AN EXPOSITION OF BIBLICAL-PROPHETIC INTERPRETATION
The Seven Seals (Revelation 4-8)
Prayer Thought
Jesus said, “I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” John 14:6. Jesus is the TRUTH. The CENTRALITY OF GOD IN OUR LIVES is to LOVE the TRUTH revealed. God will not do anything, unless He reveals the secret through His servant – the Prophet (Amos 3:7). The light of TRUTH will shine through His “wise and faithful servants” Mat. 24:45 who will bring a message as Meat in Due Season. Let us present the TRUTH as it is in Jesus, “line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little” 9T 240. “We may look back through the centuries and see the living stones of which it is composed gleaming like jets of light through the darkness of error and superstition. Throughout eternity these precious jewels will shine with increasing luster, testifying to the power of the truth of God. The flashing light of these polished stones reveals the strong contrast between light and darkness, between the gold of truth and the dross of error.” {AA 598.2}
Introduction:
When a brother receives new light upon the Scriptures, he should frankly explain his position, and every minister should search the Scriptures with the spirit of candor to see if the points presented can be substantiated by the inspired word. "The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth." 2 Timothy 2:24, 25. {CET 203.3}
Argument is good in its place, but far more can be accomplished by simple explanations of the word of God. The lessons of Christ were illustrated so clearly that the most ignorant could readily comprehend them. Jesus did not use long and difficult words in His discourses; He used plain language, adapted to the minds of the common people. He went no farther into the subject He was expounding than they were able to follow Him. {GW 169.3}.
Purpose or Aim of the Study
To shed light on the subject of the investigative judgment which was shown to John after his letter to the 7 churches in Asia.
“It is necessary that our unity today be of a character that will bear the test of trial. . . . We have many lessons to learn, and many, many to unlearn. God and Heaven alone are infallible. Those who think that they will never have to give up a cherished view, never have occasion to change an opinion, will be disappointed. As long as we hold to our own ideas and opinions with determined persistency, we cannot have the unity for which Christ prayed.” {CET 203.2}
Before we deal with the simple explanation (Ev. 482.2) of Revelation 4-8, let us consider three guiding principles which may be instrumental to understand the subject.
1. The Continuity of Events written in epistolary, apocalyptic and prophetic genres (style of expressing oneself in writing). Note: After addressing his (John) “epistolary” (means carried on as letters) or his letter to the 7 churches of Asia (with apocalyptic-warning and prophetic-events in the future) See. Rev. 1:11. John then describes a series of prophetic visions. But we will consider Revelation 4-8 which depicts an investigative judgment in process {CTr 314} (It will be discussed later in Part 2 of this Exposition!
2. The Symbolic language can only be understood by those “wise”, “diligent”, “directed”, “inspired” and “faithful” servants of God who bring the “Meat in Due Season”.
a. WISE – "Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the loving kindness of the Lord." [Psalm 33:5; 107:43.] {CE 56.1}
Note: Please read the whole passage!
"The wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand." Daniel 12:4, 10….{DA 234.4}
Note: Please read the whole paragraph for contextual consideration.
“IF THE GIFTS WERE NECESSARY TO PRESERVE THE UNITY OF THE PRIMITIVE CHURCH, HOW MUCH MORE SO TO RESTORE UNITY NOW! AND THAT IT IS THE PURPOSE OF GOD TO RESTORE THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH IN THE LAST DAYS, IS ABUNDANTLY EVIDENT FROM THE PROPHECIES. WE ARE ASSURED THAT THE WATCHMEN SHALL SEE EYE TO EYE, WHEN THE LORD SHALL BRING AGAIN ZION. ALSO, THAT IN THE TIME OF THE END THE WISE SHALL UNDERSTAND. WHEN THIS IS FULFILLED THERE WILL BE UNITY OF FAITH WITH ALL WHOM GOD ACCOUNTS WISE; FOR THOSE THAT DO IN REALITY UNDERSTAND ARIGHT, MUST NECESSARILY UNDERSTAND ALIKE. WHAT IS TO EFFECT THIS UNITY BUT THE GIFTS THAT WERE GIVEN FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE?” {EW 140.1}
Note: Please read the context – ROSWELL F. COTTRELL {EW 143.2} Illuminated his understanding of the Prophetic Revelations!
"Who is wise, and he shall understand these things?
Prudent, and he shall know them?
For the ways of the Lord are right,
And the just shall walk in them:
But the transgressors shall fall therein."
Hosea 14:9. {PK 118.1}
b. Diligent - “Thousands of men who minister in the pulpit are lacking in the essential qualities of mind and character because they do not apply themselves to the study of the Scriptures. They are content with a superficial knowledge of the truths of God's word, and they prefer to go on losing much in every way rather than to search DILIGENTLY for the hidden treasure.” {GW 249.3}
“One who revealed these mysteries to John will give to the DILIGENT searcher for truth a foretaste of heavenly things. Those whose hearts are open to the reception of truth will be enabled to understand its teachings, and will be granted the blessing promised to those who "hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein." {AA 584.2}
Note: Please see the context – EGWhite writing about Revelation and Daniel as complement to each other (Prophecy=Revelation)
c. Directed – “Satan Controls Mind Not Directed by Holy Spirit. --Few believe that humanity has sunk so low as it has or that it is so thoroughly bad, so desperately opposed to God, as it is. "The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be" (Romans 8:7). {1MCP 22.2}
Warning for those who are not DIRECTED!
