There’s an interesting theory proposed by the folks at 119 Ministries that makes a lot of sense on many levels. I’m not ready to endorse this theory as accurate just yet, but it passes the initial test of exegesis in that there doesn’t appear to be a contradiction in the Bible pointing to the theory being invalid.
It speaks specifically about the seven seals of the book John saw when he was in the spirit on the Lord’s Day. He witnessed this book and a strong angel calling for someone to open it, but nobody in Heaven, on Earth, or under the Earth was able to do so. John wept, but then he was told look as the Lamb was successful in opening the seals.
Where was the Lamb when the original call to open the seals was made by the strong angel?
From Revelation 5:
2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
5 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.
The theory by 119 Ministries says that the Lamb, Jesus Christ, was not found in Heaven, on Earth, or under the Earth when the initial call was made because he was still in the process of being translated to Heaven. The period from his resurrection until the moment he stood at the right hand of God was a tangible amount of time in the Bible. Could this mean, as 119 Ministries proposes, that the breaking of the seven seals happened shortly after he ascended to Heaven? Could the reason he wasn’t found in the three places searched by the strong angel be that he was in-between Earth and Heaven at the time, then he proceeded to open the seals once he entered Heaven?
Again, I haven’t done enough research to confirm or debunk this theory, but my initial response is that there’s no evidence that I’m aware of that contradicts it. If it’s correct, then the opening of the seven seals started in our realm shortly after Christ’s ascension to Heaven. This would make sense as the effects of the four horseman of the seals seem to have been in a steady state of increase since that time.
As always, it’s our responsibility as Bible-believers to examine the scriptures and make conclusions based solely on the text of the Bible. What do you think? Was this first stage of prophesy in Revelation a time stamp for events then, now, and into the future?
