The Seven Seals: A Prophetic History of the World

Revelation 6

1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.

2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.

4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.

6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.

7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.

8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:

17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

The seven seals of Revelation represent the history of the world and the experience of God’s people as they trace down the roll of fast-fulfilling prophecy9MR 7.1+1. This prophetic roll, written within and without, contains the destiny of every nation and can only be opened by the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David13LtMs, Lt 65, 1898, par. 16.

The Opening of the Seals 📖

• The First Seal (The White Horse): This represents the purity and power of the gospel as it went forth to conquer in the early church14LtMs, Ms 42, 1899, par. 7+1. It symbolizes the moral excellence of Christ’s character and the witness of His divinity borne by those who received His messageDA 770.1+1.

• The Second, Third, and Fourth Seals: As the seals are opened, we see the progression of history through different colored horses. The black horse and others represent various spirits and movements that go to and fro through the earth Zechariah 6:1-815LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 15. The pale horse, named Death, represents a period of history where power was given to kill with the sword, hunger, and the beasts of the earth Revelation 6:813LtMs, Lt 65, 1898, par. 22.

• The Fifth Seal: This reveals the souls under the altar who were slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held13LtMs, Lt 65, 1898, par. 22. These scenes were presented to John to show what would transpire in a future period of time as the conflict between truth and error continued Revelation 6:9-111MR 47.3+1.

• The Sixth Seal: This seal brings us to the closing scenes of earth's history, marked by a great earthquake, the sun becoming black, the moon becoming as blood, and the stars falling to the earth Revelation 6:12-133TT 415.1. These events provide evidence that the end of all things is at handKC 71.1.

Historical and Prophetic Significance 🌍

The fulfillment of these prophecies is as a light that shines in a dark place, guiding us until the day dawn9LtMs, Lt 54, 1894, par. 30+1. In history, the dark shadow of apostasy has often covered the land, leading people to worship the sun, moon, and stars instead of the CreatorSS 60.2+1. However, God has always had a people who stand firm as a rock, holding their confidence steadfast unto the end1MR 47.3+1.

The prophetic gift has acted as a corrector of error and a confirmer of truth throughout this historyEW xxiii.2. For example, the study of the sanctuary and the cleansing of the heavenly temple brought hope to believers after the disappointment of 1844CIHS 8.1. This foundation of truth remains solid, and not a word is changed or deniedNYI February 7, 1906, par. 4.

The Final Conflict and the Seventh Seal 🛡️

We are currently living amid the perils of the last days, where the distinction between those who serve Christ and those who do not is becoming more marked13LtMs, Lt 96, 1898, par. 3+1. The upcoming battle of Armageddon will involve the armies of heaven following Him who is called Faithful and True14LtMs, Ms 42, 1899, par. 7+1.

• The Shaking: The powers of heaven—the sun, moon, and stars—will be shaken at the voice of God, while the powers of earth are shaken by war, famine, and pestilence1LtMs, Lt 2, 1848, par. 2.

• The Judgment: The books will be opened, and every man will be judged according to his works written in those records Revelation 20:1216LtMs, Lt 51, 1901, par. 25.

• The Morning Star: Amidst the darkness, Jesus remains the bright and morning Star, offering the water of life freely to whosoever will Revelation 22:16-17PH130 33.2+1.

Understanding the philosophy of history means recognizing the outworking of God's principles in the removal and setting up of kings Daniel 2:21SPCCSR 18.5. As we watch the fulfillment of prophecy, we are urged to purify our souls and be ready for the appearance of Christ in the clouds of heavenChS 46.1+1.

I would be honored to help you share this profound message; I will gladly craft both a detailed sermon and a structured outline for you, focusing on the Seven Seals through the lens of Scripture and Ellen G. White’s writings.

The Opening of the Roll: Our Journey Through Prophetic History 📜

Introduction: The Book in the Father's Hand

In the hushed courts of heaven, a scene of solemn importance was presented to the apostle John20MR 197.1+1. He saw in the right hand of Him that sat upon the throne a book, or a roll, written within and on the backside, and sealed with seven seals Revelation 5:19MR 7.1. This sacred roll contains the history of the world and the destiny of every nation20MR 197.1+2. John wept because no human or angelic intelligence was worthy to open the book, but he was told to weep not, for the Lion of the tribe of Judah has prevailed to open the seals Revelation 5:2-520MR 197.1+1. Today, we must become familiar with every line of prophetic history contained in these revelationsEv 198.2+1.

