However, there are other expositors who are seeking an application that lays aside all human assumption, does not cast aside past historical fulfillment, but recognizes the validity of duel applications appropriately applying to end time events, which strictly apply hermeneutic principles as well as giving attention to the structure of Revelation and to its orderly design, sequence and continuity of action. This means the Bible must be its own interpreter and they want an application which is derived from the inspired words of the prophets.

Seal No. 1. The White Horse

Let us begin our adventure into the seven seals of Revelation. In Revelation 4 & 5, there is a “heavenly scene” which precedes the basic prophetic outline of the seven seals. Beginning in Revelation 4 verse 1, John looked and beheld a door was opened in heaven, and a voice as it were a trumpet talking to John saying – “come up hither & I will show thee things which must be hereafter”. In verse 2 John immediately was in the spirit and beheld a throne set in heaven and one sitting on the throne.

In Revelation 4 & 5 this is an investigative scene which is in the second apartment of the Sanctuary. Verse 5 shows the Lamb (Jesus Christ) who was slain, only, is worthy to open the seven seals. To be consistent with the heavenly scene, which reveals that, to be of the “investigative judgment” and when it began?

When did the investigative judgment begin? - 1844 AD. How do we know this? Daniel 8:14 gives us this investigative judgment date which is fixed and strong with SDA history.

Moving along to Revelation 6:1-2, we find that the Lamb broke one of the seals (first seal) and one of the creatures saying with a loud voice of thunder “come and see”, and John beheld a “white horse and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given him; and he went forth conquering and to conquer”.

What does a symbolic “horse “ represent? Zech. 10:3. “Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats: for the Lord of hosts hath visited his flock the house of Judah, and hath made them his goodly horse in the battle”.

NOTE: After the reign of King Solomon, the nation of Israel split into two sections: Israel and Judah. Israel fell into apostasy and was absorbed into Assyria (2 Kings 17:1-23. Judah was the remnant of that day and represents the “little flock” or “remnant” of Revelation 12:17. This “horse” represents the remnant church which emerged from the wilderness between AD 1798 and 1844, and has existed as God’s commandment keeping people until the present time.

The “bow” (and arrow) is the equipment needed by a hunter (of souls). This rider is equipped for evangelism. He is engaged in missionary work. The fact that he wears a “crown” shows that he is in the service of the King of Kings and of the royal family of heaven. The statement that he goes forth conquering and to conquer shows that he is engaged in a great effort and campaign to win the lost.

Uriah Smith’s understanding of the seals was based on this same Biblical interpretation of the symbolism. However, he assumed that the timeframe belonged to the first centuries of the Christian church.

Gospel to go to the entire world

Today, as we recognize the timeframe of Revelation 4 & 5 to refer to 1844, we see the true remnant engaged in a world wide effort to give the three angels’ messages to the world as predicted in Scripture. This work began shortly after 1844. Rev. 10:.
“And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings”. Rev. 10:11.

The message they were to take to all the world was referred to again in Revelation 14:

“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people”. Rev. 14:6

The entire three angels’ messages were to be taken by God’s true remnant people to the ends of the earth. This is the horse and rider described in the first seal. We are still living in the time of the first seal. The remnant people still have the freedom to go forth “conquering and to conquer”. Radio and T.V. literally “fly in the midst of heaven” so that the gospel shall go to all the world, “….for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come”. Matt. 24:14. This understanding of the first seal becomes truly an ENDTIME PROPHESY.

The colour white represents purity (Isa. 1:18, Rev. 19:8, 11, 14). A white horse in the first seal represents the purity of the Advent people - the pioneers, who were tested and tried by the great disappointment of 1844. After that, they were selected as God’s true remnant church to take the militant position of the horse and rider going forth. “Conquering and to conquer”, to proclaim Present Truth as found in the three angels’ messages to all the world. This work was predicted in Revelation 10:11, and described in Revelation 14:6-14.

The first seal reveals Adventism enjoying freedom, especially the United States of America – their headquarters. In peace, freedom and prosperity for more than a century, they have taken the gospel of the three angels’ messages to all the world.

The seven seals, in an endtime application, cover the time period from the beginning of the Investigative Judgment to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

THE PROPHETIC APPLICATION TO THE FUTURE

Setting aside all conjectures, let the prophet speak: Ellen G. White placed the plagues, trumpets and seals in an endtime setting with a FUTURE APPLICATION. This was written as early as 1895.

