Journey Through The Bible
  Old Testament Reading: Deuteronomy 23-26
 New Testament Reading: Revelation 6

Then I saw the Lamb open one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” I looked, and there was a white horse. Its rider held a bow; a crown was given to him, and he went out as a conqueror in order to conquer (Revelation 6:1-2).

The worship described in chapters four and five is preparation for the wrath described in chapters six through nineteen. It seems strange to us that worship and judgement should go together, but this is because we do not fully understand either the holiness of God or the sinfulness of man. God is long-suffering, but eventually, He must judge sin and vindicate His servants.

God pours out His wrath in three different types of judgements. The first is the Seal judgements that begin here in chapter six. Next are the Trumpet judgements beginning in chapter eight. And finally, the Bowl judgements beginning in chapter fifteen. Each of the three types of judgements contains seven separate judgements.

Chapter six contains the descriptions of the first six seal judgements. The first four are described as horsemen riding different colored horses. This is where the term ‘The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse’ comes from. These Seal judgements may sound familiar as Jesus teaches them to His disciples in the Olivet discourse in Matthew 24.

Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, is the only one worthy to take the scroll and open its seals. As He opens the first seal, John saw a white horse whose rider wore a crown (Rev 6:1-2). Jesus described him as False Christ (Matt 24:4-5).

The judgement of the second seal is a red horse who takes away peace and creates war (Rev 6:3-4). Jesus said, you will hear of wars and rumors of wars (Matt 24:6).

The judgement of the third seal is a black horse and describes outrageous prices for simple grain (Rev 6:5-6). Jesus said there will be famines and earthquakes in various places (Matt 24:7).

The judgement of the fourth seal is a pale horse whose rider’s name is Death (Rev 6:7-8). Jesus spoke of death (Matt 24:6-9).

The judgement of the fifth seal is Martyrs under the altar (Rev 6:9-11). Jesus said Christians will be persecuted and killed (Matt 24:9).

The judgement of the sixth seal will produce natural catastrophes causing worldwide chaos and panic (Rev 6:12-17). Jesus spoke of worldwide chaos (Matt 24:10-13) and natural catastrophes (Matt 24:29).

As we read about these judgements, we need to keep in mind that John wrote to encourage God’s people in every age of history. Reading through all the symbolism John uses can become quite confusing. However, there are two great truths that stand out that should bring encouragement to all Christians.

First, we are the recipients of God’s patience and grace. We can rejoice in the patience of God because He prioritizes salvation over vengeance. Peter said, The Lord is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance (2 Pet 3:9). God delayed the events written about in this book waiting for you to come to Him and accept Him as your Savior and Lord.

Second, in the end, God’s justice will prevail. We can rejoice in the justice of God because He will not let unrepented sin go unpunished, and He will avenge persecuted believers. If men and women will not yield to the Love of God, and be changed by the Grace of God, then there is no way for them to escape the Wrath of God.

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