 AN
OVERVIEW OF REVELATION AND THE 7 SEALS.
In the Book of Revelation we are given a description of various
events which are to come to pass in the near future. In the
following study the order in which the events unfold are laid
out with the relevant scripture references.
In this way we can see the terrible judgements which are to befall the earth and its inhabitants. The whole period of time from start to finish is 7 years as spoken of in the prophecies of Daniel. This period of the end times is often called Daniel's 70th week.
The seven seals mentioned in Revelation are used to seal up a scroll (Rev 5:1)
which contains the secrets to the future of the earth and
mankind. They can only be opened by Jesus Christ Himself (Rev
5:3,5). These secrets are to be opened in the End Times (Dan
12:4,9).
**BEGINNING OF SORROWS** Math 24:5-8, Mark 13:6-8, Luke 21:8-9, Dan 9:27
 SEAL 1
Rev 6:1-2 White Horse and rider go out to overcome
(Matt 25:5, Mark 13:6, Rev 13:5-9). This seal represents the
Anti-Christ's rise to power. He is as a pale reflection of
the true rider on a white horse in Rev 19:11. This rider has
power is given him and the crown is a lesser one than the
ones to which Christ is due by right.
--PEACE IS REACHED IN THE MIDDLE EAST WITH THE HELP OF THE ANTI-CHRIST--
The Advent of peace will enable the Anti-Christ to come to power and fulfil the First Seal. By his leadership there will be a coming together of the world. He will be some one to look to in the coming times of trouble and he will appear to give sense and meaning to the global troubles. With the opening of the first seal Satan will be at work in the life of the Anti-Christ promoting his political rise to power and his leadership skills will be unquestionable.
--ANTI-CHRIST CONFIRMS A COVENANT WITH THE JEWS FOR 7
YEARS-- Dan 9:27 This is NOT a Middle-East peace deal.
It is a covenant, which is BROKEN by stopping the daily sacrifices.
The breaking of the covenant would indicate it follows the
Peace deal and allows the Jewish nation to regain some of
its original practices, which would have other wise incited
war between the religious groups. With the setting up of the
sacrifices a certain number of Angels are sent down to look
after the sanctuary and the daily offerings. They are their
to administer and protect.
--THE RAPTURE-- Matt 24:40-41, Luke 17:35-36, 1 Thes
4:17
The Rapture or snatchng away of the Chruch will be around
this time. Christ will return in the sky to call His Bride.
This is not a physical return to earth but a spiritual and
invisible harvest. The opening of the Second seal described
below will follow the confirming of the covenant and somewhere
in between will be the Great falling away as described in
2 Thes 2:3 and the realisation of who the Anti-Christ is.
At this point the rapture will take place. I believe all three
points, the covenant, rapture and 2nd Seal will be within
a small time frame, merged into one unfolding event.
SEAL 2
Rev 6:3-4 Red Horse and rider take peace from the earth (Math 24:6, Mark 13:7, Luke 21:9). The Anti-Christ after apparent calm brings War Rev 13:7. The Great Sword (translated from 'Machaira') is actually a short sword or dagger which is personal and symbolises not global wars but the dividing of nations against itself. Similar to the taking of peace mentioned in Math 10:34-37. Divisions through belief. This begins the reduction of the population through wars and disagreements brought about by an anger within, the humanity is taken out of humans.
The Anti-Christ will extend his reign over nations which are troubled. Through conflict he will rule most of the earth with the help of Satan.
SEAL 3
Rev 6:5-6 Black Horse and rider with a pair of balances,
proclamations of famine. With famine the population is reduced
even more and people then move to areas where food can be
found, centralisation of the populous begins. It is well to
note famines usually follow prolonged hostilities. This will
be a time of Civil unrest when people are looking to and for
a leader, both naturally and spiritually.
SEAL 4
Rev 6:7-8 Pale Horse, Death riding followed by Hell. Power over a quarter of the earth was given to him to kill with sword, hunger, death and Beasts of the earth. Pestilence and disease and hell (translated from - hades, place of departed spirits) following are judgements as in Ezek 14:21. One quarter of the world will be affected. The population is reduced again by up to one quarter, people will gather in areas either unaffected or prepared. Vast areas of the world are now empty. The judgements given to man also follow in the practical sense. Following wars and famine you will always get death and disease, the difference being this is on a global scale.
--A GAP EXISTS HERE OF A PERIOD OF TIME, SPLITTING THE SEALS--
The divide puts the seals into two groups, the first identified by actual physical changes on earth and judgements on man. Also the seals are introduced with 4 horsemen. The second three are spiritual or heavenly episodes in the unfolding of God's plan as now detailed.
--MID POINT IN DANIEL'S 70th WEEK - 3 1/2 YEARS (Sacrifices stopped)--
Dan 9:25, Dan 8:11, 9:27, 12:1, 1 Thes 5:3. Here the Anti-Christ is given charge over some of Satan's Angels (a host=A Troop for war or an army, Rev 19:11, Josh 5:14) to attack the sanctuary where the Daily sacrifice is held. (Dan 8:12)
Even the War does not deter Satan from his goal. His army overpowers the Sanctuary Angels and they are held in captivity until the return of Christ.(Dan 8:13-14). This apparent victory against
God's angels spurs the Anti-Christ to greater and bigger boastings.
--THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION-- Dan 9:25-27, Mark 13:14, Math 24:15.
The Anti-Christ having total support from Satan and mankind
defiles the temple where the sacrifices were held, by either
erecting a statue to Satan which he worships or sacrificing
humans in Satan's name. It is this act which the scriptures
warn the Jews to flee, as they will be hunted for their belief.(Math
24:15). This time as we are told in Daniel will last for 2300
days and then will the sanctuary be cleansed. (Dan 8:14)
--WAR IN HEAVEN ('stars fall from heaven')-- Rev 12:7-10, Dan 8:10,11
Satan decides enough is enough and goes to take Heaven but
is beaten back by Michael and his angels. Satan is finally
cast to earth and with the aid of the Anti-Christ makes war
with the Jews until the end. Dan 7:21
--TWO WITNESSES SENT TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM--
Rev 11:3, Mark 13:10, Math 24:13-14, Act 1:10. God sends two witnesses to spread the gospel of the Kingdom. They are given power beyond any man, and anyone who tries to stop them is killed (Rev 11:5-6). They are to testify for a period of 1260 days.
SEAL 5
Rev 6:9-11 The Souls of those killed for the Word of God cry out for judgement on the wicked of the world, from beneath the Throne of God. The Souls are under the throne as martyrs or sacrifices as in Lev 4:7. These souls are the people killed during the period of tribulation, after the Rapture. They encompass all peoples both Jew and Gentile as the Gospel has become one. It is the Gospel of the Kingdom (Math 24:14)
SEAL 6
Rev 6:12
Great Earthquake, Sun goes black, Moon turns to blood.
The earth has been totally turned over to sin and Satan. God
is turning up the heat.
--144,000 OF GOD'S SERVANTS SEALED-- Rev 7:3-8. Before the four angels of Rev 7:1 hurt the earth God makes sure that the 144,000 Jewish virgins which, are to be the first fruits of the Kingdom, are sealed so they will not be hurt.
SEAL 7
Rev 8:1 Silence for half an hour. God prepares to avenge the deaths of the people killed during the tribulation. Rev 6:10.
--INTRODUCTION OF THE SEVEN TRUMPETS-- Rev 8:2, 6
--INTRODUCTION OF THE 7 VIALS-- Rev 15:1-16:1
TRUMPET 1
Rev8:7 Hail & Fire mingled with blood cast to the earth, third part of trees and grass are burnt up. Farming land is destroyed putting pressure on the central liveable areas, people move one again to avoid death.
VIAL 1
Rev 16:2 Those with the Mark and who worshiped the Beast were given noisome & grievous sores. In the central population areas people take the Mark to survive, there is no where else to go now. People HAVE to choose?
TRUMPET 2
Rev 8:8-9 A burning mountain is thrown (CAST) into the SEA and a third of all living things in the sea and the ships were destroyed (Rev 18:21). The judgement closes in on the population left, sea as a form of transport is removed, people can no longer travel long distances. Fear brings people together under a strong leader.
VIAL 2
Rev 16:3 The SEA becomes Blood and dead. Every living soul dies in the sea. (Rev 18:21-24, 18:9-20). All potential food dies in the sea, it can no longer support or transport man.
TRUMPET 3
Rev 8:10-11 A great star FALLS from heaven burning like a lamp, and poisons a third of the rivers of the world. The source of water is contaminated over most of the earth people gather under one leader who can supply them.
VIAL 3
Rev 16:4-7 Rivers and fountain springs become as Blood (The source of water is killed).
The source of fresh water is entirely cut off and contaminated. People will now support and follow any one who can supply their basic needs.
TRUMPET 4
Rev 8:12-13 One third of the Sun, Moon and Stars are smitten. Day and night is affected. Basic provisions are short and now the day and night are affected causing confusion and panic.
--INTRODUCTION OF THE THREE WOES-- Rev 8:13
VIAL 4
Rev 16:8-9 Vial poured on the sun and the Angel is
given the power to burn man with fire and great heat. With
little or no water the heat is increased, mankind can no longerr
travel to escape.
TRUMPET 5
Rev 9:1-12 1st WOE. The Bottomless Pit opened for 5 months.
A star (Angel) FALLS to earth. He has the key to the bottomless pit and releases devilish creatures which, run through the earth for 5 months, tormenting man. They can not kill mankind only hurt, but to a degree that people want to die to escape the torment. This death will be refused. The creatures are given the power over man but have a King who is the same Angel who released them. His name is 'Destroyer'.
VIAL 5
Rev 16:10-11 The Kingdom of the Beast tormented, darkness and pain prevails. (Rev 18:1-9).
This is the centre of the Evil world all provisions are available here, mankind looks to Babylon as the safe refuge in the shrinking world. It is a place which is full of the occult and sins of the flesh. Satan looks after his own. Just prior
to its destruction in Rev 18:4 we have a heavenly voice calling the God's people out, so they will not be
part of the judgement to come.