“I thought of the day when the judgment of God would be (future tense) poured out upon the world, when blackness and horrible darkness would clothe the heavens as sackcloth of hair (quoted from Revelation 6:12 – the 6th seal)….My imagination anticipated what it must be in that period when the Lord’s mighty voice shall (future tense) give permission to His angels, “Go your ways, and pour out the wrath of God (the 7 last plagues) upon the earth…..” Revelation 6 and 7 (the 7 seals) are full of meaning….
The seven angels stood before God to receive their commission. To them were given seven trumpets. The Lord was going forth to punish the inhabitants of the earth…..When the plagues of God shall come upon the earth hail will fall upon the wicked about the weight of a talent.” Maranatha, p.284, Oct. 3, Ms. 59 1895.

It is very evident from the above quotatios that the prophet connected plagues, trumpets and seals together and gave them an endtime setting.

At this point, Bible students should read carefully Revelation, chapters 4 & 5, to find the timeframe for the seven seals. These two chapters parallel Daniel 7:9-14, the scene of the opening of the Investigative Judgment, which began in 1844. That is the year in which the seven seals should begin, for an endtime application.

A CHART OF COMPARISONS OF DANIEL 7:9-14 WITH REV. 4 & 5

THE SCENE DANIEL REVELATION

Seal No. 2………………The “ Red Horse”

“And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was RED: and the power was given him...TO TAKE PEACE FROM THE EARTH….AND
There was given unto him a great sword. Rev. 6:4-5

If the “horse” represents the corporate church, what does the rider represent? What does a rider do for a horse? The rider guides its activities. It is the administrators who guide the church. If the administrators are under the guidance of God, they will guide the church correctly, but if under the influence of Satan, they will guide the church in a way that is perverse.

What is suddenly taken away in the second seal? Rev. 6:4………….peace
What is given to the rider of the horse? Rev. 6:4……………………..a great sword
Is there any connection between the “great sword” and the colour of the horse?
A sword draws blood. Red is the colour of blood.
What will men do to “one another” Rev. 6:4 …………They shall kill and persecute one another.

Where in Scripture is there a prophesy which predicted a union of church and state in the United States so that persecution can occur? Rev. 13:11-18

“And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon……he exersiseth all the power of the first beast……..causes them to worship the first beast…….And he doeth great wonders……..And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth……….beast should speak and cause thatas many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed……all, both great and small,,,,,,to receive a mark on their forheads and in their right hand………that no man might buy or sell…….save he that had the mark or the name of the beast………..here is wisdom…..count the number of the beast…..for it is the number of a man.and his number is six hundred threescore and six.”

Does Bible prophesy actually predict such persecution in the future? Rev. 12:17
“And the dragon was wrath with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ”.

How much of the world will finally be affected? Rev. 13:3….tells us that all the world will be wondering after the beast.

Revelation 13:7-8 tells us that the beast was given power over all the world, and kindred and tongues, and that all would worship the beast whose names were not written in the Lambs book of life, and it would make war with saints.

What kind of pressures will be placed on dissenters? Rev.13:15-17………This tells us that pressure will be put on those who do not worship the beast. So in the final crisis the last action will culminate in what kind of decree? Rev. 13:15………..the death decree.

However, not until the U.S. constitution is taken away or changed will it be possible for the Sunday Law to be introduced in America. Legislation is taking place in secret places of governments in this world to legislate a National Sunday Law. This will bring persecution. Australia will follow; as will other nations according to prophesy.

The peace so long enjoyed by the remnant church has been guaranteed by the Constitution of the U.S. which has protected the separation of church and state. But when there is a union of church and state so that in that nation there is a religious legislation with attending penalties, “peace will be taken from the earth,” and God’s people will feel the “great sword” if they violate the laws of man. It is a sad comment that they should “kill one another” Rev. 6:4

The specific legislation which begins this endtime scenario will be a NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. This will be a fulfillment of Revelation 13:11 when the lamb-like beast “speaks” like a dragon. “The ‘speaking’ of the nation is the action of its legislative and judicial authorities.” GC. P. 442. This is a fulfillment of prophesy. When this occurs, “…..Peace (will be taken) from the earth.” Rev. 6:4

SEAL Number 3……………BLACK HORSE

Continuing with Seal # 3. Do we have the right to place seals 2, 3, 4, & 5 of Revelation 6 in a future setting?
No we don’t have any right except as the structure of the Bible dictates the primary application and only as an inspired prophet has provided such a setting are we free to do so. What did the inspired servant of the Lord have to say regarding future applications of seals 3 and 4?

