As Jesus (the Lamb of Rev. 5:5-10) broke the fifth seal (on the scroll of Rev. 5:1-4), an altar was seen. And under it were the souls of those martyred for Christ. And they cried out, asking when judgment would come to those who had killed them (Rev. 6:9-10).
Each of them was given a long white robe and they were told to rest for a little longer, until the full number was reached of both their fellow servants and their brothers who were going to be killed just as they had been.
Revelation 6:11 NET
Long robes are worn by those who do not have to engage in physical labor. And white robes are given to the righteous (Rev. 3:4; 7:9, 13-14). The time of their labor and exile on earth was over. And now they could enjoy their rest while waiting for their fellow martyrs to join them.
Then, the sixth seal was opened, and the scene changed. Creation seemed to be coming apart at the seams, and the people of the earth tried to hide, knowing what was coming (Rev. 6:12-15).
They said to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one who is seated on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb, because the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?”
Revelation 6:16-17 NET
The day of judgment, promised to the souls under the altar, had come. This judgment is described multiple times in Revelation. And always in terms of great destruction. There is no escaping God’s wrath.
When you leave this life behind, your future is sealed. It is a tale of two fates. Will it be at rest with those who gave their lives to the Lamb? Or will you face the wrath of God?
