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This article continues a series of the 7 seals written about in Revelation chapter 6. Please see previous articles, What Are the 7 Seals In Revelation and The First 4 Seals Have Been Opened.
Seal number 5 in Revelation 6:9-11 says "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: 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? 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." In summary, this seal preceeds Christ's second coming and it is the resurrection of the Saints dead in Christ. This is when the 12 Apostles wake up from sleep, including all of Christ's Disciples who have already died in the last 2,000 years. They are chosen as a part of the 144,000. See studies on this site regarding the 144,000 and Resurrection.
As the Apostle John explains in his vision which he saw and wrote, these souls, which were slain for the word of God and their testimony are under the altar. They are in heaven at this time. These souls then say to Jehovah God, How long before you judge and avenge our blood? The Apostles, along with many other of Christ's Disciples were persecuted and killed during their lifetime on this earth. Once awoken from sleep, they ask how long because the end of this present evil world means the beginning of God's Kingdom of paradise and immortality.
White robes were given to them, these garments representing spiritual beings, which is the only way to live in heaven because flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 15:50). They were told to rest yet for a little season. That little season is 3 1/2 years; a prophecy spoken of many times in the Bible of a future time period in which Christ fullfils the second half of his covenant. See studies on the 3 1/2 years and the covenant. You can request our site to mail you information on these topics. These resurrected Saints are also told that they must wait for their brethren to be killed as they were. The resurrected Saints at this time does not consist of all of the 144,000. The remaining Saints are alive and are still living on the earth. They must prophesy and testify to the world for 3 1/2 years. After the fullfilment of their testimony and death, they will join the Saints who have been resurrected at this 5th seal, only 3 1/2 years later. See also study's on Order of Resurrection.
Shortly after seal number 5 is seal 6 which is Christ's second coming. It all happens in order, Christ shouts (1 Thessalonians 4:16), the Saints, dead in Christ, rise (Revelation 6:9-11), and then Christ comes (Revelation 6:12-17).
Revelation 6:12-17, "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; 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. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. 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; 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: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?"
In Matthew 24 (see verses 3, 29-30), the disciples ask Christ three questions, one of them being, what is the sign of his coming. Christ replied that the sun and moon will be darkened and the stars will fall, and then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven. All people of the earth shall mourn when they see the sign of the Son of man coming in the clouds. Christ's reply matches the events of the 6th seal.
 Jesus Christ's second coming will be marked visibly by clouds, darkness, earthquakes and volcanoes. According to the Bible, catastrophic events of seismic activity will occur world-wide, causing significant volcanic eruptions and darkening the sky. Everyone living on earth will recognize the second coming of God's Son, Jesus Christ. They will even run to the mountains and hiding places of the earth to try and escape the quickly approaching plagues (Revelation 6:15).
This takes us to the 7th seal, the preparation of the plagues of the 7 trumpets. "And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets." Revelation 8:1-2
The 7 trumpets will be discussed in our next article.
Readers have left 14 comments.  14. Re: bibleBernie Kern c/o Bible Research, Administratorthe bible is both literal and figurative. The Holy Spirit is one that will reveal the truths in the bible as well as on the earth. That is why it is written that we are to pray with the Holy Spirit for it knows and gives wisdom. — Guest UserNice blog here about recognizing the importance of the Holy Spirit to help understand the Bible. I just want to add to the statement "it is written that we are to pray with the Holy Spirit". The scripture actually says pray TO RECEIVE the Holy Spirit. Check out our study on the Holy Spirit for more information on what the Holy Spirit is and why we should pray TO RECEIVE IT. Acts 8:14-15 (ASV) 14Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, 15who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. John 7:39 (KJV) 39(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost (Spirit) was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) 13. bibleGuest User, Unregistered the bible is both literal and figurative. The Holy Spirit is one that will reveal the truths in the bible as well as on the earth. That is why it is written that we are to pray with the Holy Spirit for it knows and gives wisdom. 12. The Hard Truth - A correctionBible Research, Unregistered The 144,000 are resurrected in two parts: 1) those who died before Jesus Christ's coming are resurrected first (read Revelation 6:9-11), and 2) those who remain on the earth and prophesy through the 3 1/2 years are resurrected at the end of the 3 1/2 years (read Revelation 11). Also read Revelation 20:4-6.
