The Book Of Revelation (Revelation 6)

I. Things Which Thou Hast Seen – Rev chapter 1

II. Things Which Are – The Church Age – Rev chapter 2-3

III. Things Which Are To Come – The rapture – Rev chapters 4

IV. The re-claiming of the earth – Rev. chapter 5

V. We are now in chapter six the first six seals are opened – Rev 6

A basic outline of chapter six looks like this:

1. The Opening Of The First Seal – CROWN GIVEN – Rev 6:1-2

2. The Opening Of The Second Seal – WAR -- Rev 6:3-4

3. The Opening Of The Third Seal – FAMINE – Rev 6:5-6

4. The Opening Of The Fourth Seal – DEATH – Rev 6:7-8

5. The Opening Of The Fifth Seal – COMFORT FOR THE MARTYRED SAINTS – Rev 6:9-11

6. The Opening Of The Sixth Seal – THE DAY OF GOD’S WRATH – Rev 6:12-17

We must not forget that chapters 4 and 5 only the Lord is worthy to open the book with seven seals. Now in chapter 6 the Lord is beginning to open the book. Let’s look at…

I. THE FIRST SEAL (White Horse)

The Opening of the First Seal -- CROWN GIVEN.

This is when the tribulation period is starting and a crown is given to the anti-christ. The church has been raptured and there is no godly influence to restrain the anti-christ during this time. Also, the Holy Spirit has returned to heaven. The anti-christ is given a crown, he will be in full control for these seven years.

Look at 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.

In verse 1 John sees the Lamb (Jesus) opening the first seal

He said, I heard the noise of thunder, John sees and hear two things:

1) John hears the beast say, “Come.”

2) John sees the white horse and He who sat upon it

Who is on the white horse?

Most commentaries consider this to be the antichrist.

Some feel that it is not the anti-christ because Christ is on a white horse in Revelation 19:11-12 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.

The one riding on a white horse in chapter 6 is not Christ – but the antichrist.

Why we believe the rider on the white horse is the anti-christ.

(1) First, the archangel commands this figure to “Come” (v.1). This hardly fits with the notion that the figure is Christ, who is greater than angels (Heb. 1:4ff). Angels wouldn’t boss Christ around.

(2) Second, John says that “a crown was given to him” (v.2). This implies that he doesn’t have the authority in and of himself. Instead, God gave him this authority for this period of time. In Revelation 19 the Lord is given many crowns.This also fits with chapter 13, where God allows the beast to make war with the saints and “overcome” (Greek nikao) them (Rev. 13:7). This is the same Greek word used in verse 2 to refer to the rider “conquering” (Greek nikao).

(3) Third, this rider carries a bow (v.2), while Christ carries a sword (Rev. 19:15).

(4) Fourth, the context of the passage deals with other riders, who are clearly not Christ or even godly angels.

Again, notice, the rider in Revelation 6 has a bow. But notice this rider has a bow with no arrows. The anti Christ first appearance on the scene he comes to make peace.

At the beginning of the tribulation period this smooth talking individual according to Revelation 13 the whole world will believe on him. He is a politician of politicians.

Revelation 13:5-8 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.