THE FIFTH SEAL, THE SEAL OF MARTYRDOM. This group who will give there lives for the cause of Christ are certainly a part of the fulfillment of the previous seal. A point of interest here. Five is the number of the atonement, the shed blood of Jesus. He bore five major wounds. The shedding of the blood of these martyrs is not for atonement but because they have been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. How significant that they are found here connected with the fifth seal. Rev. 6:9 Jesus spoke of religious persecution by religionist. Killing with the thought that they are doing a service to God. John 16:2 The reason for their slaying is the Word of God. They maintained their trust in and doctrine of the Word of the Lord. There was no compromise on their part. Like wise, their testimony continuing to glorify the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. They will be faithful unto death.
UNDER THE ALTAR. The residue of the blood of atonement was to be poured out at the base of the altar. Lev. 8:15 These are people whose souls are under the altar, under the atonement. The soul or animal life is in the blood. Blood is the life giving element to the flesh. It maintains the functions of the body necessary to its health and well being. Man is triune, body, soul and spirit. The blood of animal that was slain was to be covered with dust. Blood was not to be eaten. All flesh that was used for food was to be drained of its blood. Lev. 17:13-14 This commandment was carried over from the Law into grace. It is still in effect. Acts 15:28-29 The blood of mankind spilled by another has the element of crying for revenge as was the case with Able. Gen. 4:10 The Lord has established a day wherein He will judge those who have shed the blood of others. Isa. 26:21 Their cry is one of revenge for the spilling of their blood. They called out with a loud voice to the holy, true and just Lord. They were well acquainted with Him and followed closely after Him.
THE CLOTHING OF ALL REDEEMED SAINTS. White robes were issued to each and every one of them. Rev. 6:11 It is sign of their value as ascribed by the Lord. It is a witness and testimony of a life of holiness. It is also an evidence of their walk with the Lord. Rev. 3:4 They are overcomers. Their names cannot be blotted out of the book of Life. {If it were not possible that a name may be blotted out of the book of Life, there would be no necessity of such a statement}. Their names are to be acknowledged before the Throne of the Lord. Rev. 3:5 From the manifest sheer volume it is obvious that this is the uniform of the redeemed. Rev. 7:9 These are they who have been washed in the blood of the Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ. They have been sanctified as well as justified by the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the workings and moving of the Holy Spirit in their lives. 1 Cor. 6:11 A martyr is indeed a hardy spirited person. Their faith and confidence in the Lord is unblemished and full. Their reward is great and eternal.