The Seals of Revelation: Unleashed or Not?
Are we currently living during the Tribulation as predicted in the Book of Revelation? The answer, according to the text, is a resounding No.
The Scroll of Revelation: A Sequence of Seals
The scroll of Revelation, specifically chapter 6, details the sequence of seals that will be unleashed during the Tribulation. Each seal corresponds to a significant event leading up to the end times. Let’s delve into what these seals represent and why we are not currently experiencing the full unfolding of these events.
The First Seal: A White Horse
The first seal reveals a white horse riding with an archer wearing a crown. This symbolizes a period of conquest and rule (Rev. 6:1-2).
The Second Seal: A Red Horse
The red horse represents strife and death, as indicated by the sword carried by the rider (Rev. 6:3-4).
The Third Seal: A Black Horse
This seal brings about a period of great famine and economic turmoil, with measures of wheat and barley becoming extremely expensive (Rev. 6:5-6).
The Fourth Seal: A Pale Horse
The pale horse personifies death, with Hell following behind, slaying one quarter of the population with the sword, famine, and death (Rev. 6:7-8).
The Fifth Seal: The Martyrs' Cry
The fifth seal addresses the souls of those who were killed for their testimony of Christ. They are depicted as wearing white robes, which symbolize purity and readiness for the judgment to come (Rev. 6:9-11).
The Sixth Seal: A Roaring Earthquake
The final seal, the sixth one, brings about a catastrophic earthquake. The sun darkens, the moon turns blood-red, and stars fall from the heavens like figs, indicating a time of great upheaval (Rev. 6:12-17).
A Message of Comfort
God's timing is perfect, and His judgments will fall upon those who are currently in positions of power and corruption. Those who seek to enslave others, like the financial and political elites, will find themselves in fear, hiding in caves and hoping for divine mercy (Rev. 6:15-17).
Conclusion
While the seals described in Revelation are symbolic of a future dispensation, the presence and influence of corruption, censorship, and exploitation are ever-present in our world today. However, it is comforting to know that God’s judgments will come, and those who are clinging to power will be left in fear and trembling.