Visions, Seals, Trumpets, Thunders & Vials...Part 1

[Pastor Josh]

Visions, Seals, Trumpets, Thunders & Vials

Introduction: This study covers what is probably one of the more complex lessons of Christian Bible study and the reason for this is the subject which is synonymous with the title of the lesson which deals directly with events that have yet to be; in other words, the future. The subject matter is dense and mysterious and yet it is intended to be revealed to those whom seek to learn it. Even though we will be covering most of the Book of Revelation this is not necessarily a verse by verse study of Revelation but more rather a complete topical study on the subject of Visions, Seals, Trumpets, Thunders & Vials as it pertains to The Revelation of Jesus Christ; that is, YSHUA the Messiah and His glorious return. It may help you to understand that Revelation is presented to us in chronological order, there is no need for complicated erythmatic nor hidden symbolism for the purpose of the book is to reveal after all...

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.

The time is at hand meaning that those things that are written within this book are future and you should be ready as watchmen for the things that will be mentioned.

Revelation 4.1-5.14 The First Vision In Heaven.

Verses 1-8 concern The Throne, The Elders and The Zoa.

Rev 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

This first voice tells John to come up to heaven in order to reveal future events to him so that he may place them down in this book of Revelation.

Rev 4:2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

Probably what John meant here is that By the power of the spirit he was in heaven and he witnessed a throne which was set and he saw one sitting on the throne.

Rev 4:3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

Obviously the one who sat on this throne was very beautiful to the sight. The jasper is a translucent type of stone, the sardine stone is precious red stone from sardis. This rainbow that is described comes from the Greek word Iris meaning the real thing not just some reflection or cheap imitation like toxon this is the light of the Holy Spirit round about the throne.

Rev 4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.

These were the 24 elders clothed in the white raiment that they acquired for their good works and faith for their time here on Earth. These are the set aside ones or saints if you will...The crowns of gold are a testament to the exhalted state of these elders for only Christ wore a Crown of Gold as seen in Matt 14.14, the seats mentioned are thrones. These 24 are heavenly being represent a pattern which David arranges his 24 courses of the sons of Aaron I Chron 24.3-5.

Rev 4:5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

The number 7 appears fifty-four times in the book of Revelation alone. These seven lamps buring before the throne are the seven Spirits of God.

Rev 4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.

These four beasts are the zoa or zune which God had created as protectors of the throne. These zoa replaced the two Cherabum as protectors. We know that Satan was one of the two original Cherubs. The major difference between the Cherabum and the Zoa is the Cherubs had free will and the potential for eternal life whereas the Zoa have neither; however, they are happy to perform there duty because that is how God designed them.

Rev 4:7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.

These guardians of the throne had a likeness that represented the flags or standards that the four protective tribes had that immediately surrounded the throne here on earth. All 12 tribes surrounded the throne which was a military strategy or a buffer of protection. The four tribes that were closest to the throne or ark as it is called had the lion, calf, man and eagle as their standards. This can make an interesting study by itself if you choose to look into this further on your own time.

Rev 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

Again they do not have free will therefore they offered a better means of protection then the cherabum as is evident with the fall of Satan.

Verses 8-11 The utterances of the Zoa and the 24 Elders concerning Creation.

Rev 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

It is interesting to note that 6 is the number of man in Biblical Numerics and the only other time that 6 appears in Revelation 13:18 is concerning the Beast who's number is 666. The number six also symbolizes the weakness of man and the evil's of Satan as well as the manifestation of sin. These Zoa look like men but there role will be fulfilled after the Return of Christ which is yet to come. Again they do not have the opportunity that men do concerning eternal life. There are some similarities between the Zoa and the Wheels of Ezekiel concerning eyes and wings. This verse requires further study on your part to fully understand it.

Rev 4:9 And when those beasts give glory and honor and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,

Rev 4:10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

Here we are about to hear the utterances of the elders...

Rev 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

All things were created for Jesus Christ. Some people would have you believe the Earth was created for man but it was not. It was created for Christ and Christ alone.

Chapter 5 Verses 1-7. The Throne and The Book: Concerning the Lion and The Lamb.

Rev 5:1 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.

It is Christ who is sitting on the Throne or Ark. In His right hand is a scroll and on the back of it hidden from view are the 7 seals which are disguised in more detail in Chapter 6. The number 7 is God's number and it symbolizes completeness and spiritual perfection.

Rev 5:2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

Rev 5:3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.

Prior to this account that John is about to reveal the seals were sealed up and kept secret from the foundation of the world.

Rev 5:4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

Rev 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, 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.

Only Christ is worth to open up the Scroll of seven seals because He is the only person to succeed at fulfilling the Mosaic law. Becasue of His perfect work on the cross we now can learn the seals from John's account of his vision if our eyes are open and we hunger to learn. Christ is the Lion of Juda and the Root of David.

Rev 5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

Christ is the Lamb slain. Seven is the number of Spiritual perfection and completeness. The 7 eyes are the 7 spirits of God those who would open up the seals, or seven angels. Remember whenever God would appear it would be referred to as the Lords Angel Or Spirit or messenger. These 7 Spirits of God are 7 messengers set to reveal the seals.