“The same spirit is seen today that is represented in Revelation 6:6-8. (The third and fourth seal) HISTORY WILL BE REPEATED. THAT WHICH HAS BEEN WILL BE AGAIN. This spirit works to confuse and to perplex. Dissension will be seen in every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, and those oracles (His prophets) through His appointed agencies, will become confused. Their judgment will reveal weakness. Disorder and strife and confusion will be seen in the church.” Ltr. 165. 1898. Ellen G. White (Ms. Release No. 1465)

Let’s review the heavenly scene in Revelation chapter 1 again. Jesus is revealed in the Holy Place of the heavenly Sanctuary to which He ascended in A.D. 31. Chapters 2 and 3 follow the “basic prophetic outline” of the 7 letters to the churches. Ephesus was dated at A.D. 31 as dictated by the heavenly scene of chapter 1, that being the Holy Place. In like manner, the “Heavenly scene” in chapters 4 and 5 brought to view the Most Holy Place of the heavenly Sanctuary, and the investigative judgment which began in A.D. 1844. If we are consistent with the dictates of the heavenly scene as to when to begin, the “basic prophetic outline” of chapter 6, we can see that A.D. 1844 is accepted for the beginning of Seal # 1.

NOTE: The “White Horse” of seal # 1, describes the church which came through the Great Disappointment of A.D. 1844 and formed the remnant church which “went forth conquering and to conquer”, to take the Three Angels’ Messages” to all the world. We still live under this period of evangelistic conquest.

The “Red Horse” of seal # 2, describes a horse with a rider which receives a Sword so that “they kill one another” and “peace is taken from the earth”. It is religious laws which will cause such a condition to exist in future.

The separation of church and state is contingent upon the court’s upholding the Constitution of the United States of America. However, in the event of Religious Legislation with subsequent enforcement and penalties, persecution resulting in the killing of one another, would be inevitable.

Moving along with Seal # 3……

“And when he had opened the third seal. I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. 6. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine”.

The third seal has usually been applied by Sabbath keepers to the apostasy of the third and fourth centuries.
The pioneers were quite correct applying the “Black Horse” to apostasy in the church in the third and fourth century, but an end time application emphases it.

“The scriptures abound with illustrations of prophesies having duel applications.” SDA 1BC. P. 1017

As the church is going into apostasy, it is difficult to know who is true and who is fallen. The “wheat and tares grow together” and it is dangerous to try and pull out the tares, lest the precious wheat is rooted out also. God’s people do not need to do the “weeding” work – this is the Lord’s domain.

In this third seal, the rider is holding a pair of balances in his hands. What does this mean in regard to judgment? The balance scales are used in the third seal to dispense grains which are the “Bread of Life”, and warned not to hurt the oil and wine. EGW states following…..

“In the balances of the Sanctuary the Seventh-day Adventist church is to be weighed. She will be judged by the privileges that she has had. If her spiritual experience does not correspond to the advantages that Christ, at infinite cost, has bestowed on her, if the blessing conferred have not qualified her to do the work entrusted to her, on her will be pronounced the sentence: ‘Found wanting.’ By the light bestowed, the opportunities given, will she be judged.” 8 Testomonies for the church. P. 247

Just as King Belshazzar was weighed in the balances and found wanting, so in the Investigative Judgment of the living, the church itself will be judged.

There is a selling out process described. “Wheat” and Barley” were the source of bread. There is a selling out of the very “bread of heaven”. Read what the servant of the Lord has to say…….

“As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel’s message but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position and join ranks of the opposition. By uniting with the world and partaking of its spirit, they have come to view matters in nearly the same light; and when the test is brought, they are prepared to choose the easy, popular side. Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive souls. They become the most bitter enemies of their former brethren. When Sabbath keepers are brought before the courts to answer for their faith, those apostates are the most efficient agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse them, and by false reports and insinuations to stir up the rulers against them.” EGW. GC p. 608

Salvation is the bread from heaven and in this process there appears to be a selling out of the truth. It is another statement which confirms the concept of corporate apostasy.

