399. (Verse 12) And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal. That this signifies prediction still further concerning the state of the church, is plain from the signification of opening the seals of the book which was in the Lord's hand, as denoting to reveal things hidden, and to predict things future (concerning which see above, n. 352, 361, 369, 378, 390).

361. (Verse 3) And when he had opened the second seal. That this signifies the manifestation of the succeeding state of those who belong to the church where the Word is, is clear from what was said above (n. 351, 352), namely, that by opening the seal is signified the manifestation of the state of those who belong to the church; and because there were seven seals, and they were seven times opened, their successive states are thence signified. But these successive states of the church, which are here described, do not appear to any one in the world, for they are successive states as to the understanding of truth from the Word. These no one sees but the Lord alone. And because all in the heavens are there arranged in order according to the affections of good and truth, and hence as to the perception and understanding of the Word; and in this prophetical book the Last Judgment upon those who were in the former heaven, and the arrangement of those who were in the new heaven, is described, therefore it is here treated concerning those states, for thereon depend the following things.