The Sealed and the Unsealed Word

 Scripture: Daniel 12:4 & Revelation 22:10

In Daniel 12:4, the Lord tells Daniel:

"But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase."

This stands in contrast to Revelation 22:10, where the angel tells John:

"Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand."

What do these passages mean? Why was Daniel told to seal the book, while John was told to leave his unsealed? Let us reflect on the purpose of God’s revelation and His perfect timing.

 The Sealed Vision (Daniel 12:4)

Daniel was given extraordinary visions about the future—visions of kingdoms rising and falling, of the coming of the Messiah, of great tribulations, and of the final resurrection. However, God instructed Daniel to seal up these words until “the time of the end.”

This command suggests that the full meaning of Daniel’s prophecy would not be understood immediately. It was not meant for his time, but for a future generation that would witness its fulfillment. The increase of knowledge and people running “to and fro” indicate an era where understanding would grow, and God's plan would become clearer.

God’s revelations unfold according to His perfect timing. Sometimes, we may not fully understand what He is doing, but He calls us to trust in His wisdom and wait on His timing.

 The Unsealed Revelation (Revelation 22:10)

In contrast, John is told not to seal the words of the prophecy in Revelation because "the time is at hand." The events John witnessed—the coming of Christ, the judgment of the world, and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom—were soon to be set in motion.

With the coming of Jesus Christ, the mystery that was hidden in Daniel’s time had been revealed. The message of salvation and judgment was now urgent. The time to understand, repent, and prepare was no longer in the distant future but at hand.

Today, we live in the age of unsealed prophecy. The truth of Christ’s return is clear, and the call to repentance is immediate. We are not waiting for another revelation—God has already spoken, and His Word is open for all to hear and respond.

Living in the Age of Revelation

The contrast between Daniel and Revelation teaches us that God’s plan is progressive. What was once hidden has now been revealed through Jesus Christ. The question we must ask ourselves is:

• Are we living as if the time is still far off, delaying our obedience to God?

• Or are we heeding the urgency of the Gospel, knowing that the time is at hand?

Jesus calls us to watch, pray, and be ready, for He is coming soon. Let us live with faith, wisdom, and urgency, sharing His unsealed truth with the world.

Amen.

More: Sabbath School Lesson 1 Some Principles of Prophecy