Revelation Part 22
In a sobering change of tone, the scene in the heavenly throne room changes and focuses on events that must occur on earth prior to Christ’s return. We now introduce the first of the four horsemen.
As we turn to Revelation 6, the tone shifts dramatically. The majestic praise of heaven in chapters 4 and 5 gives way to the sobering realities of judgment that must come before the government of God fills the earth. Between the heavenly worship and the future establishment of God’s Kingdom lies the stark truth of human history under Satan’s influence. John reminds us in 1 John 5:19 that “the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.” Everything we experience in this world—our systems of government, culture, relationships, and even the natural environment—is affected by that influence. Because of this corruption, judgment is necessary. As Psalm 9:7–8 affirms, “The Lord . . . has prepared His throne for judgment. He shall judge the world in righteousness, and He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness.” The opening of the seals marks the beginning of God’s direct judgment on the earth—a new administration under Christ who will bring truth, clarity and righteous rule to replace the deceptions of the present age.
The scroll given to Christ in Revelation 5 contains the blueprint of God’s plan, but it is sealed, and only the Lamb is worthy to open it. In chapter 6 the location is still the vision from the throne room but the focus shifts back to earth as each seal is broken, initially unveiling stages of consequences and implication of sin that unfold progressively and culminate in the end time. These judgments parallel the teaching Jesus gave decades earlier in Matthew 24, when His disciples asked about the signs of His coming and of the end of the age. He warned of deception, wars, famines and pestilence—events that correspond directly to the first four seals in Revelation. Jesus called these “the beginning of birth pains” (Matthew 24:8, New International Version), a vivid image reminding us that these crises have occurred since the fall of man but will intensify and escalate until the climax of the end of the age. Just as labor contractions grow stronger and closer together as a mother is preparing to give birth, so too will these events press forward with increasing severity until the Kingdom is born.
Christ reminds and prepares His people to “see that you are not troubled” (verse 6) and in 28:10 we are told “do not be afraid.” In 24:8-14 Christ reiterates the impact and challenges that will be faced during this time, and in verse 15 Christ also ties Daniel’s visions to this time as well. In Daniel 12:1 he writes, “there shall be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation...” In verse 9 it is reiterated that what will happen is closed up and sealed until the end of time when Christ can open the seals. Verse 10 states that “none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.” We know that God reveals these things to us through His spirit (1 Corinthians 2:9-11), and that without it, it would not make sense to us.
The first four seals are well known and referred to as the Four Horsemen. One of the living creatures around the throne calls John’s attention to the breaking of the first seal. A white horse appears, and its rider carries a bow. He is given a crown and goes out “conquering and to conquer” (Revelation 6:2). At first glance, the white horse might appear to represent Christ, but as we look at the details, they reveal otherwise. Unlike Christ in Revelation 19, who wields a sword proceeding from His mouth to judge with the Word of God, this rider bears only a bow—a weapon of destruction with intent to kill. The crown he wears is not eternal but one granted to him, and his conquest is marked not by righteousness but by deception. This is a counterfeit Christ, a false religion that presents the appearance of truth but serves the designs of Satan. Jesus Himself warned that many would come “in My name,” claiming to represent Him but deceiving many (Matthew 24:4–5). Throughout history, Satan has used religion as one of his greatest tools of deception, even creating entire systems that replace the truth of God’s Word with human traditions, false authority and counterfeit worship. From the councils that outlawed Sabbath observance to the twisting of doctrine that confuses repentance and grace, the white horse represents religious deception and false apostles who lead multitudes astray. Paul warned that Satan “transforms himself into an angel of light,” and his ministers disguise themselves as servants of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:13–15). False religion has dominated the earth and caused untold conflict, persecution and death—its influence continues to this day, and it will escalate as the end approaches.
From Matthew 24:24 we know that these false Christs and prophets will be very clever and will try hard to deceive “even the elect.” In Galatians 1:6-7 Paul was surprised that people were following those who wanted to pervert the gospel. We should heed this as a warning to ourselves to be on guard for this religious deception. We know that mankind needs to obey Christ, repent from falsehoods and turn to the truth. That is the message of the true Christ.
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
