The Cryptic Seven Seals of the Apocalypse and Matthew 24

The Cryptic Seven Seals of the Apocalypse and Matthew 24

The Comparison and Explanation

Article Preview: What do the seven mysterious seals of the book of Revelation mean? Astonishingly, Matthew chapter twenty-four reveals important insights into the meaning of these seven little understood seals. This article compares the similarities of the “Olivet Prophecy” with the “The Revelation of Jesus Christ”.

What do these seven mysterious seals mean? When do they happen? What is their connection to the “end of days”? Matthew 24 and its counter parts in Mark 13 and Luke 21 are the most condensed and to the point prophesies of the end time. In the study of prophecy, they are the best places to start because they present a sequential outline of the end time events. The timing of key developments in more detailed prophecies such as the book of Revelation in this specific case can be better understood in view of these three foundational prophecies.

Jesus went out from the temple, and was going on his way. His disciples came to him to show him the buildings of the temple. 2 But he answered them, ‘You see all of these things, don’t you? Most certainly I tell you, there will not be left here one stone on another, that will not be thrown down.’ 3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will these things be? What is the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age?’ 4 Jesus answered them, ‘Be careful that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will lead many astray. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you aren’t troubled, for all this must happen, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be famines, plagues, and earthquakes in various places. 8 But all these things are the beginning of birth pains.’ (Matthew 24:1-8) World English Bible throughout

The disciples asked Jesus what would be the signs of His coming and the end of the age. Jesus began to answer the question by describing prophetic events, which must happen before the end time occurs. These prerequisite events that occur before the end time begins are: wars involving multiple nations, famines, plagues, and various earthquakes. Are these events mentioned in the book of Revelation? Yes, they are.

The subject of Revelation 5 is a very special scroll. This scroll, which no one is worthy to open but Jesus the Christ Himself has seven seals. These seals must be removed in order to read the contents of the scroll. Therefore these seals represent specific events that must occur before Christ returns to fulfill His purpose, which is detailed in the scroll. Revelation 6 elaborates upon the intricacies of the first four seals.

I saw that the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying, as with a voice of thunder, ‘Come and see’2 And behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow. A crown was given to him, and he came forth conquering, and to conquer.3 When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, ‘Come!’ 4 Another came forth, a red horse. To him who sat on it was given power to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another. There was given to him a great sword.5 When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, ‘Come and see!’ And behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a balance in his hand.6 I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, ‘A choenix [A choenix is a dry volume measure that is a little more than a liter] of wheat for a denarius, and three choenix of barley for a denarius! Don't damage the oil and the wine!’7 When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the fourth living creature saying, ‘Come and see!’8 And behold, a pale horse, and he who sat on it, his name was Death. Hades {or, Hell} followed with him. Authority over one fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword, with famine, with death, and by the wild animals of the earth was given to him. (Revelation 6:1-8)

These four seals go hand in hand. The first seal concerning conquering and the second seal concerning war go together. Those who resist being conquered will die in the war. The third seal–lack of food–is a result of war. Fields are burned and warehouses are pillaged, and the infrastructure is destroyed. This results in famine. The forth seal is a consequence of the third. People will be angry and kill each other over what little food is left. People will die of hunger and by ravenous wild beasts that eat people to avoid being emaciated since their normal food source has disappeared.

These grim events are also described in Matthew 24:7-8:

For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be famines, plagues, and earthquakes in various places.” But all these things are the beginning of birth pains.

This is not the time of the end. It is not the Great Tribulation. This is the very beginning of birth pains and sorrow! Therefore, the first four seals of the book of Revelation happen as a “prelude” to the to the end time.

Now let’s continue with Matthew 24:

Then they will deliver you up to oppression [Great Tribulation], and will kill you. You will be hated by all of the nations for my name's sake. 10 Then many will stumble, and will deliver up one another, and will hate one another. 11 Many false prophets will arise, and will lead many astray. 12 Because iniquity will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold.13 But he who endures to the end, the same will be saved. 14 This Good News of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:9-14)

Now, Jesus is teaching the disciples about the Great Tribulation itself, which is also know as Jacob’s Trouble. The “you” that Jesus is referring to is not the disciples; they died thousands of years ago and will not be oppressed by these afflictions. The “you” is referring to the primary audience that the Bible is written for. This audience can be determined by whom the Twelve were instructed to teach.

