JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

February 1989

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning the "souls under the altar" mentioned in Revelation 6:9-11.

Some have claimed that these verses prove the immortality of the soul and that people go to heaven when they die. The Bible itself, however, shows that souls are mortal by nature (for proof, please see our booklet WHAT IS MAN?) and that this entire description is symbolic, not literal.

What did John see? In vision he beheld a book or scroll sealed with seven seals. As Jesus opened each seal (Rev. 5:5), John saw a preview of an event which would take place "hereafter" (Rev. 4:1). John was "in the spirit" while the seven seals were being opened (Rev. 4:2). So, the events he saw were not actually happening then. They were heavenly enactments of what was to take place later on earth.

When the fifth seal was opened, John "saw under [at the base of] the altar the souls of them that were slain" (Rev. 6:9). Because Jesus revealed the meaning of the seven seals when He was on earth, we know that the fifth seal is symbolic of the coming Great Tribulation (Matt. 24:9-28). It is a picture of an event to take place on the earth.

In vision, John was projected forward to our time now, a time when one martyrdom has already happened (during the Middle Ages) and a greater one (the Tribulation) is yet to come. The "souls" (Christians) who "were slain [martyred]" were told to "rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled" (Rev. 6:11). Those who have died are to continue to "rest" -- remain in their graves (compare Acts 2:26-27) -- until others, like them, are also martyred. Remember, There are no graves in heaven.

The "souls," the dead saints, crying "avenge our blood" (verse 10) is similar to Abel's blood (his life, see Leviticus 17:14) crying to God from the ground (Gen. 4:10). Since neither blood nor the dead talk (Psa. 115:17; Eccl. 9:5, 10), we know that the meaning is not literal. The "souls under the altar," then, is a symbolic picture of the martyrdom of saints.

For a better understanding of the seven seals and Bible prophecy, please feel welcome to request a copy of our booklet THE BOOK OF REVELATION UNVEILED AT LAST! We would be happy to send this and/or the book mentioned above to you without charge or obligation.

If you have additional Bible questions, please feel welcome to let us know. It is our pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT