The Wrath Of The Lamb Series

THINGS TO COME – The Wrath of the Lamb

• Revelation 6:1-17; 8:1 (NIV)

INTRODUCTION:

John 6 begins with the praise that filled all of heaven being given to the Lamb and to the One who sits upon the throne. Amidst the sound of praise the Lamb has taken the scroll from the right hand of the Father and throughout chapter 6 begins to open the scroll. Chapter 8 then brings the opening of the seventh and final seal. Suddenly there is silence in heaven for about half an hour. The ovations of praise and worship come to a sudden stop as all of heaven waits in anticipation for what is to come. The silence of expectation filled heaven. All creation in heaven and in earth stood at attention for what was about to happen. The judgment of the Lamb has reached it’s apex; the climax of the Lambs wrath will usher in His swift return as King of kings and Lord of Lords. The Prince of Peace will reign once again over His creation and all things will be made new.

Things to come are not made known to give us a timeline of future events. Things to come are made known to reveal Jesus to us.

I. The Lamb pours out His wrath and executes His judgment.

• Revelation 6:1 (NIV)

I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, "Come!"

1. The great tribulation.

a) John chapter 6 begins with a time to come called the great tribulation. This is a seven year period in which the judgment of God is unleashed against the sinfulness of men who have hardened their hearts and refused to acknowledge God.

b) During this tribulation period Satan is given authority to rule the earth through the person known as the Antichrist. As we will see, what may appear to be a victory for Satan is actually permitted by God and is used to pour out the fullness of his wrath against sin. Sin is unleashed in its fullness, but the Lamb of God who paid the penalty for sin but has been rejected by those still living on the earth is swift with His judgment.

c) The events described in Revelation 6 and continuing through chapter 19 all take place during this 7 year tribulation period.

2. The first four seals—the four horsemen of the Apocalypse.

• The first seal – Revelation 6:1-2 (NIV)

[1] I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, "Come!" [2] I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.

a) Who is this rider on the white horse? Some have suggested it is Jesus as He later seen riding a white horse, but that is where the similarity stops.

• Revelation 19:11-16 (NIV)

[11] I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. [12] His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. [13] He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. [14] The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. [15] Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. [16] On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:

King of kings and Lord of lords.

b) It seems to me the only similarity is that both ride a white horse! Those that follow the rider in chapter 6 are not the armies of heaven riding on white horses. The other three riders resemble demons from hell bent upon destruction; not the kind of company I picture Jesus riding with. Daniel 9:26 says “The prince shall come” that is the Antichrist or the counterfeit Christ. Instead of Jesus riding in victory, it is Satan’s false Christ that comes upon the scene to ride in supposed triumph upon the earth.

I believe this is more likely that the identity of this rider. This rider comes with a bow but has no arrows which would seem to show not a complete victory, but one that is only temporary. This agrees with Revelation 13:4 and 13:7 that tells us no one could make war against the beast who even makes war against the saints and overcomes them!