Revelation 8:1-5

In Revelation 8:1-5 the seventh seal is finally opened. Silence follows as the Kingdom is consummated and the judgment begins. It is with this last judgment that the prayers of the saints, as they cried for vindication in the fifth seal, are answered. The last judgment is depicted as a consequence of the prayers of the elect. Fire from the censer holding the prayers is cast down to the earth and results in the shaking of the earth in the final judgment.