Why Did the Lord Do That?

Often times we read something and notice patterns in the Bible. We may not always know what the reason is at the time so we may shrug it off. Have you wondered why the Lord does something in a certain manner? Today, I want to show you something I noticed and it links to a future event. 

As one looks at the contents in the book of Revelation you will notice six seals are opened but the seventh one is opened after another vision is presented first. Those particular events between the first and sixth seal leads us to the seventh seal. Then the first six trumpets are blown and the seventh and last trumpet blows after a few visions are also presented first. Once the first six visions are revealed you will see the seventh trumpet occurs separately. In the way these chapters are revealed I believe the Lord is showing us there are events the followers of Christ will experience before the Lord’s return. There are doctrines many churches have presented that teach the church they will not pass through any tribulations. According to the Word of God it does not appear this is so.

In a previous post called “similarities in the plagues” we reviewed the different plagues the Israelites survived without being harmed in any way. These events were shadows of the things to come. Those passages like many other clues are a way the Lord reveals events to us and if we pay attention our hearts can be prepared to pass through whatever comes our way without fear and fear of being harmed ourselves. We also have read about the feasts of the Lord are a type of shadow leading to the real substance.

* Seventh Seal *

The seventh seal is opened in chapter 8 only after you see the redeemed in heaven. It was opened after we are shown the twelve tribes of Israel and the great multitude in heaven. But if you notice the seals begin to be opened in chapter 6. Once the seventh seal is opened there is silence for a short period of time.

* Seventh Trumpet *

If we look at the seventh trumpet in chapter 11:15 it is blown after the two witnesses prophesy for 3.5 years in the Holy City. Once they are killed and resurrect then a voice from heaven calls them up and they ascend. This is similar to how the Lord Jesus ascended to heaven after he resurrected. After the Lord Jesus resurrected to heaven there was severe persecution on earth and once he returns there will be judgment. Persecution is increasing now and it will reach a point where it must be cut short or else all believers would be eliminated. There will be judgment for the believers first and this judgment is where he gives rewards to his faithful followers in order to set up his millennial kingdom on earth.

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 1 Peter 4:17 KJV

Peter tells us judgment must begin at the house of God. Judgment will begin with the servants and followers of Jesus first. This is not judgment to condemn, it is judgment for a reward. 

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Revelation 22:12 KJV

I say all this to point out after the two witnesses resurrect the seventh trumpet will sound and the dead in Christ will rise first. It is clear this event will only happen after the two witnesses go to heaven because it would not make sense for the church to be raptured and leave Israel (God’s chosen people) to be left on earth alone. There is only one trumpet that is blown for everyone to rise and be instantly transformed. So Israel needs to be included in that call and we can see this is one of the visions that comes between the sixth and seventh trumpet. 

* Seventh Bowl *

If we study the seventh bowl or vial we will also see the vial is poured in the air. There is a voice in heaven that says, “It is done.”

And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done. Revelation 16:17 KJV

Do those last three words sound familiar? They should! When the Lord Jesus was nailed to the cross and before he died he said these same words. So now we hear his voice from heaven saying the same phrase. But why? The answer is this… Because now his followers are in heaven with him in this vision. They have joined him on the spiritual side of his realm. His followers have resurrected to him and have been transformed into their incorruptible bodies. This is only phase two of his mandate. He still needs to get rid of all of his enemies. Then his task’s are complete. We will go in to this topic further in another setting. Meditate on these scriptures and be on the look out for another post teaching.