--BABYLON THE CITY, THE SEAT OF SATAN DESTROYED-- Is 47:9, Rev 14:8, 18:8,17,24.
The oasis in the world, which is an ACTUAL city called Babylon (Re-built by the Anti-Christ and Satan), is destroyed causing mankind to side with the devil and preparation is made
for the spirits to bring the worlds population together against God's elect and Jerusalem.
--THE MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB, the fulfilment of the time of the gentiles--
Rev 6:11, 19:7-8. At this time will Christ reward his Church the 'called out ones' of the world and they will enjoy a time with Christ before returning with Him at the Second Coming.
TRUMPET 6
Rev 9:13-11:14 2nd WOE. 4 Angels loosed from the river Euphrates. (Is 11:15-16).
Angels prepared for this day are released to carry out a specific task.
VIAL 6
Rev 16:12-16 River Euphrates dried up in preparation for Armageddon.
The river is dried to allow the armies access to gather at Armageddon. Note, weapons have been kept for this day probably at the expense of the populations need for food.
--THREE SPIRITS GO THROUGH THE EARTH TO GATHER THE ARMIES OF THE WORLD TO BATTLE--
Rev 16:13-14. The heads of the remaining Kingdoms (not countries) of the world are easily convinced that they should support such a war and fight with Satan.
--GOD'S TWO WITNESSES KILLED-- Rev 11:7-14
When the witnesses have completed their work power is given to the enemy to kill them. This gives the armies and leaders of the world enough courage to continue forward and side with Satan.
The people of the earth are happy to see the witnesses killed (Rev 11:10) that they give gifts to each other and make it like a holiday. Their witnessing was classed as a torment.
TRUMPET 7
Rev 11:15-19 3rd WOE. Beginning of the End.
Christ's authority and right over the earth is proclaimed. A great earthquake Announces the imminent arrival of Christ and 7000 die in the debris. The remnant (God's elect among the Jews) give God the glory.
--ARMAGEDDON-- Luke 21:20, Rev 16:14-16, 17:14, Zech 14:1-3.
Mankind rallies to aid Satan take his supposed rightful place, anti-Semitism at a level unheard of. Jerusalem will be attacked and partially taken, but then will come the true and rightful King.
VIAL 7
Rev 16:17-21 Judgement comes in the air. Rev 19:1-2, Luke 21:20.
The biggest ever earthquake splits Jerusalem into 3 and wipes out the cities of the world. The foundation of the world is shaken in readiness for the coming King.
**DAY OF GOD'S WRATH** Math 24:9-14, Luke 21:22,25,26, Rev 6:17
 --THE SECOND COMING--
Rev 19:11-16, Zech 14:4-5, Math 16:27, 19:28, 25:31, Mark 8:38, John 14:3, Act 1:9-11, 2 Thes 1:7, Jude 14, Rev 1:7. Christ returns to His chosen and to take up His place as King. The Word of Christ destroys the armies of the world. They are in a state of sleep (death) until the judgement. We are also told that those who died in the Lord may now rest and be at peace. The long wait is over they can now enjoy an eternity with Christ. (Rev 14:13)
--CHRIST GATHERS HIS ELECT--
Mark 13:27, Luke 3:17, Rev 14:18, Math 13:30, Eph 1:10, John 11:52.
The faithful elect are taken away in readiness for their work during the millennial reign.
--JUDGEMENT OF THE LIVING NATIONS-- Math 25:32-46
The people left alive at this point, the number of which we are not told, will be judged by Christ, by their works and whether they accepted the Mark of the Beast. Only those who aided the Jews or fought against Satan will be allowed access into the Millennial Kingdom.
--DESTRUCTION OF BEAST AND ANTI-CHRIST-- Rev 19:20
For their rewards the Anti-Christ and the Beast are cast directly into the lake of fire to start their eternal punishment.
--SATAN IMPRISONED-- Rev 20:1-3
Satan is locked in a bottomless pit for a period of time, approximately 1000yrs. His part in the Grand scheme of things has not yet finished.
--SETTING UP OF THE MILLENIAL REIGN-- Zech 14:6-11, Rev 20:4,6
A state of semi-perfectness is achieved during this 1000yrs, peace rules and obedience to Christ is demanded.
--SATAN RELEASED-- Rev 20:7
Satan is allowed to return to earth for the final time. He is on his own but manages to deceive some of the population, turning them against Christ.
--SATANS FINAL BATTLE IN MILLENNIAL REIGN OF CHRIST-- Rev 20:8-10
Satan and his army try to attack the 'beloved' city where the Saints reside on earth. God destroys them and Satan is cast into eternal torment to join with the Anti-Christ and the Beast.
--GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGEMENT-- Rev 20:11-15
All who have ever lived will be judged at this point except those ruling with Christ during the 1000yrs. These were judged and rewarded at the Rapture and Second Coming by Christ.
--NEW START-- Rev 21:1-7, Rev 7:14-17, Rev 3:12,21
All things are made anew and this time it is done in perfection for all eternity.
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