. And every act of sacrifice, every suffering and sorrow endured for Christ's sake, is recorded. Says the psalmist: "Thou tellest my wanderings: put Thou my tears into Thy bottle: are they not in Thy book?" Psalm 56:8.{GC 481.1}

There is a record also of the sins of men. "For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." Says the Saviour: "By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." Ecclesiastes 12:14; Matthew 12:36, 37. The secret purposes and motives appear in the unerring register; for God "will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts." I Corinthians 4:5. "Behold, it is written before Me, . . . your iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, saith the Lord." Isaiah 65:6, 7. {GC 481.2}

Every man's work passes in review before God and is registered for faithfulness or unfaithfulness. Opposite each name in the books of heaven is entered with terrible exactness every wrong word, every selfish act, every unfulfilled duty, and every secret sin, with every artful dissembling. Heaven-sent warnings or reproofs neglected, wasted moments, unimproved opportunities, the influence exerted for good or for evil, with its far-reaching results, all are chronicled by the recording angel. {GC 482.1}

After the saints are changed to immortality and caught up together with Jesus, after they receive their harps, their robes, and their crowns, and enter the city, Jesus and the saints sit in judgment. The books are opened--the book of life and the book of death. The book of life contains the good deeds of the saints; and the book of death contains the evil deeds of the wicked. These books are compared with the statute book, the Bible, and according to that men are judged. The saints, in unison with Jesus, pass their judgment upon the wicked dead. "Behold ye," said the angel, "the saints, in unison with Jesus, sit in judgment, and mete out to the wicked according to the deeds done in the body, and that which they must receive at the execution of the judgment is set off against their names." This, I saw, was the work of the saints with Jesus through the one thousand years in the Holy City before it descends to the earth. Then at the close of the one thousand years, Jesus, with the angels and all the saints, leaves the Holy City, and while He is descending to the earth with them, the wicked dead are raised, and then the very men that "pierced Him," being raised, will see Him afar off in all His glory, the angels and saints with Him, and will wail because of Him. They will see the prints of the nails in His hands and in His feet, and where they thrust the spear into His side. The prints of the nails and the spear will then be His glory. It is at the close of the one thousand years that Jesus stands upon the Mount of Olives, and the mount parts asunder and becomes a mighty plain. Those who flee at that time are the wicked, who have just been raised. Then the Holy City comes down and settles on the plain. Satan then imbues the wicked with his spirit. He flatters them that the army in the city is small, and that his army is large, and that they can overcome the saints and take the city. {EW 52.2}

NOTE: The FIRST TWO PHASES of the judgment are INVESTIGATIVE--DURING PROBATIONARY TIME--while Jesus is still the bleeding Lamb. It involves ONLY those who have entered the service of God. (GC 380, 381; COL 310). The THIRD PHASE of the judgment takes place DURING THE THOUSAND YEARS--the millennium. THE SEVEN SEALS DEALS PRIMARILY WITH THE INVESTIGATIVE PHASES.

The Judgment And Its Symbols

Ø Door - The door to the Most Holy Place. EW 42 (see pg. 104)

Ø The One who sat The JUDGE--God the Father

Ø Rainbow- God’s faithfulness to His promises. Gen. 9:12- 15; Col 148-- His divine mercy--ED. 178; DA 83

The rainbow round about the throne is an assurance that God is true, that in Him is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. We have sinned against Him, and are undeserving of His favor; yet He Himself has put into our lips that most wonderful of pleas, "Do not abhor us, for Thy name's sake; do not disgrace the throne of Thy glory; remember, break not Thy covenant with us." Jer. 14:21. When we come to him confessing our unworthiness and sin, He has pledged Himself to give heed to our cry. The honor of His throne is staked for the fulfillment of His word unto us. {COL 148.1}

A number of wheels, intersecting one another, were moved by four living beings. High above all these "was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it." "And there appeared in the cherubims the form of a man's hand under their wings." Ezekiel 1:4, 26, 10:8. The wheels were so complicated in arrangement that at first sight they appeared to be in confusion; but they moved in perfect harmony. Heavenly beings, sustained and guided by the hand beneath the wings of the cherubim, were impelling these wheels; above them, upon the sapphire throne, was the Eternal One; and round about the throne a rainbow, the emblem of divine mercy. {Ed 177.3}