Rev 5:7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

Verses 8-14 The new song of the Zoa and the Elders and other Heavenly utterances concerning: Redemption.

Rev 5:8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints.

Here the prayers of the Saint's or Set aside ones are being set to music and delivered before the Lord Jesus Christ.

Rev 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Every man, woman and child regardless of race, tribe or nationality now have the opportunity to be redeemed of their sin through the sacred blood of Jesus Christ. He took the stripes and we can accept the healing so long as we believe on Him, follow His footsteps and ask for forgiveness when we fall short. We must also be participators in good works if we are to follow Christ's lead. Remember only Christ is worthy to open the book and the seals thereof.

Rev 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

If you overcome the 1335 days spoken of in Daniel and you accept Christ and His gift of Salvation then we are as kings and priests who will have dominion over the earth. Those who overcome and endure the time of Tribulation will be worthy. Those who study God's word daily and love Him will be worthy as well to learn the seals that only Christ can open. Those that do not overcome will be spiritually dead during the millennium. You definitely want to take part in that first resurrection if possible.

Rev 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands is a Hebraism meaning countless numbers.

Rev 5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.

Because of Christ we can also participate in eternal life.

Rev 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

All of God's creation will bow before Christ in the Lord's Day.

Rev 5:14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshiped him that liveth for ever and ever.

The song which is made of the prayers of the saints was now completed. Eternal life is now possible through Christ.

Revelation Chapter 6.1-7.8 The Six Seals.

Ch.6.1-8. The Sealing of the 144,000. The First Vision On Earth.

Ch. 6.1, 2. The First Seal (The False Christ Making War With The Saints)

Note: that there are Seven Seals total here we will only be discussing the first six for the 7th seal is separated from the first 6. In the first 8 verses we see the sealing of the 144,000. What John saw in the First Vision in Heaven was to take place in Heaven and despite the fact that this First Vision On Earth was seen in Heaven the results of this vision will actually be taking place on Earth. Christ purchased our inheritance in the Kingdom of God with the shedding of His blood on the cross. Whether Satan realizes it or not Christ had the victory at that very moment. Here in the seals, trumpets and vials we see Christ's perfect work in taking the inheritance from Satan's hands in the form of judgements and wondrous works. The end of all this being the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ.

Rev 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.

Here we see Jesus Christ opening the first seal. When it was opened there was the sound of thunder which was the voice of one of the four Zoa instructing John to come and see or more accurately read what the seal had to reveal.

Rev 6:2 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.

Here we see a white horse; however, this is not to be confused with the white horse and rider of Rev 19:11. This we see is the beginning of a series of terrible judgments. This rider had a bow or rainbow if you will; if you go back to the original Greek the word is toxon which is a cheap imitation or fake, not the glorious bow round about Christ's throne. The word crown here is symbolic of power. Where this rider gets this power is not yet mentioned, however the power in which he is given is to make war with the saints and to overpower them. He also is given the power over all nations of the world. The rider on the white horse is none other than Satan pretending to be Christ but he is antichrist. Lets go to the first Gospel which is Matthew as a second witness to this testimony.

Mat 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

In other words don't let your self be fooled...

Mat 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Many will come claiming to be prophets or even Christ himself so beware of these false ones.

Rev Ch. 6.3-8 The Second, Third & Fourth Seals. Judgments on antichrist and his followers.

Rev 6:3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.

The word had is not in the original manuscripts. Here we see the second Zoa or beast opening up the second seal and asking John to read.

Rev 6:4 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.

And now we see another horse going out which is the color red. The rider of this horse was given the power to take away the peace and cause great strife among the nations. This rider takes away the peace and prosperity that the false Christ temporarily brings. This horse and rider brings war among the nations.

Rev 6:5 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.

When the Third Zoa opened the seal he instructed John to read it. This seal reveals a black horse which signifies famine or shortage of food and he that rode the horse had a balance in his hand representing a judgement.

Rev 6:6 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.

I believe that this voice in the midst of the four Zoa is Jesus Christ's voice. A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny represent the scarcity of food. You may notice that wheat is more valuable then barley for barley was mostly used to feed livestock and to make what is known as poor man's bread. This rider was instructed not to hurt the oil or the wine referring symbolically to God's elect. It appears that the power that is given to the riders is by Christ himself who in the midst of the four beasts or Zoa.

Rev 6:7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.

Here we see the fourth Zoa instructing John to read the fourth seal.

Rev 6:8 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.

Now we see a pale or horse or more accurately a discolored horse as in the discoloring of a corpse after death symbolizing a gang greenous hue. The word Hell comes from the Greek word Hades which is similar to the Hebrew word shoel meaning earthly grave or death in this instance. This rider represents the death as a result of pestilence which is death brought on by unclean vermin or insects infestations. Famine always follows pestilence. Note that in this verse we see death and the grave personified by the pale horse and rider. Note at the end of this verse the animal kingdom will also turn against humanity and many will be killed as a result.

Mat 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet