The Fifth Seal of Revelation: Souls Under the Altar and the Coming Storm of Persecution
Bible Study Guide
The Fifth Seal of Revelation Reveals the Altar of Mercy and Second Chances (Revelation 6:9)
(Verse 9) The only One worthy to open the scroll unbinds the fifth seal of Revelation.
“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.” (Revelation 6:9)
I’ve often heard the question posed, “Where do Christians go when they die?” The Bible refers to death of Christians as “falling asleep.” Because the first death is temporary. It is followed by the resurrection and then everlasting life.
We know that there is a place in heaven where the soul will reside until Christ returns to gather His church to himself. At that point, the entire church body of believers, both asleep and alive, will be gathered to Christ. They will be with Him forever (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
The Bible teaches us that their is order in all of God’s work. God has a time and season, and a purpose and reason for all things. This is certainly the case with the souls that John sees under the altar.
As John’s vision turns momentarily to heaven, He’s witnessing the effects of what is currently happening on earth under God’s judgment.
First thing we know about these souls is that they stood up for the word of God. The second thing we know is that they died for their belief in God and His Son.
How are they different from the rest of the believing souls taken in the rapture? Great question! Let’s explore.
How to Avoid Being a Part of the Fifth Seal of Revelation
If you have not repented of your sins and placed your full faith and trust in Jesus Christ before the rapture, you will be among those who remain on the earth—left behind to face seven years of God’s wrath during the Tribulation.
While there will be no second opportunity to escape these horrific events, God’s mercy will not be withdrawn. His love for His creation will still extend to those left behind. Salvation will still be possible—but it will come at an unimaginable cost. The earth will endure suffering unlike anything in human history.
The souls John sees in this fifth seal of Revelation passage beneath the altar are those who were left behind after the rapture and later came to faith in Christ. Ironically, the rapture itself will likely spark one of the greatest revivals the world has ever seen.
Those who once heard the truth—from parents, pastors, siblings, neighbors, or even evangelists online—but rejected it, will suddenly realize it was true all along. Many will finally repent, accept Christ as Lord and Savior, and be saved.
Here’s the reality: their faith will cost them their lives.
“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.” (Matthew 24:9)
Some call this the “school of hard knocks.” If hatred toward Jews and Christians seems intense now, it will be nothing compared to the Tribulation—when evil reaches levels never before seen in human history.
Rapture vs. Second Coming of Christ (Comparison Chart)
A Time and Season, a Purpose and a Reason (Revelation 6:10-11)
So, in order to avoid God’s ensuing punishment for rejecting His gift of salvation, you must accept Christ before the rapture. If you do, you’ll be flying first class into the arms of our Lord and Savior to the place He has prepared for all true believers.
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:3)
“Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.” (Revelation 3:10)
So if you’re a second chance believer and martyred for your faith in Christ, you can find yourself safe in the embrace of heaven. The fifth seal of Revelation reveals you will not be a part of the raptured church. Thus, the process you’ll follow will be a bit different from those raptured before the tribulation.
Remember, there’s a reason and a purpose for all believers depending upon how and when they came to accept Christ as their Savior.
(Verses 10-11) John could see the souls under the altar crying out to God for Him to avenge their death for their faith in Him. But the voice speaking to the souls makes it clear that they must wait for all of those who will come to faith. They must wait for those martyred during the terrible seven years of wrath.
Again, nothing is random according to God’s plan. There’s a time and season, a purpose and a reason for all His plans. These souls are learning that this is the case for them as well.
Closing Reflection
The rapture will grant those left behind a second opportunity to receive God’s free gift of salvation—but let me be clear: this is not the way you want to come to Christ. Planning to face the horrors that follow the fifth seal of Revelation is not wisdom; it is spiritual gambling with eternal consequences.
Yes, there will be another chance. That is grace. But it will be a chance purchased with suffering, persecution, and likely death.
Most people fear death because they fear losing their physical life—the body, the breath, the things of this world. But that fear misses the greater reality. The most terrifying aspect of death is not decay; it is finality. It is the permanent loss of opportunity. The door to repentance closes forever.
We are all sinners in need of a Savior. The fifth seal of Revelation reveals Jesus will still be available to those left behind to endure the Tribulation.
If your final breath leaves your lungs without having placed your faith and trust in Jesus Christ, your eternal destiny is sealed. There is no repentance beyond the grave. No reconsideration after resurrection. No second chance once you stand face-to-face with the reality awaiting those who rejected God and His Son.
This is what death should make us fear—not the loss of life, but the loss of grace.
For the believer, death is gain.
For the unrepentant, it is forever.
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)
Continue Studying: Book of Revelation Chapters 1–11 Study Guides
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You are the Alpha and the Omega, the One who holds eternity in Your hands.
We hear the warning before the seal is opened.
We feel the weight of what is coming—and we choose You now, not later.
Search our hearts, expose anything that keeps us from full surrender,
and draw us into true repentance while grace still stands open.
Give us courage to stand for truth, strength to endure,
and boldness to proclaim Your name while there is still time.
Thank You for salvation purchased by Your blood,
for mercy that calls before judgment falls,
and for hope that rescues us from the wrath to come.
Keep us watchful, faithful, and ready.
We choose life. We choose Christ.
In Your holy and powerful name we pray,
Amen.
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