Revelation 4-8 – Part 2
The Open Door and the Book with the Seven Seals
The Investigation Judgment in Progress
The Ministers should present the TRUTH in a clear, simple manner. {GW 170}
The Fundamental Rules in Biblical-Prophetic Revelation
These fundamental rules were taken from the bible as its own interpreter.
1. Rev. 1:3 – “Blessed [is] he that READETH, and they that HEAR the words of this prophecy, and KEEP those things which are written therein: for the time [is] at hand.”
Let everyone who has been blessed with reasoning faculties take up the Bible and search its pages, that he may understand the will of God concerning him. In this Book divine instruction is given to all. The Bible is addressed to everyone–to every class of society, to those of every clime and age. Everyone should read the Bible for himself. Do not depend on the minister to read it for you. The Bible is God’s Word to you. And Christ has made this Word so plain that in reading it, no one need misunderstand. Let the humble cottager read and understand the Word given by the wisest Teacher the world has ever known, and among kings, governors, statesmen, there is none greater than He. {ST, July 11, 1906 par. 6}
2. Tim. 3:16, 17 – “All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
3. Isa. 28:13 – But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, [and] there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
4. Isa. 8:20 – To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them.
5. Please read Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers
Background:
John wrote letters to the 7 churches in Asia, namely; Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Rev. 1:11 EGWhite says that 7 signifies completeness (AA 585). A complete history of the churches in the New Testament era and predicts the characteristics of Christian churches in the future.
Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified [it] by his angel unto his servant John: What was the things which must come shortly? The fulfillment of first church – Ephesus in chapter 2:1-7 not Rev. 4:1 because it says, “After this I looked” note: the 7 churches had already been shown – it does not says, After THESE, KJV says, After “THIS” it only points to the one church (Laodicea) preceding the event in verse 1, a door [was] opened in heaven: It denotes that the event in Chapters 4, 5 predicted here (the open door in the Most Holy Place – in the investigative judgment, Dan, 7:9) would be fulfilled in 1844 (EW 42). Take note: the last church spoken of before John saw, a door opened in heaven is Laodicea – It came from two Greek words, ‘Laos’ which means people, ‘dicea’ means judgment – meaning people declaring judgment – it connotes a time where God’s judgment is at hand – 1844 as the year of Great Disappointment which our pioneers understood as a cleansing of the sanctuary (Dan. 8:14) on earth, but Hiram Edson and Ellen G. White had been shown a vision that it was not the earth but the Most Holy Place opened for an investigative judgment.
Inspiration says, “The fifth chapter of Revelation needs to be closely studied. It is of GREAT IMPORTANCE to those who shall ACT A PART IN THE WORK OF GOD for these last days.” There are some who are deceived. They do not realize what is coming on the earth. Those who have permitted their minds to become beclouded in regard to what constitutes sin are fearfully deceived. Unless they make a decided change they will be found wanting when God pronounces judgment upon the children of men. They have transgressed the law and broken the everlasting covenant, and they will receive according to their works. {9T 267.1}
Notice the nature and scenes of the vision, there’s a GREAT IMPORTANCE to really understand the representations, keys that unlock the symbolic language (9MR 7). What are the keys to understand the scene depicted in vision?
1. One sitting on the throne (v. 2) same as shown to Daniel 7:9 – the throne cast down and the Ancient of days did sit – represents the Father, the Judge! Daniel had seen it as it was prophesied but John had seen as it was revealed to be fulfilled hereafter (1:19) ‘a door opened in heaven’ (v.1).
2. A rainbow around the throne (v. 3) representing God’s promises (Gen. 9:12-15; COL 148) and token of His covenant to Noah – it is a pledge of God’s mercy (Ed. 178; DA 83) to repentant, believing soul (CTr 314.5). Note: It’s a judgment in progress/process!
3. The 24 Elders (v. 4) representing the Jury – in any court proceedings there are jury selected convened to render an impartial verdict. In this case John had seen a vision to happen hereafter (Rev. 1:19) not before he was exiled but somewhere in the future. The 24 elders are from among those who ascended with Christ clothed in white raiment – purified and they had crowns of gold on their heads – denoting authority who had past the trials and sufferings on earth and are able to attend the investigative judgment. Please read: Mat. 27:51-53; DA 785-6; EW 184.
4. The 7 lamps of fire burning before the throne (v. 5) representing the completeness (AA 585) of truth (Ps. 119:105), the churches throughout all ages. EGWhite commented on this vision, “Christ walks in the midst of the golden candlesticks. Thus is symbolized His relation to the churches. He is in communion with His people. . . .Although He is High Priest and Mediator in the sanctuary above, yet He walks up and down in the midst of the churches on earth. . . . {CTr 314.4} It’s a crystal clear indication to prove that it is an investigative judgment scene.
5. The 7 Spirits (v. 5) – This shows that the Holy Spirit has been guiding the churches from the very beginning by revealing light and truth to God’s servants in each generation. Read COL 127 Read the context.
6. The sea of glass (v. 6) – In prophetic symbol, sea denotes endlessness, glass as crystal which means pure/eternal, so, together it represents life eternal. There’s an eternal life offered as reward to those saints.
7. The four beasts full of eyes before and behind (v.6) – They represents the saints, the defendants, those to be judged. Rev. 5:8-9. Only human beings have been redeemed. The saints are not physically there, yet are represented there symbolically as beasts (EW 54, 92) in the same way that the beast of Daniel and Revelation symbolizes nations.
a. First beast was like a Lion – being the king of the jungle – represents the first period of the history of the world (9MR 7) before the ceremonial system, from Adam to Moses.
b. Second beast like a Calf – it represents the period of the ceremonial system (Moses to the Cross) – the ceremonial system ended in Christ crucifixion.
c. Third beast had a face as a man – Christ as the son of man (AA 55.1) in the New Testament times – representing the third beast – from the cross to the harvest period.
d. Fourth beast was like a flying eagle – The eagle is considered as the “king of the skies” and messenger of the highest gods. With its keen eyes symbolized courage, perspicacity, strength and immortality. Take note the word ‘FLYING’. Therefore, it represents a period when the saints (church) is to be translated (the 144,000 and the Great Multitude). The harvest of the first fruit and the second fruit – the first and second fruit period.
8. The four beast had each of them six wings (v. 8a) – wings in this vision could not represent strife or swiftness because all of them had. It only represent periods of time when the judgment begins, which is clearly identified in the sixth period of the history of the world (1844) – when the sixth seal was unlock.
9. They were Full of Eyes within (v. 8b) – Eyes give light to the body providing sight. Thus it shows that God’s people have had sufficient light in every age (COL 127.4 – new development of truth, a message of God to the people of that generation).
10. A Book written within and on the backside, sealed with Seven Seals (5:1) The Book With Seven Seals Contains the History of the World.– “And I saw in the right hand of Him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon” (Revelation 5:1-3). {9MR 7.1}
There in His open hand lay the book, the roll of the history of God’s providences, the prophetic history of nations and the church. Herein was contained the divine utterances, His authority, His commandments, His laws, the whole symbolic counsel of the Eternal, and the history of all ruling powers in the nations. In symbolic language was contained in that roll the influence of every nation, tongue, and people from the beginning of earth’s history to its close. {9MR 7.2} This roll was written within and without. John says: [Revelation 5:4, 5, 8-14; 6:8-11; Revelation 8:1-4; quoted.] {9MR 7.3}
Note the highlighted quotes: Facts in relation to the Book with the Seven Seals
1. History of the WORLD,
2. History of God’s Providences,
3. Prophetic History of nations and the church,
4. divine utterances,
5. His authority,
6. His commandments,
7. His laws,
8. the whole symbolic counsel of the Eternal, and
9. the history of all ruling powers in the nations
10. the influence of every nation, tongue, and people from the beginning of earth’s history to its close.
With these in mind, could we say that the Seven Seals begin in the First Century – Christian Era or beginning with Adam until the end of World’s History.
This paper will prove that it didn’t started in the Church of Ephesus – 31-100 A.D.
Knowing that verse 2-4, John wept much because nobody in heaven, on earth, or under the earth was worthy and able to open and loose the seal, but verse 5, exclaimed, “weep not behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
The Book which only the Lamb is worthy to open – it is called the Book of the Lamb – the Book of life. The Book that decides every man’s destiny (Rev. 13:8; 20;12; 21:27; 22:19; Exo. 32:33).
“Thus the Jewish leaders made their choice. Their decision was registered in the book which John saw in the hand of Him that sat upon the throne, the book which no man could open. In all its vindictiveness this decision will appear before them in the day when this book is unsealed by the Lion of the tribe of Judah. {COL 294.1}
That’s the scene shown to John in Patmos, a very significant truth for those who will be investigated first the dead (1844) then closes to the living. The judgment reviews every case beginning with Adam through each successive generation and closes with the living (GC 482-3).
Note: When the book was taken from the hand of one sitting on the throne, the four beasts and twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb – acknowledging him as the advocate, they have harps and golden vials full of odours – representing the prayers of the saints. They sung a new song – a song of thanksgiving for the lamb who is able to open the book that they may be vindicated/judged. They are representing the redeemed of every kindred, tongue and people, and nation, saved by the blood of the Lamb who was slain (5:10)
11. Stood a Lamb as it had been slain (5:6a) – Representing Jesus (John 1:29) our advocate (lawyer) and substitutionary offering, also as a priest, a lamb bleeding – denoting that it is a scene of a heavenly court – the MOST HOLY PLACE where the investigative was cast down as Daniel saw it (Dan. 7:9) but John had been shown the whole proceedings.
12. Lamb having seven horns (5:6b) – Jesus having complete authority and power (Mat. 28:18)
13. Lamb having seven eyes (5:6c) – Jesus has complete vision – knowledge – the attribute of Christ (Ps. 139:12. Zech. 4:10)
14. The Seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth (5:6d) – denoting God’s activity or work in all ages (John 14:26).
15. The Many angels round about the throne (5:11-12) – the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands – singing songs of praise, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. These angels are witnesses of the judicial proceedings in heaven. “The witnesses, angels who record and testify to all events from Adam down to the end of time” GC 482-3
Revelation 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
It was used by some theologians to say that the vision shown to John in chapter 4 and 5 is applied to the Early Christian church but notice the passage and I quote, “Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter”. It was seen by John in vision then he wrote those things! And the things which are – events at present (time of John), and the things which shall be hereafter! SO, there are three phases, 1. things seen in the past, 2. things which are in the present, and 3. things hereafter. God reveals to John what has been in the past, in the present and in the future.
The Opening of the Book with the Seven Seals
Chapter 6 of Revelation records the Lamb opened the seven seals. What are these seals? When Do the Seals Begin? The seven signifies completeness (AA 585) If the Book contains the History of the World – it must therefore starts with Adam. The seven seals begin with those who first lived upon the earth, and closes with the living. Therefore, it covers the entire providence of God for the salvation of every human creature. (GC 482-3)
In the investigative judgment, the Book with the seven seals will be unsealed. These seven seals are the complete records of those who will be investigated starting with the first man who lived on earth and closes to the living. This Book with Seven Seals is the same as the book of Life. Therefore the unveiling of the seals must be the revelation of the lives of all those who are entered the service of God. The first person would have to be Adam. It cannot then start in the New Testament period as it is generally taught in the church.
The setting of the Seven Seals is in the context of the judgment (CTr 314.4) and the investigative judgment includes all of the world’s history – not just the New Testament.
In the opening of the seals, the four beasts are in charge of inviting John to come and see – He saw 4 different horses in different colors, WHITE, RED, BLACK and PALE. The different colors denotes, a degeneration and worsening of men’s condition in the History of the World.
The FIRST SEAL (6:2)
1. The first beast invited John to come and see, then He saw a WHITE HORSE with a CROWNED RIDER who had a BOW. It reveals those who first lived upon the earth – particularly the one who had been commanded to reproduce the human race – thereby conquer it and subdue the earth. The symbol use here, white signifies the earth in a pure and sinless state. The rider is represented by Adam who had given the dominion over God’s creation (Gen. 1:26, 28) as he was crowned King in Eden (Con. 10.3; 1BC 1082.2; RH February 24, 1874 No. 1, par. 4). The bow represents an instrument where the earth will be conquered – Eve was use in this symbolism which the Bible compared children to arrows (Ps. 127:4; Gen. 3:20).
These were the first ones to be judged in 1844 when Jesus our High Priest took the Book of Life (Book with Seven Seals) and began the investigative judgment for the dead.
