The last book of the Bible, Revelation, is perhaps the most difficult to understand. The Apostle John’s vision recorded in Revelation is rich in biblical imagery. Being well-versed in the Old Testament scriptures helps demystify the symbolic imagery. However, understanding the imagery does not always bring clarity to the vision John received.
I am again reading John’s description of his vision. I am again awed by and wondering at the Lamb of God who takes the scroll in Revelation 5. As I prayed for clarity regarding the seven seals (Rev.6), an idea dropped into my spirit. I wondered if the seven seals represent Jesus Christ’s first coming, and the seven trumpets declare Christ’s second coming, and the seven bowls refer to the summing up of all things in Christ (Eph. 1:11).
The spiritual symbolism supports that idea. “Seals” in biblical imagery point to ownership, authenticity, authority, and protection (Dictionary of Biblical Imagery, IVP Academic). Jesus Christ has sealed us with the Holy Spirit of promise (Eph. 1:13-14) at His first coming.
After the Lamb of God opens the seven seals in Revelation, seven trumpets follow. In the Bible, trumpets are used to make proclamations and to signal, as in battle (ibid). So, perhaps the trumpets in Revelation eight and nine are proclaiming the arrival of King Jesus – His second coming. Perhaps the trumpets are signals in the battle to establish King Jesus on the throne of David in Jerusalem (Luke 1:32-33).
At the sound of the seventh trumpet, a loud voice in heaven proclaimed:
• “The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our God and of His Anointed One! He will reign supreme for an eternity of eternities!” Rev. 11:15
Then the seven bowls of the wrath of God are poured out on the earth (Rev. 16). The spiritual symbolism of “bowls” in the Bible is “fullness of time” or completion (ibid).
Yes, the biblical imagery seems to support the idea that the seven seals talk about Christ’s first coming, and the seven trumpets herald Christ’s second coming, and the seven bowls complete the age. I am going to read Revelation with this fresh perspective, and I invite you to join me. I would love to hear your ideas.