Jesus sent these twelve out, and commanded them, saying, ‘Don’t go among the Gentiles, and don’t enter into any city of the Samaritans. 6 Rather, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 As you go, preach, saying, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!’ 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead*’ and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give. (Matthew 10:5-8)

*Textus receptus, the most authoritative Greek manuscript of the New Testament says: “raise the dead”, which means that the statement belongs there.]

(This does not mean that God is ignoring the rest of the nations. Paul went to them, which proves that they are also important to Him. The people of these nations will learn about salvation through Israel, once Zion is restored.)

Consequently, the “you” is referring to the contemporary lost sheep of the house of Israel. Who are these lost sheep? The Angelo Saxon–Celtic peoples (generally English speaking people) constitute the “Lost Ten Tribes of Israel”. Jesus is talking about YOU being oppressed in the end time. Only one tribe has kept its national identity and that is the Jews–Judah. Therefore, the Apostles main audience was the lost sheep of the house of Israel and the Jews and not the “church” as many assume.

What is this “gospel” that is preached to the whole world? Is it Jesus Christ’s Good News or is it something else? Jesus gives another prophecy that happens at this same period of time, which clarifies the issue.

Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death 22 you will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved. 23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next, for most certainly I tell you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel, until the Son of Man has come. 24 A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord. (Matthew 10:21-24)

The time setting for these verses is also the Great Tribulation. The Good Guys do not have the opportunity to teach the Good News to all the cities of Israel let alone the entire world before Christ returns. Since this is true it begs the question: What “gospel” is being preached to the entire world? Let’s examine the impact this false gospel will have, which are depicted in the preceding verses of Matthew 24.

Point One: Oppression, enslavement, and murder of the Chosen Ones (verse 9). This teaching will be church sanctioned by the false prophet and all “good” Christians must follow it. Just like the Jews in WWII, people will be taught to hate Israelites.

Point Two: Hatred and betrayal of one another (verse 10). As a result of this oppression, an “every man for himself” attitude will develop. Fellow Israelites will turn in their neighbors to the authorities. A recent example would be in the Soviet Union where children turned in their parents for allegedly conspiring against the state.

Point Three: Lies by false prophets to lead people astray (verse 11). The chief liars will be the beast and the false prophet. They will have many helpers.

Point Four: Iniquity (lawlessness) teaching against the Ten Commandments (verse 12)! One of he easiest ways to teach against the Ten Commandments is to proclaim that the Law is done away; nailed to the cross. Another approach is to teach cultural relativism teaching things such as “there is no black and white standard to follow” and “everything is a shade of gray” and “situation ethics are the only way to go”. Many will grow cold due to the religious, social, and political pressure to hate your fellow Israelite.

Point Five: Don’t love your neighbor! Thus, the love of many will wax cold (verse 12).

It is these issues from this evil kingdom lead by the beast (antichrist) and the false prophet, which will comprise the major emphasis of this “gospel” that will be proclaimed to the entire world. This “gospel” is not Good News for Israel. It is the repercussions of this evil gospel that Israelites will have to endure to the end of (i.e. the Tribulation).

Claiming that the “gospel”, which will be proclaimed throughout whole wide world is the message of the beast and the false prophet’s kingdom is controversial. Most people believe that the Good News is going to be proclaimed to the whole world by either the church or the two witnesses. Does the Bible reveal characteristics of the religion, which will dominate the nations just before and during the end of days?

