The Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypse Series

We come now to the study of Revelation chapter 6. Chapter 6 begins for us the future element of the book of Revelation. Now we get into the prophecy regarding the time of the end. What we are reading tonight are the events that are going to happen momentarily. Based on the current condition of our world and the progression of global events, this scene in Heaven is nearing fruition, which means that the Church will be raptured. This is a timely study and we will see how what is happening today is leading up to what we are reading here in Chapter 6 and ongoing in Revelation. There is truth and application in every verse for us right now. It is not just a mystical trip into the future, it is not just a fascinating look at something of a distant time, it is happening or in preparation to happen at this very hour, and we’re going to allow the Holy Spirit of God to apply it as we go.

Before we read this passage, I want to make a comment about the events we are going to read and study tonight and the weeks to come. In every release, judgment, and verse, God is in control. This is not the prophecy of satan’s diabolical plan. These are not events that will happen ‘willy-nilly.’ This is God’s judgment on the world for the purpose of redeeming the entire world and extinguishing the damning effects of sin and evil forever. This is God’s plan, God’s power, God’s sovereignty. The four horsemen are released because God commands it so. The seals are opened because God opens the seals. Therefore, our faith and our hope must always remain steadfast in Him and Him alone.

Revelation 6:1–8 ESV

1 Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” 2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer. 3 When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” 4 And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword. 5 When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!” 7 When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” 8 And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.

You will remember in chapters 4 and 5 are in the throne room of heaven. In Chapter 4, God is seated on His throne. The scene is of God about to unleash judgment. Around His throne are lightning and thunder. In the midst of this, there is glorious worship of God by the redeemed and raptured church and by the angels. Then as we come into chapter 5, God holds out in His hand a scroll sealed with seven seals. Those seven seals are hiding what was in the scroll. The seals cannot be broken without until except by the one who had a right to open it. This is indicative of a legal document. The scroll is the title deed to the universe, and Chapter 5 tells us that the only one who is worthy and able to open it is the Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lion from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David. And in the midst of all of this glorious worship as God gets ready to act in judgment and as all those glorified beings celebrate His coming judgment, for it is right and just, and will be the exaltation of Christ and the glory of the saints; as they celebrate that, God puts out His hand, and in it is the little scroll which symbolizes the title deed to the universe. It has to be taken back from the usurper Satan and all his cronies. The Lamb, the Lion of the tribe of Judah comes forth and takes the scroll. He is worthy, and He is able. He has a right to inherit the universe; He has the power to take it.