God's Word Version, Chapter 6 Verse 9

Revelation Chapter 6 Verse 9 (God's Word^TM)

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⁹When the lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slaughtered because of God's word and the testimony they had given about him.

     When the lamb opened the FIFTH SEAL, I saw under the ALTAR the SOULS of those who had been SLAUGHTERED

These are most commonly believed to be those martyred during the tribulation period but it may include ALL martyrs since Christ's resurrection.

because of God's word and
the TESTIMONY they had given about him.

This is John's expression for true believers. He uses it for himself, Revelation 1:9 and for the overcomers, Revelation 12:10-11.

The expression "under the Altar" places this part of the vision in heaven. Recall that the four horsemen under the previous four seals were sent to the earth. There is a symbolic parallel in the Old Testament sacrifices (and the blood related to that) in Leviticus 17:8-16.

It is clear from the use of "God's word" and "TESTIMONY" that believers will not be killed because of their 'title' such as 'I am a Christian' or 'I am a church member at ...'. These martyrs MUST HAVE KNOWN God's word, and they did TESTIFY to Christ's redeeming power.

Philippians 2:14-18, 'hold firmly to the word of life'
Colossians 3:16, 'Let Christ's word with all its wisdom and richness live in you'
Titus 1:6-9, 'leaders/pastors use these accurate teachings to encourage people'
2 Timothy 1:7-8-10, 'never ashamed to tell others about our Lord'

It is for this reason, the TESTIMONY, that the devil will go to great lengths to keep humans from learning, knowing, and understanding God's word, both inside and outside the church.

Just because the believers are removed in the uptaking, does not mean that there may not be others who will read God's word from the thousands of Bibles left behind, video tapes left behind, and even this exposition which will be left behind. Even some of the false prophets and false teachers may realize, repent, and believe; these may be among the martyrs.

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