The Evidence of Prophetic Order

Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else;
I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning,
and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying,
My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

Isaiah 46:9-10

Those who argue that there is no Biblical evidence in the scriptures for church eras are overlooking the obvious. Not only does the book of Revelation describe seven distinct groups, with each group containing seven elements, but in virtually every one of these groups there exists a distinct prophetic order. Consider the following: There are seven seals with each seal being opened in succession as opposed to all at once. There are also seven trumpets, which are not blown together, but rather in sequence, beginning with the first and ending with the “last trump.” Additionally, this prophetic book describes seven vial plagues—and once again these plagues are not poured out simultaneously, but rather in progression, one after the other. Furthermore, other groups of seven such as seven thunders, seven gentile kingdoms, and seven resurrections of the Holy Roman Empire follow the same prophetic pattern. This being the case, why would it be different with seven letters written to the churches in Asia?

To illustrate the significance of God’s use of order and progression let us examine each of these examples in greater detail.

Example I

Seven Seals

The Scriptures explain that in heaven there exists a scroll with seven seals. Only Jesus Christ could open these seals and reveal their meaning. When removing the seals, He did so, one at a time, in a specific order. As each was opened, the scroll announced events that would take place over time. Notice how John introduces these seals.

And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book [scroll] written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. (Revelation 5:1)

After the first seal was opened, the scroll could be unrolled to a certain place and the first section could be read. At that point, another seal would be encountered. Once it was opened, the reader could progress further until another seal was reached. These seals, and what they represented, were opened in succession—not all at once. Furthermore, the events they picture also occur in succession. For example, famine and death follow war, as opposed to precede it.

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

The fulfillment of these prophetic seals began in type, shortly after Christ ascended to His Father in heaven. Almost immediately after that event, false teachers began to emerge in the church. Although they appeared genuine and even claimed that Jesus was the Messiah, they preached a false Christ and a false gospel (Matthew 24:5; II Corinthians 11:4, 13-15). Next came war, resulting in the devastation of Jerusalem and the temple in 70 AD. So complete was the destruction of the city that the famous Jewish historian, Josephus, wrote that it looked like a place “that had never been inhabited.” On the heels of this destruction came famine of such severity that people actually turned to cannibalism, eating their own children. Finally, as in all wars, disease epidemics followed the famine, bringing death to thousands.

Foreshadowing things to Come

At this point it is important to understand that these events took place decades before John received the prophecies recorded in the book of Revelation. Therefore, they represent a type of the events John saw as opposed to the actual events themselves.

However, just as the book of Revelation declared, false religious teaching, wars, famine, and disease would continue down through the ages, increasing in scope and frequency, until our modern day. Furthermore, these ills on humanity will continue in this successive order until the triumphant return of Jesus Christ to this earth. Additionally, when they do appear in the last days, they will be greater in magnitude than at any time in human history.

That a successive progression is intended by these seals is made clear by the fifth and sixth seals. When the fifth seal was opened, the event it symbolized becomes more specific to the latter days. This seal pictures a great martyrdom of saints. Consider the vision John records.

When he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: and they cried with a loud voice, saying, how long, o lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they [were], should be fulfilled (Revelation 6:9-11).

Notice that this verse looks back to those who had died in the past. However, it also looks forward to those who would die in the future. According to Revelation, the worst martyrdom of saints is yet to come. It will take place during a great tribulation that will come upon the entire world. Jesus characterized this time as more catastrophic than any in human history, saying there has never been, nor ever will be, anything like it (Mt. 24:21-22, also see: Jer. 30:7).

The Sixth Seal

We now come to the sixth seal, and it reflects a unique one time event that will only occur at the end of the age. This seal is a dramatic sign to all mankind—a warning that Christ’s return is immanent.

I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; and the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb (Revelation 6:12-17).

This sixth seal describes terrifying events that will ultimately culminate with the return of Jesus Christ as King of kings, to rule the earth. However, before that return, a seventh, and final seal is opened. Regrettably, this seal does not end the devastating events cascading down upon the earth. Instead, it begins yet another round of catastrophic disasters to come upon mankind. Only this time these disasters take the form of powerful judgments on humanity from none other than God Almighty. And like the seals before them, these judgments appear in seven distinct phases. They begin with a brief period of silence.

When he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets (Revelation 8:1).

Example II

Seven Trumpets

When the seventh seal is opened, John sees a new segment of the vision God has prepared for him, and once again it contains seven progressive phases. This time these phases take the form of seven trumpet plagues that Christ will direct to be unleashed on a defiant earth. Notice what John records.

The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up. And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; and the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed. And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; and the name of the star is called wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter. And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise (Revelation 8:7-12).

Unlike the seven seals that were brought on by man, God’s trumpet plagues reflect His judgment. And make no mistake about it, His judgment is most compelling. As John writes, the first four plagues cause massive destruction. However, the end of this punishment is not yet. We now come to the fifth angel and his trumpet, which announces the coming of the first of three woes. At this sound, a “bottomless pit” is opened and demons that had been imprisoned there are released in order to torture mankind for five months (Revelation 9:1-12).

After this, a sixth trumpet rends the air, and another woe descends on the earth in the form of a two hundred million man army. The war it brings will be unimaginable in scope, and its devastation will result in the annihilation of one third of all mankind (Revelation 9:13-21). Finally, the seventh trump is sounded:

The second woe is past and behold, the third woe cometh quickly. And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, the kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever (Revelation 11:14-15).