The SECOND SEAL (6:3)
1. The second beast invited John to come and see, and he saw a RED HORSE who had power to take peace from the earth – kill one another and was given a great sword. This symbolism denotes the period in which murder and war broke out among the nations. RED is a symbol of curse, bloodshed. Abel was the first victim of bloodshed. This condition climaxed just after the flood and the Babel disaster with its confusion of languages. Note: To “take peace from the earth (verse 4), implies that there was peace before the time of the RED HORSE. This again proves that the first seal must have begun with Adam when the earth was pure and at peace. There was no peace on earth at the time of the New Testament era, the time generally taught to be the beginning of the seven seals – this is an error.
Facts to consider why the first seal didn’t starts at the Ephesus 31-100 AD:
a. 56-58 AD = Nero burned the streets of Rome and charged it to the Christians. The Christians were persecuted during this period of time – first century. EGWhite recorded an account which pictures the experience of Christians during the Ephesian Church, she wrote, “After a time the unbelieving Jews conceived the idea of fastening upon Paul the crime of instigating the burning of Rome,… through their efforts, Paul was again arrested, and hurried away to his final imprisonment. AA 489.1
b. 69-79 AD = Besphasian – the Destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.
c. 81-96 AD = Domitian – John was exiled at Patmos of Malta.
d. 96-117 AD = Trajan – Semeon Barcocba – “Son Star” Barcochiba 800 children burned.
No peace on earth during the first church Ephesus.
Therefore, the SECOND SEAL reveals the lives of those who lived particularly during the time just after the flood. Remember, the seals overlap. So, after Adam and Eve, the world gradually became “RED” that is, cursed with wars and murders until it peaked with the birth of the nations at the Tower of Babel.
The THIRD SEAL (6:5)
1. The third beast invited John to come and see, and he saw a BLACK HORSE and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. Black Horse Spiritual darkness–idolatry. This is the time when the knowledge of God was nigh obliterated. In fact, we have record of only Abraham and lot who served God.
Balances Trading, commercialism — led by the Phoenicians. Tyre and Sidon, were the chief centers of commerce —Isa. 23:8. The Phoenicians were known as the “busy bees of the ancient world.”
John mentioned these important symbolisms:
a. A measure of Wheat (6:6a) SEE MATT. 20: 8 -16 – Jesus taught them about how God hires His servants – the study of the 11th hour for a penny and All other workers received a penny (eternal life). measures of Barely. The last workers worked for only one parabolic hour. All other workers worked for three parabolic hours.
The first workers complained that they should have received more. The 11th hour workers received their penny first even though they were hired last.
b. For a Penny (6:6b) represents ETERNAL LIFE –SALVATION (Only human beings receive salvation as a reward for labor here on earth)
Wheat 144,000 & GREAT MULTITUDE (GM)–who were hired last.
Barley JEWS –who were hired first
One measure The ONE HOUR (Matt. 20:6,12) — the length of time the 11th hour workers labored.
Three measures The THREE HOURS (Matt. 20: 1-3) –symbolizing the work of the Jews.
NOTE:: The REWARD was given to the 11th hour workers FIRST– showing that the 144,000 will receive (penny) eternal life or SALVATION BEFORE THE JEWS AND the other laborers. Thus, the voice (God) said, “ONE measure of WHEAT [first] for a penny and Three measures of BARLEY [last].” Jesus said, the “last shall be first and the first last.” Matt. 20:16
c. Hurt not the …(6:6c) No interference with the Holy Scriptures that which was then being Oil and the Wine written by Moses. (GC V)
d. Oil and Wine (6:6d) are symbols of spiritual food — Jesus said that His words are “Spirit and Life” John 6:63. See also Ps. 45:7; Zech. 4:12.
NOTE: It is during the time of the black horse (third seal) that God called Israel, the time when
Moses began to write the Bible. Thus it was appropriate for God to announce protection for the Scriptures.
The third seal reveals the time when mankind well-nigh lost the knowledge of God — the time God called Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Israel — the time men introduced commerce — the time the Bible was introduced.