Many attend religious services, and are refreshed and comforted by the word of God; but through neglect of meditation, watchfulness, and prayer, they lose the blessing, and find themselves more destitute than before they received it. Often they feel that God has dealt hardly with them. They do not see that the fault is their own. By separating themselves from Jesus, they have shut away the light of His presence. {DA 83.3}

It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His spirit. If we would be saved at last, we must learn the lesson of penitence and humiliation at the foot of the cross. {DA 83.4}

As we associate together, we may be a blessing to one another. If we are Christ's, our sweetest thoughts will be of Him. We shall love to talk of Him; and as we speak to one another of His love, our hearts will be softened by divine influences. Beholding the beauty of His character, we shall be "changed into the same image from glory to glory." 2 Cor. 3:18. {DA 83.5}

Ø 24 Elders JURY. They are from among those who ascended with Christ. Matt. 27: 51-53; DA 785; 786; EW 184.

And certain of the dead who came forth with Christ appeared to many, and declared that He had risen. Reports were brought to the priests of persons who had seen these risen ones, and heard their testimony. The priests and rulers were in continual dread, lest in walking the streets, or within the privacy of their own homes, they should come face to face with Christ. They felt that there was no safety for them. Bolts and bars were but poor protection against the Son of God. By day and by night that awful scene in the judgment hall, when they had cried, "His blood be on us, and on our children," was before them. Matt. 27:25. Nevermore would the memory of that scene fade from their minds. Nevermore would peaceful sleep come to their pillows. {DA 785.1}

Christ arose from the dead as the first fruits of those that slept. He was the antitype of the wave sheaf, and His resurrection took place on the very day when the wave sheaf was to be presented before the Lord. For more than a thousand years this symbolic ceremony had been performed. From the harvest fields the first heads of ripened grain were gathered, and when the people went up to Jerusalem to the Passover, the sheaf of first fruits was waved as a thank offering before the Lord. Not until this was presented could the sickle be put to the grain, and it be gathered into sheaves. The sheaf dedicated to God represented the harvest. So Christ the first fruits represented the great spiritual harvest to be gathered for the kingdom of God. His resurrection is the type and pledge of the resurrection of all the righteous dead. "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him." 1 Thess. 4:14.{DA 785.4}

As Christ arose, He brought from the grave a multitude of captives. The earthquake at His death had rent open their graves, and when He arose, they came forth with Him. They were those who had been co-laborers with God, and who at the cost of their lives had borne testimony to the truth. Now they were to be witnesses for Him who had raised them from the dead. {DA 786.1}

When Jesus, as He hung upon the cross, cried out, "It is finished," the rocks rent, the earth shook, and some of the graves were opened. When He arose a victor over death and the grave, while the earth was reeling and the glory of heaven shone around the sacred spot, many of the righteous dead, obedient to His call, came forth as witnesses that He had risen. Those favored, risen saints came forth glorified. They were chosen and holy ones of every age, from creation down even to the days of Christ. Thus while the Jewish leaders were seeking to conceal the fact of Christ's resurrection, God chose to bring up a company from their graves to testify that Jesus had risen, and to declare His glory. {EW 184.1}

Those risen ones differed in stature and form, some being more noble in appearance than others. I was informed that the inhabitants of earth had been degenerating, losing their strength and comeliness. Satan has the power of disease and death, and with every age the effects of the curse have been more visible, and the power of Satan more plainly seen. Those who lived in the days of Noah and Abraham resembled the angels in form, comeliness, and strength. But every succeeding generation have been growing weaker and more subject to disease, and their life has been of shorter duration. Satan has been learning how to annoy and enfeeble the race. {EW 184.2}

