APPENDIX C
The Seven Seals:
How to Understand
The King James Bible

The transition from the Authorized King James Bible to a recent version is usually based on the contention that the KJV is old and difficult to understand. The real gap is one of distance between God and man, not a lapse between us and 'Father Time'. Since the fall (Genesis 3), man has moved off to corner of the universe, out of reach of God's voice. Now powerless to penetrate God's spiritual realm, he moves madly through man-made word-mazes, in version after version, defiantly determined never look up to God or delve within his own misdirected hearts.
The spiritual chasm is so vast that even those close to Jesus could not understand him. He was not speaking archaic Aramaic to Mary and Joseph yet, "they understood not the saying which he spake unto them." Obsolete words were not the obstacle when he asked Peter, "Are ye also yet without understanding? Do not ye yet understand?" Later, Peter again fell under the darkening spell of sin saying, "I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest."
God tells us man's inability to understand the bible has a number of causes, none of which is a limitation in his vocabulary.

The bible is not difficult to understand--it is impossible-- unless God's criteria are met. The verses and checklists to follow should help the reader look within his heart for the start of the knot, and then look up to God for the unraveling.

The bible is a sealed book.

For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes...and the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot: for it is sealed. Isaiah 29:10, 11

Man's sin casts a shadow which darkens his understanding of each verse.

Who is worthy to open the book and to loose the seals thereof?.. .no man was found worthy to open and to read. Revelation 5:2,4

The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy.. .Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge. Psalm 14:2-4

Why do ye not understand my speech? ..Ye are of your father the devil. John 8:43,44

[N]one of the wicked shall understand. Daniel 12:10

A scorner seeketh wisdom and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth. Proverbs 14:6

[T]he wicked. They know not, neither will they understand. Psalm 82:4,5

A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this. Psalm 92:6

Evil men understand not judgment. Proverbs 28:5

[Tlhe people...the Pharisees...they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
John 8:2,3, 10:6

Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise? Psalm 94:8

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind.. .Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness: full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity: whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death.
...Romans 1:28-32

Even man's mind cannot penetrate the deep, dark shadow which blackens 'the book'.

[F]or the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.
Isaiah 29:14

For it is written, I. .will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. I Corinthians 1:19

But the natural man rcceiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. I Corinthians 2:14

The shadow is shaped like the profile of a heart jagged with sin.

[W]alk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind. Having the understanding darkened...because of the blindness of their heart. Ephesians 4:17,18

[Y]e shall hear. and shall not understand...For the heart of this people is waxed gross.. .lest they should. . .understand with their heart. Acts 28:26,27

[Y]e fools, be ye of an understanding heart. Proverbs 8:5

[T]hou hast hid their heart from understanding. Job 17:4

They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand...a deceived heart hath turned him aside. Isaiah 44:18-20

And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them. Luke 18:34

[W]here is the place of understanding? Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living. Job 28:20-21

There is 'a way' of understanding the bible and that way is Jesus Christ.

The preface to the KJV says,"He removeth the scales from our eyes, the veil from our hearts, opening our wits that we may understand His word."

Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book. . .for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood. Revelation 5:2, 4, 5, 9

[G]o in the way of understanding. Proverbs 9:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way...John 14:6

The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.
Proverbs 21:16

Hearken unto me everyone of you, and understand. Mark 7:14

Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures. Luke 24:45

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding...I John 5:20

Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2

Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. Psalm 147:5

[H]e hath counsel and understanding. Job 12:13

[W]ho hath given understanding to the heart? Job 38:36

[T]he Almighty giveth them understanding. Job 32:8

Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding. I Chronicles 22:12

[T]he Lord give thee understanding in all things. II Timothy 2:7

[T]he LORD made me understand. 1 Chronicles 28:19

[E]very wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding. Exodus 36:1

I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart. 1 Kings 3:12

Pharaoh said unto Joseph...thou canst understand. And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharoah an answer of peace. Genesis 41:15,16

God gave them knowledge... Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. Daniel 1:17,18

And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceedingly much, and largeness of heart. I Kings 4:29

The Seven Seals
1. A New Heart

When we receive Jesus Christ as our Saviour, he gives us a new heart where the Spirit of Cod can dwell. Have you received him?

I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh. Ezekiel 11:19

I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding... Exodus 31:3

[T]he God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened... Ephesians 1:17-18

Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God...Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. John 3:3, 5

I thank thee, 0 Father,...thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. ..for so it seemed good in thy sight. Matthew 11:25

And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding...And shall make him of quick understanding. Isaiah 11:2,3

They also that erred in spirit shall come to understand. Isaiah 29:24

[U]nderstand the words that I speak unto thee...from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard. Daniel 10:11,12

[B]e ye of an understanding heart. Proverbs 8:5

[T]hey, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. Luke 8:15

2 Pray

Do you pray before you study the bible?

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God. James 1:5

Ask, and it shall be given you. Luke 11:9

Give me understanding. Psalm 119:34, 73, 144, 169

[G]ive me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies. Psalm 119:125

Make me to understand the way of thy precepts. Psalm 119:27

Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart. I Kings 3:9

[H]ast asked for thyself understanding. I Kings 3:11

I was...praying, and confessing my sin...and presenting my supplication before the LORD...then Gabriel...said...thou are greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter. Daniel 9:20,23

[W]e. . .do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might he filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Colossians 1:9

3. Read and Hear

Are your senses (seeing and hearing) saturated with the bible, or are they filled with other things such as television, videos, radio, books, newspapers, magazines, or gossip? (Even 'Christian' media and materials can block out the word of God.)

