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FROM: 12/15/02 Radio Program
Question:
Please explain what the seven spirits are that are mentioned in Revelation 4.
Answer:
The seven spirits are not only mentioned in Revelation 4 (v. 5), but this phrase is also mentioned in Revelation 1:4, 3:1, and 5:6. Please remember that this book is written in symbolic or figurative language (Rev. 1:1). Because this is so, we must be careful not to give a literal interpretation to a symbolic or figurative description. Similar language is used by Daniel, Ezekiel, and some other Old Testament writers.
In the book of Revelation, numbers have meaning. Specifically, the number seven stood for perfection, completeness, or being complete in itself. For example, when in the book of Revelation we read of the "seven bowls of wrath," this is a description of the completeness of God's wrath being poured out on sinful man. Thus, when we read of "seven spirits," we're not actually reading about seven different spirits, but the same spirit. For, these four passages speak of the Holy Spirit. "Seven" has reference to the completeness of His work in God's plan for salvation.
Revelation 5:6 sheds some light on this, as John said: "And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth." The end of this passage speaks of the Holy Spirit's mission in spreading the gospel to all the earth. For a clearer picture of this, read John 16:13-14 which describe how the Holy Spirit would come upon the apostles and guide them "into all truth" as they were going to go and spread the gospel after Christ ascended to His Father (Acts 1). This was not seven separate spirits' work, but the same spirit's work - the Holy Spirit.
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