Those who came forth after the resurrection of Jesus appeared to many, telling them that the sacrifice for man was completed, that Jesus, whom the Jews crucified, had risen from the dead; and in proof of their words they declared, "We be risen with Him." They bore testimony that it was by His mighty power that they had been called forth from their graves. Notwithstanding the lying reports circulated, the resurrection of Christ could not be concealed by Satan, his angels, or the chief priests; for this holy company, brought forth from their graves, spread the wonderful, joyful news; also Jesus showed Himself to His sorrowing, heartbroken disciples, dispelling their fears and causing them joy and gladness. {EW 184.3}

But He waves them back. Not yet; He cannot now receive the coronet of glory and the royal robe. He enters into the presence of His Father. He points to His wounded head, the pierced side, the marred feet; He lifts His hands, bearing the print of nails. He points to the tokens of His triumph; He presents to God the wave sheaf, those raised with Him as representatives of that great multitude who shall come forth from the grave at His second coming. He approaches the Father, with whom there is joy over one sinner that repents; who rejoices over one with singing. Before the foundations of the earth were laid, the Father and the Son had united in a covenant to redeem man if he should be overcome by Satan. They had clasped Their hands in a solemn pledge that Christ should become the surety for the human race. This pledge Christ has fulfilled. When upon the cross He cried out, "It is finished," He addressed the Father. The compact had been fully carried out. Now He declares: Father, it is finished. I have done Thy will, O My God. I have completed the work of redemption. If Thy justice is satisfied, "I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am." John 19:30; 17:24.{DA 834}

Ø 7 Lamps of Fire Completeness of truth--the church throughout the all ages. (Candlestick)

Ø Seven spirits- Seven is complete--this shows that the Holy Spirit has been (verse 5) guiding the church from the very beginning by revealing light and truth.

Ø Sea of Glass - Sea denotes expansive--endlessness. Clear as crystal denotes perfection. Together it represents eternal perfection--life eternal.

Ø Four Beasts- The saints--The DEFENDANTS--those to be judged. Rev. 5: 8,9--only human beings have been redeemed. Note that the saints are not physically there yet represented there as beasts. (EW 54, 92)--like the beasts of Daniel and Revelation symbolizes nations.

1. Lion- First period of the church before the ceremonial system.-- Adam to Moses.

2. Calf - Period of the ceremonial system (Moses to Cross)

3. Man’s head - Cross to harvest period--144,000 & Great Multitudes (GM).

4. Eagle- Period when the church is to be translated (144,000 & GM).

I saw a throne, and on it sat the Father and the Son. I gazed on Jesus' countenance and admired His lovely person. The Father's person I could not behold, for a cloud of glorious light covered Him. I asked Jesus if His Father had a form like Himself. He said He had, but I could not behold it, for said He, "If you should once behold the glory of His person, you would cease to exist." Before the throne I saw the Advent people--the church and the world. I saw two companies, one bowed down before the throne, deeply interested, while the other stood uninterested and careless. Those who were bowed before the throne would offer up their prayers and look to Jesus; then He would look to His Father, and appear to be pleading with Him. A light would come from the Father to the Son and from the Son to the praying company. Then I saw an exceeding bright light come from the Father to the Son, and from the Son it waved over the people before the throne. But few would receive this great light. Many came out from under it and immediately resisted it; others were careless and did not cherish the light, and it moved off from them. Some cherished it, and went and bowed down with the little praying company. This company all received the light and rejoiced in it, and their countenances shone with its glory. {EW 54.2}

On page 55, I stated that a cloud of glorious light covered the Father and that His person could not be seen. I also stated that I saw the Father rise from the throne. The Father was enshrouded with a body of light and glory, so that His person could not be seen; yet I knew that it was the Father and that from His person emanated this light and glory. When I saw this body of light and glory rise from the throne, I knew it was because the Father moved, therefore said, I saw the Father rise. The glory, or excellency, of His form I never saw; no one could behold it and live; yet the body of light and glory that enshrouded His person could be seen. {EW 92.1}

I also stated that "Satan appeared to be by the throne, trying to carry on the work of God." I will give another sentence from the same page: "I turned to look at the company who were still bowed before the throne." Now this praying company was in this mortal state, on the earth, yet represented to me as bowed before the throne. I never had the idea that these individuals were actually in the New Jerusalem. Neither did I ever think that any mortal could suppose that I believed that Satan was actually in the New Jerusalem. But did not John see the great red dragon in heaven? Certainly. "And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns." Rev. 12:3. What a monster to be in heaven! Here seems to be as good a chance for ridicule as in the interpretation which some have placed upon my statements. {EW 92.2}

Ø Full of eyes - Eyes give light to the body, it provides sight. Thus it shows that God’s people had sufficient light in every age.

