The Opening of the Seals I)

Rev 6:1-6

A study on Revelation

The Opening of the Seals I

Rev. 6:1-6

Theme:  God reveals the first three seals out of the book.

Introduction:  Christianity was birthed in persecution.  This has always been a normal pare ot being a Christ.  Inf act, we probably have had less persecution today than in anytime in the history of Christianity.  In the Old Testament we learn that Israel was under tremendous persecution from the pagan nations around them.  The early church was built upon the many who were stoned, hung, burned and beheaded for the cause of Christ.  Right after the start of the church, there was a move by the government and even the Jews to stop spread of the gospel. 

In chapter 6 here the tables are turned.  This time period is what follows the rapture of the church.  It is called Daniel’s seventieth week in Daniel 9, time of Jacob’s trouble in Jeremiah 30:7, and the “time of trouble” in Daniel 12:1.  This is a time of unparalleled, catastrophic judgment the world has ever seen.  Chapters 6-19 deal with events in the Tribulation Period.

There are three basic sets of judgments:

1. Seals-chapter 6 where man brings trouble to the earth

2. Trumpets chapters 8-9-Satans brings trouble on the earth

3. Vials chapter 16-sent by God

The chapters around these three are considered the details of the events.  Jesus is whoing us God’s will on earth.  Chapters 4-5 show us that God is on the throne and chapters 6-19 God shows us that judgement will now begin.  The scene changes to earth in chapter 6.

I. The first seal vv. 1-2

A. The introduction v. 1

1.  Opening of the seals which is the covenant seal.

2. This is the Day of the Lord.

3. Thunder is a sound of fear and impending danger.

4. One of the four beasts-here probably the lion since the second seal is the second beast.

B. The description v. 2

1.  White horse which symbolic of a conqueror.

2. Had a bow in his hand-speaks of one who out to conquer others.

3. Here this is the Antichrist-the great deceiver who comes as a peaceful leader who comes the world problems-notice no arrows in his hand.

4. Antichrist is the great imitator.

Jesus has a city who is a bride 21, Satan has a city who is a bride 17

Jesus says I am the light of the world John8, Satan is called an angel of light II Cor. 11:14

Jesus is called the King of Kings Rev. 19, Satan is a king over the children of pride Job 41

Jesus is the Prince of Peace Isa. 9:6, Satan is called the prince of this world John 14,

Jesus is called my Lord and my God John 20, Satan is called the god of this world II Cor. 4;4

Jesus is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah Rev. 5:5, Satan is called a lion I Peter 5:8

5.  He wears a victor’s crown and not a sovereign crown-he conquers peacefully.

II. The second seal vv. 3-4

A. Its introduction v.3

1.  The second seal opens with a red horse.

2. This announcement is a summoning event.

B. Its description v. 4

1.  Peace is now gone from the earth and open warfare begins.

2. The rider had power to take away the peace from the earth and causes men to kill each other in a war-red horse with a sword.

3. Great word symbolizes the extent of the war worldwide.

4. Red is often associated with terror and death.

5. The constant tensions among nations now climax at this period into war among the nations-all UN efforts are doom for failure. 

 III. The third seal vv. 5-6

A. Its introduction v. 5a

1.  Refers back to Christ to remind us He is in control.

2.  The beast draws our attention to Christ as He works.

B. Its description vv. 5b-6

1.  Black horse speaks of death-famine which naturally follows war.

2. The balances speak of careful food rationing in those days.

3. War will take men out of the fields from the storehouses which are burned and now starvation sets in.

4. The food supply is described:

a.  Normally a penny (day’s wages) would buy 8 measures of wheat or 24 measures of barley

b. During the famine-you could only buy one measure of wheat or 3 measure of barley.

c. If you buy wheat he would only have enough for one meal, and barely only for 3 meals yet nothing left for other necessities.

d. The food supply will be reduced to 1/8 normal supply

5.  Luxury food will still be available but men will look at it as something only to taunt them.

6. Inflation is controlled by God here-either by drought, war, or whatever God chooses.

Conclusion:  The first seals indicate a time of horrible judgement.  There is the deception, the open warfare, and the famine will come like there never has been in a time in the history of the world.  Principles we learn:

1.  Be ready.

2. God’s will will always be accomplished in His time.

3. God is merciful to warn us of these things.

4. There is coming a worldwide deception.

5. We should do all that we can to reach others with the gospel.