[:en]THE SEALS (vs. 1-17)
The judgment of God is divided into 7 parts. This is the first part. As each seal is opened, Christ, the Lamb brings about the end of human history. The contents of the scroll reveal human’s depravity and show God’s authority over the events of human history
Among the seven seals, six are being revealed in this chapter. Horses appear as the Lamb opened the seals. The horses represent God’s judgment of people’s sin and rebellion.
Each horse has different colors as follows:
- White Horse – the rider rode out as a conqueror
- Ref Horse – the rider has a large sword that takes peace from the earth. It represents warfare and judgment
- Black Horse – the rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand with high price of wheat and barley. It represents famine
- Pale Horse – the rider was named Death and Hades was following close behind him. It represents death either by sword, famine, plagues or being devoured by wild beast.
These 4 riders are commnly known as the 4 horseman of the APOCALYPSE. The 4 riders are given power over 1/4 of the earth, indicating that judgment is not yet complete. There is still time for unbelievers to turn to Christ before the final judgment. This demonstrates God’s wrath on sin but also His mercy for people to repent.
The fifth seal was opened. John saw under the altar, the souls of those who had been slain for preaching the Good News. The martyrs were longing for God to bring justice to earth but they were told to wait for God’s times.
The 6th seal is a universal one. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black and the moon turned blood red, and the stars in the sky fell to earth. The sky receded like a scroll rolling up and every mountain and island was removed from its place. Everyone hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountain. They were terrified calling for the mountain to fall on them so that they will not have to face the judgment of the Lamb.
This incident shows that the Lamb is a gentle Savior for the believers but those who previously showed no fear of God will face God’s wrath. Those who belong to Christ will receive a reward. Do you belong to God?[:]