The First Six Seals, Part 1

The First Six Seals, Part 1

Revelation, Part 6, Revelation 6:1-6

Introduction

- Today we begin to look at a time so horrific … words barely describe it

-- There’s an urgency to tell others about Jesus; because this is prophecy

- I want to remind you that after Chap. 3 the church is no longer mentioned

-- I believe this is proof that the church has been taken home to glory

-- In the last few weeks we have turned our focus on the Throne Room

- AMP: If ever I was inspired by God to do a hellfire and brimstone message, this would be the chapter I would have to use. Why? Answer: So that we could understand the importance of Jesus’ authority, and His Reign over all creation, and what is to come upon this world.

Pray

Read Revelation 6:1-6

Ω Point 1 – The White Horse (v 1-2)

- The white horse brings a man of conquest

-- Notice who is opening the seals

-- Jesus alone has the authority and right to do this

- The rider on the white horse is not Jesus

-- It is a satanic dictator who imitates Jesus

-- IMP: If Jesus is opening the scroll, He is not on the horse!

-- Jesus (also on a white horse) is mentioned in Revelation 19 … not here

- The political & social scene of today is certainly ripe for this kind of man

-- All that is missing is God allowing it to happen (all things under God)

-- 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7, “And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.”

- You will notice the rider carries a bow - but no arrows

-- He has no ammo to make war, but he signifies war with a weapon

-- The first seal being opened is what brings this dictator to power

- Scripture confirms his arrival and purpose:

-- Daniel 9:27 says “He will confirm a covenant with many for one ’seven.’

-- He confirms a covenant with the Jewish people to bring peace to the land

- The seven here is a seven year period, it represents a literal 7 years of time

-- In the future, he will set himself up as God and demand worship

-- For now, he is laying the foundation by copying God’s characteristics

- Interestingly enough, the rider of the white horse wears a stephanos crown

-- It’s a crown of victory (overcomer) that we have talked about before

-- This crown is given to him by God, because his rule is allowed by God

-- This rider’s conquest will be by his manner of speech, not by war

Background: Many biblical scholars believe that this ruler will come from a European nation. The problem with this view is Europe is not in the position to force the nations of earth to accepting peace.

- Secondly, Israel would not trust Europe with its peace

-- Europe is openly hostile to Israel, with a growing Muslim population

-- Europe is now under constant pressure to appease anti-Jewish viewpoints

When Daniel talks about the Anti-Christ, he states that he will be a descendent of the armies, which destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple. This opens the possibility of the Anti-Christ being a descendent of Rome, but not the leader of a European nation. Think of who, today, would be able to protect Israel and may already be doing so.

Speculation: He could be a European, a descendent of the Roman armies, who heads a powerful nation such as the United States following the Rapture … which can guarantee and protect Israel’s security and lull Israel into a false sense of security.

- FACT: The rider of the White Horse is a great imitator/imposter/pretender

-- He is a false Christ bent on conquest & conquering those who love Christ

For any that hear this:

- IMP: Turn away from him, and look to the God of love who is in Heaven

-- God will be the only protection you have from what is about to unfold!

Ω Point 2 – The Red Horse (v 3-4)

- The red horse brings with him war and conflict

-- All this rider must do is take peace from the earth; men do the rest

-- Peace between men is a gift from God; it is not a natural state (Cain/Abel)

-- Mankind through our sin is constantly looking to be better than others

-- Without the peace of God being present, we would destroy each other

- This authority (to bring war) is granted to the horseman by God