Keys of Truth: Book of Revelation (Chapter 6)

Chapter summary:
This chapter begins the action of judgment upon the earth for its wickedness. The previous two chapters were introductory, setting the stage, showing “Who was, Who is, and Who will be” in control; preparing the reader for the coming judgments. The judgments can be divided into three main series of sevens—seven seals, seven trumpets and seven vials. The trumpets and vials are part of the seventh seal so all the judgments actually come from the seals. The seventh seal, seventh trumpet and seventh vial are all extended in their report compared to the previous six judgments

Jesus, the Lamb, now begins to open the seals on the scroll. As the first four seals are opened: terrible horsemen representing conquest (6:1-2), devastating warfare (vv. 3-4), famine (vv. 5-6), and plague (vv. 7-8) are released. These bear a striking resemblance to signs spoken of by Christ in Matthew 24:1-35, Mark 13:1-37, and Luke 21:5-33. The fifth seal reveals martyrs, crying out for God to judge and avenge them (6:9-11). When the sixth seal is opened earth and even the heavens are shaken, as if by a great earthquake (vv. 12-14). Humanity then realizes that this is divine judgment. Rather than repent, everyone will seek to hide from God's wrath (vv. 15-17).

The believer’s personal application: Those who reject grace now will not repent when judgment comes.

                                                TEXTUAL INSIGHT

As we come to chapter 6, the scene shifts to the earth, and the question naturally is: What happens on the earth when the church leaves? The Great Tribulation takes place, and that is the subject of chapters 6 thru 18. The seven seals open up the Great Tribulation period. The Lord Jesus breaks the seals, and the four horses come forth. We will see the martyred dead during that period, and the coming of the day of wrath. In a very orderly way, the seventh seal introduces the blowing of seven trumpets (Revelation 8:2 – Revelation 11:19). The blowing of the seventh trumpet introduces seven startling persons (Revelation 12 – Revelation 13). The beast out of the sea introduces the seven bowls of wrath (Revelation 15 – Revelation 16). The last bowl of wrath brings to us the judgment of Babylon, and that brings to an end the Great Tribulation period (Revelation 17 -- 18), and then Christ comes to the earth.

The important thing for us to keep before us is the One who is worthy to open this book. He is directing everything now. As we were told at the beginning, this is the Revelation, the unveiling, of Jesus Christ. He is no longer walking among the lampstands, for they have all been removed from this earth. He is no longer the High Priest, standing as intercessor, but He is now the executor of God's will upon the earth as He opens the seals of the book. All the judgments of the Great Tribulation are released as the seals are opened.

The Great Tribulation is initiated from heaven. Jesus Christ directs the entire operation. The Church will be delivered from this period of judgment. Why? Because, we have been saved by the grace of God. Only those who reject the grace of God go into the Great Tribulation period. Every person on earth will hear the gospel, and when they make their decision, that will decide whether or not they are going into the Great Tribulation.

There are certain factors that are brought into focus which increase the intensity and the violence of the Great Tribulation:

1) The Holy Spirit will restrain evil no longer. Will the Holy Spirit leave the world? No, He won't leave. He was in the world before the Day of Pentecost, however, on the Day of Pentecost He assumed a new ministry of baptizing believers into the body of Christ, a ministry of indwelling them, of filling them, and of leading and guiding them in this world. He will take the Church out of this world, but that does not mean that He is going to leave. He will still be here, but He will not restrain evil any longer. In other words, man is going to have his little day during that period, and so is Satan.

2) The true Church, as light and salt, will be gone from the earth.

3) The Devil knows that he has but a short time. He is going to take advantage of it during this period, and God is going to give him free rein.

4) Evil men will be free to carry out their wicked plans. The Antichrist will be allowed to control things on earth for a brief period of time.

5) There will be direct judgment from God. We see that here in verse 17, which says, "For the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?"