Ø Eyes before and behind- Prophetic light--past, present and future.

Ø Six Wings- Wings represent periods of time. Thus the six wings represent the sixth period of the judgment when the judgment begins.

Ø Lamb- Jesus-- ADVOCATE--LAWYER --as a priest--a lamb bleeding, “as it had been slain.

Ø Seven horns- Jesus has complete power. (Matt. 28:18)

Ø Seven eyes- Complete vision--knowledge Ps. 139:12; Zech. 4:10

Ø Seven spirits of God- God’s Spirit at work in all ages. John 14:26.

Ø Many Angels- The WITNESSES--Angels record and testify to all events. GC 482,483.

As the books of record are opened in the judgment, the lives of all who have believed on Jesus come in review before God. Beginning with those who first lived upon the earth, our Advocate presents the cases of each successive generation, and closes with the living. Every name is mentioned, every case closely investigated. Names are accepted, names rejected. When any have sins remaining upon the books of record, unrepented of and unforgiven, their names will be blotted out of the book of life, and the record of their good deeds will be erased from the book of God's remembrance. The Lord declared to Moses: "Whosoever hath sinned against Me, him will I blot out of My book." Exodus 32:33. And says the prophet Ezekiel: "When the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, . . . all his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned." Ezekiel 18:24. {GC 483.1}

Ø THE BOOK- The BOOK OF LIFE--the book that decides every man’s destiny. Rev. 13:8, 20:12, 21:27, 22:19; Ex 32:33; COL 294; GC 483. The Book of Life is the only book that is specifically claimed for Christ. Christ alone opens the Book with seven seals. Thus they must be one and the same.

Thus the Jewish leaders made their choice. Their decision was registered in the book which John saw in the hand of Him that sat upon the throne, the book which no man could open. In all its vindictiveness this decision will appear before them in the day when this book is unsealed by the Lion of the tribe of Judah. {COL 294.1}

The Jewish people cherished the idea that they were the favorites of heaven, and that they were always to be exalted as the church of God. They were the children of Abraham, they declared, and so firm did the foundation of their prosperity seem to them that they defied earth and heaven to dispossess them of their rights. But by lives of unfaithfulness they were preparing for the condemnation of heaven and for separation from God. {COL 294.2}

The Judgment Investigates Each Successive Generation

The Judgment reviews every case with thorough scrutiny beginning with Adam through each successive generation and closes with the living. (GC 482, par. 1, 483).

THE OPENING OF THE BOOK--THE SEVEN SEALS

When Do The Seals Begin?-- With Adam.

A. The Seven Seals begin with those who first lived upon the earth, and closes with the living. Therefore, it covers the entire world’s history. See GC 483:1; Manuscript Release, Vol. 9, p. 7.

B. The Book of Seven Seals is the same as the book of life. Therefore, the unveiling of the seals must be the revelation of the lives of all those who ever entered the service of God. The first person would have to be Adam. (GC 483). It cannot then start in the New Testament period as it is generally taught.

C. The setting of the Seven Seals is in the context of the Judgment, and the investigative judgment includes all of the world’s history--not just the New Testament.

Read Rev. 6:1-8

What is the meaning of the:

Ø COLORS: (White , Red , Black, Pale) A progression of worsening conditions.

Ø IMPLEMENTS: Similarly, the symbols of the crown, sword, balances and death indicates that by men’s deeds, the earth has gone from good to bad to worse.

Ø HORSES: Something created by God but ruled (driven) by man. It symbolizes the earth given by God to man to rule.

