In Revelation chapter six, we saw how Jesus (identified as a lamb who was slain) took possession of a scroll with seven seals. Six of those seals were opened in chapter six, each with a corresponding action on earth. The first four seals produced horsemen who brought conquest, war, economic hardship, and widespread death. The fifth seal brought forth the souls of those who had given their lives for Christ.
The sixth seal brought environmental destruction, a tremendous earthquake, and a description of a potential nuclear engagement or some type of meteoric impact. Many scholars associate the opening of these seals with the beginning of what has come to be known as “The Great Tribulation.” This corresponds to the timeframe Jesus spoke of in Matthew chapter twenty-four: “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved…” (Matthew 24:21-22).
Revelation chapter six then continued with a description of the human response to those events: “They called to the mountains and the rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one seated on the throne and from the Lamb’s wrath!’” (Revelation 6:16 CEB). So those who experienced these catastrophic incidents recognized God’s intervention. However, that recognition prompted them to hide rather than repent. Instead of seeking God’s forgiveness in Christ, these individuals attempted to flee and go into hiding. But these was no escape for them, as is true of everyone.
That chapter subsequently closed by saying, “For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can withstand it?” (Revelation 6:17 NIV). That’s a good question and the answer comes in chapter seven…
“After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree.
Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, ‘Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads'” (Revelation 7:1-3).
Revelation chapter seven represents something of a break in the action before the seventh and final seal is opened in the following chapter. But first, we will receive some insight regarding other events that are taking place during this time.