Trials and Testing

The passage discusses the purpose of trials and hardships in the lives of believers, emphasizing that they are meant to test and refine their faith. It introduces the concept of the opening of the first four seals, which symbolize different forms of judgment and hardship that believers will experience throughout history. The passage highlights the idea that trials serve to wake people up, jolt them out of complacency, and teach them not to put all their hopes in this life. It also underscores that trials are a pre-test, preparing believers for the final judgment that will come one day.