“Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals.“
Revelation 5:1
Untying the Seals
“Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
Revelation 5:5
The expression “breaking the seals” appears in the book of Revelation, chapters 5 and 6. John has a heavenly vision where he sees a scroll sealed with seven seals in the hands of God. This scroll represents God’s decrees, His purposes, and His final plan for humanity and the history of salvation. But no one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth was found worthy to open the scroll or break its seals.
This scene creates a moment of tension, and John begins to weep as he realizes that no one was worthy to open the scroll. But then comes the great hope: the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, is revealed as the only one worthy to break these seals, holding power over these revelations. This shows us that only Jesus has authority over humanity’s destiny and the fulfillment of God’s judgments and promises.
The process of breaking the seals
“For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart Him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?”
Isaiah 14:27
When Jesus begins to break the seals (starting in Revelation 6), each seal brings a revelation or an event related to judgment, war, famine, persecution, and other events that precede the final restoration. Each stage reveals a new phase of God’s plan unfolding in human history. This is not just a process of destruction but also of justice, redemption, and prophetic fulfillment.
The process of opening the seals is a symbol that God has an established plan and that this plan will be fulfilled at the appointed time. Nothing escapes His control. Every seal broken brings forth both the challenges and victories that the Church and humanity will face before the final return of Christ. It is a call for us to stay attentive to the signs of the Kingdom.
The spiritual importance of the breaking
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Revelation 1:8
More than an eschatological event—meaning one that deals with the final destiny of man and the world—the breaking of the seals also carries spiritual meaning for us today. It represents God’s sovereignty over time, history, and life’s circumstances. Even when it feels like everything is out of control, the scroll remains in the Father’s hands, and only the Lamb has the authority to open what is sealed and to reveal, deeply and clearly, what is being built.
Additionally, the breaking of the seals points to the fact that every promise of God will be fulfilled. He forgets no part of the story. The suffering, the waiting, the difficult times—everything is part of a greater plan that will end with Christ’s triumph and the Church’s victory. Therefore, we must trust in God’s justice and faithfulness and pray for one another for protection, strength, and wisdom.
“The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does.”
Psalm 145:17
