Please note that the
previous post provides essential foundational information to understanding the
information presented as this series moves forward. Today, we come to the opening of the
seven-sealed scroll. It is this section
of scripture from which “the four horsemen of the apocalypse” emerge.
I think it is interesting
that this section of scripture falls on New Year’s Eve. As we enter this new year, my prayer is that
you will take the time to think about how quickly national alliances are
reshuffling, how quickly the world financial structure is leading toward
centralization, and how the advance of both scientific knowledge and technology
at warp speed is establishing the necessary tools for a world leader to be able
to exercise despotic “big brother” control throughout the world. The time is short.
I pray that as we continue
to look at God’s word, you will recognize the need to be sure that your heart
is right with the Lord so that you will be delivered from the worst that is to
come. All you have to do is admit that
you are sinner, place your faith in Jesus and accept His free gift of
salvation.
John 3:16 “For God so loved
the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life.”
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 “…Christ died for our sins according to the
scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day
according to the scriptures:”
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that
not of yourselves: it is the
gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
John 14:21 “He that has my commandments, and keeps them, he it is
that loves me: and he that loves me shall be loved of my Father, and I will
love him, and will manifest myself to him.”
The sincerity of your faith
will be revealed by the transformation that begins to take place in your life
as you seek to live according to His will as revealed in scripture. Your works cannot save you, but they do serve
to prove you.
Revelation 6:1-2 “And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals,
and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying,
Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a
bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to
conquer.”
Jesus is
the one opening the seals; He is not the rider on the first horse as I have heard
posited by some. I think the rider on the white horse represents Satan going forth to
exert his power and influence on the world eventually gaining his greatest
influence through the being we call Antichrist. His
purpose is to go forth and conquer the world. Note that he is carrying a
bow. Research indicates that this word references the arc or crescent
shape of the weapon he carries. The scientific names of some organisms
were derived from its Greek root “toxon” because of their shape, e.g.
toxoplasma. The word is singular and would seem to indicate a bow
with no reference to arrows; in other words, he will conquer without using
physical force. He will first appear as a man of peace, an angel
of light.
2 Corinthians 11:14–15 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed
into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be
transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to
their works.
The Antichrist will be victorious as
indicated by his crown (Greek, stephanos – a wreath, the prize in public
games or competition). Significant to note is that the crown he wears
represents authority, but it has been delegated to him for a time.
Also important to note as we study the
first five seals is how they mirror the “birth pains” signs that were noted by
Jesus as He taught His disciples regarding His second coming. Like birth pains, these signs will increase
in intensity and frequency as the time for the return of Jesus approaches.
Matthew 24:6-7 For many
shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and
rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must
come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against
nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines,
and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers place
False Christs or Messiahs will eventually
culminate in the Antichrist, the ultimate Christ impostor.
The second rider is on a red horse and
carries a sword; his purpose is to eliminate any kind of peace on earth by
provoking people to kill one another.
Revelation 6:3-4 “And when he had
opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there
went out another horse that was
red: and power was given to him
that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one
another: and there was given unto him a great sword.”
Notice that the power of this rider
also is given to him. By whom? The One who gives the power
to each rider, the One who possesses the authority to open the seals—Jesus.
History is filled with records of wars
among peoples and nations; however, I think the record proves that beginning in
the twentieth century, war and rumors of war on a worldwide scale have
increased dramatically both in number and intensity.
When the third seal is opened, we see a
black horse with a rider that is carrying a pair of balances or scales.
He is empowered to destroy the world’s economy and promote worldwide
poverty.
Revelation 6:5-6 “And when he had
opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld,
and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his
hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of
wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the
wine.”
The picture painted is one of famine
although there will still be many that will enjoy life with plenty and
luxury. Though there has always been a distinction in social levels among
the peoples of the world, I think that the last decade in particular has shown
a marked change in the world financial picture. The economics of the
nations of the world are interdependent upon one another more than ever before,
and the gulf between the rich and poor continues to increase at an exponential rate.
The next pair of riders represents the
final riders corresponding to the signs identified as birth pains. The lead rider is “Death,” but he has a
companion identified as “Hell”—Death for the body; Hell for the soul.
Revelation 6:7-8 “And when he had
opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and
see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was
Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the
fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death,
and with the beasts of the earth.”
These riders will be responsible for
the deaths of over 25% of the world population during the time they are
allotted. Though we can’t be certain
regarding that timeframe, it will result in the death of billions of people.
Recognized Greek scholar Kenneth Wuest’s expanded Greek translation for
“Come and see” as each rider was addressed at the opening of each seal was
actually, “Be coming.” That emphasized to me that the effects resulting
from the opening of each seal would occur over an indefinite period of
time. It allows room to speculate regarding the timing of the opening of
the seals and the actual start of the tribulation or 70th week of
Daniel.
All
of these riders represent Satan and his followers at work wreaking havoc and
destruction yet accomplishing God’s purpose in the process.
(to be continued…)
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