Each prophetic description has a specific time in history when it occurs. The action described in the third seal has not yet occurred to date, although we may see trends towards the prophesy being fulfilled. The church today still exists in the period of the “White Horse” and is still the “Israel of God”. What will happen shortly after a national “apostasy” wherein a national Sunday law will be passed – followed by national ruin?

“Protestants will persuade the Rulers of the Land to adopt Roman Catholic Principles. The day of God is right upon us….Both are in harmony and are acting on a shortsighted policy. Protestants will work upon the rulers of the land to make laws to restore the lost ascendancy of the man of sin, who sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Roman Catholic principles will be taken under the care and protection of the state. This national apostasy will be speedily followed by a national ruin.” APOC. En:99 LD97L123 Ltr. 123 p. 58. Mar.8. 1897. To Philip Wessels – p. 6,7,9-14 (245)

What is meant by “national ruin”? The freedom and wealth which we now enjoy will be wiped out overnight. Economies will collapse.

Thought question - How would “national ruin” affect our lives?

THE FOURTH SEAL……………PALE HORSE

“And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. 8. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell (Hades – the grave) followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth”.

A “pale” or “sick” horse is disabled. Pale may be understood to be of a greenish colour or reference to a sick condition. The church when fallen in apostasy can no longer do its appointed work effectively; then its protection and freedom from Providence is no longer sustained, and is withdrawn.

What is the name of the rider of the horse? Rev. 6:8….death
How many die? Rev. 6:8 ……A fourth part of the earth
How many would that be at current population figures? …..1.5 billion or more

What four things cause death? Rev. 6:8
• with sword
• with hunger
• with death
• with beasts of the earth

Is this the first time in history of God’s people that there has been this kind of judgment? Ezek. 5:7-17
No – cannibalism – pestilence – famine – sword – scattering – evil beasts.

In the light of present ecological restrictions which affect the multiplication of “wild beasts” or predators, people would not be allowed to protect themselves with guns or other killing instruments.

The fourth seal gives a description of the “Little time of trouble” which comes just before the plagues. The sword (war) and famine are predicted to cover a fourth part of the earth, which will bring death. God placed the fear of man in the beasts of the earth, the fowls of the air, and upon the sea creatures after the flood (Gen. 9:2). But as the church fails in its destiny, and falls into apostasy, the restraints of the Holy Spirit are withdrawn and the beasts of the earth contribute to the great toll of death over a fourth part of the earth. Man, who has feasted on these creatures, will become prey to their unrestrained nature.

Seal Number 5…………..The martyrs………Past and future

The four horses representing God’s corporate church are found only in seals one to four. Seal number 5 no longer addresses the corporate church, but focuses on those who have been martyred all down through the ages and brings this same action into the future.

Under the fifth seal, TWO groups of martyrs are brought to view. The first group are those who have been martyred from the time of Abel (Gen. 4:8) and all through the Dark Ages.

What does the first group of martyrs receive in the Investigative Judgment? Rev. 6:11 – They receive white robes.
What are they doing while the Investigative Judgment is going on? Rev. 6:11 – Resting a little while.

There is another group of martyrs that “should be (will be) killed, as they (the first group) were”. In what manner will they be killed? Rev. 20:4 – beheaded.

In Revelation 20:4, what places this final martyrdom in the future. Why are they beheaded?
“And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands: and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.“

“Many will be imprisoned, many will flee for their lives….many will be martyrs for Christ’s sake standing in defense of truth.” 3 Selected Messages p. 397 MS 6, 1889.

Future Martyrs “Blood Vengeance” Begins in the Seven last Plagues
What do the martyred souls cry out for? Rev. 6:10. - “Avenge our blood”

How and when will this request be answered?
In the third plague. Rev. 16:4, the “angel of the waters” says “they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.”

It is the last generation of the wicked, the same persons who have shed the blood of martyrs, who are given the bloody waters to drink in the third plague. It is also the fifth seal which brings the prophetic action to the time for “vengeance” which is to be accomplished in the blood judgments of the seven last plagues, where the ocean and the rivers and fountains of waters will be “like the blood of a dead man”. The fifth seal calls for judgment which is administered in the plagues.

What action does the fifth seal include that occurs just before the close of probation? See Rev. 18:1-4

“When the fifth seal was opened, John the Revelator in vision beneath the alter the company that were slain for the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. AFTER THIS came the scenes described in the 18TH of Revelation, when those that are faithful are called out of Babylon.” SDA BC Vol. 7, 968. MS. 39, 1906

Ellen White writer of the above quotation relates a series of events. First there is martyrdom, then the call out of Babylon which is known as the “Loud Cry”. Martyrs blood has always been seed for a great harvest. This Rev. 18:1-4 “Loud Cry” comes just before the close of probation and will be followed by the seven last plagues.

A Review of the First Five Seals

• Seal No. 1 Begins church history in 1844 and continues to a National Sunday Law in the USA
• Seal No. 2 Introduces Sunday Laws and attending persecutions
• Seal No. 3 Describes the resulting apostasy in the corporate institution
• Seal No. 4 Describes a church destitute of God’s approval and the resulting devastation
• Seal No. 5 Describes the future martyrdom which prepares the way for the Loud Cry, final harvest, close of probation and leads directly into the seven last plague blood judgments

The Seven Seals of Revelation 6:8 are all in sequence. The first seal began with the 1844 date describing God’s remnant corporate church from 1844 to a National Sunday Law. Seals 2-4 describe the corporate church in repetition of the history of the nation of Israel. Seal 5 describes the past and future martyrdoms which sow the seed for the final harvest of the Loud Cry call to the world to come out of Babylon and then the close of probation follows.

Seal Number 6 ……………..plague 7 ……………events

The “Seven letters” and the “Seven Seals” of Revelation are referred to as “Basic Prophetic Outlines” . An outline is an orderly arrangement of subject matter by numeric progression or a sequence of letters in the alphabet, or any other sequential orderly arrangement. This orderly arrangement of the prophesies of Revelation calls attention to sequence and continuity. The orderly arrangement of data glorifies God who gave it, revealing His very character. “For God is not the author of confusion” 1. Cor. 14:33, and He has given us orderly minds programmed to think with logic and common sense.

Note: The word “primary” means first in importance, but not necessarily first in sequence. Those applications made in the past were of “primary importance” to those generations. It is an end time application that deals with future events which becomes of “primary importance” and is “Present Truth” to the last generation.

If the fifth seal introduces the seven last plague blood judgments (plague 2 and 3), then the sixth seal must follow that action, and a study of its action connects it with the seventh plague.

Revelation, Chapter 1 begins with the 31AD. Ministry of Christ and continues forward in the seven letters to the churches to the last church being “Laodicea.” – The Church of the Investigative Judgment Message, which went forth “conquering and to conquer” from 1844 and is still under the first seal giving the three angels messages today. But in the near future, under the second seal, a National Sunday Law will bring about division and an Apostasy. After the Apostasy, the fourth seal portrays a series of devastations. The fifth seal martyrdom is followed by the Rev. 18 “Loud Cry” angel and final harvest. Then comes the Close of Probation and the outpouring of the plagues. Plagues 2 and 3 are retributions for the martyrdom of those who have not worshipped the “beast” and his “image”. The action of seal 6 gives added detail to the 7th plague climatic action.

Seal 6 begins with an earthquake

What action does the sixth seal begin? Rev. 6:12.- “A great earthquake…”

Those who lived in the time of the 1800 awakening, became aware of the 1755 Lisbon earthquake and applied that event to the description of the 6th seal. But if the inspired servant of the Lord declared that the 5th seal leads to future martyrdom, and to the loud cry call to come out of Babylon, and if that seal leads into the plagues, that past application cannot be of “primary importance” to the last generation.

When does such an earthquake occur, and under which plague? Rev. 16:17, 18. Under the seventh plague.

Prophetic expositors of past generations concluded that the earthquake which opens the 6th seal referred to the Lisbon earthquake in 1755. This application of the prophesy was of primary importance to them, to give them confidence in their understanding of the 2300 day-year timeline. But even in Daniel, it is explained that “even in the time of the end (the time of the last generation) many shall run to and fro (searching through the scriptures) and knowledge (of the prophesies) shall be increased.” Dan. 12:4.

What other signs in the heavens introduce the sixth seal? Rev. 6:12. – Sun became black as sackcloth – moon becomes as blood.

Those who lived between AD. 1750 and 1844 became aware of the “dark day” of May 19, 1780, and that night, the “blood red moon”. They also saw the “falling of the stars” in November of 1833. These signs strengthened their faith in that generation.

What was another sign in the heavens regarding the beginning of the sixth seal? Rev. 6:13. – Stars fell as a fig tree cast untimely figs to earth.

