I’m including an illustration of a scroll sealed with seven seals because it reminds me of the scroll described in the book of Revelation. Most Bible students are familiar with the seven seals that are opened in Revelation chapter six, yet a simple observation about those seals escaped me for many years.

Before I explain, let me offer a little background.

Over the years, God has allowed me to spend time with some of the twentieth century’s most influential voices in the Body of Christ. That doesn’t mean I agreed with every conclusion they reached or every statement they made. None of us sees everything perfectly. But I have always believed there is wisdom to be gained from godly men and women who have dedicated their lives to studying God’s Word.

One of those individuals was Hal Lindsey, author of The Late Great Planet Earth and many other books. Hal and I shared numerous conversations, meals, ministry adventures, and travel experiences together. We came from the same Southern California area, and because he had a strong interest in aviation, we often found ourselves talking for hours—sometimes while sitting in the cockpit of a jet on the ground.

Yet the observation I want to share today did not come from Hal or from any other Bible teacher.

It came while I was standing alone in a museum in Jerusalem, looking at an ancient scroll.

For most of my life, I unconsciously assumed that when the first seal of Revelation was broken, part of the scroll became visible. Then, with the second seal, a little more could be seen. Then the third, the fourth, and so on.

But as I studied that ancient scroll in the museum, I suddenly realized something I had never considered.

Look carefully at the illustration….

If a scroll is secured by seven seals, can it be opened when only one seal is broken?

How about two?

Or three?

The answer is obvious.

The scroll remains closed.

In fact, its contents remain hidden until all seven seals have been broken. It is only after the 7th condition is completed, represented by the 7th seal being broken, that the contents of the scroll become visible.

That simple realization caused me to rethink something I had assumed for decades.

Whether you ultimately agree with my conclusions or not, the illustration itself presents an interesting question. Is it possible that many of us have read about the seals for years without ever stopping to consider the practical purpose of the seals themselves?

In Revelation, all seven seals are broken before the scroll is opened. That detail may be more significant than many of us once thought.

What struck me most was not the complexity of the subject, but its simplicity.

Sometimes the most important discoveries in Scripture do not come from learning something new.

Sometimes they come from noticing something that was there all along.

In the coming weeks, I plan to discuss the first seal and several related passages. Before doing so, however, I thought it was important to consider the scroll itself and the role of the seven seals.

I hope this observation encourages you to look carefully at God’s Word and to examine it for yourself. The Bible rewards those who read it thoughtfully, prayerfully, and with an open heart.

God’s Word is true. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

And as always, I want to thank our faithful friends and generous supporters who help us continue sharing the truth and power of God’s Word around the world.

This is Dale Black reminding you that whatever challenge you may be facing today, God delights in answering prayer. Nothing is too difficult for Him.

For with God nothing will be impossible.