Practica Prophetica

This volume covers the first four seals of Revelation 6.

Irving’s interpretation differs slightly from what has since been considered standard Adventist historical interpretation. He sees these seals as being fulfilled in the actions of certain Roman emperors, starting with Constantine the Great, which resulted in the breakdown of the old Pagan Roman system, which had persecuted Christians so severely.

While the historical events he mentions are important, and his telling of them is accurate, I feel that there is a slight error here, in confusing these seals with judgments. It is the seven trumpets which bring judgments, but the seals represent the slow but gradual progress of Christ’s inheritance of the earth, which is accomplished through His actions in His church on earth, which Irving himself expounded most clearly, and which he comes back to in the next lecture on the fifth seal.

Having mentioned this caveat, I still recommend this volume to all serious Bible students, as the historical details are highly significant in understanding the rise of the Papacy, or how the spirit of Satan was insinuated into the Christian institution.

One might wonder how the decay of Christianity into darkness, as traced by the first four seals, could help to establish Christ’s dominion over the earth? The answer is given in the next seal, the “voice of the martyrs.” It is not through the oppressive powers and ruling classes that Christ’s victory is gained, but through His suffering servants, those who go through these severe temptations yet remain faithful. These are the ones who have gained the right to inherit and rule the earth with Christ. “The meek shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5. 115p

Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Cause of the First Four Seals
   • The First Pagan Persecution
   • The Second Pagan Persecution
   • The Third and Fourth Pagan Persecutions
   • The Fifth Pagan Persecution
   • The Sixth Pagan Persecution
   • The Seventh Pagan Persecution
   • The Eighth Pagan Persecution
   • The Ninth and Tenth Pagan Persecutions
3. The Opening of the First Seal
   • A Conquering Man on a White Horse
   • A Bow
   • A Crown
4. The Opening of the Second Seal
   • A Red Horse
   • Power to Take Peace from the Earth
   • A Great Sword
5. The Opening of the Third Seal
   • A Black Horse
   • A Yoke
   • Famine
6. The Opening of the Fourth Seal
   • The Fourth Part of the Earth
   • Death Upon a Pale Horse
   • The Beasts of the Earth
   • The Cherubim and the Seals
7. Summary

Books > Edward Irving > The Revelation of Jesus Christ, Book 14