The Last Trump

The seventh and last trumpet signals the commencement of several events. First, when it is blown, the earth is put on notice that God is preparing to reclaim a world that has been under the influence of Satan the Devil for nearly six thousand years. Additionally, this blast signals the fulfilled hope of God’s servants from the beginning of time. It will announce the resurrection of the saints. Like the trumpet sounded at the coronation of Israel’s kings, this trump announces the coronation of those who will rule with Christ during the millennium and beyond. However, this final trump is also a sound of alarm, and a warning to the world that yet another round of devastating plagues is coming. Notice how John introduces this phase of God's judgment.

I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God (Revelation 15:1).

Example III

Seven Vials

After the resurrection of the Saints has taken place, there is yet another series of seven. This time, Jesus Christ directs seven angelic beings to pour out God’s judgment from seven vials. John explains:

And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast . . . the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea. And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood. . . And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and men . . . were scorched with great heat, and . . . the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain . . . and the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared. And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. . . .And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and . . . there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And the . . .the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God . . . And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great (Revelation 16:1-18).

The seven vial plagues described in Revelation represent the final phase of God’s judgment on mankind. Furthermore, each one graphically illustrates how serious our Creator is about defiance to Him and His great moral law. The scriptures reveal that immediately after they are poured out, Jesus Christ will return with His saints to make war with the nations (Rev. 19:11-21). Suffice it to say, He will use compelling force to bring a depraved world to its knees, as well as to restore order to the planet. The key to these plagues, and the Messiah’s subsequent return, is that each follows a predetermined sequence of events.

The use of order and progression when describing seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven vials represent further evidence that the letters sent to the seven churches in Asia follow the same pattern. However, there is more. These are not the only groups of sevens in this unique book of prophecy. There are yet others. And once again they all appear in succession.

Example IV

Seven Gentile Kingdoms

As John’s vision plays out, another series of sevens is revealed. This series deals with a federation of gentile nations called—the Beast! God uses this term because these nations rip and tear at each other in acts of war. John describes it this way.

I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as [the feet] of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority (Revelation 13:1-2).

Notice that the beast John describes has features that reflect a lion, a bear, a leopard, and a dragon. These features correspond directly to four beasts referred to by the great prophet Daniel.

And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another. The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it. And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh. After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it. After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns (Daniel 7:2-7).

These four beasts represent specific world ruling empires that would rise and fall through time. The lion reflects the Babylonian empire and its splendor. The Bear pictures Persia, The winged leopard pictures the Greco Macedonian Empire, whose conquering king, Alexander the Great used blitzkrieg like speed to attack and bring other nations under his control. Finally the fourth dreadful beast represents the powerful Roman Empire, whose dominion and influence extended to all the known world.

The rise of each of these great ancient empires followed a progression through history, culminating with the powerful Roman Empire under the rule of the Caesars. However, Rome, would suffer a fatal wound, but amazingly, that wound would be healed. As John writes:

I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast (Revelation 13:3).

What Are the Seven Thunders?

An important key to understanding the seven thunders lies in the timing of their appearance—they utter their voice just prior to the seventh trumpet being sounded (Revelation 10:7). During this time, the world is in a state of massive upheaval. Furthermore, no other messengers from God exist on the world scene other than the two witnesses. The very next chapter of Revelation actually discusses these end time servants and their work. When describing them, John records that they openly preach the truth to a defiant world, including the Beast and false prophet. Additionally, these end time servants have the power to call fire down from heaven to strike their enemies.

At this point it is interesting to note that when fire comes from above, or when lightening strikes, it is always accompanied by thunder. With this said, is it possible that the ministry of these witnesses is directly related to these seven thunders?

The Sons of Thunder

It is also interesting to consider that when Jesus ordained His apostles, He referred to James and John as the “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:13-17). It may well be that this name was derived from a specific experience Jesus had with them while on a trip through Samaria. At that time the Messiah was not accepted in a particular Samaritan town because His destination was Jerusalem. When James and John observed this, they became indignant and suggested an unusual response.

Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? (Luke 9:54).

Here, James and John desired that Jesus give them the power to call fire down from heaven in a manner like unto Elijah. After this event, Jesus began referring to them as the “sons of thunder.” The question is WHY? Why not call them the sons of fire, or, the sons of Elijah? Why call them the “sons of thunder”?

Now consider that one of the two witnesses is an Elijah like figure. Some have even suggested he will be the Elijah to come spoken of in the scriptures (Mal. 4:5-6). Like this great prophet of old who could call down fire from heaven, this end time witness will have similar power over the forces of nature (Rev. 11:3-6).

With this said, is it possible that “sons of thunder” is literally heaven’s term for these two end time witnesses? Furthermore, is it possible that the seven thunders are actually seven pronouncements made by them in which they employ this supernatural power? In other words, is Revelation describing seven distinct periods during the ministry of the two witnesses in which they utter specific pronouncement when using the forces of nature against the beast and false prophet or their surrogates?

A Final Thought

Prophetic order in the book of Revelation is so extensive that it cries out in every one of its pages. To suggest that the seven letters to the churches in Asia do not follow this pattern requires a leap of faith that contradicts the overwhelming evidence of this prophetic book. Whether it is seven seals, seven trumpets, seven vials, seven gentile kingdoms, seven resurrections of the Holy Roman Empire, or, seven thunders, a clear progression of events is the steadfast rule. It can be no different with seven churches. And their history bears this out. Read on..