The Souls Under the Altar

1. At the opening of the fifth seal of Revelation, the apostle John witnessed the sad scene ensuing from the terrible persecution of the previous seals: «When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the the souls of those who had been for the of God and for the which they held.»

2. The continuation of the fifth seal presents the cry of the souls under the altar, asking God for justice: «How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You and our on those who dwell on the earth?»

3. Some people think that the fifth seal proves that the dead are still able to talk to God. Yet, in many passages, and in a very clear way, the Word of God describes death as:
   a sleep.
   a transformation into an angel.
   a luminous tunnel leading to heaven.
   a transfer of the soul to another body.

4. The Gospel according to John confirms the answer to the previous question, with the story of Lazarus' resurrection. It says: «Jesus spoke of his , but they thought that He was speaking about taking in . Then Jesus said to them plainly, "Lazarus is ."»

5. The book of Ecclesiastes describes very well what happens in the abode of the dead: «Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no or or or in the grave where you are going.»

6. According to the Bible, what happens to the righteous, when they die?
   They ascend to heaven, and stay in Paradise forever.
   Their soul remains on earth, to guide the living.
   They rest in the grave, completely unconscious.
   They are reincarnated in another body, destined for a happier life.

7. To better understand the meaning of the souls under the altar crying out for justice, at the opening of the fifth seal, many passages of the Bible explain that the word «soul» is synonymous with:
   «spirit».
   «immortal body».
   «breath of life».
   «blood».

8. The book of Genesis confirms the answer to the previous question, with these words from God, addressed to Cain: «What have you done? The voice of your brother's out to from the ground.» The cry of the souls under the altar thus symbolizes their blood, spilled on the ground, witnessing that these believers have paid with their lives for their faithfulness to God.

9. The souls under the altar receive the command to «rest a little while longer», until...
   ... the sixth seal is opened.
   ... the number of the martyrs is completed.
   ... God decides of the wicked's punishment.
   ... their thirst for justice fades away.

10. The fifth seal corresponds to the letter to the fifth church, Sardis. Indeed, both promise the same reward to those who remain faithful to God until the end. What is that reward?
    A white robe.
    The crown of life.
    The morning star.
    A new name.

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