The Four B's of the Apocalypse

Revelation 6:1–8 NKJV

1 Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.” 2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. 3 When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.” 4 Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword. 5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” 7 When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.” 8 So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.

Introduction:

There can be no doubt that the opening of the seals begins a time that the world has never seen before or would ever see again.

As we come to this section, I want you to notice the progressive nature of the revelation. I will periodically remind you of this. Even in all its symbolism and types, there is no way to diminish the succession of events.

We will see that seven seals are opened by Christ Himself.

The opening of the seventh begins the seven trumpet judgments.

The sounding of the seventh trumpet, commences the pouring out of the seven bowl judgments.

Each new set of sevens becomes more rapid in their unfolding.

These are not in my opinion a repetition of the same events as some have proposed. But rather, a succession of rapidly moving very specific judgments of God upon the earth and the inhabitants within.

The first four seals release the four horsemen of the apocalypse.

We find that Zechariah the prophet saw four horsemen (Zech. 1:8; 6:2) but the color of the horses are’t all the same, and these were Spirits of God sent out to assess the nations.

There are many differences between them and the four we see here in Revelation.

It is my opinion that these four represent four successive manifestations of the Antichrist, each progressing in their affects.

The first seal opened:

A white horse and the rider had a bow and a crown was given to him. And he went forth to conquer.

The second seal opened:

A red horse and the rider was granted to take pace form the earth and kill, and a great sword was given to him.

The third seal opened:

A black horse and the rider had a pair of scales in his hand.

Famine and pestilence follow in the wake of this rider.

The fourth seal opened:

A pale horse and the rider is called death and hell follows him, and power was given to them over a fourth of the earth’s population to kill with

Sword

Hunger

Death

Beasts of the earth

I will also say that the evidence of these events being chronological to chapter four & five is great.

Thus, the church of this dispensation, is already in heaven as it has been raptured.

Having said this, there is nothing indicating that the opening of the first seal is the beginning of persecution in general, or that the Antichrist has not already been revealed!

But what should we do with this information?

Great question, glad you asked!

Be encouraged:

I. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 16:31 NKJV

31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

II. Be peace makers.

Romans 12:18 NKJV

18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

III. Be generous and ban together.

1 Timothy 6:18 NKJV

18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,

IV. Be the light that points to life.

Ephesians 5:8 NKJV

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

Conclusion:

In the big scheme of things, it doesn’t matter what our interpretation is of these events.

What is important is how we live now!

I encourage you to be the living church in this confused world.