The FOURTH SEAL (6:7)
1. The FOURTH SEAL (6:7) The fourth beast invited John to come and see, and he saw a PALE HORSE.
Pale horse signifies disintegration, undistinguishable or Non-descript color. Same period as the Non-descript beast of Dan. 7:7,8 — the period of the ancient Roman government. The color denotes a mixture of paganism and Christianity.
a. His name that sat on him was DEATH and HELL (6:8a) this represents Persecution — Rome killed thousands and thousands of people, especially the Christians.
b. Power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth (6:8b) This represents the Fourth part of Rome was allowed to persecute the Christians for a fourth part of the earth. After which its power was to wane. The earth is to be 6,000 years old. To get a fourth part you must.
Divide four into 6,000 (6,000/4=1500). Beginning from the crucifixion (31AD) add 1500, which will bring you to 1530 AD– the date of the Augsburg Confession–the separation of Lutherans from Catholicism.
c. To kill with sword, and with hunger, and death, and with the beast of the world (6:8c). This period also shows the event during the dark ages, persecution of the Christian and the rise of Protestantism and many martyrs were killed.
The FIFTH SEAL (6:9)
1. The FIFTH SEAL (6:9) John saw under the altar SOULS OF THEM that were SLAIN FOR THE WORD OF GOD — already dead at the time of the opening of the fifth seal. These were martyrs from the preceding period (4th seal). Their untimely deaths demanded justice.
a. Altar (6:9a) An altar signifies a renewal of faith, worship — a reformation. Even in our churches we use the expression an “altar Call” — ”come down to the altar.” Therefore, the altar must symbolize the PROTESTANT REFORMATION, which began the downfall of Rome– the beginning of a spiritual renewal.
b. The Testimony which they held (6:9b) – Inspiration says, “The protest of Bible truth will be no longer tolerated by those who have not made the law of God their rule of action. Then will the voice be heard from the graves of martyrs, represented by the souls which John saw slain for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ which they held; then the prayer will ascend from every true child of God, “It is time for thee, Lord, to work, for they have made void thy law.” {TSA 52.2}
c. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How Long . . . (6:10) The answer that they should “rest for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren that should be killed as they were should be fulfilled”, is evidence that the persecution and martyrdom of the 4th seal were to overlap the fifth seal and the judgment was not to begin until after the persecution had ceased completely. That is, although the reformation brought the decline of Rome (the papacy), some of God’s people were still to be martyred for their faith up to the complete fall of the papacy. Then the Judgment of the dead would begin.
d. 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, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. (6:11) They are accounted worthy of eternity.
The SIXTH SEAL (6:12, 13)
1. The SIXTH SEAL (6:12, 13) When the Lamb open the sixth seal, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood, and the stars of heaven fell unto the earth.
a. Earthquake Lisbon: Nov. 1, 1755 (GC 304)
b. Sun, Moon May 19, 20, 1780 (GC 306)
c. Falling Stars Nov. 13, 1833 (GC 333)
See also Matt. 24:29.
d. SIXTH SEAL— still FUTURE. (REV. 6:14-17)
It is normally taught that these verses apply to the second coming of Christ. However, the following will prove that the second coming is only secondary; that in fact it applies primarily to the purification of the church — the slaughter of Ezekiel Nine.
Why Could Not Rev. 6:14-17 Primarily Apply To The Second Coming of Jesus?
6.1 THE JUDGMENT IS STILL IN PROGRESS — all seven seals must be opened and reviewed before Jesus can leave the sanctuary. There are still more names to be judged.
6.2 JESUS IS STILL A BLEEDING LAMB (verse 6,16). That indicate that probation is still opened.
6.3 THIS IS THE WRATH OF THE LAMB, not the wrath of God. This shows again that probation is still open. The wrath of God is the seven last plagues and the 2nd advent. (See Rev. 15:7; 16:1, 18-21).
6.4 INSPIRATION APPLIES THESE VERSES TO THE CHURCH. 9 Test. 268
6.5 VERSE 17 IS THE SAME AS MALACHI 3: 1-3, AND THIS PASSAGE APPLIES TO THE PURIFICATION OF THE CHURCH IN THE TIME OF THE JUDGMENT.
NOTE: Chapter six ends with the question “who will be able to stand?” The answer is found in Rev. 7–the 144,000 and the Great Multitude.
OPTIONAL: See Isa. 2:1, 19-21–this shows that wicked in the church will also run to the rocks and the mountains. Isa. 34:4-8–The heavens will also depart at the purification of the church. 1T 190, 198.
SUMMARY: Thus the sixth seal will close not with the second coming of Christ, but with the slaughter of Ezekiel Nine—THE JUDGMENT OF THE LIVING (JOL) ON EARTH.
The SEVENTH SEAL (8:1)
1. The SEVENTH SEAL (8:1) This seal is also generally taught to be the second coming. However, the following will prove that this is the opening of the judgment of the living in Heaven. The SIXTH SEAL CLOSES WITH THE JOL ON EARTH, but the SEVENTH SEAL OPENS WITH THE JOL IN HEAVEN, which is after the slaughter of Ezekiel Nine and continues during the loud cry to the final close of probation.
NOTE: The JOD involves only cleansing the books in Heaven since those on trial are not alive. However, the JOL involves two parts–the cleansing of the books in Heaven and the cleansing of the church on earth.
Is The Half Hour Of Silence The 2nd Advent Of Christ?
7.1. THE JUDGMENT IS STILL IN PROGRESS since Jesus is still in the Sanctuary opening the seventh seal, which means that he is still investigating the names of those during this period.
7.2. CHRIST IS STILL A BLEEDING LAMB.
7.3. AN HALF HOUR OF SILENCE IMPLIES THAT THERE IS AFTER THE HALF HOUR WHAT EVER WAS GOING ON BEFORE MUST CONTINUE–The Judgment. Therefore, the half an hour divides the judgment into two sections– the JOD and the JOL.
7.4. THE PRAYERS OF THE SAINTS ARE OFFERED UP BEFORE GOD. This indicates that probation is still open since you cannot offer prayers after Jesus’ 2nd advent–there will be no need.
7.5. THE ANGEL CAST DOWN FIRE TO THE EARTH. Fire is a symbol of THE HOLY SPIRIT. (Acts 2:1-4). No one will need the outpouring of the Holy Spirit after the second coming of Christ.
7.6. THE VOICES, THUNDERINGS, LIGHTINGS, RETURN, SHOWING THAT THE JUDGMENT STARTED AGAIN. Compare with Rev. 4:5. The voices must represent the speaking of the beasts, elders, angels, etc. When God speaks it is like thunderings and lightnings. The voices clearly indicate that judgment continues AFTER THE HALF HOUR OF SILENCE.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE HALF HOUR OF SILENCE?–The Purification of the Church.
The silence reveals that the Judgment must have ceased for a time. The only event which would cause silence during the judgment is the purification of the church- –Eze. 9. It is the only time we know from both the Bible and the Testimonies that Jesus will interrupt his mediatorial work.
Read 5 Test. 690–This passage must be fulfilled during probationary time because it mentions: “. . .the unfolding of truth. . .” Truth only unfolds while probation still lingers. Furthermore, it states that “the Lord Jesus shall rise up FROM HIS MEDIATORIAL WORK. . .” This would indicate that He will interrupt his work of atonement.
HOW LONG IS THE HALF HOUR OF SILENCE?–About Seven Days–One Week.
Using PROPHETIC TIME (A day=a year).
One day=24 hours
One year=360 days
360/24=15
15=1 hour
15/2=1/2 hour =7.5 days (ABOUT a week).
Thus the purification of the church — Ezek. 9, will last about a week.
SUMMARY:
The seventh seal reveals that the JOL in Heaven will begin after the half hour of silence–purification of the church. The half an hour of silence, therefore, divides the investigative judgment into two parts: the JOD and the JOL.
CONCLUSION:
The study of the seven seals reveals that God’s professed people have been on trial since 1844. This court case is the greatest and most important in the history of earth and the Universe. Each individual and generation is investigated with terrible exactness. It especially, and more importantly, reveals that the Judgment in the SDA Church will mark the opening of the Judgment for the living. Thus we see, that soon we will have to stand before the never erring Judge and give an account for our deeds–not physically, but our records will testify to whether we are worthy through the merits of Christ to be sealed, allowing the slaughtering angels to pass by and have our names retained on the Book of Life. Thus, we determine our own destiny by either holding on to our sins or repenting of them.
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