After the vision of the sixth seal, John saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that no wind should blow on the earth, sea, or upon any tree (7:1). For human beings, holding the wind is an expression of vanity. For God, however, He…
At the opening of the sixth seal, John saw a “great earthquake; the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the whole moon became as blood” (v. 12, cf. Joel 2:31). Not only are the heavens and earth shaken but they are removed out of their place (cf. Isa. 13:13). The context of Joel’s…
When the fifth seal was broken/opened by the Lamb, John saw underneath the altar the souls of them that had been slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held. These dead saints are men and women who lived and died before the incarnation and earthly work of the Christ. These…
I. The First Seal When the seal is broken, John hears the thunderous voice of the first living creature likened to a lion say, “come.” This command is directed to the horsemen, not John. These are similar to the horsemen and chariots saw by the prophet Zechariah (Zech. 1:8-11; 6:1-8). These horses are sent forth…
The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb after He had taken the book. Angels and apostles refused to be worshipped (Rev. 22:8-9; Acts 14:12-18). Jesus allowed individuals to worship Him (Matt. 14:33; Matthew 4:10). 1. Each one had a harp: Harps were used in the temple service (1 Chron….
The One who was sitting on the throne in the midst of this heavenly throng had a scroll (Gr. biblion) in his right hand. This scroll was written on both sides but it is sealed securely with seven seals. This book can only be opened by the one who is worthy and only the author…
John sees a door opened in heaven, giving access to him to see its wonders. One of the wonders of Scripture is the glorious glimpses of heaven’s throne. They are out of this world and cause the heart to tremble. The apostle Paul had such an experience when he was “caught up into the third…
“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither…
“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is…
To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, and yet you are dead. Be constantly alert, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die;…