A Brave New World:
“Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?’ But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.’” (Revelation 5:1-5)
Back when the book of Revelation was written, mortgage agreements were handwritten on papyrus and rolled up as scrolls. It was the custom at that time to seal the scroll of the mortgaged property so that no one could tamper with the deed. Another scroll would accompany the sealed scroll, and people would refer to it concerning the contents of the sealed scroll. The sealed scroll would only be opened at the time the property was transferred. The new owner would then open and inspect the sealed scroll to make sure everything was in order.
The scroll with seven wax seals in Revelation Chapter 5 represents the deed to the earth and the nations thereof,[1] whoever holds it has the right to rule. When the last seal is loosed and the scroll is opened, the new owner will take possession of his property. God is shown symbolically sitting on the throne; He has possession of the scroll. Jesus is the one found worthy[2] to take the scroll from the Father’s hand and open it.
When the Apostle John, who wrote the book of Revelation, experienced visions on the Isle of Patmos, he was told that a mighty lion with stellar ancestry had triumphed! So, John probably expected to see some powerful figure take hold of the scroll. Yet, what John saw next was a lamb looking as if it had been slain, clutching an antique scroll as old as the earth itself, with writings upon it within and without, and seven wax seals holding it closed. Why would the powerful Lion of Judah now have the appearance of a slain sacrificial lamb? Because Jesus Christ, in his role as the lamb of God, died on the cross to redeem all those who have faith in him.[3]
Cleaning House:
As Christ begins breaking open each of the seven wax seals on Revelation’s scroll, a series of events takes place. The first four seals send four horsemen riding through the earth, bringing in famine and death. The fifth seal sets up the killing machine Satan and his demon forces will use upon Christians. The sixth seal speaks of apostasy.
The following seven trumpet blasts contained in Revelation’s seventh seal are symbolic of heaven’s battle and intended victory,[4] each blast having an impact on earth. The last three trumpets are called woes. The seventh trumpet, or final woe, contain Revelation’s bowl[5] judgments. The final bowl is poured out right before the Battle of Armageddon.[6]
Some may wonder why something Jesus is doing in heaven would initiate a demonic uprising on earth? Because Jesus Christ is reclaiming the domain Adam forfeited to Satan. Jesus is redeeming the earth along with all the souls who have faith in his atonement. As the new owner, Christ is opening the deed to make sure everything is in order. But everything is not in order! The whole earth is filled with wickedness, and this shall not stand.
Satan, realizing that time is short, musters all of his forces into action and brings about his final conquest. However, as Jesus breaks open the last wax seal, the devil is no longer triumphant over mankind, Christ is. In a last-ditch effort to thwart Christ’s victory, Satan brings the world to the brink of destruction during the Battle of Armageddon, at which time Jesus Christ returns to the Mount of Olives and saves the world:
“On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west forming a very large valley. Half of the mountain will move toward the north, and the other half toward the south. And you will flee by the valley of My mountains, for the valley of the mountains will reach to Azel; yes, you will flee just as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD, my God, will come, and all the holy ones with Him!” (Zechariah 14:4-5)
The Four Horses of Revelation:
What does a horse symbolize? Strength! Battle! The ability to cover long distances! What do horsemen do? They ride. When the four horses and their riders ride through the earth, they take the world by storm. These horsemen are illustrations of spirits who have been granted power before the courts of God to influence men and bring pestilence and death upon the earth. The deception these spirits manifest is also a sign to the Middle Eastern people that their Messiah is at hand.
“The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing.” (2 Thessalonians 2:9–10)
In the bible’s book of Ephesians, Satan and his demon forces are called,
“… the powers of this dark world.” (Ephesians 6:12)
As the devil restrains the light of truth from unbelievers there is less of a chance they will see the light of the gospel.[7]
Authorization From the Heavenly Throne:
Speaking about Revelation’s red horse, it is written:
“Its rider was given power.” (Revelation 6:4)
In the original Greek language which Revelation was written in, the passive form of the verb for “given” or “edothé” is used four times in chapter 6:1-8. The subject (i.e., the one who “gave”) is never explicitly stated, but the context is clear that authorization came from the heavenly throne, God, the Lamb or both. Therefore, despite how things may look on earth, God’s plan is moving forward to its inevitable conclusion. Revelation’s seals, trumpets and bowl judgments are under God’s direction, not Satan’s.