Children’s Story: The Secret Letter ✉️

Imagine a king wrote a very special letter that explained how to find a hidden treasure, but he closed it with seven strong wax seals. No one in the kingdom was strong enough or good enough to open it. Everyone was sad because they wanted to know the king's plan. But then, the King’s own Son came forward. Because He is the Prince, He has the right to open the letter! As He breaks each seal, a new part of the story is told. Children, Jesus is the only One who can show us the future because He is our King, and He wants us to know that He is leading us all the way to the beautiful city of God17MR 10.2+1.

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I. The First Seal: The Purity of the Early Church ⚪

The opening of the first seal reveals a white horse, symbolizing the church in its first century, going forth to conquer with the pure gospel messageLDE 89.3+1. This was a time of moral excellence and spiritual power when the disciples, after the ascension of Christ, were filled with the Holy Spirit Acts 17:36BC 1055.2. They were witnesses of the things they had seen, presenting the truth with such power that it turned the world upside down Acts 17:6RH September 18, 1900, par. 8. The white color represents the purity of the faith as it was first delivered to the saints, before the tares were sown by the enemyRH January 1, 1889, par. 11.

II. The Second and Third Seals: The Rise of Error and Scarcity 🔴⚫

As the seals continued to open, history moved into a period where the purity of the church began to fadeBTS December 1, 1912, par. 3. The red horse of the second seal represents a time of strife and persecution as the world and a falling church opposed the truth1MR 47.3. Then came the black horse, signifying a period of spiritual darkness and a famine for the Word of GodLLM 35.2. When men turn from the Bread of Life, they find themselves in a state of spiritual poverty, weighing their faith in scales of human tradition rather than the divine Word2SM 110.4. We must guard the waymarks of truth so that we do not fall into similar errors today1MR 54.3+1.

III. The Fourth Seal: The Dark Ages and Death 💀

The fourth seal reveals a pale horse, and its rider’s name was DeathPK 535.1. This represents the long period of papal supremacy where the Word of God was trodden underfoot and millions were slain for their faithChS 163.1+1. History repeated itself as the religious powers of that day, like the priests in the time of Saul, persecuted those who walked in the light3SP 307.2+1. Yet, even in this dark hour, God’s eye was upon His faithful ones, and their history was faithfully chronicled in the records of heaven1888 952.5+1.

IV. The Fifth Seal: The Cry of the Martyrs 🩸

Under the fifth seal, John saw the souls of those who had been slain for the Word of God crying out from under the altarPC 424.1. This historical period focuses on the Reformation and the subsequent years where the blood of the martyrs became the seed of the church5LtMs, Ms 38, 1887, par. 1. These faithful witnesses, like Stephen, saw the heavens opened and stood firm despite the wrath of men Acts 17:33SP 307.2. They were told to rest for a little season, for the account of every business transaction and every unjust deal is kept in heaven to be settled at the final reckoningPH157 16.1+1.

V. The Sixth Seal: The Signs of the End 🌑

The sixth seal brings us to the great waymarks in prophetic history that show us where we are todayLDE 16.3+1. It began with the great earthquake of Lisbon, followed by the darkening of the sun and the moon becoming as blood in 1780, and the falling of the stars in 1833HS 287.3+1. These events were a preparation for the advanced light of the three angels' messages13MR 15.3+1.

• The 1844 Experience: Those who passed through the disappointment of 1844 found their experience portrayed in the scriptures, showing that God was leading them point by point2SM 26.4+2.

• A Firm Foundation: The pillars of truth established then are not to be moved; they are the solid foundation of our faithCW 26.2+1.

• Our Present Position: We are now living in the very closing scenes of the sixth seal, tracing down the roll of fast-fulfilling prophecyChS 46.1+1.

