End Times
What are the seven seals in Revelation?A Scripture-grounded answer about seven seals of revelation explained
Published Reviewed
Published Reviewed
The seven seals (Revelation 6-8) are judgments released as the Lamb opens a scroll. The first four seals release the four horsemen (conquest, war, famine, death). The fifth reveals martyrs crying for justice. The sixth brings cosmic upheaval. The seventh introduces silence in heaven and the seven trumpet judgments.
Why this answer? It starts with Revelation 5:5, then cross-checks Revelation 6:1-17 and Revelation 8:1 so the summary stays anchored in Scripture.
The seven seals sequence begins in Revelation 5, where a scroll sealed with seven seals represents God's plan for the consummation of history. Only the Lamb — Christ, who is both Lion and sacrificial Lamb — is worthy to open it. The first four seals release the four horsemen, depicting conquest, war, famine, and death sweeping the earth. The fifth seal reveals the souls of martyrs under the altar, crying 'How long, O Lord?' — a question that echoes throughout the persecuted church. They are told to wait 'a little longer' until the full number of martyrs is complete. The sixth seal unleashes cosmic upheaval: earthquakes, the sun turning black, the moon becoming blood, and stars falling. Between the sixth and seventh seals, Revelation 7 inserts an interlude showing 144,000 sealed from Israel and a great multitude from every nation. The seventh seal is perhaps the most dramatic: 'there was silence in heaven for about half an hour' (Revelation 8:1) — a profound pause before the seven trumpet judgments begin, suggesting even heaven holds its breath at what comes next.
“Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”
- Revelation 5:5
The four horsemen (Revelation 6:1-8) are symbolic riders unleashed when the Lamb opens the first four seals. The white horse represents conquest (or some say Christ/false christs), the red horse war, the black horse famine, and the pale horse death. Together they depict the cascading devastation that precedes God's final judgment.
Revelation is apocalyptic prophecy revealing Jesus Christ's ultimate victory over evil. It contains visions given to John about churches, God's throne, judgments, the fall of Babylon, Christ's return, Satan's defeat, final judgment, and the new heaven and earth. Its message: God wins, so persevere faithfully.
The tribulation is a future period of intense suffering and divine judgment described in Daniel 9, Matthew 24, and Revelation 6-18. Many believe it lasts seven years, with the 'great tribulation' being the final three and a half years. Its purpose is both judgment on the unbelieving world and the purification of God's people.
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Answers are informed by Scripture and trusted theologians including Matthew Henry, John Calvin, and John Wesley. Always verify with Scripture and consult your local church for pastoral guidance.