FIRST SEAL

Ø White Horse The earth in a pure, sinless state. (PP 47)

"And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there He put the man whom He had formed." Everything that God had made was the perfection of beauty, and nothing seemed wanting that could contribute to the happiness of the holy pair; yet the Creator gave them still another token of His love, by preparing a garden especially for their home. In this garden were trees of every variety, many of them laden with fragrant and delicious fruit. There were lovely vines, growing upright, yet presenting a most graceful appearance, with their branches drooping under their load of tempting fruit of the richest and most varied hues. It was the work of Adam and Eve to train the branches of the vine to form bowers, thus making for themselves a dwelling from living trees covered with foliage and fruit. There were fragrant flowers of every hue in rich profusion. In the midst of the garden stood the tree of life, surpassing in glory all other trees. Its fruit appeared like apples of gold and silver, and had the power to perpetuate life. {PP 46.4}

The creation was now complete. "The heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them." "And God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good." Eden bloomed on earth. Adam and Eve had free access to the tree of life. No taint of sin or shadow of death marred the fair creation. "The morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy." Job 38:7. {PP 47.1}

Ø Rider Adam. (Gen. 1:26, 28)

Ø Crown Kingly authority (Gen. 1:26)

Ø Bow The instrument with which Adam was to conquer and people the earth. It represents Eve. In harmony with the symbolism, children are compared to arrows. Ps. 127:4, Gen. 3:20.

Ø Conquering and Man was to inhabit the earth--fill it with people--conquer it. to conquer (Gen. 1:26, 28)

SUMMARY: The first seal reveals those who first lived upon the earth--Adam and Eve particularly who were commanded to reproduce and thereby conquer it--subdue it. These were the first ones to be judged in 1844 when Jesus our High Priest took the Book of Life (book of seven seals) and began the investigative Judgment for the dead..

SECOND SEAL

Ø This denotes the period in which murder and war broke out among the nations.

Ø RED is a symbol of curse, bloodshed. Abel was the first victim.

Ø This condition climaxed just after the flood and the Babel disaster with its confusion of languages.

NOTE: To “take peace from the earth” (verse 4), implies that there was PEACE BEFORE THE TIME OF THE RED HORSE. This again proves that the first seal must have begun with Adam when the earth was pure and at peace. There was no peace on earth at the time of the New Testament era.--the time generally taught to be the beginning of the seven seals.

SUMMARY: The second seal reveals the lives of those who lived particularly during the time just after the flood.. Remember, the seals overlap. So, after Adam and Eve, the world gradually became “red” --curse, wars, and murders until it peaked with the birth of the nations at the Tower of Babel.

THIRD SEAL

Ø Black Horse- Spiritual darkness--idolatry. This is the time when the knowledge of God was nigh obliterated. In fact, we have record of only Abraham and lot who served God.

Ø Balances - Trading, commercialism --led by the Phoenicians. Tyre and Sidon, were the chief centers of commerce --Isa. 23:8. The Phoenicians were known as the “busy bees of the ancient world.”

Ø One measure of Wheat- SEE Matt. 20: 8 -16 and the study of the 11th hour. for a penny and three All workers received a penny (eternal life).

Ø measures of Barely. The last workers worked for only one parabolic hour

Ø All other workers worked for three parabolic hours.

Ø The first workers complained that they should have received more.

Ø The 11th hour workers received their penny first even though they were hired last.

Ø Penny- ETERNAL LIFE--SALVATION (Only human beings receive salvation as a reward for labor here on earth)

Ø Wheat- 144,000 & GREAT MULTITUDE (GM)--who were hired last.

Ø Barley - JEWS --who were hired first

Ø One measure- The ONE HOUR (Matt. 20:6,12) -- the length of time the 11th hour workers labored.

Ø Three measures- The THREE HOURS (Matt. 20: 1-3) --symbolizing the work of the Jews.

