The Martyr's Cry

Christ continues breaking open the seals with judgment coming upon the earth after each of the first four.

Opening the fifth seal, the scene shifts from earth back to heaven. The focus is on those who were saved after the Tribulation began and have been martyred early on. With the restraint of the Holy Spirit removed, opposition to the gospel and its messengers intensifies. The salvation of these martyrs is evidence God's grace will be poured out even in the midst of judgment.

The fifth seal judgment comes as a result of the prayers of those martyrs in heaven. The judgment of this seal will be delayed until the final martyr's death.

Summary points include:

1. Death ushers believers into the presence of the Lord.
2. Identification with Christ antagonizes the world now and then.
3. God will avenge the wrong done to His servants.
4. The prayers of God's people are effective.
5. God is using the wicked to accomplish His purposes.