Topic: End Times. The Scroll Sealed with Seven Seals. Kingdom> Category: End Times>
Bible Scripture: Part 1: Revelation 6:1-8, Revelation 19:11-16, Ephesians 2:14-18, Revelation 20:11-15 and Revelation 22:16-17.
Listen to the full sermon part 1.
Bible Scripture: Part 2: Revelation 6:9-17, Revelation 7:9-10, Revelation 8:1-6, Revelation 11:15-18 and Revelation 22:16-17.
Listen to the full sermon part 2.
Following on from last weeks message titled, ‘The Mystery of The Scroll Sealed With The Seven Seals’ we will continue on through the book of the Revelation of Jesus. Before we begin let us take a moment to surrender our thoughts and what we think the text is saying and let us hear what the Spirit is saying to us today.
We thank you Father that you are always working, reaching into people’s hearts and minds. Individually and personally in ways that each one of us understands. May we hear what you are saying to us today through your precious word. In Jesus name Amen.
power and authority
As we come to the opening of the seals, let us remember that in the beginning God – Father, Son and Spirit – gave their power and authority to humanity. Their power and authority to rule and reign with Him. Yet humanity chose to give that power and authority to their selfish desires and chose to became one with both evil and good. As a result humanity activated evil into God’s once perfect world.
As God never takes back anything that He gives, their needed to be someone, to open the scroll. Someone who was not of the corrupted seed of humanity, but represent humanity. Not only represented humanity but someone comparable to the One who sits on the throne. Someone who was worthy to open the seals on behalf of humanity and all creation.
Only God the Son is comparable to the one who sits on the throne, as He is God the Son. He is the very essence of God and through and by Him, together with the Father and Spirit created. Only God the Son who became human, is worthy to represent humanity, as He was not born of the corrupted seed of humanity. Instead when He chose to experience the full human condition, He was born of the incorruptible seed of the Holy Spirit.
only one is worthy
For only Jesus is the bringer of salvation and true justice. So there is only one who is worthy to open the scroll and bring everything to its fulfilment.
Remembering that the scroll has two sides. One side is salvation and the other is judgement.
The opening of the seals will bring the full consummation of salvation to all who received Him throughout the ages. It will also bring the full judgement upon evil and those who have chosen to align themselves with evil. As aligning themselves with evil, becoming one with evil, they have chosen to come under the judgement of evil.
So the stage is set for the opening of the scrolls. Therefore let the drama begin!
the opening of the seals
Revelation 6:1-8 Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.” And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.
When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.” Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.
When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.”
When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.
So let us pause for a moment.
domination and empowerment
Here is four aspects of the work of evil, revealed for all to see. They are in complete contrast to the work of God in Jesus. God is revealing the work of evil, so no one will be ignorant. God invites us through the voice of the four living creatures to come and see.
So let us look at each of the four works of evil to gain a greater revelation of who God is and all He has done for us in Jesus.
The first work of evil is symbolised by a white horse and its rider. Upon the white horse sits the rider who has a bow and was given a crown. This first horse and its rider represents conquest, domination, oppression and abuse of power that takes place upon the earth.
Let us remember that in the beginning evil and selfish desires were given power to rule and reign on the earth by humanity. The deception was that the very thing humanity believed they could control, became the controlling force.
Unfortunately ever since then, world super powers have come and gone, causing destruction and devastation. Many would seize the right to rule and reign through either violence or riches. All for self gain and self glorification. To satisfy the selfish desires, which can never be satisfied.
So over the course of human history there have been rulers who have pridefully promised a better way. They would deceive the people to think that all this was possible through them, but more significantly without God.
All this conquest, deception, oppression and domination is symbolised by the white horse with its rider possessing a bow and had been given a crown.
salvation and judgement
The ways of evil and humanity’s selfish desires are in complete contrast to God and His loving ways. Unlike humanity, God gives freely and unconditionally. He never takes back what He gives, as He gives eternally. God is never controlling or manipulating, never oppressing others or abusing His right to rule and reign. He gives free choice and never uses His power for self gain.
Jesus in all His glory will return and eliminate evil. The empires of humanity who have aligned themselves with evil throughout the ages, will be judged and condemned accordingly.
Revelation 19:11-16 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.
Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
war and peace
The second work of evil is symbolised by a red horse and its rider. Upon the red horse sits the rider who has been given the power to take peace from the earth through violence. The rider has a sword which humanity uses for killing. Right back to the first generation born of the corrupted seed of humanity, that is the seed of good and evil, there was bloodshed. The killing of a brother, by his brother. Throughout the ages violence continues to take the peace from the earth and all who dwell in it. Animal against animal, human against human, kin against kin. The aggressor and the victim.
Once again this war and bloodshed is in complete contrast to God in Jesus. He is the prince of peace. The giver of complete and perfect peace. Peace to the warring self, peace with God and peace with each other. Peace and harmony can only be restored to the universe in Jesus. This is God’s eternal plan. He brings perfect peace. Peace in body, soul, emotions and spirit is a free gift of God in Jesus.
Ephesians 2:14-18 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
injustice and justice
The third work of evil is symbolised by a black horse and its rider. Upon the black horse sits the rider who has a pair of scales to weigh in the balance. The world economical system of buying and selling is unfair and unjust. Famine has resulted through the price set on produce. In amongst this famine on earth, there is from the midst of the four living creatures a voice. The voice declares, do not harm the oil and wine.
Again the ways of evil and the unjust world systems of humanity are in complete contrast to God and at war against Him. God has a never ending supply of His eternal self and all things good. Everything He gives freely, equally and without measure. There is never any lack in God’s eternal kingdom.
death and eternal life
The fourth work of evil is symbolised by a pale horse and its rider. The one who sits on the pale horse is death itself. Followed by Hades, which is the holding place of the dead for those who throughout the ages chose to align themselves with evil. Power had been given to death and Hades, once again echoing the time in the beginning when humanity activated evil and death into God’s perfect world. Throughout the ages evil has reproduced and killed with either the sword, or hunger, or death itself or through the beasts of the earth. All of which will be sentenced to eternal damnation by the righteous judge. King Jesus.
Revelation 20:11-15 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
summary
To sum up. The first work of evil is conquest, domination, oppression and abuse of power that takes place upon the earth. Power to take peace from the earth through violence is the second work of evil. The third work of evil is the unjust world economical system of buying and selling. They have resulted in extreme famine. However in amongst this famine, the oil and wine are not harmed. Then as the fourth work of evil there is death and Hades for all those who have chosen to align themselves with evil will be judged.
All who have received God in Jesus have nothing to fear, as we have been passed from judgement. Our names are in the book of life. So together with the Spirit of God we testify of who Jesus is and what He has done and will do.
Revelation 22:16-17 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
The Mystery of the Seven Seals – Part 2
Following on from last weeks message we will continue on through the book of the Revelation of Jesus and the mystery of the seven seals.
Remembering that there is only one worthy to open the seals. One who was not only comparable with the one who sits of the throne, but represented humanity. That is someone worthy to open the seals on behalf of humanity and all creation. The seals must be opened as in the opening of the seals will bring the full consummation of salvation and judgement.
The fullness of salvation to all who received Him throughout the ages. The opening of the seals will also bring full judgement upon evil and those who have chosen to align themselves with evil. As aligning themselves with evil, becoming one with evil, they have chosen to come under the judgement of evil.
Only Jesus is worthy to open the seals.
The first four works of evil revealed for all to see are represented by the 4 horses and their riders upon the earth. The first work of evil is conquest, domination, oppression and abuse of power that takes place upon the earth. Second in the sequence of the seals being opened is the power to take peace from the earth through violence. The third work of evil is the unjust world economical system of buying and selling which brings extreme famine. But the oil and wine are not harmed by this. Fourth work of evil in the sequence of opening the seals is death and Hades. Which is the destiny for all those who have chosen to align themselves with evil.
the heart of God
So let us go back to the drama of the mystery of opening the seven seals. As we journey together with John in witnessing the opening of the fifth, sixth and seventh seals, once again let us take a moment to surrender our thoughts and what we think the text is saying.
Father we thank you that your works are not of evil, but only good. As we journey through the text we ask that you will give us a greater revelation of your love, truth and power, so that the world may know you. May we hear what your Spirit is saying to us today. In Jesus mighty name amen.
Revelation 6:9-11 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.
the martyrs cry out
Under the altar are those who had been slain for the word of God and their testimony of Him. They cry out ‘How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?’ The martyrs refer to Jesus as holy and true. This is the same way Jesus referred to Himself in the letter to those who have not denied His name in Revelation 3:7-12. In that letter Jesus promises that the recipients will be a pillar in the temple of God, in the new city of God.