NOTE:: The REWARD was given to the 11th hour workers FIRST-- showing that the 144,000 will receive (penny) eternal life or SALVATION BEFORE THE JEWS AND the other laborers. Thus, the voice (God) said, “ONE measure of WHEAT [first] for a penny and Three measures of BARLEY [last].” Jesus said, the “last shall be first and the first last.” Matt. 20:16

Ø Do Not Hurt the No interference with the Holy Scriptures that which was then being Oil and the Wine written by Moses. (GC V)

During the first twenty-five hundred years of human history, there was no written revelation. Those who had been taught of God, communicated their knowledge to others, and it was handed down from father to son, through successive generations. The preparation of the written word began in the time of Moses. Inspired revelations were then embodied in an inspired book. This work continued during the long period of sixteen hundred years--from Moses, the historian of creation and the law, to John, the recorder of the most sublime truths of the gospel. {GC v.2}

Ø Oil and Wine are symbols of spiritual food--Jesus said that His words are “Spirit and Life” John6:63. See also Ps. 45:7; Zech. 4:12.

NOTE: It is during the time of the black horse (third seal) that God called Israel, the time when Moses began to write the Bible. Thus it was appropriate for God to announce protection for the Scriptures.

SUMMARY: The third seal reveals the time when mankind well nigh lost the knowledge of God--the time God called Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Israel--the time men introduced commerce--the time the Bible was introduced.

FOURTH SEAL

Ø Pale horse- Non-descript color. Same period as the Non-descript beast of Dan. 7:7,8--the period of the ancient Roman government. The color denotes a mixture of paganism and Christianity.

Ø Rider (death)- Persecution--Rome killed thousands and thousands of people, especially the Christians.

Ø Fourth part of earth - Rome was allowed to persecute the Christians for a fourth part of the earth earth. After which its power was to wane. The earth is to be 6,000 yrs old. To get a fourth part you must

Ø Divide four into 6,000 (6,000/4=1500). Beginning from the crucifixion (31AD) add 1500, which will bring you to 1530 AD-- the date of the Augsburg Confession--the separation of Lutherans from Catholicism.

FIFTH SEAL

Ø Souls under the Altar - Souls slain for the word of God--already dead at the time of the opening of the fifth seal. These were martyrs from the preceding period (4th seal). Their untimely deaths demanded justice.

Ø Altar- An altar signifies a renewal of faith, worship--a reformation. Even in our churches we use the expression an “altar Call”--”come down to the altar.” Therefore, the altar must symbolize the PROTESTANT REFORMATION, which began the downfall of Rome-- the beginning of a spiritual renewal.

Ø How Long . . . The answer that they should “rest for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren that should be killed as they were should be fulfilled”, is evidence that the persecution and martyrdom of the 4th seal were to overlap the fifth seal and the judgment was not to begin until after the persecution had ceased completely. That is, although the reformation brought the decline of Rome (the papacy), some of God’s people were still to be martyred for their faith up to the complete fall of the papacy. Then the Judgment of the dead would begin.

Ø White Robes Accounted worthy of eternity.

SIXTH SEAL

Ø Earthquake Lisbon: Nov. 1, 1755 (GC 304)

Prophecy not only foretells the manner and object of Christ's coming, but presents tokens by which men are to know when it is near. Said Jesus: "There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars." Luke 21:25. "The sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory." Mark 13:24-26. The revelator thus describes the first of the signs to precede the second advent: "There was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood." Revelation 6:12.{GC 304.1}

These signs were witnessed before the opening of the nineteenth century. In fulfillment of this prophecy there occurred, in the year 1755, the most terrible earthquake that has ever been recorded. Though commonly known as the earthquake of Lisbon, it extended to the greater part of Europe, Africa, and America. It was felt in Greenland, in the West Indies, in the island of Madeira, in Norway and Sweden, Great Britain and Ireland. It pervaded an extent of not less than four million square miles. In Africa the shock was almost as severe as in Europe. A great part of Algiers was destroyed; and a short distance from Morocco, a village containing eight or ten thousand inhabitants was swallowed up. A vast wave swept over the coast of Spain and Africa engulfing cities and causing great destruction. {GC 304.2}

Ø Sun, Moon- May 19, 20, 1780 (GC 306)

"Almost, if not altogether alone, as the most mysterious and as yet unexplained phenomenon of its kind, . . . stands the dark day of May 19, 1780,--a most unaccountable darkening of the whole visible heavens and atmosphere in New England."--R. M. Devens, Our First Century, page 89. {GC 306.2}

Ø Falling Stars- Nov. 13, 1833 (GC 333) See also Matt. 24:29.