Those Who Know the Truth Are Special Targets. --Satan is stealthily working to confuse the minds of those who know the truth by bringing in misleading sentiments and misleading examples. Unless they repent and are converted, those who are living divided lives, professedly serving the Lord but at the same time scheming to carry out their own plans--plans which retard the very work which Christ gave His life to accomplish--will be deceived by the enemy of souls.--Lt 248, 1907. {1MCP 22.6}
Note: Please read the context - Chapter 3 of 1MCP – Danger in Psychology – The use of human mind – intellect!
d. Inspired – “Truth is inspired and guarded by God; and it will triumph over all opposition.” {AA 11.3}
“He taught that the word of God was to be understood by all. He pointed to the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority, and we should do the same. The Bible is to be presented as the word of the infinite God, as the end of all controversy and the foundation of all faith.” {COL 39.1}
“Many professed ministers of the gospel do not accept the whole Bible as the inspired word. One wise man rejects one portion; another questions another part. They set up their judgment as superior to the word; and the Scripture which they do teach rests upon their own authority. Its divine authenticity is destroyed. Thus the seeds of infidelity are sown broadcast; for the people become confused and know not what to believe. There are many beliefs that the mind has no right to entertain. In the days of Christ the rabbis put a forced, mystical construction upon many portions of Scripture. Because the plain teaching of God's word condemned their practices, they tried to destroy its force. The same thing is done today. The word of God is made to appear mysterious and obscure in order to excuse transgression of His law. Christ rebuked these practices in His day. He taught that the word of God was to be understood by all. He pointed to the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority, and we should do the same. The Bible is to be presented as the word of the infinite God, as the end of all controversy and the foundation of all faith.” {COL 39.1}
e. Faithful - “God Promises to Strengthen Memory of His Servants--The Lord will strengthen the memory of the one who is speaking in His name. He will bring to the mind the words necessary for the occasion, that portion of His Word which will be meat in due season for the people. To His faithful servants God will be tongue and utterance. The Holy Spirit will make the word effective, to convict and convert souls. The seed sown will fall into good ground and will spring up to bring forth fruit unto life eternal. . . . [1 Corinthians 9:24-27 quoted.] {10MR 298.1}
“The Lord is giving me the most precious presentations of what He desires to do for those who will to do the will of God. "Who then is a FAITHFUL and WISE SERVANT, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them “MEAT IN DUE SEASON”? Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth" [Matthew 24:45-51]. We have a most sacred commission.” {18MR 162.2}
f. The Truth about God’s Judgment in the Heavenly Sanctuary is for all human beings not just for the New Testament Era.
“Christ walks in the midst of the golden candlesticks. Thus is symbolized His relation to the churches. He is in communion with His people. . . .Although He is High Priest and MEDIATOR IN THE SANCTUARY above, yet He walks up and down in the midst of the churches on earth. . . . {CTr 314.4}
Again, as the Holy Spirit rested upon the prophet, he sees a door opened in heaven, and hears a voice calling him to look upon the things which shall be hereafter. And he says, “Behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone.” Ministering angels were around about Him, waiting and eager to do His will, while the rainbow of God’s promise, which was a token of His covenant with Noah, was seen by John encircling the throne on high—a pledge of God’s mercy to every repentant, believing soul. It is an everlasting testimony that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” It declares to the whole world that God will never forget His people in their struggle with evil.—Manuscript 100, 1893. {CTr 314.5}
It is a clear indication that Rev. 4-8 portrays an investigative judgment in the process!
MR No. 667 - Prophetic Interpretation
The Book With Seven Seals Contains the History of the World.-- "And I saw in the right hand of Him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon" (Revelation 5:1-3). {9MR 7.1}
In heaven the semblance of a rainbow encircles the throne and overarches the head of Christ. The prophet says, "As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about [the throne]. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Jehovah." Ezekiel 1:28. The revelator declares, "Behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. . . . There was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald." Revelation 4:2, 3. When man by his great wickedness invites the divine judgments, the Saviour, interceding with the Father in his behalf, points to the bow in the clouds, to the rainbow around the throne and above His own head, as a token of the mercy of God toward the repentant sinner. {PP 107.1}
Note: the highlighted phrase is it not clear indication that it is a scene of INVESTIGATIVE JUDGMENT?
Behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne . . . and there was a rainbow round about the throne. Revelation 4:2, 3…. It is the mingling of judgment and mercy that makes salvation full and complete. It is the blending of the two that leads us, as we view the world's Redeemer and the law of Jehovah, to exclaim, "Thy gentleness hath made me great" (2 Samuel 22:36). We know that the gospel is a perfect and complete system, revealing the immutability of the law of God. . . . Mercy invites us to enter through the gates into the city of God, and justice is sacrificed to accord to every obedient soul full privileges as a member of the royal family, a child of the heavenly King. {AG 70.4} Note: the highlighted words indicates that God’s people are still in the process of their salvation – They will be judged (wicked-rejected or saint-accepted) As recorded in the book with the Seven Seals COL 294
“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}
A great work can be done by presenting to the people the Bible just as it reads. Carry the Word of God to every man's door, urge its plain statements upon every man's conscience, repeat to all the Saviour's command, "Search the Scriptures." Admonish them to take the Bible as it is, to implore divine enlightenment, and then, when the light shines, to gladly accept each precious ray, and fearlessly abide the consequences.--Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 388. {ChS 144.2}
Present the Bible Just as It Reads.--The light of truth is shedding its bright beams upon the world through missionary effort. The press is an instrumentality by which many are reached whom it would be impossible to reach by ministerial effort. A great work can be done by presenting to the people the Bible just as it reads. Carry the word of God to every man's door, urge its plain statements upon every man's conscience, repeat to all the Saviour's command: "Search the Scriptures." Admonish them to take the Bible as it is, to implore divine enlightenment, and then, when the light shines, to gladly accept each precious ray and fearlessly abide the consequences.--5T 388. {PM 283.1}