361 - Six of the Seals Are Opened
- Gwen Diaz
- Dec 27, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 17, 2025
December 27 - Nº 361 Revelation 6 – 7
John stood in the throne room of God. He watched as a Lamb (that looked as if it had been killed but had come back to life) took a scroll from the hand of God. When this happened, the whole throne room of God erupted in praise.
One at a time, the lamb began to open the seven seals that secured the scroll. As the first seal was opened, one of the four creatures from around the throne (see #360 - December 26) proclaimed in a thunderous voice, “Come!” Immediately a white horse appeared. The rider was holding a bow and was given a victor’s crown. He rode off ready to conquer. Although he held a bow, he had no arrows or any other weapons. His mission was to produce a peaceful transition of power on the earth.
Another seal was opened, and a second heavenly creature proclaimed, “Come!” This time a fiery red horse appeared. Its rider was handed a large sword. He was given power to take peace away from the earth and to cause people to kill each other.
The Lamb opened a third seal and a third creature said, “Come!” A black horse appeared. Its rider held a pair of scales. John heard someone in the throne room say, “Two pounds of wheat for a day’s wages or six pounds of barley. But do not damage the oil and the wine!” It was obvious that no longer would the poor be able to afford the basic food items they needed—but the rich would continue to have plenty.
When the fourth seal was opened, the fourth living creature said, “Come!” This time a pale horse appeared with a rider whose name was Death. Another rider named Hades (which represents the place of the dead) followed closely behind. Hades was probably gathering the spirits of those left behind by Death. These riders were given power over one fourth of the earth to bring death by sword, famine, plagues, and wild beasts.
The opening of the fifth seal revealed the souls of believers who had been martyred for their faith. They were safely hidden at the foot of the altar in the heavenly Temple. They called out, “How long, Sovereign Lord, until you avenge the shedding of our blood?” Each of them was given a white robe and the promise that justice was coming.
When the sixth seal was opened a massive earthquake shook the whole earth; the sun turned black; and the moon looked like blood. Stars fell like meteors to the earth. Everyone ran to the mountains to seek cover. But instead of calling out to God and repenting, they begged the rocks to fall on them and put them out of their misery.
Meanwhile, an angel appeared holding a signet ring. He ordered the angels who had been given the power to harm the land and sea not to do any more damage until he had placed God’s seal on the foreheads of 144,000 Israelites (12,000 from each tribe). These Israelites had been chosen to serve God and were not to be harmed.
As time advanced, John looked up. He saw a huge multitude of people from every tribe and nation standing before the throne and the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches. An elder explained to John that these people had become believers after the seals were opened and the tribulations began. He added, “The One who sits on the throne will shelter them. Never again will they hunger or thirst. The Lamb will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
It is hard to imagine that people would be so stubborn that they would rather be crushed by rocks than admit their sinfulness and turn to God.
Do you ever "stomp your feet" and refuse to admit that you are wrong?
Is there an area in your life where you struggle to listen to God?
Remember, He loves us and wants the best for us. Over and over He gives us the opportunity to come to Him--even until the very end!
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