In 1833, two years after Miller began to present in public the evidences of Christ's soon coming, the last of the signs appeared which were promised by the Saviour as tokens of His second advent. Said Jesus: "The stars shall fall from heaven." Matthew 24:29. And John in the Revelation declared, as he beheld in vision the scenes that should herald the day of God: "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." Revelation 6:13. This prophecy received a striking and impressive fulfillment in the great meteoric shower of November 13, 1833. That was the most extensive and wonderful display of falling stars which has ever been recorded; "the whole firmament, over all the United States, being then, for hours, in fiery commotion! No celestial phenomenon has ever occurred in this country, since its first settlement, which was viewed with such intense admiration by one class in the community, or with so much dread and alarm by another." "Its sublimity and awful beauty still linger in many minds. . . . Never did rain fall much thicker than the meteors fell toward the earth; east, west, north, and south, it was the same. In a word, the whole heavens seemed in motion. . . . The display, as described in Professor Silliman's Journal, was seen all over North America. . . . From two o'clock until broad daylight, the sky being perfectly serene and cloudless, an incessant play of dazzlingly brilliant luminosities was kept up in the whole heavens."--R. M. Devens, American Progress; or, The Great Events of the Greatest Century, ch. 28, pars. 1-5.{GC 333.1}

"No language, indeed, can come up to the splendor of that magnificent display; . . . no one who did not witness it can form an adequate conception of its glory. It seemed as if the whole starry heavens had congregated at one point near the zenith, and were simultaneously shooting forth, with the velocity of lightning, to every part of the horizon; and yet they were not exhausted--thousands swiftly followed in the tracks of thousands, as if created for the occasion."--F. Reed, in the Christian Advocate and Journal, Dec. 13, 1833. "A more correct picture of a fig tree casting its figs when blown by a mighty wind, it was not possible to behold."--"The Old Countryman," in Portland Evening Advertiser, Nov. 26, 1833.{GC 333.2}

SIXTH SEAL--- FUTURE. (REV. 6:14-17)

It is normally taught that these verses apply to the second coming of Christ. However, the following will prove that the second coming is only secondary; that in fact it applies primarily to the purification of the church--the slaughter of Ezekiel Nine.

Why Could Not Rev. 6:14-17 Primarily Apply To The Second Coming of Jesus?

1. THE JUDGMENT IS STILL IN PROGRESS--all seven seals must be opened and reviewed before Jesus can leave the sanctuary. There are still more names to be judged.

2. JESUS IS STILL A BLEEDING LAMB (verse 6,16). That indicates that probation is still opened.

3. THIS IS THE WRATH OF THE LAMB, not the wrath of God. This shows again that probation is still open. The wrath of God is the seven last plagues and the 2nd advent. (See Rev. 15:7; 16:1, 18-21).

4. INSPIRATION APPLIES THESE VERSES TO THE CHURCH. 9 Test. 268

5. VERSE 17 IS THE SAME AS MALACHI 3: 1-3, AND THIS PASSAGE APPLIES TO THE PURIFICATION OF THE CHURCH IN THE TIME OF THE JUDGMENT.

NOTE: Chapter six ends with the question “who will be able to stand?” The answer is found in Rev. 7--the 144,000 and the Great Multitude.

OPTIONAL:See Isa. 2:1, 19-21--this shows that wicked in the church will also run to the rocks and the mountains. 1 TG 51:12; 1 TG 29:12

Isa. 34:4-8--The heavens will also depart at the purification of the church. 1 TG 35:19-21; 1 Test. 190, 198.

SUMMARY: Thus the sixth seal will close not with the second coming of Christ, but with the slaughter of Ezekiel Nine--THE JUDGMENT OF THE LIVING (JOL) ON EARTH.

