Los 7 sellos del Apocalipsis
Understanding the Nature and Purpose of the Great Tribulation
Introduction to the Seven Seals
- The discussion begins with a focus on the Book of Revelation, specifically regarding the seven seals. The Lamb is identified as the only one worthy to open the scroll and release its seals.
Nature and Purpose of the Great Tribulation
- The speaker outlines that understanding both the nature and purpose of the Great Tribulation is essential before delving into details about each seal.
- Christ prophesied in Matthew 24 that His second coming would be preceded by a period of severe tribulation, characterized by plagues, famine, death, and various divine judgments.
Biblical References to Tribulation
- This tribulation period is referred to in the Old Testament as part of "the Day of Jehovah," which signifies an unprecedented time of distress.
- The speaker connects this tribulation to Daniel's prophecy concerning seventy weeks, emphasizing that week 70 corresponds to seven literal years of eschatological tribulation.
God's Relationship with Israel During Tribulation
- The fulfillment of these prophetic weeks has a significant relationship with Israel; it highlights God's dealings with them during this tumultuous time.
- A distinction is made between historical events related to Greece and Rome versus future events concerning Israel during this final week.
Persecution and Divine Judgment
- During this period, God will resume His dealings with Israel, leading them through intense persecution reminiscent of Antiochus Epiphanes' times.
- Both Jews and Gentiles will face God's wrath for rejecting grace; however, it’s noted that believers in Christ are exempt from this judgment.
Church's Position Regarding Great Tribulation
- It is asserted that the church will not experience this Great Tribulation. Various eschatological positions (pre-, mid-, post-) are briefly mentioned.
- Pre-Tribulationalists believe in a rapture occurring before these events unfold. This belief is supported by passages indicating deliverance from impending trials.
Scriptural Support for Exemption from Wrath
- Key scriptural references are provided to support claims that believers will be spared from divine wrath (e.g., 1 Thessalonians 1:10).
- Emphasis on salvation through Christ means believers are no longer subject to condemnation or divine judgment due to their acceptance of grace.
Clarification on Current Events vs. Prophetic Fulfillment
- The speaker cautions against equating current global crises (like pandemics or plagues) with biblical prophecies regarding seals since they pertain specifically to events after the church's rapture.
This structured summary provides an organized overview while linking back directly to specific timestamps for further exploration.
The Role of the Great Tribulation in God's Plan
Understanding the Context of the Tribulation
- The speaker discusses prophetic signs, such as darkened skies and blood moons, indicating that these events are not currently linked to any seals or trumpets, as we have not yet experienced the rapture.
- Emphasis is placed on avoiding parallels between current events and biblical prophecies regarding seals and trumpets, noting that significant events like earthquakes should not be misinterpreted.
Purpose of the Great Tribulation
- The Great Tribulation is described as a divine intervention aimed at establishing God's kingdom on Earth, referred to in the Old Testament as "the Day of Jehovah." This period marks the beginning of this divine plan.
- It serves to prepare Israel for the coming Messiah, highlighting that this time is a treatment from God specifically for Israel's recognition of Christ. The Antichrist will deceive many before true recognition occurs.
Israel's Recognition of the Messiah
- During this tribulation period, false messiahs will arise, leading Israel astray until they realize their error when confronted with Christ’s return on the Mount of Olives. They will recognize Him by His wounds and understand their past actions against Him.
- This process aims to sensitize Israel towards accepting Jesus as their true Messiah during His second coming. The remnant of Israel will ultimately be saved through this realization.
Judgment During the Great Tribulation
- Another purpose outlined is God's judgment upon humanity for rebellion throughout history; nations will be judged based on their treatment of Israel during this time known as "the times of Gentiles."
- The speaker references Daniel's vision where different governments succeed one another since Babylonian times, illustrating how God has allowed human governance but will now judge them during tribulation based on their actions toward Israel.
Introduction to Biblical Seals
- As part of discussing eschatological events, attention shifts to the opening of seals by Christ; specifically mentioning a white horse representing victory and conquest associated with Christ Himself in Revelation 19:11 later in scripture.
- The imagery used (white horse, crown) symbolizes Christ’s kingship and warrior role in executing divine judgment through these seals opened by Him amidst heavenly beings who announce these events with authority.
Christ's Return and the Antichrist
The Description of Christ's Second Coming
- The description of Christ during His second coming includes imagery such as a white horse, crowns, victory, and garments stained with blood, symbolizing triumph over enemies.
- This portrayal contrasts with false Christs who will emerge, as referenced in Matthew 24, where many will claim to be the Messiah and deceive many.
Symbolism of the White Horse
- The white horse symbolizes royalty and authority; it represents those claiming to be Christ but are actually impostors.
- Each seal in Revelation parallels events described in Matthew 24, particularly relating to the beginning of sorrows during the first half of the Great Tribulation.
Rise of False Christs
- The symbolism associated with the white horse and bow indicates that these false Christs are mere replicas of the true Christ who is powerful and victorious.