The marvelous signs of the great Lisbon earthquake and the signs in the heavens ushered in “the time of the end” preparing that generation to give the great message connected with the Dan. 8:14 timeline of 2300 day-years which ended in AD.1844.

What other events were a prophesy of the beginning of the “time of the end” in 1798? Joel 2:28-32.
“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I shall pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men dream dreams, your young men see visions: 29. and also upon the servants and handmaids…….and I will show wonders in the heavens …..earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. 31. the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come. 32. And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: …..and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call”.
Those who lived between 1798 and 1844, saw the “dark day” of May 19, 1780, and that night, the “blood red moon”. They also saw the falling of the stars in November 1833 and concluded that Jesus would come in 1844. This exposition of prophesy was necessary to strengthen their faith at that time, but were they completely correct in their application? Not entirely. The question comes up, “Is there a future end time application” of those signs in the heavens? Did those signs both begin and end the “time of the end” which reached from 1798 to the coming of Jesus.

Under the sixth seal, does “the sun (become) black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon (become) as blood; And the stars of heaven fall unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.”? Rev. 6:12,13. Yes it does.

Let ‘s look at the next chapter of Joel and see these signs. Joel 3:13-16 states
“verse 13 – Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come get you down: for the press is full, the vats overflow; for their wickedness is great. 14 – Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. 16 – The Lord also shall roar in Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem: and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people. And the strength of the children of Israel.”.

It is important to notice that Joel repeats these signs in the heavens but the events predicted are different. In chapter 2, there is an outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit, a call to repentance, and a remnant whom the Lord is going to call out, as He did in the 1844 era. (See Joel 2:32) But in chapter 3, the signs in the heavens accompany the Second Coming of Jesus.

At exactly what event in earth’s history, will the signs in the heavens be repeated? Joel 3:16 – Just before Jesus comes.

The book of Joel describes the “time of the end”, as a period extending from 1798, through the 1844 Advent Awakening and to the very end of time. These signs in the heavens define the beginning and the ending of this era of history. Whereas Joel 2 describes the signs in the heavens which occurred in the 1755-1833 era, Joel 3 describes these signs again which occur at the very time of the coming of Jesus.

E.G.White states the following:-

“ I thought of the day when the judgments of God would be poured out upon the world, when blackness and horrible darkness would clothe the heavens as sackcloth of hair (quoted from Rev. 6:12 – the sixth seal). My imagination anticipated what it must be in that period when the Lord’s mighty voice SHALL (future tense) give commission to His angels, ‘go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God (the 7 last plagues) upon the earth.’ REVELATION 6 and 7 (the 7 seals) are full of meaning.” Maranatha 284. MS 59. 1895.

The servant of the Lord supported the first application of the seals because those signs in the heavens initiated the “time of the end”. That view was appropriate for that time in history. Today we need to understand and accept the end time application as did the prophet, in which those same signs will bring history to its close at the coming of Jesus.

“The powers of heaven will be shaken at the voice of God. Then the sun, moon, and stars will be moved out of their places. They will not pass away, but be shaken by the voice of God.” EW 41.

The Second Coming of Jesus

Continuing the timing of the 6th seal, when will the heaven depart “as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places?” - Rev. 6:14 Under the sixth seal - Rev. 16:18, Under the 7th plague.

How many of the inhabitants of the earth will see this great event? Rev. 1:7…every eye. Rev. 6:15,16. Kings of earth, great men, rich men and every bond man and free man hid themselves in dens and rocks and said to the mountain – fall on us – hide us…

From what do the wicked hide? Rev. 6:16…. from the face of Him that sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb

What question is posed from the trembling saints of God? Rev. 6:17…”Who shall be able to stand”?

This question is placed at the very end of the chapter regarding the sixth seal. It must be answered before the 7th seal can take place. The answer to that question, “Who shall be able to stand”? …is answered in the following chapter 7.

Who will be able to stand at the Second Coming of Jesus? Rev. 7:4….144,000 of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Rev. 14:1-5…The lamb stood on Mt. Zion and with Him 144,000 having His Fathers name on their foreheads – they sing a new song before the throne of God.

Seal Number 7………….Revelation 8:1

“And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour”

JESUS IS ON HIS WAY TO EARTH TO BRING HIS PEOPLE TO THE HEAVENLY KINGDOM.