In Revelation 5, the scene is set in the throne room of the third heaven. God the Father holds a scroll written on both sides, sealed with seven seals. A strong angel proclaims who is worthy to open it and loose its seals. No one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth can open the scroll or even look upon it. John weeps, but one of the 24 elders (representing the resurrected church) declares the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed.
The Lamb, appearing as slain with seven horns and seven eyes (the seven Spirits of God), takes the scroll from the Father’s right hand. The four living creatures and 24 elders fall down in worship with harps and bowls of incense (prayers of the tribulation saints). They sing a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, for You were slain and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe, tongue, people, and nation; and have made us kings and priests to our God, and we shall reign on the earth.”
Myriads of angels and every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and in the sea proclaim blessing, honor, glory, and strength to Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb forever. The elders and living creatures worship Him who lives forever.
The church, as a holy royal priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices, reigns with Christ from the New Jerusalem. Pre-church saints await resurrection at Christ’s return to establish His kingdom. Those under the earth include unsaved humans and certain fallen angels imprisoned in Sheol/Hades awaiting judgment.
Before the Tribulation begins, key events must occur: the church is raptured; a worldwide religious system (Babylon the Harlot) rises; ten kings emerge; the man of lawlessness gains authority; and Israel is regathered to the land in belief as God deals with the nation again (per Deuteronomy 30, Romans 11). Daniel 2 and 7 outline four Gentile kingdoms culminating in a revived Roman empire of ten kings mixed with common clay (the seed of men). Christ destroys these kingdoms at His return.
The Tribulation starts in Revelation 6:1 when the Lamb opens the first seal. One of the living creatures says, “Come and see.” A white horse appears; its rider has a bow (no arrows) and receives a victor’s crown. He goes out conquering and to conquer, bringing false worldwide peace through a seven-year covenant with Israel (Daniel 9:27). This peace lacks strength and precedes sudden destruction as the second seal removes peace from the earth.
