Sunday Evening May 5, 2002 Bel Aire Baptist Church
Series: The End [#6]
IT ALL BEGINS
Revelation 6
Introduction:
1. This tired earth has come under cruel times of famine, catastrophe, dictatorship, and many other types of suffering; but Revelation 6 introduces an awesome period of time in this world’s history.
2. These seven years is to get people’s attention and maybe “wake” some of them up to Who is in charge.
3. There are three sets of judgments during the Tribulation- seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls.
4. The first set, the seven seals, are found in Revelation 6 and cover the first quarter of the Tribulation (which is the first 21 months).
Seal #1: The Rider On The White Horse
The first four seals reveal horses and riders. The four horsemen present the picture of man’s inhumanity to man.
Revelation 6:1-2
1. There has been question concerning the rider of this first horse.
Daniel 9:26-27
2. Daniel is telling us that the future world dictator would begin his career as a peacemaker! He will go from victory to victory and finally control the whole world.
3. Some have suggested that the rider on the white horse is actually a symbol of the “conquering Christ” who today is defeating the forces of evil in the world. They use Revelation 19:11 as proof, but the only similarity is the presence of a white horse.
4. I believe that this rider is the Antichrist. We should expect the Antichrist to resemble Christ. This is Satan’s imitation of the real thing. This great deceiver will come as a peaceful leader, holding a bow but no arrows! (By the way, our Lord’s weapon is a sword; Revelation 19:15). The Antichrist will solve the world’s problems and be received as a great leader.
5. Another proof that this is the Antichrist and not Jesus Christ is in verse 2. The word for crown in Revelation 6:2 means “the victor’s crown.” The crown that Jesus Christ wears is translated as “the kingly crown” (Revelation 19:12). The Antichrist could never wear “the kingly crown” because it belongs only to Jesus Christ.
6. As we have discussed several times, the Antichrist will “trick” everyone into believing he is the savior of the world. He will get their trust as he lures them in.
Seal #2: The Rider On The Red Horse
Revelation 6:3-4
1. The red horse and the rider are a symbol of war. Notice the rider has the ability to “take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other.”
2. Also notice that this time there is not a weapon without ammunition, there is a sword.
3. As we studied last week, when the Antichrist begins his rule, three of the ten kings will “go up against” him.
4. I believe that when the Antichrist eliminates those three kings that it will begin a war.
5. Those countries will begin to war against the others and there will be a very bloody war.
6. The color red is generally associated with terror and death.
Seal #3: The Rider On The Black Horse
Revelation 6:5-6
1. The color black is often used in Scripture to symbolize famine.
2. Many times after a war there are economic problems, which result in famine. Inflation usually takes hold after a war.
3. The balances in the hand of the rider on the black horse indicate the scarcity of food.
4. The amount of food that will be able to be purchased for a whole day’s labor is enough to properly feed one person. What about people’s family.
5. Now for the rich, it won’t be so bad. Notice that the rider is instructed to not damage the oil and wine, which are traditional foods of the rich.
6. As in most wars, the common people will suffer greatly.
Seal #4: The Rider On The Pale Horse
Revelation 6:7-8
1. The pale horse is corpse-like, signifying death.
2. The death rate of the first 21 months of the Tribulation period will be tremendously high as a result of war, famine, and inflation.
3. In fact, ¼ of the world’s population will die.
4. The fact that Hades follows the pale horse of death indicates that these are unsaved dead.
5. A believer who receives Christ during the Tribulation will not go to Hades, which is a place reserved for unbelievers as they await the Great White Throne Judgment.
6. Christians don’t forget the fact of Who is opening the seals. It’s the Lamb, which should cause us to realize that God is in control.
Seal #5: The Martyred Tribulation Saints
Revelation 6:9-11
1. In chapter 7 we will learn that there will be a great harvest of souls at the beginning of the Tribulation.
2. This will cause a time of great persecution against Christians.
3. These Tribulation Saints (if you are Pre-Tribulationist) were not saved at the time of the rapture, but were saved during the Tribulation.
4. These Tribulation Saints will be martyred. The world will hate the testimonies of these Christians.
5. Although these saints ask how long will it be, it is comforting to know that there persecution will last for only a small amount of time.
6. We know these are Christians because of their white robes. Although it will be a terrible time of persecution, these Christians will spend all of eternity with Jesus Christ just as we will as Christians.
Seal #6: Catastrophe On Earth
Revelation 6:12-17
1. It has already been bad, but now it’s going to get worse. There will be a great earthquake (verse 12).
2. After that there will be meteors falling to the ground and destroying things (verse 13).
3. The earth will be changed immensely (verse 14).
4. In verse 15 we find these stubborn people fearing for their lives.
5. Unfortunately there is nowhere to hide.
6. Notice in verse 16-17 that people begin to realize what has happened and that they are facing the wrath of God. For many it is too late.
Conclusions:
1. The seventh seal is found in Revelation 8. The opening of the first five seals reveals the activities of humankind, bringing about great misery on the earth.
2. The opening of the sixth seal seems to be God’s reaction against the people for their cruel persecution of His saints.
3. The opening of the seventh seal introduces the seven trumpet judgments, which are all judgments of God sent on the earth.
4. Christians, I don’t believe you want anyone to have to go through this time. If all of these terrifying events don’t cause us to tell others about Jesus Christ before it’s too late, what will?
5. Next week, we will be in Revelation 7.
