What is the Book of Revelation? A Guide to 7 Seals, 7 Trumpets, and God’s Wrath

The Book of Revelation contains some of the most profound and symbolic visions of the end times, and at the heart of these visions lies the opening of the seven seals. Found in Revelation chapters 5 through 8, these seals are revealed one by one by the Lamb of God—Jesus Christ. Each seal releases a powerful event on earth, demonstrating God’s unfolding plan of judgment and redemption.

When we talk about events happening under 7 Seals, we are referring to the divine mysteries hidden within these judgments. From the 1st Seal unleashing the white horse to the 7th Seal leading to silence in heaven and the preparation for the 7 Trumpets of Revelation, the seals highlight God’s authority over history and the destiny of mankind.

Understanding the Seven Seals

John describes a scroll in heaven sealed with seven seals, which no one can open except the Lamb. This scroll represents God’s ultimate plan—a plan that only Christ has the authority to set in motion.

As each seal is opened, new judgments unfold. These are not random catastrophes; they are carefully ordered revelations of God’s justice. Let us now look closely at what takes place under the 7 Seals, seal by seal.

The 1st Seal: The White Horse

The 1st Seal introduces a rider on a white horse:

“I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.” (Revelation 6:2)

The rider has been interpreted in different ways—some see it as political conquest, others as deception, while some believe it represents the victorious spread of the Gospel. Whatever the interpretation, the 1st Seal begins the series of end-time events.

The 2nd Seal: The Red Horse

The 2nd Seal brings forth the fiery red horse:

“Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other. To him was given a large sword.” (Revelation 6:4)

This seal signifies war, conflict, and bloodshed. Peace is removed, and violence spreads throughout the earth. Under the 2nd Seal, we see how human pride and aggression lead to destruction when God withdraws His restraining hand.

The 3rd Seal: The Black Horse

When the 3rd Seal is opened, a black horse appears:

“Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand.” (Revelation 6:5)

The scales symbolize famine and economic struggle. Food becomes scarce and costly. Under the 3rd Seal, the fragility of earthly wealth is revealed, reminding us that true security lies only in God.

The 4th Seal: The Pale Horse

The 4th Seal reveals a pale horse, ridden by Death, with Hades following behind:

“They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague.” (Revelation 6:8)

This seal unleashes widespread mortality. Under the 4th Seal, humanity is confronted with the reality of death and the consequences of sin.

The 5th Seal: The Cry of the Martyrs

The 5th Seal shifts the scene from earth to heaven:

“I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God.” (Revelation 6:9)

Here, the martyrs cry out for justice. They are told to rest until the full number of their brothers and sisters also face persecution. The 5th Seal reminds us that God hears the cries of His people and will vindicate them in His perfect timing.

The 6th Seal: Cosmic Disturbances

The 6th Seal brings dramatic upheaval in the natural world:

“There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black, the moon turned blood red, and the stars fell from the sky.” (Revelation 6:12–13)

Kings, rulers, and common people alike try to hide, realizing that the day of God’s wrath has come. The 6th Seal demonstrates that no earthly power can resist the judgment of the Almighty.

The 7th Seal: Silence in Heaven

The 7th Seal is opened, and the result is stunning:

“There was silence in heaven for about half an hour.” (Revelation 8:1)

This pause represents awe and anticipation before the next phase of judgment. The silence prepares the way for the Seven Bowls of Wrath and the 7 Trumpets to follow. Under the 7th Seal, heaven itself acknowledges the gravity of God’s final plan.

Lessons from the Seven Seals

Studying what happens under the 7 Seals gives us important insights:

• Christ’s Authority – Only the Lamb has the power to open the seals.
  
  

• Escalating Judgment – Each seal intensifies, showing the seriousness of rejecting God.
  
  

• Encouragement for Believers – The 5th Seal assures the faithful that justice will come.
  
  

• Hope Beyond Wrath – The 7th Seal points toward God’s ultimate plan of renewal through Christ.
  
  

Final Thoughts

The visions under the 7 Seals reveal conquest, war, famine, death, persecution, cosmic disaster, and finally, silence before God’s throne. From the 1st Seal to the 7th Seal, Revelation reminds us that while judgment is certain, redemption is also offered through Jesus Christ.

As believers, we are called to remain steadfast, knowing that God’s plan is unfolding exactly as He promised. The seals prepare us for the greater revelations still to come in the Book of Revelation, where God’s justice and mercy are revealed in full.