08/30/2025
Powerful sermon by Gary Finkbeiner on the 7 Seals from Revelation 6:1-17.
Key Interpretive Principle
Apocalyptic Symbolic Language (Images)
The term “apocalyptic” is defined as - “using vivid images which are dramatic in nature depicting a transformative event.”
Seal = The Melting of Wax on and Envelop Flap with an Emblem Sealing the Contents Inside.
Tribulation
What is the Biblical Idea of the Tribualtion
• Understanding the Tribulation
• The Tribulation and the Book of Revelation - 1:9
• The Tribulation and the 7 Seals
The patterns of all the 7’s reveal that the world is in a condition of “tribulation.” I would argue that the tribulation is not some future 7 year period, but instead is a characteristic of the time between the First Advent and the Second Advent and is in conjunction with the presence and the coming of the Kingdom of God. (See Revelation 1:9) The Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Christ Brings Trial and Tribulation.
The Tribulation and God’s Judgment
• There are 41 references to God’s Throne in Revelation Underscoring His Sovereignty Over All Things - This Includes Satan, Demons, the Beast, and the Anti-Christ.
• The Phrase - “It was Given” Reveals This Reality Since Evil Powers Cannot Operate Unless God Permits It - Revelation 6:8 - 3 of the 4 Riders Are Given Something
• Scripture in Both the OT & NT Clearly Instructs Us that God Judges All Things and Has Set A Day Aside Where He Will Judge the Wolrd in Righteousenss - Acts 17:31
• Since the Death, Resurrection, and Enthronement of Christ the World Has Entered into Both the Opportunities to Receive Salvation or Face Certain Judgment - Revelation 9:20-21
Biblical Support
First and Second Advent
• The First Advent Ushers in the End-Times - Hebrews 1:1-2 / Acts 2:17
• The Time Between the First Advent and the Second Advent (Coming) is the Period of The Advance of God’s Kingdom and the Tribulation.
• I Would Argue that The Temple Mount Discourse (Olivet) Shows that ths is How Jesus Understood this Period.
• Mark 13:24-26 - “After Those Days” - Includes All Events of History Right Up to the Second Coming of Christ. OT - Jer. 3:16, 18; Joel 2:28
Parallel Between The Temple Discourse and the 7 Seals
Matthew 24 / Mark 13 / Luke 21
• Seal #1 (Revelation 6:2 / Luke 21:6-8) - False Messiahs Means a True One
• Seal #2 (Revelation 6:3-4; / Luke 21:9-10; 12-19) - “But The End Will Not Be at Once” - A Key Line About the Unfolding of the End of History
• Seal #3 (Revelation 6:5-6 / Luke 21:11) - Inflation and the On-set of Famine - Luke’s Gospel is the Only gospel to Mention Famine
Continued
Olivet Discourse and the 7 Seals
• Seal # 4 (Revelation 6:7-8 / Luke 21:20-24) - An Intense Period of Tribulation - See also Mark 13:19-20 & Matthew 24:15-21 - The Great Tribulation Referenced by Matthew (24:21) is the Destruction of the Jerusalem Temple mentioned by all 3 Gospels. Israel’s Judgment Establish this Recognizable Pattern - Ezk. 14:21
• Seal #5 (Revelation 6:9-11 / Luke 21:12-19) - All 3 Synoptic Gosples Contian Accounts of Martyrdom Realted to the Clash of the Kingdom of God and the Beastly Govenments.
• Seal #6 (Revelation 6:12-17) Final Judgment - Earthquake Repeated in 8:5; 11:13, 19; 16:18.
7th Seal and Final Judgment
Revelation 8:1-2
• The 7th Seal Reveals the 7 Trumpets and Reinforces the Cycle of God’s Jugment with Intensification (Revelation 6:8 / 8:7, 8 / 9:18 / 16:14- the whole earth)
• Judgments in Part Are the Result of the Prayers of the Saints (Church) Asking for God’s Justice Against Evil Events and people (Seals 6 & 7)
• We have 2 Examples in the 7 Seals of Imprecatory Prayers - These Are Prayers Invoking God’s Justice and Curses Upon Wickedness and Wicked people. The Psalms of David Contain Many Imprecatory Prayers (Psalms 18:6-15).
• It is the Priestly Duty of the Church to Not Shy Away from Necessary Times of Imprecating and Appealing to God for His Justice. Warning - This is Not for Personal Use.
Application / 7 Seals
Important Take Aways
• The Lamb / Jesus is in Control of World History
• Regardless of What Happens or What You Endure You Are Protected - Revelation 9:4
• Because of This You Go Right on Living for the Glory of God - you pay your bills, you do all things related to the Christian life and disciplesip.
• In This Life You Must Discern the Nature of Your Trials - (You Caused It / Satan is Attmepting to Attack You / God is Working A Greater and Better Purpose for Your Life
https://youtu.be/TopUOIYjX9A?si=OuxO06CrSkyTVjBp
7 SealsRevelation 6:1-17Key Interpretive PrincipleApocalyptic Symbolic Language (Images) The term “apocalyptic” is defined as - “using vivid images which are...
