I, for one, do not have all of the Book of Revelation figured out nor do I pretend to. That said, there are a few things that seem fairly clear to me. For example, it does appear that the 7 year period spelled out in the Book of Revelation (7 years x 12 months x 30 days =2520 days) coincides with the 70th week of years(7 years) yet to be fulfilled from Daniel's prophecy where the Messiah was cut off after 69 weeks of years. Every once in a while, I come across someone who writes about or speaks about how the 6th seal is about to be opened or the second seal of war is about to be unleashed, etc. I really don't get it. I don't understand how anyone can think that the seals have already been opened. The seals are what keeps the scroll of God's wrath from being unleashed. When the time comes, Jesus Himself will be the One who opens those seals, and there will be no ambiguity or mistaking the intensity and impact. The first seal is the revelation of the Antichrist. The "religious" Jews in Israel already have the crown that they will give to him when he is revealed, fulfilling Revelation 6:1-2. Then, as they are saying peace and safety, war will break out with intensity and scope unprecedented. This will be followed by horrific inflation, scarcity and famine, and then the fourth horseman of death will show up. Again, I don't understand how anyone can think that these seals have already been opened. If that were the case, the Antichrist would be in power, the Daniel 9:27 peace treaty would be in place and visible to us, living conditions on earth would be far more pervasively horrific than they are today, and somewhere between 1.5 and 2 billion people would be dying from war, famine, pestilence and wild beasts. That's billion, with a B. As bad as things are today around the world, (and make no mistake, they are bad, though certainly far worse for some than others), today's conditions will one day soon seem like "the good old days" once the Church is harpazoed, the Restrainer is removed, the man of lawlessness is revealed, and the wrath contained within the scroll begins to be poured out upon a God-hating, Christ-rejecting world. If you are a blood-bought, Spirit-regenerated, born-again believer in Jesus Christ, you won't be here for that 7 year period of wrath, praise God. So don't let anyone try to talk you into somehow believing that the seals have already been opened. If they had, we would know it beyond any doubt. We are not destined for the wrath contained within that scroll. Thank you, Lord!!! Thank God Almighty that none of His scroll of wrath is intended for the Father's children or the Son's Bride. Maranatha Lord Jesus!!! I agree with you brother. As the saying goes, there's a sucker born every minute. Teachers that have itchy spirits, teach those that have itchy ears! Let he who is wise, continue to test all things! What many fail to realize is that once anyone knowingly teaches falsely, then they become a deceiver. TR :agree The seals haven’t been opened yet because the church is up in heaven saying/singing “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain” and then watching Jesus open the seals to kick off the rider on the white horse, etc. Revelation 5:7-14 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. 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 odours, which are the prayers of saints. 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; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. 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; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 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 honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever. ———- Yep, these last days we are living in are the best most of the unsaved are ever going to see. Its hard to imagine, but its going to get sooo dark and horrific once the church leaves and the Holy Spirit lifts His restraint. The demonic forces will certainly have a field day in the short time they have to create havoc. Amen! I absolutely agree that the first seal has not been opened. One good question would be why those who support a different view argue it so ardently. My explanation is that they have an agenda that they seek to have satisfied. If they could have it so the seals have been opened, then they could argue that the Antichrist (fill in the blank with the name of their favorite candidate) has been revealed, and the rest of the seals have been opened, too. The only one they obviously can't propose to be fulfilled yet is global catastrophe. So they tell us the first five seals being opened aren't really a part of the tribulation, and so will insist that has begun, too. It constantly amazes me how many Christians come up with positions that are in no way based on knowledge of the Scriptures. How many have claimed that the Lord told them this or that, which turns out to be so contrary to the Word of God. People seem to be spiritually lazy in what they will believe, never vetting it against the only infallible thing we have; the Bible. They are governed by “if it feels good, go with it”. Thankfully, we do have the Scriptures to read, study, and live by and in this crazy era we live in it is very comforting to have in our possession this amazing gift! So I just want to recommend a great study tool for those wanting to have a better grasp of the book of Revelations. I have studied it independently since I was a teenager, but this DVD/Blu-ray series is by far the best resource I have found. Professor Jay McCarl helps you to read Revelations and think with the 1st century Jewish mindset: "What did they think." It really helps explain the strange imagery in the book and suddenly makes perfect sense! The study is a bit pricey, but man oh man is it worth it! Here is the link below: https://prophecywatchers.com/product/decoding-future-full-7-dvd-course-10-hours-wstudy-guide/ Even though the prophets of old once proven as a prophet were known as such the rest of their lives. And in the case of "minor" prophets, years often would go by having no word from the Lord. The self proclaimed prophets/apostles of today seemingly have words from the Lord on a weekly basis. Buyer beware! Also, once a "ministry" begins, it's a forever endeavor! Personal ministries, giftings, church's, reputations as well as personal finances also become lifelong institutions!!! Whether via by television, books or music, this lifestyle is self perpetuating. Religion is always big business especially on a full time basis. Sad for me to say, that so many can make a "career" from the stripes of Christ's back. And yet so many continue to chase after teachers and prophets, rather than the Spirit! TR Yep, when I used to have t.v sometimes I would tune into Perry Stone. He would annoy me with him speaking soooo fast to cram his message in 20 minute time slot and then spent 10 minutes advertising his DVD’s/books as well as his agenda of where he was going to guest speak next so you buy your tickets to hear him in person. Meanwhile the subject he was speaking on earlier .. he would leave you hanging and then say you must buy the DVD to hear the rest. Ugh! He could have just continued the next week but no. Then there is Jim Bakker trying to sell his overpriced buckets of dry goods and survival junk - from the solar rotisserie, thermal head to toe bulky space outfit - you couldn’t even put your arms down or sit down when wearing, to a manual generator - you had to keep cranking up every hour. I wonder who needed rotator cuff surgery afterwards. Nothing would surprise me if he truly is a pre-tribber but because he needs his followers to buy his overpriced prep junk he is telling them its mid or post trib to scare them. It truly amazes me he still has a following. Again, follow the money! Anything to sell books, dvd's, conference seats, or to keep a following. After 50 yrs, people are still buying into the old scam that we have to prove to God how much faith we have by giving some teacher/preacher a thousand dollars! Still buying anointed cloths and miracle water! Was it Paul or Peter's shadow which touched someone and brought healing?! How can you sell a shadow??? Truth be known, as mad as I am at all the money making schemes found within the Church, I believe I am more mad at the "sheep" who buy into them! After having spent all her substance to cure an issue of blood, the woman finally went to Jesus! All we can do is pray, seek God and beseech His compassion and lay our petitions before Him. It's He who does or doesn't heal, not any of our self effort! Sadly it's our own itchy ears that give many their power and wealth! TR Having studied this series, thanks to you! Even though, I have studied the book of Revelation for decades, Jay McCarl really brought it home. Great study, highly recommend it. :thankyou :agree
