Bible Discussion Thread

The beginning of this passage shows John weeping that no one was found worthy (verse 2-5) to open the sealed scroll or even LOOK upon it. Christ; of course is victorious (verse 6); and finally the time comes for the Father to hand control to the Son and to begin His reign through a series of judgments. God determines when transgressions are to the full; and when the world is fully ripe for judgment; not man who would have no doubt destroyed each other completely long ago without the Restrainer. (2 Thessalonians).

Once again in this chapter the 24 elders are mentioned (verse 8). As we get to the next verse; the focus should be on the prayers of the saints not the elders who previously were holding the "golden vials". It is hard to say if the "prayers of the saints" represent those just raptured or those who are still suffering or knew what was to come on earth or both. Whether part of the great multitude of new believers post Rapture or not; it shows awareness in heaven as to what is going on in the earth as later passages show with the souls under the altar. In heaven; certainly there is no need for prayer for any improvement of perfect peace and a sinless state.

When we see verse 11-14 we see not only those in heaven but ALL in the earth; under the earth which eventually represent those of faith and unbelievers as well as all will bow the knee ( Philippians 2:10-11). The rapture may in part be in secret; the busting open of many graves certainly will NOT be able to be hidden; although the explanation by Antichrist will be twisted. It likely will state that aliens have abducted us; and or the New Age lie that we were inflexible and unable to accept the utopia promised and are being reprogrammed somewhere.

As to the dead who were raised it seems that won't be too good an explanation; nonetheless ALL those NOT written in the Book of Life will worship the Beast. He will likely promise immortality as he himself will appear to be raised from the dead.