The Seven Seals are a series of eschatological events described in the Book of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament. These seals are part of a scroll held by the Lamb, who is identified as Jesus Christ, and are opened one by one to reveal divine judgments and events leading up to the end times. The account of the Seven Seals is found in Revelation chapters 5 through 8.

The Scroll and the Lamb

In Revelation 5, the Apostle John describes a vision of a scroll in the right hand of Him who sits on the throne. The scroll is sealed with seven seals, and no one in heaven or on earth is found worthy to open it except the Lamb. Revelation 5:5-6 states, "Then one of the elders said to me, 'Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.' Then I saw a Lamb who appeared to have been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders."

The First Seal: The White Horse

The opening of the first seal is described in Revelation 6:1-2 : "Then I watched as the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, 'Come!' So I looked and saw a white horse, and its rider held a bow. And he was given a crown, and he rode out to overcome and conquer." The rider on the white horse is often interpreted as a symbol of conquest or the spread of the gospel.

The Second Seal: The Red Horse

Revelation 6:3-4 describes the second seal: "And when the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, 'Come!' Then another horse went forth. It was bright red, and its rider was granted permission to take peace from the earth, and to make men slay one another. And he was given a great sword." The red horse and its rider symbolize war and bloodshed.

The Third Seal: The Black Horse

The third seal is opened in Revelation 6:5-6 : "And when the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, 'Come!' Then I looked and saw a black horse, and its rider held in his hand a pair of scales. And I heard a voice from among the four living creatures saying, 'A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine.'" This seal is often associated with famine and economic hardship.

The Fourth Seal: The Pale Horse

Revelation 6:7-8 details the fourth seal: "And when the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, 'Come!' Then I looked and saw a pale horse. Its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed close behind. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill by sword, by famine, by plague, and by the beasts of the earth." The pale horse represents death and widespread destruction.

The Fifth Seal: The Martyrs

The fifth seal reveals the souls of martyrs under the altar, as described in Revelation 6:9-11 : "And when the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony they had upheld. And they cried out in a loud voice, 'How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You avenge our blood and judge those who dwell upon the earth?' Then each of them was given a white robe and told to rest a little while longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers, were killed, just as they had been." This seal highlights the persecution of believers and their call for divine justice.

The Sixth Seal: Cosmic Disturbances

The opening of the sixth seal brings about cosmic disturbances, as recorded in Revelation 6:12-14 : "And when I saw the Lamb open the sixth seal, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black like sackcloth of goat hair, and the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, like unripe figs dropping from a tree shaken by a great wind. The sky receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place." These events signify the beginning of God's direct intervention in the world.

The Seventh Seal: Silence and the Seven Trumpets

The seventh seal is opened in Revelation 8:1 : "When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour." This silence precedes the sounding of the seven trumpets, which introduce further judgments upon the earth. The seventh seal serves as a transition to the next series of apocalyptic events.

The Seven Seals are a crucial component of the apocalyptic narrative in Revelation, symbolizing the unfolding of God's plan for the end times and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom.