The Introductions to the Seven Churches, Seals, and Trumpets
Part 1 of Revelation (1:9 - 14:5) consists of the chapters dealing with the five views of the Gospel Age including its Harvest.
We usually call the first three views “The Seven Churches,” “The Seven Seals,” and “The Seven Trumpets.” Each of these series of sevens is preceded by an INTRODUCTION.
The fourth and fifth views of the Gospel Age might well be called: The Woman, Dragon, & Apostate "Michael" (Revelation Chapter 12) and Two Beasts, an Image, and the Over-comers.
As a study of the seven Churches, Seals, and Trumpets is undertaken, it is very easy to lose track of the focus and force in each of these sequences.
Therefore we will begin with the INTRODUCTIONS to these three series of sevens first before examining each of the series themselves. This has the advantage of coordinating the three introductions which take place, as will be seen, ALL at the same time —in close proximity to the first advent.
There are internal evidences galore that the Churches, Seals, and Trumpets are contemporaneous with each other. These introductions lend much credence to this position. Each introduction clearly contains elements placing the beginning of each series at the beginning of the age. This is an important reason for considering these introductions prior to a study of the three series themselves.
SUMMARIES OF EACH SERIES
THE SEVEN CHURCHES
This is an account of admonitions to the Church throughout the age regarding conditions, needs, and experiences in overcoming. In essence, these messages represent the concerns and teachings of each of the appointed “angels.”
THE SEVEN SEALS
This is a history laid out in advance, God has arranged (and recorded in His sealed scroll) pre-ordained changes and the circumstances or catalysts which would accomplish them. The stories of the Seals explain these changes and their effects on the consecrated. Evidence supports that the Seal is opened AT THE END of each period rather than at its beginning. Understanding comes after experiencing.
THE SEVEN TRUMPETS
This series of descriptions shows the effects of dispensational truths on surrounding society. Society hears, and is somewhat disturbed, by these messages, but is not reformed by them. Consequently, the Seven Last Plagues (Chapters 15 & 16) are necessary. (It will be noticed that the plagues are poured out on the same sequence of elements as those who hear the trumpets.
THE FOCAL POINT OF EACH SERIES’ INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION TO THE CHURCHES:
This introduction (1:9-20) stresses Jesus as the powerful, experienced, always-present advisor, director, and protector over the Churches.
INTRODUCTION TO THE SEALS:
This introduction (Chapters 4 & 5) stresses the “tools” which God will use to accomplish the events which will affect the Churches; it also stresses His delegation of power for their accomplishment to the Lion-Lamb.
INTRODUCTION TO THE TRUMPETS:
This introduction (8:2-6) stresses the loudness (power) of the dispensational proclamations. It stresses that the prayers of the saints (FOR THE KINGDOM) were actually being heard and carried out by this sequence of trumpeting’s. Finally, it stresses the eventual dismemberment of the present society by an additional pouring out (7 plagues) which will re-focus the messages of the trumpets and thus “finish God’s wrath.” (15:1)
The details of these summaries will be made evident as we consider the three introductions, beginning with the Introduction to the Seven Churches.
Next post.
Part 1 of Revelation (1:9 - 14:5) consists of the chapters dealing with the five views of the Gospel Age including its Harvest.
We usually call the first three views “The Seven Churches,” “The Seven Seals,” and “The Seven Trumpets.” Each of these series of sevens is preceded by an INTRODUCTION.
The fourth and fifth views of the Gospel Age might well be called: The Woman, Dragon, & Apostate "Michael" (Revelation Chapter 12) and Two Beasts, an Image, and the Over-comers.
As a study of the seven Churches, Seals, and Trumpets is undertaken, it is very easy to lose track of the focus and force in each of these sequences.
Therefore we will begin with the INTRODUCTIONS to these three series of sevens first before examining each of the series themselves. This has the advantage of coordinating the three introductions which take place, as will be seen, ALL at the same time —in close proximity to the first advent.
There are internal evidences galore that the Churches, Seals, and Trumpets are contemporaneous with each other. These introductions lend much credence to this position. Each introduction clearly contains elements placing the beginning of each series at the beginning of the age. This is an important reason for considering these introductions prior to a study of the three series themselves.
SUMMARIES OF EACH SERIES
THE SEVEN CHURCHES
This is an account of admonitions to the Church throughout the age regarding conditions, needs, and experiences in overcoming. In essence, these messages represent the concerns and teachings of each of the appointed “angels.”
THE SEVEN SEALS
This is a history laid out in advance, God has arranged (and recorded in His sealed scroll) pre-ordained changes and the circumstances or catalysts which would accomplish them. The stories of the Seals explain these changes and their effects on the consecrated. Evidence supports that the Seal is opened AT THE END of each period rather than at its beginning. Understanding comes after experiencing.
THE SEVEN TRUMPETS
This series of descriptions shows the effects of dispensational truths on surrounding society. Society hears, and is somewhat disturbed, by these messages, but is not reformed by them. Consequently, the Seven Last Plagues (Chapters 15 & 16) are necessary. (It will be noticed that the plagues are poured out on the same sequence of elements as those who hear the trumpets.
THE FOCAL POINT OF EACH SERIES’ INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION TO THE CHURCHES:
This introduction (1:9-20) stresses Jesus as the powerful, experienced, always-present advisor, director, and protector over the Churches.
INTRODUCTION TO THE SEALS:
This introduction (Chapters 4 & 5) stresses the “tools” which God will use to accomplish the events which will affect the Churches; it also stresses His delegation of power for their accomplishment to the Lion-Lamb.
INTRODUCTION TO THE TRUMPETS:
This introduction (8:2-6) stresses the loudness (power) of the dispensational proclamations. It stresses that the prayers of the saints (FOR THE KINGDOM) were actually being heard and carried out by this sequence of trumpeting’s. Finally, it stresses the eventual dismemberment of the present society by an additional pouring out (7 plagues) which will re-focus the messages of the trumpets and thus “finish God’s wrath.” (15:1)
The details of these summaries will be made evident as we consider the three introductions, beginning with the Introduction to the Seven Churches.
Next post.
