Revelation Part 27
These prophecies frame the sixth seal as a time of purifying fire, when all human pride, systems and securities are shaken to their core.
The opening of the sixth seal in Revelation 6:12–17 ushers in a dramatic shift in the apocalyptic vision. Up until this point, the events of the earlier seals were described as the “beginning of sorrows,” patterns of war, famine and persecution that have recurred throughout human history under the influence of Satan and his evil army. But now, John records a climactic escalation into divine judgment, events that go beyond ordinary historical patterns and point to the culmination of the end time. These words are prophetic, describing the wrath of God unleashed against the world, and revealing signs in nature that no man, kingdom or power can withstand. This seal sets apart God’s direct intervention from Satan’s wrathful persecution, marking the time of the Lord’s judgment.
In Revelation 6:12-15 John describes,
“behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains...”
These cataclysmic events strike terror into all people, regardless of status—kings, generals, the wealthy, the powerful, slaves and free alike—forcing them to hide in caves and beg the mountains to fall on them, crying out to be hidden from “the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!” The imagery emphasizes the universality of this judgment: no one is exempt, and human distinctions of class, wealth or power cannot shield anyone from divine wrath. People would rather face death than face the glory and judgment of the Father and the Son, highlighting the severity of this moment.
This seal happens as it leads up to the Day of the Lord, a theme echoed throughout the prophets. Joel 2:31 foretold that “the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.” Similarly, Zephaniah 1:14–17 speaks of this as a day of wrath, distress and darkness when destruction from the Almighty will come. These prophecies frame the sixth seal as a time of purifying fire, when all human pride, systems and securities are shaken to their core. Earthquakes throughout Scripture symbolize divine intervention and upheaval of the established order (Exodus 19:18; Matthew 27:51–54; Hebrews 12:26–27). Here, the earthquake represents God’s sovereignty shaking both heaven and earth so that what cannot be shaken will remain.
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