- These impostors culminate in the appearance of the Antichrist, who embodies deceit through alliances and threats rather than genuine power.
Characteristics of the Antichrist
- Historical figures like Antiochus Epiphanes exemplify how deceitful leaders can achieve victories through manipulation rather than warfare.
- The bow without arrows signifies a victory achieved without bloodshed, aligning with peace treaties made by the Antichrist at the start of his reign.
Transition to War
- During this period labeled as "false peace," nations trust in deceptive alliances while preparing for conflict; this is represented by a bow lacking arrows.
The Second Seal: War
Introduction to Conflict
- Upon opening the second seal, a red horse emerges symbolizing war; its rider is given power to remove peace from Earth leading to violence among people.
Consequences of War
- The red color signifies bloodshed; this rider’s ability to incite conflict aligns with prophecies about wars and rumors thereof found in Matthew 24.
The Third Seal: Famine
Emergence of Scarcity
- Opening the third seal reveals a black horse whose rider holds scales indicating economic hardship due to famine affecting food supply.
Economic Implications
- Prices for basic commodities skyrocket (e.g., two pounds of wheat for one denarius), reflecting severe scarcity impacting daily life.
Social Impact
- This situation suggests that individuals may struggle for survival on minimal rations akin to what was provided for slaves historically.
Understanding the Implications of Economic Hardship
The Reality of Labor and Basic Needs
- The concept of a denarius is introduced, representing a day's wage for laborers, highlighting the struggle to afford basic food necessities.
- Inflation in essential goods leads to significant scarcity and famine, with a stark contrast between luxury items (like oil and wine) and basic staples (like tortillas).
- The apostle John suggests that while luxury goods remain stable in price, the poor will suffer due to rising costs of essential foods.
Socioeconomic Disparities
- A lack of purchasing power among the populace means that even if luxury items are affordable, people will prioritize survival over indulgence.
- This discussion connects to biblical references about nations rising against each other and emphasizes impending famines as part of societal collapse.
The Fourth Seal: Death and Destruction
- Introduction of the fourth seal featuring a pale horse named Death, which symbolizes widespread mortality affecting one-quarter of the global population.
- The imagery associated with death is described as pale greenish-yellow, indicating decay and destruction following war, famine, and disease.
Causes of Mortality
- Various causes leading to death include warfare (from previous seals), famine (from hunger), pestilence, and wild beasts—each contributing to high mortality rates.
- Emphasis on how wars lead to casualties while hunger exacerbates suffering; these elements are interconnected through previous seals.
Misinterpretations of Current Events
- Clarification that current economic crises should not be hastily interpreted as fulfillments of biblical seals; they represent more complex future events.
- Use of metonymy illustrates cause-and-effect relationships in discussing pestilences leading to deaths rather than merely stating diseases themselves.
- Discussion on how many diseases stem from animal interactions highlights potential future pandemics but distinguishes them from current interpretations related to biblical prophecy.
Understanding the Seals of Revelation
The First Four Seals and Their Significance
- The first four seals are unleashed by the celestial Lamb after the church is raptured, representing the beginning of sorrows during the first half of the Great Tribulation.
- Current global events reflect symptoms of sin, indicating that Christ's return is imminent; however, these do not equate to the seals mentioned in Matthew 24.
The Fifth Seal: Martyrs Under the Altar
- The fifth seal reveals souls under the altar who were martyred for their faith, crying out for divine justice against those who dwell on Earth.
- These martyrs are believed to have been persecuted by agents of the Antichrist during the Great Tribulation, pleading for God's judgment on their oppressors.
Divine Justice and Waiting Period
- Martyrs receive white robes symbolizing honor and sanctity but are told to wait until a certain number of fellow believers are also martyred.
- There will be two groups of martyrs: one from the first half and another from the second half of the Great Tribulation, with increasing persecution in later stages.
The Sixth Seal: Cosmic Disturbances
- Upon opening the sixth seal, significant cosmic events occur including earthquakes and darkened celestial bodies (sun turned black, moon like blood).
- This seal signifies exceptional astronomical phenomena such as falling stars or comets impacting Earth.
Implications of Astronomical Events
- The sky is described as rolling up like a scroll, indicating a dramatic alteration in heavenly appearances.
- Despite current occurrences like eclipses or blood moons, these should not be mistaken as fulfillments of this seal; its true fulfillment will happen post-Rapture during tribulations.
Introduction to the Seven Seals
Overview of the Seven Seals
- The discussion begins with an introduction to the concept of the seven seals, emphasizing that before delving into the seventh seal, it is essential to mention two other visions experienced by Juan.
- The speaker indicates that these additional visions will be described in subsequent videos, encouraging viewers to stay tuned for more detailed explanations.
- The order of appearance of these seals is linked to themes found in apocalyptic literature, suggesting a structured approach to understanding their significance.
- There is an anticipation built around the seventh seal, hinting at its importance within the broader context of apocalyptic narratives.
- The speaker expresses hope that this initial overview has been informative and sets the stage for deeper exploration in future content.