Then I stood on the sand of the sea. I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads. On his horns were ten crowns, and on his heads, blasphemous names. 2 The beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 3 One of his heads looked like it had been wounded fatally. His fatal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled at the beast. 4 They worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?" 5 A mouth speaking great things and blasphemy was given to him. Authority to make war for forty-two months was given to him. 6 He opened his mouth for blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his dwelling, those who dwell in heaven. 7 It was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them (these saints are the nations of Israel in the Great Tribulation) Authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation was given to him. 8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been killed. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear.10 If anyone has captivity, he will go into captivity. If anyone is with the sword, he must be killed. {TR reads "If anyone leads into captivity, into captivity he goes. If anyone will kill with the sword, he must be killed with a sword." instead of "If anyone has captivity, he will go into captivity. If anyone is with the sword, he must be killed."} Here is the endurance and the faith of the saints. 11 I saw another beast coming up out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke like a dragon.12 He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence. He makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed.13 He performs great signs, even making fire come down out of the sky to the earth in the sight of people.14 He deceives my own people who dwell on the earth because of the signs he was granted to do in front of the beast; saying to those who dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast who had the sword wound and lived. 15 It was given to him to give breath to it, to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause as many as wouldn't worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 He causes all, the small and the great, the rich and the poor, and the free and the slave, to be given marks on their right hands, or on their foreheads; 17 and that no one would be able to buy or to sell, unless he has that mark, the name of the beast or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. He who has understanding, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is six hundred sixty-six (Revelation 13:1-18).

During the Great Tribulation the beast and the false prophet are going to be worshipped along with Satan. They are evening going to make a statue of the beast come to life. Everyone under their influence will have to receive their mark and worship them or they will not be able to buy or trade. The influence of the beast and the false prophet did not begin during the Great Tribulation. Jacob’s trouble is the pinnacle of their power and influence. They will also wield great influence before the Tribulation begins and that is why their “gospel” about their kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the entire world. By the way, in my commentary, the words “gospel” and “Good News” are specifically chosen in each sentence. I do not use them interchangeably. The word “gospel” is derived from “God’s spell”. The word “spell”, as you know, has to due with witchcraft. Therefore, I use the word “gospel” in reference to the beast’s message and “Good News” in reference to God’s true message.

By the way, in my commentary, the words gospel and its translation Good News are specifically chosen in each sentence. I do not use them interchangeably. The word gospel is derived from God’s spell. The word spell as you know has to due with witchcraft. Therefore, I use the word gospel in reference to the beast’s message and Good News in reference to God’s true message.

Now back to Matthew 24. What event marks the beginning to the end time? The answer is in verse fifteen.

When, therefore, you see the abomination of desolation [of the latter Temple], {Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11} which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand) ....

[This event depicts the exact beginning of the end time. The Great Tribulation begins for the Jews at this point and will reach the rest of Israel within days.]

... then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take out things that are in his house. 18 Let him who is in the field not return back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are with child and to nursing mothers in those days! 20 Pray that your flight will not be in the winter, nor on a Sabbath, 21 for then there will be great oppression [Great Tribulation], such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever will be. 22 Unless those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved. But for the sake of the chosen ones, those days will be shortened. 23 ‘Then if any man tells you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or, ‘There,’ don’t believe it. 24 For there will arise false christs, and false prophets, and they will show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones. 25 Behold, I have told you beforehand.26 If therefore they tell you, ‘Behold, he is in the wilderness,’ don’t go out; Behold, he is in the inner chambers,’ don’t believe it.’ [Verses 23 through 26 are an elaboration of verse 11–false prophets leading people astray.] 27 For as the lightning flashes from the east, and is seen even to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. [See Zechariah chapter 14 for more detail.] 28 For wherever the carcass is, there is where the vultures {or, eagles} gather together. (Matthew 24:15-28)

The subject of Matthew 24 verses nine through twenty-six is the Great Tribulation and these verses correspond with the fifth seal of the book of Revelation.

When he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed for the Word of God, and for the testimony of the Lamb, which they had. [These are the chosen ones that the beast killed because they were loyal to the true God and did not compromise and worship him.] 10 They cried with a loud voice, saying, ‘How long, Master, the holy and true, until you judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?’ 6:11 A long white robe was given to each of them. They were told that they should rest yet for a while, until their fellow servants and their brothers, [The word for “brothers” here and where context allows may also be correctly translated “brothers and sisters” or “siblings.] who would also be killed even as they were, should complete their course. (Revelation 6:9-11)

Some of this is figurative because these are dead saints, which have not yet been resurrected, are asking questions. However, everything is under God’s control. He has a certain number of saints that He will allow to be executed for His name’s sake and then He will intervene!