The 144,000 are chosen of those who lived from the time of Jesus Christ forward in time, which includes the last ~2008 years. They receive the new testament that Jesus brought. Two testaments (covenants, promises) exist - 1) the first (Old) testament gave mankind who obeyed God the opportunity to live on the earth forever (the promise made to Abraham and his descendants), and 2) the second (New) testament that Jesus brought where 144,000 of mankind who obey Jesus Christ and God can inherit the heavens - to rule with Jesus Christ for the 1000 years and beyond. The new testament was sealed with Jesus' blood (read 1 Corinthians 11:25).
We are on a timeline. The resurrection of the many others who will live on the renewed earth happens at the 7th trumpet (read Revelation 11:15-18). This resurrection occurs before the 1000 years begins. 11. The Hard TruthGuest User, Unregistered I just want to clear up a few things. First of all, there is no rapture. There will only be 144,000 who will be ressurected at the time Jesus appears in the clouds on the last day of tribulation. These 144,000 are those who
God has specifically called out during the last 6000 years of man's self rule. They are to help Jesus teach the survivor of the tribulation how to live under God's law. This will be during the Millenial reign of Christ on Earth!! No one will escape the 3 1/2 years of tribulation! It is time we stop following these false doctrines and accept the truth. After the 1000 year reign of Christ, there will be a final ressurection of everyone who ever lived. Everyone in that ressurection will then be given an opportunity to accept God's government and his way of life. Then and only then, provided we accept God's way of life, will be granted salvation and the gift of eternal life. Currently, the dead are dead. No one has gone to Hell or Heaven. Actually, Hell simply means the grave. The only man to go on to Heaven after death is Jesus Christ himself. The final tribulation is coming quickly, and everyone better accept the fact that there is no easy way out by way of rapture. Jesus is coming here, not the other way around! 10. Re: SorryBernie Kern, Super Administrator I'm sorry you misunderstood.
In sister donna's reply(posted 8-4), that person stated no one is going to heaven.
Thats why I stated, Yahweh has prepared a place for us. — Guest UserMy apologies as well, I have deleted my comment from the site. 9. SorryGuest User, Unregistered I'm sorry you misunderstood.
In sister donna's reply(posted 8-4), that person stated no one is going to heaven.
Thats why I stated, Yahweh has prepared a place for us. 8. Ms.Guest User, Unregistered No one is going to heaven?
John 14:2, "In my Father's house are many mansions: If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you."
Praise Yahweh 7. RE: Seals and SaintsJohn Crawmer, Super Administrator To clarify: There are 144,000 saints who will be resurrected. Some are resurrected at the 5th Seal (Revelation 6:9-11), they are told to wait until their fellow brethren are killed. Who are these fellow brethren? Revelation 11:1-12 describes a group of individuals who are killed and resurrected after completing 1260 days of prophecy. Therefore, since we know only the saints, or 144,000 go to heaven, this group that is resurrected after 1260 days must also be saints. So, some saints are in heaven at Jesus Christ's return, and some saints are on the earth and must be killed at the end of the 1260 days as described in Revelation 11:12, Daniel 7:25-27.
If you would like further discussion on this subject matter, perhaps a separate study session could be held at your convenience. Thank you for your thorough response.
6. seals and saintsGuest User/Sister Donna, Unregistered In your article you stated that the apostles and many others were persecuted and killed and that they were given white robes so they could live in heaven. In the next paragraph you say that when Christ returns he's going to shout and the saints dead in Christ shall rise. How can you be a saint in heaven and dead at the same time? You can't, this is false doctrine that Satan devised to fool the whole world. Most people believe that we are going to heaven as even you teach. The only want wanting to go to heaven is Satan because that's where he resided before he was cast out. The kingdom will be established on earth, think about it you recite the Lord's prayer everyday and don't even understand what you are saying. "Our Father, which art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom COME, thy will be done IN earth as it is in heaven. People please if you don't do anything else research this fervently. The dead are dead and no one is going to heaven. I have so much more to say but won't take up all the space. 5. Re: what ifGuest User, Unregistered what if the bible is not being literally physically absolute, but instead it is speaking metaphorically. what if the second coming of christ is you accepting him into your heart. — DCWhy would God say all these things about preparing ourselves for Christ's second coming, if Christ is really not coming. God means what he says. What if we were to ignore what he says? Wouldn't the consequences be severe? It is a common statement "to accept Jesus in your heart". It is no problem and good to want to have Jesus in your heart, soul and mind. I like the way Jesus says to accept him in your heart. He said in John 14:15 "if you love me, keep my commandments". And his commandments teach us to be prepared and ready for his second coming. Matthew 25:13
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