An example of power being given is recorded in the bible’s book of Job. Satan pleaded before the courts of God to smite Job and his house, and Satan was given power to do so. Fire came down from heaven and destroyed Job’s sheep and those tending them. The devil also influenced the Sabeans and the Chaldeans to rob Job’s livestock and kill Job’s servants. God also allowed Satan to cause a violent wind to destroy Job’s eldest son’s house, killing all of those inside.
At the very time Jesus is opening the final seals on earth’s mortgage scroll, Satan will be allowed to lash out with great vengeance. This planet could suffer massive environmental disasters as a result of these horsemen. It’s possible there will be holy wars in which rival nations pollute their enemies’ cities or water supplies with nuclear or biochemical contamination.
Seal One—the First Horse Rides:
“I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, ‘Come!’ I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.” (Revelation 6:1–2)
A white horse: What better color could have been used to depict a conqueror? Also, when this first seal is broken, John hears a clap of thunder; this points to a sudden conquest.
The words:
“… and he was given a crown,”
are noteworthy. It depicts the rise of the coming new world order.
Also, the rider of the white horse,
“… held a bow.”
This is symbolic of weaponry and battle. The text also states that the horseman,
“… rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.” (Revelation 6:2)
This white horse and its rider represent military action, and the conquest of nations.
Seal Two—the Second Horse Rides:
“When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, ‘Come!’ Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword.” (Revelation 6:3–4)
The color red was given to this horse to depict blood. The large sword this horseman receives is a symbolic illustration of the massive force the rider manifests upon the earth. What does a sword do? It kills! Men wield weapons of death in this world; therefore, the rider of the red horse is given power to influence mankind to kill one another, eventually bringing the earth into a state of crisis, and setting the stage for Antichrist’s entrance.
The man of sin will come upon the world scene hiding under a false cloak, he will claim to be the Jewish Messiah. The world will see him as an influential world leader who will unite the Islamic and Jewish people together for everlasting peace.
Seal Three—the Third Horse Rides:
“When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a day’s wages, and three quarts of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine.’” (Revelation 6:5–6)
The color black given to this horse represents a lack of spiritual enlightenment, which mankind will face during this hour. The pair of scales the rider is holding represent a lack of plenty, with grain representing what is being measured out.
Yet, Revelation 6:5-6 is not just a reference to literal food, and/or labor one would do for an employer. There is an end-time famine mentioned in scripture which is figurative in nature; and Revelation 6:5-6 is referring to that passage:
“‘The days are coming,’ declares the Sovereign LORD, ‘when I will send a famine through the land— not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD. Men will stagger from sea to sea and wander from north to east, searching for the word of the LORD, but they will not find it.’” (Amos 8:11-12)
Because the bible speaks of a spiritual famine to come, the wheat, barley, oil, and wine, mentioned in Revelation 6:5-6 are also illustrations of spiritual things.[8] For example: there are passages in scripture where wine represents[9] Christ’s blood. Other passages depict oil as the anointing[10] of God’s spirit. It’s noteworthy that the oil and the wine are not to be touched. This is a picture of Christians being protected from spiritual harm, while their daily bread, spiritual food,[11] is in short supply.
Seal Four—the Fourth Horse Rides:
“When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, ‘Come!’ I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.” (Revelation 6:7–8)
This spotted, pale gray horse is symbolic of a slow, lingering death.
The,
“… wild beasts of the earth,” (Revelation 6:8)
represent religious and political systems that these horsemen establish. Conforming to the coming Antichrist’s religious ideology will bring mankind into a sick spiritual state.
Some horses go into the north country,[12] which represents Turkey. Their influence in Turkey will have worked, for Turkey is one of the nations mentioned in the bible’s book of Ezekiel that comes against Jerusalem in the battle of Armageddon. Christian nations, at that time, will not suffer the effects of these judgments nearly as much as certain Middle Eastern countries: Turkey, Iran, Ethiopia, and Libya, because the work of the wicked angels will be hindered by God’s people. The promises of divine blessing and the forewarnings of divine cursing as spelled out in scripture are still in effect throughout the time Revelation’s four horsemen ride.
The Four Horses of Zechariah:
The four horses from Zechariah and the four horses of Revelation are different views of the same type of influences. The dappled horse of Zechariah is similar to the pale horse in Revelation.
“The first chariot had red horses, the second black, the third white, and the fourth dappled—all of them powerful. I asked the angel who was speaking to me, ‘What are these, my lord?’ The angel answered me, ‘These are the four spirits of heaven, going out from standing in the presence of the Lord of the whole world.” (Zechariah 6:2–5)
The horses of Zechariah Chapter 6 had historical fulfillments in the history of Israel, but as mentioned, they are, different views of the same type of influences, because Revelation is not simply quoting Zechariah’s prophecy; it is using imagery and language from Zechariah 6 (and other passages) to produce a new prophecy.
Therefore, Revelation’s four horsemen point to something different than the horsemen in Zechariah 6, though there are similarities between the two prophecies.
The picture of Revelation’s colored horses alludes to Zechariah 6:1-8 where four groups of horses patrolled the earth and punished those nations that went too far in oppressing God’s people. God used the nations to chastise Israel but not to destroy her. The natural, political and economic disasters at the time the four horsemen ride, are to punish the nations for oppressing God’s chosen people. These judgments serve a dual purpose; they will also purge Christians from idolatry and purify the church world-wide.
The Fifth Seal—Martyrs:
“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, ‘How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?’ Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed.” (Revelation 6:9–11)
In this last verse, martyrs throughout history are told to wait a little longer for God’s judgment to be administered upon earth because there are more martyrs yet to come. When Antichrist sets up his killing machine to eliminate those who will not take his mark, we will see martyrdom on a major scale. This will be the true test for the halfhearted, partially committed men and women who profess Jesus Christ as savior. It’s inevitable that multitudes will fall from the faith, submitting to the edicts of the man of sin, rather than suffer death.
The Sixth Seal—Apostasy:
“I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as late figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind. The sky receded like a scroll, rolling up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place.” (Revelation 6:12–14)
Notice the language of Revelation 6:14:
“The sky receded like a scroll, rolling up.”
Seeing that the deed to the earth is also a scroll, this illustration of a scroll rolling up is pointing to a change in the deed’s status.
Mountains represent world kingdoms.[13]
The saying,
“… every mountain and island was removed from its place,” (Revelation 6:14)
is speaking of a change from Satan’s kingdom under Antichrist, to Christ’s coming kingdom.
Consider Revelation 6:13 once more, focusing on the stars:
“And the stars in the sky fell to earth, as late figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind.” (Revelation 6:13)
The stars falling in Revelation 6:13 are not literal stars falling, or even what may have looked like stars falling to the Apostle John. What do stars falling have to do with a fig tree being shaken by a might wind?
The nation of Israel is described as a fig tree and also an olive tree in scripture. Men are likened unto trees. Jesus cursed a fig tree because there was no fruit on it. Yet it was the right time of the season for fruit, and there were leaves on the tree which Christ saw from a distance, showing that the tree should have had fruit. Men produce fruit (good works) out of a good heart. Yet the hearts of many of those in Israel were unfruitful at that time.
John the Baptist said:
“The ax is already at the root of the trees.” (Matthew 3:10)
John was telling Israel to bring forth fruit. However, John’s words were not heeded.
Yet the book of Revelation is written about the future, not what Israel did in the past. While the symbolism remains the same, the timeframe is wrong. The nation of Israel was cut off for a season because they rejected Christ. In the book of Romans, we see that a new branch, the Gentiles, were grafted into the tree that God planted.[14]
The stars that fall in Revelation 6:13 represent men and women who have a weak commitment to Christ. In their day of adversity, when they are shaken, they are likened unto stars falling from the heavens to the earth.
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Endnotes:
[1] “Ask it of Me, and I will certainly give the nations as Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth as Your possession.” (Psalms 2:8, NASB)
[2] “And they sang a new song: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.'” (Revelation 5:9)
[3] “… a person is not justified by works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus …” (Galatians 2:16, NASB)
[4] “After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: ‘Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.’” (Revelation 19:1)
[5] Revelation 16:2–17
[6] “Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.” (Revelation 16:16)
[7] “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel.” (2 Corinthians 4:4)
[8] “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?” (Matthew 24:45)
[9] “Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’” (Matthew 26:27-28)
[10] “‘Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it; consecrate it and all its furnishings, and it will be holy. … Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest. Bring his sons and dress them in tunics. Anoint them just as you anointed their father, so they may serve me as priests. Their anointing will be to a priesthood that will continue for all generations to come.’” (Exodus 40:9,13-15)
[11] “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God.” (Hebrews 5:14-6:1)
[12] Zechariah 6:8
[13] “Here is the mind which has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains upon which the woman sits.” (Revelation 17:9, NASB)
[14] “But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, ‘Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.’ Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. See then the kindness and severity of God: to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; for otherwise you too will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in; for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree? For I do not want you, brothers and sisters, to be uninformed of this mystery—so that you will not be wise in your own estimation—that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.” (Romans 11:17-25, NASB)