The 7th Seal

When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand.—Revelation 8:1-4 NKJV

The seventh seal opens up a series of 7 trumpet judgments upon the earth that will strike fear in the hearts of men. These judgments are are a response to the prayers of the saints ascending before the throne of God. It would appear that God is showing vengeance upon the world system for its persecution of God’s people. Let me digress for a moment, the scripture teaches us how we are to handle persecution…

Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore ” If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.—Romans 12:17-21 NKJV

The Lord says, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” Now let’s look at the severity of these judgments. The 1st trumpet reveals a part of the earth’s vegetation is burned with fire. The 2nd trumpet reveals terror from the heavens a meteor, asteroid, or comet turns a third of the seas to blood. The 3rd trumpet reveals another meteor, asteroid, or comet that turns a third of the fresh waters to blood. The 4th trumpet reveals a third part of the sun, moon and stars are darkened. The 5th trumpet is called the first woe and reveals a plague spreading upon humanity for 5 months as a result of a cometary impact upon the earth. The 6th trumpet is called the second woe and personifies another cometary strike as a 200,000,000 man army destroying 1/3 of the world population in a single hour.  These judgments released at the close of the tribulation hour will be so destructive and terrifying that men’s hearts would fail. Notice what our Lord said regarding his return…

There will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; mens hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.—Luke 21:11, 25, 26

Remember that these judgments come swiftly just prior to the return of The Lord Jesus Christ and His Church. Thank God the Church has been exempt from God’s wrath because our judgment was at the cross where Jesus took our place! Praise God for His abundant mercy, which God has shown toward us in giving up His Son to die on a cross that we may receive full pardon!