SEVENTH SEAL

This seal is also generally taught to be the second coming. However, the following will prove that this is the opening of the judgment of the living in Heaven. The SIXTH SEAL CLOSES WITH THE JOL ON EARTH, but the SEVENTH SEAL OPENS WITH THE JOL IN HEAVEN, which is after the slaughter of Ezekiel Nine and continues during the loud cry to the final close of probation. (For further information see 12 SC 3: 18-22).

NOTE: The JOD involves only cleansing the books in Heaven since those on trial are not alive. However, the JOL involves two parts--the cleansing of the books in Heaven and the cleansing of the church on earth.

Is The Half Hour Of Silence The 2nd Advent Of Christ?

1. THE JUDGMENT IS STILL IN PROGRESS since Jesus is still in the Sanctuary opening the seventh seal, which means that he is still investigating the names of those during this period.

2. CHRIST IS STILL A BLEEDING LAMB.

3. AN HALF HOUR OF SILENCE IMPLIES THAT THERE IS AFTER THE HALF HOUR WHAT EVER WAS GOING ON BEFORE MUST CONTINUE--The Judgment. Therefore, the half an hour divides the judgment into two sections-- the JOD and the JOL.

4. THE PRAYERS OF THE SAINTS ARE OFFERED UP BEFORE GOD. This indicates that probation is still open since you cannot offer prayers after Jesus’ 2nd advent--there will be no need.

5. THE ANGEL CAST DOWN FIRE TO THE EARTH. Fire is a symbol of THE HOLY SPIRIT. (Acts 2:1-4). No one will need the outpouring of the Holy Spirit after the second coming of Christ.

6. THE VOICES, THUNDERINGS, LIGHTINGS, RETURN, SHOWING THAT THE JUDGMENT STARTED AGAIN. Compare with Rev. 4:5. The voices must represent the speaking of the beasts, elders, angels, etc. When God speaks it is like thunderings and lightnings. The voices clearly indicate that judgment continues AFTER THE HALF HOUR OF SILENCE.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE HALF HOUR OF SILENCE?

The Purification of the Church.

1. The silence reveals that the Judgment must have ceased for a time. The only event which would cause silence during the judgment is the purification of the church- -Eze. 9. It is the only time we know from both the Bible and the Testimonies that Jesus will interrupt his mediatorial work.

Read 5 Test. 690--This passage must be fulfilled during probationary time because it mentions: “. . .the unfolding of truth. . .” Truth only unfolds while probation still lingers. Furthermore, it states that “the Lord Jesus shall rise up FROM HIS MEDIATORIAL WORK. . .” This would indicate that He will interrupt his work of atonement.

HOW LONG IS THE HALF HOUR OF SILENCE?

About Seven Days--One Week.

Using PROPHETIC TIME (A day=a year).

One day=24 hours

One year=360 days

360/24=15

15=1 hour

15/2=1/2 hour =7.5 days (ABOUT a week).

Thus the purification of the church--EZ. 9, will last about a week.

SUMMARY:

The seventh seal reveals that the JOL in Heaven will begin after the half hour of silence--purification of the church. The half an hour of silence, therefore, divides the investigative judgment into two parts: the JOD and the JOL.

CONCLUSION:

The study of the seven seals reveal that God’s professed people have been on trial since 1844. This court case is the greatest and most important in the history of earth and the Universe. Each individual and generation is investigated with terrible exactness. It especially, and more importantly, reveals that the Judgment in the SDA Church will mark the opening of the Judgment for the living. Thus we see, that soon we will have to stand before the never erring Judge and give an account for our deeds--not physically, but our records will testify to whether we are worthy through the merits of Christ to be sealed, allowing the slaughtering angels to pass by and have our names retained on the Book of Life. Thus, we determine our own destiny by either holding on to our sins or repenting of them.

FURTHER STUDY

2 SR 187-221

15 TR 1-67 (To The Seven Churches)

2 TG 12,13,14.

2 ANS. 29, 30 (Answerer Book)