Expert: Elder Greg Madden - 9/24/2008

Question
Greg

  Revelation 5:6 mentions the "seven spirits of God".
Who or what are the seven spirits of God?

                               Thanks
                               Bob

Answer
Bob,

Thank you for your question. I apologize for the late reply, but things have been rather busy around here. Hope you understand.

Now as to your question about Rev. 5:6, let us take a look at it...

Revelation 5:6
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.

Bob, it is my understanding that the term "seven Spirits of God" is another term or if you will "title" of the Holy Spirit. Notice the first mention of the "Seven Spirits of God"...

Isaiah 11
1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

This Old Testament prophecy is foretell of Christ (rod out of the stem of Jesse, and Branch) and that the Seven Spirits of God would "rest upon him". This literally took place when Jesus was baptized in water by John. As a matter of fact, the Lord told John that the one whom he (John) would see the Spirit rest upon would be the Messiah...

John 1:29-36
29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.
31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.
33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;
36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

I hope this helps. Please feel free to let me know if you have any further questions.

Elder Greg Madden