The Seals, as described in the Book of Revelation, are a series of divine judgments that unfold in a vision given to the Apostle John. 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 events that lead to the end of the present age and the establishment of God's kingdom. The account of the seals is found in Revelation chapters 5 through 8.

The Scroll and the Lamb

In Revelation 5, John describes a scroll in the right hand of Him who sits on the throne, sealed with seven seals. A mighty angel proclaims, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?" (Revelation 5:2). No one in heaven or on earth is found worthy, causing John to weep. However, one of the elders comforts him, saying, "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" (Revelation 5:5). The Lamb, standing as though slain, is recognized as worthy to open the scroll.

The First Seal: The White Horse

When the Lamb opens the first seal, John sees a white horse. Its rider holds a bow and is given a crown, and he rides out as a conqueror bent on conquest (Revelation 6:1-2). This rider is often interpreted as representing conquest or the spread of the gospel, though interpretations vary.

The Second Seal: The Red Horse

The opening of the second seal reveals a red horse. Its rider is given a large sword and the power to take peace from the earth, resulting in people killing one another (Revelation 6:3-4). This seal is commonly understood to symbolize war and bloodshed.

The Third Seal: The Black Horse

The third seal brings forth a black horse, whose rider holds a pair of scales. A voice among the four living creatures declares, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine" (Revelation 6:5-6). This imagery is often associated with famine and economic hardship.

The Fourth Seal: The Pale Horse

Upon the opening of the fourth seal, a pale horse appears. Its rider is named Death, and Hades follows close behind. They are given authority over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine, plague, and wild beasts (Revelation 6:7-8). This seal represents widespread death and destruction.

The Fifth Seal: The Martyrs

The fifth seal reveals the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and their testimony. They cry out for justice, asking, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You avenge our blood and judge those who dwell upon the earth?" (Revelation 6:10). They are given white robes and told to rest until the full number of their fellow servants is completed.

The Sixth Seal: Cosmic Disturbances

The opening of the sixth seal results in a great earthquake, the sun turning black, the moon becoming like blood, and stars falling to the earth. The sky recedes like a scroll, and every mountain and island is moved from its place (Revelation 6:12-14). The people of the earth, from kings to slaves, hide in caves and cry out to the mountains and rocks to fall on them and hide them from the wrath of the Lamb (Revelation 6:15-17).

The Seventh Seal: Silence and the Seven Trumpets

When the Lamb opens the seventh seal, there is silence in heaven for about half an hour. This silence precedes the sounding of the seven trumpets, which bring further judgments upon the earth (Revelation 8:1-2). The seventh seal thus serves as a transition to the next series of apocalyptic events.

The Seals in Revelation depict a progression of divine judgments that serve as a prelude to the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan for redemption and justice. These events underscore the sovereignty of God and the centrality of Christ in the unfolding of eschatological events.