Now back to Matthew 24:

But immediately after the [Tribulation] of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken ... (Matthew 24:29) (compare to Isaiah 13:10; 34:4)

These verses describe the sixth seal’s cosmic disturbances described in Revelation.

I saw when he opened the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake. The sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became as blood. 13 The stars of the sky fell to the earth, like a fig tree dropping its unripe figs when it is shaken by a great wind. 14 The sky was removed like a scroll when it is rolled up. Every mountain and island were moved out of their places. 15 The kings of the earth, the princes, the commanding officers, the rich, the strong, and every slave and free person, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains.16 They told the mountains and the rocks, ‘Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, 17 for the great day of his wrath has come; and who is able to stand’? (Revelation 6:12-17)

Let’s look at Matthew 24:30.

... and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky. Then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. (Matthew 24:30)

The book of Revelation just so happens to describe in some detail what this sign will look like in Revelation 12. This sign is going to be a spectacular “movie” being played in the sky. It will portray key events of Israel’s history, as well as Christ’s birth and a battle in the sky that Satan will loose! I encourage you to read chapter 12 right now.

Now Back to Matthew:

He will send out his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together his chosen ones from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. (Matthew 24:31)

This verse coincides with Revelation 7 after the heavenly signs of the sixth seal appears, yet before the fulfillment of the seventh seal occurs.

After this, I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, so that no wind would blow on the earth, or on the sea, or on any tree. 2 I saw another angel ascend from the sunrise, having the seal of the living God. He cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was given to harm the earth and the sea, 3 saying, “Don’t harm the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, until we have sealed the bondservants of our God on their foreheads!” 4 I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the children of Israel ... (Revelation 7:1-4).

A second group is also spared the wrath of God, which is soon to come at His return.

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no man could number, out of every nation and of all tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands. 10 They cried with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation be to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’11 All the angels were standing around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before his throne, and worshiped God, 12 saying, ‘Amen! Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might, be to our God forever and ever! Amen.’ 13 One of the elders answered, saying to me, ‘These who are arrayed in white robes, who are they, and from where did they come?’ 14 I told him, ‘My lord, you know.’ He said to me, ‘These are those who came out of the great tribulation. They washed their robes, and made them white in the Lamb's blood’. (Revelation 7:9-14)

The 144,000 Israelites are sealed and the mass multitude is wearing white robes, which are symbolic of righteousness. Both groups of people have repented and lived through the Great Tribulation. The Great Multitude is even shown to be in God’s Throne room talking about the salvation that they will receive. Let the reader understand, God’s throne room is the Place of Safety. They will be removed from the planet and will stay in that Temple, called New Jerusalem, which will be hovering in the sky, right above Mount Zion and they will stand on a sea of glass (chapter 15) safe from God’s Wrath–the Day of the Lord.

The seventh seal of Revelation:

When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. 3 Another angel came and stood over the altar, having a golden censer. Much incense was given to Him, that He should add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar, which was before the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel's hand. 5 The angel took the censer, and he filled it with the fire of the altar, and threw it on the earth. There followed thunders, sounds, lightnings, and an earthquake. 6 The seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. 7 The first sounded, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. One third of the earth was burnt up, [TR omits “One third of the earth was burnt up”] and one third of the trees were burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up. (Revelation 8 1-7)

When the seventh seal on the scroll is finally removed it can now be opened and read. When it is opened, that which is written on the scroll can at last be fulfilled. The content of that scroll is written in the Book of Revelation. A large portion of what is written on that scroll is the battle plan for the Day of the Lord. The battle plan, which will be used to conquer the earth, is the seven trumpet blasts and the seven bowls.

These plagues will be primarily used on those who enslaved the nations of Israel during the Great Tribulation. It is there turn to repent or else. After the seventh seal is opened the seven angels are instructed to prepare their trumpets to sound. The Day of the Lord has begun!

Since the purpose of this article is to compare the like prophecies of Matthew 24 to the corresponding ones in the book of Revelation and since Matthew does not elaborate upon the seven trumpet blasts or the seven bowls, they are beyond the scope of this article. A future article examining the seven trumpets and seven bowls will be written.

Matthew 24 ends just before the seventh seal is opened but leaves us with three parables about Christ’s return during the Day of the Lord.

The Parable of the fig tree:

Now from the fig tree learn this parable. When its branch has now become tender, and puts forth its leaves, you know that the summer is near. 33 Even so you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. 34 Most certainly I tell you, this generation [of Israelites that go through the Tribulation] [The Greek word for “generation” (genea) can also be translated as “race.”] will not pass away, until all these things are accomplished. [The World English Bible’s comment here is helpful. Using the word race further clarifies that Christ is referring to Israelites and not the “Church” (off site) which many erroneously assume this chapter is referring to.] 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. (Matthew 24:32-35)

This means study your Bible and learn what the end time events are. Being watchful, alert, and observant when you see these events happen you will know what is going on.

No one knows the day or the hour:

But no one knows of that day and hour, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. 37 “As the days of Noah were, [Noah and his family knew when to get into the ark.] so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ship, 39 and they didn't know until the flood came, and took them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and one will be left;41 two women grinding at the mill, one will be taken and one will be left. 42 Watch therefore, for you don't know in what hour your Lord comes. (Matthew 24:36-42)

True, know one who is not looking for Christ’s return will know the day or the hour. However, that does not mean that you cannot know when you see these events begin to happen. Even if you have not listened to the Two Witnesses’ testimony, which will have transpired, you can still determine the timing by recognizing the sixth seal’s heavenly signs and counting the seven-trumpet blasts and the plagues associated with them. When you hear the sixth trumpet sound, know that the seventh trumpet blast and the return of Christ is just around the corner!

The faithful servant and the evil servant:

But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. 44 Therefore also be ready, for in an hour that you don’t expect, the Son of Man will come. 45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has set over his household, to give them their food in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his lord finds doing so when he comes. 47 Most certainly I tell you that he will set him over all that he has. [What a fantastic reward in addition to eternal life.] 48 But if that evil servant should say in his heart, ’My lord is delaying his coming, 24:49 and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with the drunkards, 50 the lord of that servant will come in a day when he doesn’t expect it, and in an hour when he doesn't know it, 51 and will cut him in pieces, and appoint his portion with the hypocrites. There is where the weeping and grinding of teeth will be. (Matthew 24:45-51)

The theme of all three of these prophecies is to be alert. If you are not alert enough to avoid the Great Tribulation wise up while you are in it! Be watchful and repent so you will be spared God’s wrath at His return.

Some who say that the entire book of Revelation is strictly about the Day of the Lord. Their proof text is Revelation 1:9-11.

I John, your brother and partner with you in oppression, Kingdom, and perseverance in Christ Jesus, was on the isle that is called Patmos because of God's Word and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, like a trumpet 11 saying, [I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last.] “What you see, write in a book and send to the seven assemblies [which are in Asia]: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.

However, this view does not make since when comparing Matthew 24 to the seven seals of Revelation. This study shows that the first six seals occur before the Lord’s Day arrives. True, John was brought to the Day of the Lord when Christ showed him this vision. However, that does not mean that every aspect of the vision was about the Lord’s Day. In fact John himself records the explanation and timing of these very events.

Write therefore the things, which you have seen, and the things, which are, and the things which will happen hereafter ... (Revelation 1:19)

Therefore, the book of Revelation was written from John’s perspective as being a witness during the Lord’s Day. However, he was also instructed to record the things that he had seen, such as, the Great Tribulation, which will happen before the Lord’s Day. Moreover he was instructed to record the events, which from that point in prophecy “are” being in the present, which are the removal of the seven seals. Finally, since the scroll is now open and ready to be read, he was instructed to record the things that will happen thereafter, which are the details of God’s battle plan–the seven trumpets and the seven bowels. In addition to that he recorded the momentous event of New Jerusalem coming down to Earth and all the other details from Revelation Chapters 8-22.

All scriptures are from the WEB (World English Bible) because it is a public domain version, meaning people have unrestricted access and freedom to use it, unlike those “name brand” Bibles whose supposed owners, in their pinko communistic way, want to restrict the use of God’s own word through the use of a copyright. Did they ask God for permission?