Bradley Wareley
In this part of our study on The End I will focus on the first seven Seals which are opened or broken by Jesus, The Lamb, and of which the judgments contained in it are poured out on the earth to be experienced by those alive.
These six Seals are found in Chapter 6 as is as follows:
a. The Rider on the White Horse (Verses 1-2)
i. The Lamb opens the first Seal, revealing a white horse and its rider.
ii. The rider holds a bow and wears a crown, symbolizing conquest.
iii. This is the false messiah, satans counterfeit - The Antichrist.
iv. Notice, he is given a crown. He does not wear one eternally like Jesus Christ, The
True Messiah.
v. Further note, he carries a bow with no arrows. If you threaten me with a bow but you
have no arrow you do not intend to harm or kill me. You are presenting a false story. In the same way the Antichrist will come offering peace, but he will not produce it because will have what it takes to produce peace.
vi. Also, being on a white horse indicates that he will come forth as man of peace.
b. The Rider on the Red Horse (Verses 3-4)
i. The second Seal is broken, and a red horse appears.
ii. Its rider has the power to take peace from the earth, leading to violent conflict.
iii. This rider also represents the Antichrist.
iv. Whereas before he came offering peace riding the white horse, here on the red
horse he forcefully takes away peace.
v. By taking peace he will enable wars among nations which will open the flood gates
to the death of millions.
c. The Rider on the Black Horse (Verses 5-6)
i. opening the third Seal, a black horse emerges.
ii. The rider holds scales, signifying famine and economic inequality.
iii. This rider will have a scale which is symbolic to measured way in which he will
reduce the access to daily meals for mean resulting the further death of millions.
d. The Rider on the Pale Horse (Verses 7-8)
i. The fourth Seal reveals a pale horse.
ii. Its rider, named Death, is followed by Hades, given authority to kill and destroy.
iii. This rider to is The Antichrist.
iv. The Pale horse signifies the authority of the Antichrist to bring death to many and
Hades highlights the place where the dead are kept until judgement.
e. The Souls under the Altar (Verses 9-11)
i. The fifth Seal uncovers the souls of martyrs under the heavenly altar.
ii. They cry out for justice and are given white robes.
iii. They are told to wait until the number of their fellow servants and brothers to be killed is completed.
iv. These martyrs are those who have come to faith in Jesus Christ during the function
of the four horsemen.
v. This is significant to note: Where the Antichrist will be seeking to destroy the souls
of many through death he will in fact have the opposite effect where many numbers of people will die during that time but would also have placed their faith in Christ.
vi. These are the souls of those martyrs, those who have died for their faith and is told
to wait until the full numbers of believers have died just as they did, before God could avenge their deaths.
f. The Great Earthquake (Verses 12-17)
i. The opening of the sixth Seal leads to cosmic disturbances.
ii. Cosmic refers to what happens or comes from events that happen beyond earth. Out in the universe or from the universe.
iii. A great earthquake occurs, the sun turns black, the moon turns blood red, stars fall, and the sky recedes like a scroll.
iv. People hide in terror, recognizing the wrath of the Lamb.
g. Introduction the Trumpets (Chapter 8:1-3)
i. As the seventh Seal is broken, there’s a half hour of silence. No fanfare, just
anticipation.
ii. After this silence the seventh Seal is opened and the angels with the seven
Trumpets is revealed.
iii. The seventh Seal is therefore an introduction to the Seven Trumpet judgments to
follow.
Chapter 6 presents a dramatic and vivid picture of God’s divine judgment, emphasizing the temporary nature of earthly life and the inescapable consequence of sin. May this post inspire deeper commitment to righteous living, fervent prayer, and steadfast faith even amidst trials and tribulations. Ultimately, the ultimate victory belongs to the Lamb.
In conclusion, the opening of the first seven Seals in Revelation presents a vivid and dramatic picture of God’s divine judgment. Each Seal reveals a different aspect of this judgment, from the rise of the Antichrist to the cosmic disturbances that shake the earth.
The Antichrist, represented by the riders on the white, red, black, and pale horses, brings conquest, war, famine, and death. Yet, in the midst of these trials, the souls of the martyrs under the altar remind us of the power of faith and the promise of God’s justice.
The silence that follows the breaking of the seventh Seal serves as a poignant pause, a moment of anticipation before the introduction of the Trumpet judgments. It is a reminder that even in the midst of chaos and destruction, there are moments of quiet reflection and anticipation of what is to come.
As we delve deeper into the study of Revelation, let us remember the lessons these Seals teach us. They remind us of the trials and tribulations that the world will face, but also of the enduring power of faith and the promise of God’s justice.
Thank you for joining me in this exploration of the End Times as depicted in the book of Revelation. As we continue this journey, may we find wisdom and understanding in these profound and complex scriptures. Until next time, may your studies bring you closer to the divine truth and fill you with awe for the grandeur of God’s plan.
Comments