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Why are 7 spirits mentioned in Revelation 1:4? Is there not just one Holy Spirit?
Revelation is a prophetic book and must be interpreted as such. One of the very ground rules of prophetic interpretation is that it has to be consistent throughout. So, if one determines that this is a book of symbols and such symbols need interpretation in the light of what Scripture indicates to us; then a consistent approach must be followed throughout. So the "seven spirits" is also a symbol and must be interpreted as such. The number Seven in Scripture indicates perfection in number, and it carries the meaning of fullness, completeness. Thus, when Revelation speaks of the seven spirits it refers to the Holy Spirit. The reference to the number “seven†refers to the perfectly completed fullness of the Holy Spirit. Another way to express this ‘The Holy Spirit being present in His fullness or completeness.’