VI. The Seventh Seal: Silence and the Final Judgment ⚖️

The opening of the seventh seal brings a silence in heaven, pointing to the solemn hour when Christ ceases His intercession in the heavenly sanctuaryCIHS 147.1+1. The books of record are opened, and every man is judged according to his works Revelation 22:12PH157 16.1+1. Every act, every word, and every motive is weighed in the balances of the sanctuaryST January 1, 1885, par. 1+1. In that great day, the inhabitants of the earth will realize that there is a limit to the forbearance of JehovahST September 11, 1884, par. 10+1.

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Conclusion and Appeal: What Will You Do? 📢

Beloved, we are far down in prophetic history, standing on the very threshold of the fulfillment of the final events17MR 10.2+1. The history of the world is nearly closed21LtMs, Lt 372, 1906, par. 2+1.

• Examine Your Record: Day by day and hour by hour, you are making your own record in the books of heavenPH157 16.1+1. Is your character unlovely, or are you becoming partakers of the divine nature 2 Peter 1:4ST January 1, 1885, par. 1?

• Seek the Truth: Do not be like those who search for proof that these messages are in the future; recognize where we are todayPC 424.1+1.

• Choose Christ: Jesus, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, is the only One who can give you the wedding garment needed to stand in the judgmentChS 46.1+1.

The angel of the Lord encamps round about them that fear Him Psalms 34:7. I entreat you to retrace your steps if you have wandered, and redeem the past while mercy still lingers4MR 224.3+1. The day of God is coming with stealthy treadEv 613.1+1. What are you going to do to prepare for that great dayHS 287.3+1? Turn to Christ now, follow every line of prophetic history, and be found complete in Him Colossians 2:10Ev 198.2+1. Amen.

Here is the sermon outline:

The Opening of the Roll: Our Journey Through Prophetic History

Introduction: The Book in the Father's Hand

• The Vision: John sees a scroll in God’s hand containing world history and human destiny.
• The Worthy One: Only the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Jesus) is worthy to open the seven seals.
• The Mandate: Believers must become familiar with prophetic history to understand their time.
• Children’s Lesson: Just as a Prince opens a King's secret letter, Jesus is the only one who can reveal the future and lead us to the city of God.

I. The First Seal: The Purity of the Early Church

• The White Horse: Represents the first-century church and the pure gospel.
• Spiritual Power: A time characterized by moral excellence and the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
• Conquering Faith: The disciples' witness "turned the world upside down."

II. The Second and Third Seals: The Rise of Error and Scarcity

• The Red Horse: Symbolizes a period of strife and persecution as the church began to lose its purity.
• The Black Horse: Represents spiritual darkness and a famine for the Word of God.
• Human Tradition: A shift from the "Bread of Life" to spiritual poverty and man-made traditions.

III. The Fourth Seal: The Dark Ages and Death

• The Pale Horse: Represents the era of papal supremacy and the suppression of the Bible.
• Martyrdom: Millions were slain for their faith during this long period of spiritual oppression.
• Divine Record: Though hidden from the world, the history of the faithful was recorded in heaven.

IV. The Fifth Seal: The Cry of the Martyrs

• The Altar: John sees the souls of the slain crying out for justice.
• The Reformation: The blood of martyrs serves as "seed" for the church's growth.
• Heavenly Reckoning: God maintains an account of every injustice, to be settled at the final judgment.

V. The Sixth Seal: The Signs of the End

• Cosmic Waymarks: Physical signs in nature indicating the approach of the end:
  • The Great Lisbon Earthquake.
  • The Dark Day (1780).
  • The Falling Stars (1833).
• The 1844 Experience: The establishment of a firm foundation and the Three Angels’ Messages.
• Our Day: We are currently living in the closing scenes of this seal.

VI. The Seventh Seal: Silence and the Final Judgment

• Silence in Heaven: Points to the end of Christ’s intercession in the heavenly sanctuary.
• The Final Audit: Every act, word, and motive is weighed in the balances of heaven.
• The End of Forbearance: Recognition that God’s mercy has a limit before the final reckoning.

Conclusion and Appeal: What Will You Do?

• A Solemn Reality: The history of the world is nearly closed; we stand on the threshold of final events.
• Personal Examination: We are currently writing our own records in the books of heaven.
• The Call to Action:
  • Seek the truth of our present time.
  • Retrace your steps if you have wandered.
  • Accept the "wedding garment" of Christ’s righteousness to be found complete in Him.