FOR SEVEN SEALS

 

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“And I saw in the right hand of the One sitting on the throne a book, written inside, and sealed outside with seven seals” (Revelation 5.1).

   Please note: this comma is not in the original, but in the synodal translation it is not there, otherwise the outer part of the text could be seen and read.

 

    This book was special, and there was only One who was worthy to remove these seals and reveal the secrets - Christ Himself.

   The expression that has arisen from this is used for something hidden and unworthy of an ordinary person. Sometimes the same meaning is put into the words “a book with seven locks”.

 

   We even have nothing to talk about with you: what excites me is a book with seven locks for you...

                                     (V.Kaverin, "Opened Book")

 

   SEALS:

 

I. White horse, rider, crown and victory - the absence of vice and sin, the victory of true Christians in the 1st century, up to 100 (Rev 6.1-2).

II. Red horse, rider and sword - red means sin and depravity, signs of falling away in 100-313 (v.3-4).

III. Black horse and black rider (black) - color means depravity (change of Saturday, worship of icons, celibacy of Catholic priests) in 323 - 538 (v.5-6).

IV. Pale horse and rider - pale means death, inquisition and persecution in 538 - 1517 (v.7-8).

V. Souls (blood) under the altar - persecution of Protestants (1517-1755); white robes are their justification (v.9-11).

 

   The first five seals symbolize the fallen Christian churches, which have become a persecuting power, and the last two refer to the signs of the times and end with the coming of Christ.

 

VI. Recent phenomen: the earthquake in Lisbon in 1755 (100,000 people died), the eclipse of the sun and moon in 1780, and the fall of the stars in 1833 (v.12-17).

 

   Note. Between the sixth and seventh seals there will be a seal “144 thousand” - millions of righteous people.

 

   AFTER THESE SIGNS A SECOND COMING WILL HAPPEN.

 

VII. Silence in heaven (Rev 8.1) during the "half hour" (seven days according to the principle "day for a year" - Ezek 4.6). It continues during the Second Coming, for then all the angels will leave heaven and come with Christ to gather the righteous, resurrected and living.