The Seals

The Seals of Revelation 6

Revelation 6 describes the opening of the seven seals on the scroll introduced in Revelation 5. As the Lamb (Jesus Christ) opens each seal, a specific event unfolds, revealing God’s divine plan for judgment and redemption. These events mark the beginning of the apocalyptic judgments that lead to the fulfillment of God’s kingdom.

1. Overview of the Seven Seals

  • The seals are symbolic judgments that unfold progressively, affecting the earth, humanity, and the cosmos.
  • They reflect God’s control over history, His righteous judgment, and the ultimate triumph of His purposes.

2. The First Six Seals (Revelation 6)

A. First Seal: The White Horse (Revelation 6:1-2)

“I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.”

  • Symbolism:
    • The white horse represents conquest, victory, and power.
    • The rider is often debated:
      • Some view him as a symbol of earthly conquest and war.
      • Others interpret him as Christ or the gospel’s advance (drawing parallels with Revelation 19:11).
  • Implication:
    • The opening of this seal signifies the beginning of events that lead to disruption and change in the world.

B. Second Seal: The Red Horse (Revelation 6:3-4)

“Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other. To him was given a large sword.”

  • Symbolism:
    • The red horse represents war, bloodshed, and violence.
    • The rider signifies conflict and the removal of peace from the earth.
  • Implication:
    • This seal unleashes widespread strife and division among nations, communities, and individuals.

C. Third Seal: The Black Horse (Revelation 6:5-6)

“I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, ‘Two pounds of wheat for a day’s wages, and six pounds of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!’”

  • Symbolism:
    • The black horse represents famine and economic hardship.
    • The scales symbolize scarcity and inflated prices for basic necessities.
    • The preservation of oil and wine may suggest partial restraint in judgment.
  • Implication:
    • This seal depicts economic instability and widespread hunger, disproportionately affecting the poor.

D. Fourth Seal: The Pale Horse (Revelation 6:7-8)

“I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.”

  • Symbolism:
    • The pale (ashen) horse represents death and its devastating consequences.
    • Death and Hades signify physical death and the realm of the dead.
  • Implication:
    • This seal unleashes widespread death through war, famine, disease, and natural disasters, affecting a quarter of the earth.

E. Fifth Seal: The Souls Under the Altar (Revelation 6:9-11)

“I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, ‘How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?’”

  • Symbolism:
    • The souls under the altar represent martyrs who have died for their faith.
    • Their cry for justice reflects the longing for God’s righteous judgment.
  • Implication:
    • This seal highlights the suffering of God’s people and the delay of judgment until the appointed time.
    • The martyrs are given white robes, symbolizing their righteousness and victory.

F. Sixth Seal: Cosmic Disturbances (Revelation 6:12-17)

“I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind.”

  • Symbolism:
    • The cosmic disturbances symbolize upheaval and the disruption of creation.
    • The imagery of a blackened sun, blood-red moon, and falling stars signifies impending divine judgment.
  • Implication:
    • The opening of this seal terrifies the powerful and the lowly alike, as they recognize the coming wrath of God and the Lamb.
    • Humanity tries to hide, crying, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!” (Revelation 6:16).

3. The Seventh Seal (Revelation 8:1)

The seventh seal is not opened until Revelation 8:1, where it introduces a period of silence in heaven for about half an hour before the seven trumpets are revealed. This silence likely represents the gravity and awe of God’s final judgments.

4. Themes and Lessons from the Seals

A. God’s Sovereignty

  • The Lamb (Jesus) controls the opening of the seals, showing that God is sovereign over history and judgment.

B. Judgment and Redemption

  • The seals are judgments designed to call humanity to repentance while revealing God’s plan to restore creation.

C. The Reality of Suffering

  • The suffering depicted in the seals reflects the brokenness of the world but also God’s promise of ultimate justice.

D. The Call to Persevere

  • The fifth seal reminds believers to remain faithful, even in the face of persecution, as God will vindicate His people.

5. Reflection Questions

  1. What do the seals teach you about God’s control over history and future events?
  2. How does the cry of the martyrs (fifth seal) encourage you to remain faithful in trials?
  3. How should the reality of God’s coming judgment impact how you live today?

6. Application

  1. Live in Readiness:
    • The seals remind us to live with an eternal perspective, trusting in God’s sovereignty.
  2. Share the Gospel:
    • The coming judgments underscore the urgency of proclaiming the good news of Christ’s salvation.
  3. Persevere in Faith:
    • Take courage from the martyrs’ example and hold fast to your faith, even amid challenges.
  4. Worship the Lamb:
    • Recognize Christ’s worthiness to execute God’s plan and worship Him as the sovereign Lord.

Conclusion

The opening of the seven seals reveals a series of judgments that expose humanity’s sin and brokenness while affirming God’s ultimate control over history. As believers, these visions call us to persevere, trust in Christ’s victory, and live in anticipation of His return.