End Times The Tribulation Begins Text: Revelation 6 & 7 Teacher: Laurna Berg
The Throne of God (Revelation 4 & 5)
The Sealed Scroll The Sealed Scroll (Rev 5:1) In the ancient world: legal document, title deed, or will that could only be opened by a legal owner, redeemer or rightful heir
Christ our Savior alone is worthy to open the scroll! And every created thing [ktisma - humans and animals] which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I [John] heard saying, To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever. Revelation 5:13
End Times: The Tribulation Begins I. Preeminent Purpose of God in the Tribulation II. Prophetic Plan of Events during the Tribulation III. Prominent Persons of the Tribulation * God provides order and consistency in understanding His Word. God intends for readers to understand His plan.
I. Preeminent Purpose of God in the Tribulation Principle #1: God s Purpose in the Tribulation reflects God s Character 1. God is Holy: To judge Wickedness * God is patient and longsuffering, but He will not tolerate sin forever. 2. God is Loving: To bring about Worldwide Revival * God s mercy triumphs over judgment. 3. God is Faithful: To refine Israel * God will keep His promises (to Abraham, David, and you)! * God causes all things to work together for good.
I. Preeminent Purpose of God in the Tribulation Principle #2: God s Purpose in the Tribulation is consistent with His Past Judgments The Flood Sodom and Gomorrah Exodus Plagues
I. Preeminent Purpose of God in the Tribulation Principle #3: God s Purpose in the Tribulation is Revealed in the Names used for the Tribulation * God is sovereign, in control, and His purposes will be achieved. * Trials reveal and refine character.
II. Prophetic Plan of Events during the Tribulation 1. The Tribulation begins with the signing of a covenant 2. Some events occur in chronological sequence Seals Trumpets Bowls 3. The 7th Seal contains the 7 Trumpets, and the 7th Trumpet contains the 7 Bowl judgments
II. Prophetic Plan of Events during the Tribulation 4. Narrative interludes occur after each series of judgments to reflect back providing additional information occurring simultaneously and to prepare the reader for events to follow Seals ( ) Trumpets ( ) Bowls ( ) 5. All midpoint events are recorded in Rev 10-14 between the trumpets and bowls 6. The Tribulation will last 7 years 7. The Tribulation will conclude with the establishment of the Millennial Kingdom
The 7 SEALS The first 4 Seals are known as the four horsemen of the Apocalypse 1st Seal: White Horse = Antichrist 2nd Seal: Red Horse = War 3rd Seal: Black Horse = Famine 4th Seal: Pale Horse = Death
The 7 SEALS 5th Seal: Martyrs in Heaven 6th Seal: Cosmic Disturbances & Convulsions of Nature 7 th Seal: 7 Trumpets
The 7 SEALS 1st Seal: White Horse = Antichrist 2nd Seal: Red Horse = War 3rd Seal: Black Horse = Famine 4th Seal: Pale Horse = Death 5th Seal: Martyrs in Heaven 6th Seal: Cosmic Disturbances & Convulsions of Nature 7 th Seal: 7 Trumpets * The past provides insight into the present. God is in control! * The future provides hope for the present. God wins! * Leave judgment to God.
III. Prominent Persons of the Tribulation God Christ Holy Spirit Satan Antichrist False Prophet
III. Prominent Persons of the Tribulation 144,000 Jewish men Earth Dwellers Tribulation Saints on Earth Tribulation Martyrs in Heaven 2 Witnesses
III. Prominent Persons of the Tribulation Angels Demons * Spiritual warfare is a reality as Satan and demons oppose God and believers today. * In every age God has had a faithful remnant. Where do you stand? * Share the gospel to win the unsaved to Christ!
Conclusion Jesus: These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. John 16:33