Revelation 6

9 When the fifth seal was opened, John saw the souls of the martyrs who had died for the sake of Christ. They had taken up their crosses and followed Jesus to the death (see Mark 8:34-35 and comment). In God’s sight, their deaths were like an offering sacrificed on the altar of heaven (2 Timothy 4:6).

10 The martyrs were crying out, “How long, Sovereign Lord … until you … avenge our blood?” (Psalm 94:3; Habakkuk 1:2). They weren’t seeking personal vengeance; they were seeking justice.

11 Then the martyrs were each given a white robe, which signified righteousness and holiness. They had to wait until all the others who were to become martyrs had been killed. When the number of martyrs was complete, then God would bring His final judgment against those remaining on the earth.

12-14 When the sixth seal was opened, there was a great and terrible earthquake. The sun became black like sackcloth¹⁹ and the moon became blood red. The stars fell from the sky (Mark 13:24-25; Acts 2:20).

15-17 Then those among the earth’s inhabitants who had not repented and believed in Christ were filled with terror. They begged the mountains to fall on them and kill them so they would not have to endure God’s terrible wrath (Hosea 10:8). “For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” they said (verse 17). The prophet Malachi had also asked: “But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears?” (Malachi 3:2). On that day it will be much easier for unrepentant sinners to die than to stand in the presence of God.

Let us never forget that God is not only a God of love, but He is also a God of wrath against sin. The final day of the Lord, the day of judgment, will be a terrible day (Joel 2:11). Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his fierce anger? (Nahum 1:6). Only those who have remained faithful to Christ will be able to endure that day (Mark 13:13). Therefore, let us not delay, but let us repent at once and put our faith in Christ.