Revelation: The Four Horsemen

Revelation 6:1-8

In Revelation 6, the vision of the tribulation begins. During this devastating period on earth, three sets of judgments occur: the seal judgments (Rev. 6:1-18; 8:1), the trumpet judgments (Rev. 8:2-9:21; 11:15-19), and following an unparalleled conflict (Rev. 12-14), the bowl judgments (Rev. 15-16). 

In my understanding of the end times, the Church will be raptured, meaning it will be taken to heaven before the tribulation begins. This is known as the pretribulational view, based on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-53. Just as God delivered Noah and his family from the flood, Lot and his family from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and Rahab and her family from the destruction of Jericho, God will deliver his family from the tribulation. 

I'll explain this viewpoint more thoroughly during the Weekend Recharge. Let me remind us, as I share my interpretation of the end times, that many well-informed believers think that Christians will go through the tribulation period, and their arguments are persuasive. We should be cautious about absolute dogmatism in this area. Charles Ryrie, who supports the belief that Christians will be raptured, emphasizes this crucial point. 

If His coming should be pretribulational, then we will praise Him for the fact that we missed the terrible time. If [his coming is after the Tribulation] then we will gladly suffer for His sake. Either way, we still have the blessed hope of His coming.[1]

Regardless of how we interpret the events in Revelation, we know this undeniable core truth: No matter what happens, all believers will spend eternity in heaven with the Lord!

The Tribulation Begins (Rev. 6:1)
The tribulation commences when Jesus opens the first of the seven seals. The apostle John “watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals” (Rev. 6:1a). Then one of the four living creatures called out to John in a thundering voice to come and see the vision of the first seal (Rev. 6:1b). 

The First Seal: A White Horse (Rev. 6:2)
When the first seal was opened, John saw a white horse. The horse’s rider “had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer” (Rev. 6:2). Some believe that Jesus is the rider because he will ride a white horse when he comes to end the tribulation (Rev. 19:11-16). However, the rider here is the one bringing war, famine, and destruction. Also, the crown on this rider’s head is given to human warriors or conquerors (Grk: stephanos). The crown worn by the King of kings is a diadem. 

The conqueror described should be understood as the future world ruler—the Antichrist (although Revelation does not use this term). Notice that he has a bow but no arrow. This suggests that he will establish a world government without resorting to warfare. This world government will begin with a time of peace. In fact, during the first half of the tribulation, covenants will be made and alliances built between nations. With the internet, global economy, and international news coverage, it is easy to see how the world today could follow one person. However, the peace and false security will come to an end. 

The Second Seal: A Bright Red Horse (Rev. 6:3-4)
When Jesus opened the second seal, another horse appeared, its color a bright red, symbolizing violence and bloodshed. This rider “was given a great sword” and was “permitted to take peace from the earth.” This signals a time of extreme bloodshed. Humans will revert to their destructive instincts and “slay one another.” The word translated “slay” (Grk: sphazo) means “to slaughter,” “to kill by violence.” This is not some evil spell cast upon each person. It is a time when peace and justice are removed. The floodwaters of evil will pour forth.

Remember, God is on his throne and in control. These events are not a surprise to God. The Old Testament prophets wrote about the end times. Zechariah says, “And on that day a great panic from the Lord shall fall on them, so that each will seize the hand of another, and the hand of the one will be raised against the hand of the other” (Zech. 14:13).

The Third Seal: A Black Horse (Rev. 6:5-6)
When the third seal was opened, John saw a black horse. At this point, the world is at war. The color black represents famine and death spreading across the earth. John heard a voice say, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!” (Rev. 6:6). During the food shortage, a quart of wheat—one day’s supply of food—would cost a denarius, which was a day’s wages. Three quarts of barley, which was less nutritious, would feed a small family for a day’s wages. Compared to John’s time, a day’s wages could buy fifteen times as much food. The phrase, “and do not harm the oil and wine,” means that after buying the wheat or barley, there would be nothing left to buy oil or wine.

The Fourth Seal: A Pale Horse (Rev. 6:7-8)
This pale horse ushers in death. John states that the rider’s “name was Death, and Hades followed him.” Death and Hades are allowed to kill over a quarter of the world's population. Just imagine that! Some will die in war, some from famine, and others from diseases spreading across populations. Still, others will perish from the wild beasts that roam freely, searching for food. 

At least one-quarter of the world's population will be wiped out. Do the math. That’s two billion people based on current numbers! The world has gone through dark, violent, and destructive times with floods, wars, famines, diseases, and natural disasters. However, it has never experienced anything like this before. A death toll of that magnitude will be unprecedented. Words can't describe the fear and panic that will follow such a desperate time. 

The first four riders are known as the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.” This describes what will happen when God allows evil to go unchecked, leading to the end of the world as we know it. Unleashed sin will cause catastrophic changes. 

Still, keep in mind these two things:

• God remains on his throne in complete control. 
• In the end, we win!

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Revelation 6:1-8. Try to absorb these unimaginably devastating times.

Talking to God: The first rider gives a misleading sense of peace—consider what “false securities” distract believers today from the true peace found in Christ. Ask God to reveal what you are relying on as false security instead of trusting in him.

Have questions? Please send your questions to our team. We're happy to assist you as we explore God's Word together. Submit your question below, and we'll reply soon. Let us know if you want to learn more about a relationship with Jesus or if you're seeking spiritual guidance. 

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