Tour of the Book of Revelation, Pt. 2
In Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games, numbers and scores mean everything. You can defeat your opponent in a hurdle race or a gymnastics competition just by the tiniest margin. This is why the game requires pinpoint accurate button presses and reaction. A bad start to a race or a bad hurdle jump could ruin your score.
Who knew that one number could be so important over another?
Numbers and rhythm are important to Bible symbolism, and John is trying to make a point when he is introducing the Seven Spirits. He includes the Seven Spirits 4 times in Revelation. The first time is in the greeting to the churches.
John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ . . .” Rev 1:4
Scholars agree that the Seven Spirits are referring to the Holy Spirit, a member of the Trinity. The second mention of Seven Spirits is in Revelation.
“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God . . .” Rev 3:1
This refers to Jesus giving the Holy Spirit as a gift to the church. Revelation 4:5 contains Seven Spirits.
“From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God.” Rev 4:5
The Seven Spirits are pictured as lamps, showing the church the path to God. This shows the Holy Spirit as a guide, using God’s word to help others navigate. Finally, Seven Spirits are mentioned in Revelation 5:6
“Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.” Rev 5:6
This symbolizes the Holy Spirit as a constant all-knowing source.
The number 7 is a very positive number in scripture. It means completion, finality, and accomplishing a major task. Jesus gives seven sayings on the Cross before finalizing his victory over death. If God calls you a “7” it means you are perfect (no notes). The Holy Spirit is the full package, everything we need to have a righteous life in Jesus.
Scripture points to an evil number in Revelation
“This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. That number is 666.” Rev 13:6
Hollywood and pastors like to imagine that this number is pure evil, invoking demonic powers and pure chaos. But there is another theory about what that means. If 7 is the number of completion then 6 is a failed assignment. When God calls you a “7” he is referring to perfection in his care. If you are a 6, you are incomplete, lacking, and depowered. Calling someone a “6” could be more of an insult than you think.
Biblically, that is what evil is, incomplete. Sin is lacking power, true peace, and competence. Sin is not a great force that rivals God’s law, but a lesser and inappropriate way to live in God’s creation. Maybe, the next time you are tempted to act outside of God’s rule, you can remind yourself that you are only doing a “6” when God is offering you a “7.”
FIGURE IT OUT
- Read the verses above and circle any words or phrases that are significant to you. Why did you pick those ones?
- Based on your knowledge of God, how is He like a 7?
- What does it mean that a perfect and complete Spirit is guiding you in this life?
- What does it mean that an imperfect and sloppy sin is trying to ruin you in this life?