Revelation for Now & Future Part 13

Tonight we will begin to approach the seals as mentioned in the text.

Yet, before we dive into Revelation 6, let’s approach the where we are historically within the church.

Matthew 28:18 ESV

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Jesus had recieved the authority to do as was the passion & desire of the Father.

John 17:4–5 ESV

4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.

This is what Jesus had prayed for back in John 17.

Revelation 1:5 ESV

5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood

Thus, Jesus had authority in Heaven & upon the Earth to fulfill what was the will and plan from the beginning.

Thus, as we read our passage in a few moment, we will be challenged.

Some things you have been taught may be challenged, but I want you to read the Word with me. I want you to see what God has to say, not what I say.

We will see the sufferings of God’s people in the purpose of purification.

Further, we will see the punishment of unbelievers.

Many during the end of the first century A.D. may have been questioning the Sovereignty of Christ/The Father over their situation.

In our first 8 verses, we will note that Christ is in charge even of those things which seem in explicable.

Further, we will see how God uses calamity and curse to bring about redemption and judgement.

Revelation 6:1–8 ESV

1 Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” 2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer. 3 When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” 4 And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword. 5 When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard what seemed to be 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 wine!” 7 When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” 8 And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.

Seal 1

Revelation 6:1–2 ESV

1 Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” 2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.

“Voice of thunder”

This comes from the throne of God.

What/Who is the white horse?

Some have said Christ.

Let’s consider a second possibility:

The other three horses are symbolic, why not the first.

In chapt. 12-13 Satan is portrayed as a deceiver.

Matthew 24:4–5 ESV

4 And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.

The rider represents a Satanic/Evil force.

2 Corinthians 11:14 ESV

14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

Seal 2

Revelation 6:3–4 ESV

3 When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” 4 And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword.

As much as the first horse brought a false peace, the second horseman removes peace.

In essence, it is his attempt to cause believers to waiver or lose faith.

His main function brings war/disharmony.

Matthew 10:34 ESV

34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.

Do not miss the imagery from the words: “people should slay one another”

The word “Slay” is used to point, in Revelation, to Christ and his followers during persecution.

Seal 3

Revelation 6:5–6 ESV

5 When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard what seemed to be 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 wine!”

Pair of Scales = Time of famine

The Voice is from Christ

Qt of Wheat = A days wage

3 Qts of Barley = A days wage

oil and wine = only the wealthy.

Seal 4

Revelation 6:7–8 ESV

7 When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” 8 And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.

Death - Satanic forces following

Sword

Famine

Pestilence

Wild Beasts

Compare to Zech. 1 & 6

The four horsemen are equivalent to the four evil kingdoms of Daniel 7 and Zechariah’s four sets of horses.

Summary:

God’s is Sovereign

Satan is a Liar

God is honorable even in the inexplicable.