I watched as the Lamb broke open the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice that sounded like thunder, “Come!”
Then I saw that the one who was sitting on the throne was holding a scroll in his right hand. The scroll had writing on both sides, and it was sealed with seven seals.
When the Lamb broke open the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there in front of me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand.
Then I heard the noise of a huge crowd. It sounded like the roar of rushing waters and like loud thunder. The people were shouting, “Hallelujah! The Lord our God is the King who rules over all.
Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and inside the temple the wooden chest called the ark of his covenant could be seen. There were flashes of lightning, loud noises, thunder, an earthquake, and a severe hailstorm.
Each of the four living creatures had six wings, and each creature was covered all over with eyes, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying, “ ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come.”
Then the four living creatures and the 24 elders fell down in front of the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense. These bowls stand for the prayers of God’s people.
They were all shouting together, “The Lamb who was put to death is worthy to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”
Everyone who lives on the earth will worship the beast if their name hasn’t been written in the book of life that belongs to the Lamb, who was willing to be a sacrifice from the time the world began.