Wisdom [the bible] is before him that hath understanding: but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth. [TV, magazines, catalogues, etc.] Proverbs 17:24

The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. Proverbs 15:14

[U]nderstanding put forth her voice:,..She crieth... Hear. Proverbs 8:1, 3, 6

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels. Proverbs 1:5

My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding. Proverbs 5:1

[A]ttend to know understanding. Proverbs 4:1

[G]et understanding.. .neither decline from the words of my mouth. Proverbs 4:5

Do you attend church regularly to hear those whom God has given the ministry of teaching?

And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. Jeremiah 3:15

And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understand thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? Acts 8:30,31

When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Psalm 73:17

[T]he Levites, caused the people to understand the law. ..So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense. and caused them to understand the reading. Nehemiah 8:7,8

Do the teachers you hear (church, media, books gain their understanding of the scriptures from following God's criteria or man's (degrees commentaries, consensus)?

[H]e that followeth vain persons is void of understanding? Proverbs 12:11

[S]ome having swerved have turned aside unto vain janglings; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. I Timothy 1:7

As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. II Peter 3:16

4. Seek

Do you pursue an understanding of the bible daily?

I am understanding.. .those that seek me early shall find me...Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates. Proverbs 8:14, 17, 34

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:16, 17

[T]hey that seek the Lord understand all things. Proverbs 28:5

There is none that understandeth. there is none that seeketh after God. Romans 3:11

Have you studied the bible to the same extent that you have studied books for school, career or hobbies--for the approval of men?

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15

[K]nowledge of the holy is understanding. Proverbs 9:10

Do you pursue further study of the bible understand portions which are unclear or do give up easily or rely on commentaries which may or may not be correct?

[N]ot in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth: comparing spiritual things with spiritual. I Corinthians 2:13

Through thy precepts I get understanding. Psalm 119:104

The entrance of thy word giveth light; it giveth understanding to the simple. Psalm 118:130

Are gou expecting to understand the bible at level beyond your chronological or spiritual level of maturity? (The bible is a book for an entire lifetime.)

When I was a child,. . .I understood as a child. I Corinthians 13:11

Brethren, be not children in understanding...but in understanding be men. I Corinthians 14:20

[W]ith the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding. Job 12:12

These things understood not his disciples at the first. John 12:16

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. I Peter 2:2

I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it neither yet now are ye able. I Corinthians 3:2

[T]he first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For everyone that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. Hebrews 5:12, 13

But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age... Hebrews 5:14

Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept...line upon line; here a little, and there a little. Isaiah 28:9,10

5. Delight

How do you delight yourself? Are your 'delights' related to the flesh or the spirit? Self or God?

[H]is delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Psalm 1:2

How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! Proverbs 16: 16

A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. Proverbs 18:2

6. Memorize and Meditate

Do you think about scripture verses you have memorized or do you think about other things?

I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. Psalm 119:99

[T]he meditation of my heart shall be of understanding. I will incline my ear unto a parable. Psalm 49:3,4

7. Obey

Do you obey the light God has already given you? Do you think he will give you more understanding if you do not follow that which he has already shown you?

Whoso...will observe these things, even they shall understand. Psalm 107:43

I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. Psalm 119:I00

[A] good understanding have all they that do his commandments. Psalm 111:10

[D]o them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding. Deuteronomy 4:6

Have you allowed sin to creep into your life?

Yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth. Daniel 9:13

For my people is foolish, they have not known me: they are sottish children, and they have none understanding. Jeremiah 4:22

Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding. Psalm 32:9

Are you open to correction?

All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for... reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. II Timothy 3:16

He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. Proverbs 15:32

[R]eprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge. Proverbs 19:25

[A] rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding. Proverbs 10:13

Do you believe what you are reading is the "pure" and "preserved" word of God? (Psalm 119:140, 12:7, Proverbs 30:5)

O ye of little faith...Do ye not yet understand...How is it that ye do not understand. Manhew 16:8, 9, 11

Through faith we understand. Hebrews 11:3

[W]hatsoever is not of faith is sin. Romans 14:23

What is your motive for wanting to understand more of the bible? Do you seek to exalt self or God with this knowledge?

Knowledge puffeth up. I Corinthians 8:1

Are you willing to pay the price to remain humble once you have this understanding?

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. II Corinthians 12:7

Finally

Are you expecting to understand more than God has chosen to reveal to man now? There is much a godly man will not understand in this life.

[GOD] Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Job 1:8

[JOB] Therefore have I uttered that I understood not. Job 42:3

[PAUL] [W]e are perplexed, but not in despair. 2 Cor. 4:8 For now we see through a glass, darkly. . .now I know in part. I Cor. 13:12

Is the portion of the bible that you cannot understand prophetic in nature and, as such, will not he clear until it is fulfilled?

And I heard, but understood not...[T]he words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Daniel 12:8,9

Bur they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not. Luke 9:45
[Concerning Christ's betrayal into the hands of sinners.)

But they understood not that saying. Mark 9:32
(about Christ's death and resurrection)

From New Age Bible Versions by G.A. Riplinger