Last month, we began an overview of this wonderful book. We will continue where we left off, at chapter 5.
Chapter 6-Who Can Stand? In this chapter, the contents of the book begin to unravel. The seven seals contain seven trumpets. {Trumpets give announcements and sound warnings.) This is preceded by the seven bowls of wrath (punishments). Judgment is coming. Upon whom is it coming? The world? Who is doing the persecuting?
- White horse-conquering and to conquer (Christ) vs.2.
- Fiery Red Horse-war and the ability to make war (vs.4).
- Black Horse-famine and pestilence. A shortage of food (vs.5,6).
- Pale Horse-death and power to kill (vs.8).
- Fifth Seal-the souls that had been slain! How long? (vs.9-11)
- Sixth Seal-earthquake and the sun. Help is coming and God truly cares (vs.12-17).
Chapter 7-The Obedient Believer Stands. The question in chapter 6 is answered. God's own must be sealed. Symbols of the 12 tribes of Israel-12x12=144,000. Innumerable nations have been delivered by God. From whence did they come? Servitude will be night and day. No more tribulation; God will care for them.
Chapters 8 and 9-Correct Sin by Repentance. Silence in heaven for half an hour, setting the stage for a special announcement. The saints offer prayers on the altar, asking for relief. Trumpets sound, and warnings are given, seeking to bring about Rome's repentance, but alas, Rome does not repent. She will seek relief, but none will be found. All these things done by the Almighty to convince them to repent have not been heeded. Man's stubborn will refuses to acknowledge his own sinful condition before His Creator.
Chapter 10-Do Not Send Away the Day of Grace. Persecutors have been warned-repentance has not been forthcoming. Therefore, God's mercy, longsuffering, and compassion is quickly coming to an end. He will no longer delay. John is told to take and eat the book, which will make his stomach bitter, but be as sweet as honey in his mouth. The reception and comprehension of God's word is indeed sweet, but it becomes very bitter when men reject its counsel and bring upon themselves God's condemnation. In the book's context, Rome had the chance to change her ungodly ways-but she refused God's prodding. In other words Rome "sent away the day of God's grace." Herein lies a lesson for us. Today is a day of opportunity. We can fix the things that need to be fixed today-tomorrow may not come, and yesterday cannot be regained. God gives us time to make certain our lives are right, and we are ready to meet Him. Unfortunately, many do what Rome did-we throw away our opportunities. Then, we must pay the price.