“They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” 11 Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters, were killed just as they had been.” (Revelation 6:10-11)
In the prophecy about the end times that is written in the book of Revelation, God's wrath upon the world is divided into three stages:
1. 7 seals
2. 7 trumpets
3. 7 golden bowls filled with the wrath of God
Even when God is angry, he remains patient. His punishment is not immediately given at once, but in stages and is always preceded by a warning.
FIRST SEAL: A WHITE HORSE
Don't misinterpret it as a virtue, because not everything that looks "white" comes from God. Therefore, our life’s purpose is not only to be a good person, but also to be righteous. Because the upright must be good, while a good person is not necessarily right!
SECOND SEAL: A FIERY RED HORSE
Fiery red symbolizes power to take peace. Peace is the greatest blessing for mankind. If peace is taken away from the earth, the human heart will be restless without a cure. And the beginning of peace is faith in God!
THIRD SEAL: A BLACK HORSE & A PAIR OF SCALES
Black is the opposite of white. Everything will be worse on earth. The world economy will be collapsed and a severe recession will emerge. Those with lower economy will be destroyed first, but those whose economy is upper will be ensnared. Therefore, do not love money, but use the wealth that God has entrusted us to expand the Kingdom of Heaven!
Christians need not experience a recession because God will take care of us. When God blesses us with abundance, remember that our wealth is not just for us. God's blessing on us is to bless our family, relatives, friends and people in need around us. Therefore, manage our finances well for higher purpose.
FOURTH SEAL: A PALE HORSE
At this time, there will be war, famine, plague, and strange diseases. Everything is interrelated and one thing happens after another, because punishment never comes alone. It is true that God's wrath can happen in sequence but know that God's love is endless. Therefore, repent and do not be ignorant. Remember that His coming is near!
FIFTH SEAL: THE MARTYRS UNDER THE ALTAR
The fifth seal shows the age where the New Testament Church no longer exists on the face of the earth after the rapture. If today to live is Christ and to die is gain, then at that time, those who believe in God must die just to defend their faith. Thus, if today we don’t follow God wholeheartedly despite all facilities that are still available (such as worship, prayer meetings, etc.), then how can we survive if we are left behind?
SIXTH SEAL: A GREAT NATURAL DISASTER
In the last three and a half years of his reign, the Antichrist will show his true colors. That's when those who initially opposed Christ will regret and realize that Christ is the true God. However, it is too late! At this time there are many tests of faith. We will definitely win if we have the Lord Jesus!
Excerpted from Philip Mantofa’s Sermon, 15 March 2020, Sunday Service, GMS Surabaya Barat
https://youtu.be/BsnCSSQc18Q
https://youtu.be/mSu6Ql963PQ