For the fulfilment of these promises, there is an appointed time. It is the conclusion of when all those who will say yes to God, yes to Jesus, have done so.
Even knowing evil and its works, there will be those on earth who would rather suffer judgement that’s choose God. They chose to align themselves with evil and sadly refuse to change their mind. Even in the midst of judgement, God continues to pursue in love.
As it is God’s heart’s desire that no one should perish, in grace and mercy He waits for that time. When all those throughout the ages who will come to Jesus, have come.
Then at that appointed time Jesus returns. With Him He brings the fullness of His salvation to all who received Him. God also in Jesus brings judgement to those who refuse Him and His right to rule and reign.
So until that time, the spirits of the martyrs are to rest a while longer.
identity sealed
Until that time all seven seals must be opened. So the lamb who was slain opens the sixth seal.
Revelation 6:12-17 I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place.
And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”
As a result of humanity giving power to selfish desires and evil, all of creation is also in conflict, destruction and mourning. All those who have declared war on God will be exposed. They will not be able to stand in the presence of God. Having knowingly chosen to align themselves with evil.
In the midst of this high drama the servants of God from the tribes of Israel have been sealed by God with His identity. They believed God and received His right to rule and reign. As a result they are preserved from judgement. For a deeper revelation of this, please listen to our podcast, Who Are The 144,000?
identity revealed
Standing before the throne is a multitude of those who are arrayed in white robes.
Revelation 7:9-10 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
They declare the truth of God as the possessor of salvation. The multitude from every tribe, along with those of the 144,00 from the tribe of Israel, have also received God’s right to rule and reign. They have His identity, His name and belong to God. They have come out of the great tribulation, which actually means to be revealed, come into being, appear and have a place.
So through the great tribulation, the true identity of being a disciple of Jesus will be revealed, for all to see. Those who are sealed with His name will shine victoriously. Together with the first hearers, we have nothing to fear of any present trial. As Jesus shepherds us, we will enter into the fullness of our salvation, and God will wipe away every tear. For salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and to the lamb!
The great tribulation will also expose the ones who are not His, as they will not be sealed with His identity. For they refused to receive Him and His right to rule and reign. They knowingly chose to give their allegiance to evil. So false prophets, the deeds of humanity without God and the root of their empires will be revealed.
the 7th seal
So all six seals have been opened. It is time for the climax of the mystery of the seven seals. The opening of the seventh seal.
Revelation 8:1-6 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. Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake. So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.
silence in heaven
What an incredible honouring moment. Silence in heaven. Not just a minutes’ silence as we do here on earth. Even then it is not true silence. But an extended time of silence in heaven. Incense offered with the prayers of the saints upon the golden altar. Not a word is spoken in this sacred moment. The prayers of the all who have said yes to God throughout all the ages are there on the golden altar. Not only acknowledged but honoured with silence.
Not only are the prayers of the saints honoured with silence in heaven but they are filled with the fire of God and become effective on earth. As we pray Father your will be done on earth as it is heaven, your kingdom has come on earth in Jesus, we are one with the heart of our Father. The prayers of the saints, together with the fire of God, are thrown to earth.
Everything is ready for the seven trumpets to sound.
the 7 trumpets
One by one the trumpets sounded. Hail and fire mingled blood. Volcanic eruptions and a third of the seas turned to blood. A third of the waters become bitter. Another trumpet sounds and another and another. A third of the lights in the sky are darkened. Both day and night. Again and again those who chose to align themselves with evil and all these things are given an opportunity to change their mind. A voice declares woe, woe, woe. But still they refuse.
Demonic activity and a vast army of evil brings calamity, destruction and death to the earth. A third of the remaining people on earth who have refused to receive God and HIs right to rule and reign are affected. But the good news is, those who have received Jesus and His right to rule and reign are not affected. We cannot be harmed as we have not aligned ourselves with evil or the enemy of God. Again God reveals His truth and urges all to come to Him and be set free.
the mystery of the seven seals revealed
Then the time has come. The mystery of the seven seals revealed. The seventh trumpet sounds!
Revelation 11:15-18 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: “We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned. The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth.”
So until the appointed time of the fullness of our salvation and judgement of evil and all who have aligned themselves with evil, let us together with the Spirit of God testify.
Revelation 22:16-17 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
SERMON CATEGORIES
unsearchable mysteries> son of man> love of God> hope and healing> know God> truth> power> end times> experience God> life> success in life> kingdom> miracles of the wilderness journey>
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