The Four Horses Of The Apocalypse

The Four Horses of the Apocalypse

Rev. 6

Oct. 12, 2008 FBC, Chester Dr. Mike Fogerson, Speaker

Introduction

I The rider of the white horse

A Some say this rider/cavalier is Jesus by comparing 6:1-2 to 19:11-16. Then I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, "Come ." 2 I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. Rev 6:1-2 (NASB)

And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. 13 He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. 15 From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. 16 And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." Rev 19:11-16 (NASB)

1 Actually, these two riders have little in common.

a The rider in 6:1-2 is wearing a stephanos (a victor’s crown), carrying a bow; the Rider in 19 is wearing many diadems (sovereign crown), carrying a sharp double-edged sword.

b Rider in 6:1-2 will bring about a peace agreement/cease-fire; Rider in 19 will bring real peace, he is the Prince of Peace.

aa In don’t believe this is the Antichrist, because other riders are not individual persons, but rather impersonal forces.

bb However, the Antichrist will play a leading role in promoting this worldwide obsession with seeking peace.

2 How can peace be bad? The Antichrist uses it as bait.

a Lure, lull the entire planet into a false sense of peace/security followed by war, famine, & death.

b He will be especially deceptive to Israel. And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate. Dan 9:27 (NASB)

aa 3 ½ years into his peace with Israel by desecrating the temple.

bb How? The Mosque of Omar (Dome of the Rock) sits on the Holy Mount.

c I believe the Temple will be rebuilt during this 3 ½ years of peace.

aa A noted professor in Jerusalem, who has spent thousands of hours studying the temple, its ancient location, and the process of rebuilding the temple, said under normal circumstances it could be built quickly.

bb However, because of certain required prayers/rituals/ dedications, the process would take about 3 ½ years, 42 months.

cc And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. Rev 11:3 (NASB) Elijah/Moses act as prophets for 1,260 days...42 months

B How could this “abomination of desolation” occur? Forces from him will arise, desecrate the sanctuary fortress, and do away with the regular sacrifice. And they will set up the abomination of desolation. Dan 11:31 (NASB)

Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), 16 then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. Matt 24:15-16 (NASB)

1 Most of you know that modern-day Iran & Iraq are ancient Persia & Babylon, respectively (until 1935, the nation we call Iran was called by its ancient name, Persia).

a Nazis of 30’s & 40’s & modern-day Iran share similar views of Israel/Jews.

aa Nazis believed only pure Aryan blood was worthy to live in the borders of Germany.

bb All other bloodlines were inferior, & the Jews were the worst.

cc Radicals in Iran feel the same way.

b The reason Iran changed its name was to give homage to all the Aryan tribes who settled the region long ago (Iran is derived from the same word as Aryan).

aa No wonder they’re all about hating Israel & the Jews.

bb Their own spiritual writings in the Qur’an confirm their hate for Jews & Christians. “O ye that believe. Take not the Jews and Christians for friends. They are friends to one another. He among you who taketh friends is (one) of them. Lo, Allah guideth not wrongdoing folks.” Surah 5-51