A Great Sword And A Great War

REVELATION 6:3-4

SUBJECT: TRIBULATION SEAL JUDGMENTS

THEME: The Lamb breaks the second of six seals sending God's judgments upon the earth.

And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. (Rev 6:3-4, KJV)

As we study these action-filled chapters in the Revelation, try to remember that John wrote to encourage God's people in every age of history. He was not only writing prophecy that would be fulfilled in the end times; but he was also writing great theology dramatically revealing the character of God and the principles of His kingdom. These chapters describe the cosmic conflict between God and Satan, the New Jerusalem and Babylon; and no matter what "key" we use to unlock Revelation, we cannot help but see the exalted King of kings as He vindicates His people and gives victory to His overcomers. With this in mind, let us consider closely what happens when the Lamb of God opens the Second Seal.

THE SECOND SEAL IS BROKEN: WORLDWIDE WAR (Rev. 6:3-4)

Bloodshed and rebellion are the features of this seal judgment. When the second seal was opened, John saw a rider on a red horse, who will bring war upon the earth. The peace of the Antichrist will prove counterfeit and temporary.

   1.  The Administrator. 

The Lord Jesus again is the Lamb who is fulfilling the role of the divine judge. Christ is infinitely qualified to break the seals on the scroll and unleash these judgments upon the earth.  Again He is qualified by His wisdom, by divine decree (Jn. 5:22, 27), by personal excellence, and by His achievement at Calvary. In addition, as the Creator He can chasten, correct, and condemn creation.

John 5:22, For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

John 5:27, And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.

   2.  The Announcer (6:3):

The second living creature announces this judgment–this is most likely the calf like beast (Rev. 4:7).

   3.  The Action (6:4)

Antichrist's conquest begins in peace, but soon he exchanges the empty bow for a sword.

         A.  John Sees a Red Horse (6:4 a).

               1.  The Color Red Symbolizes Terror and Death.

The color red is often associated with terror and death: the red dragon (Rev 12:3), the red beast (Rev 17:3).

               2.  The Seal Pictures Great Bloodshed Through War.

Matthew 24:7, For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

Its blood-red appearance speaks of the holocaust of war (Matt. 24:7). War has been a part of man's experience since Cain killed Abel, so this image would speak to believers in every age, reminding them that God is ultimately in control, even though He is not responsible for the lawless deeds of men and nations.  Some believe that this is the eastern war (Russia, her allies, and Israel) spoken of in Ezek. 38 & 39 where five sixths of the northern army will be destroyed.

         B.  John Sees a Rider with a Great Sword (6:4 b).

              1.  The Rider Is Given Power “to take peace from the earth.”

God will grant this horse and its rider the power to create worldwide war. But as horrible as this judgment is, it will be only the birth pangs, the “beginning of sorrows” of God’s wrath (Matt. 24:8; Mark 13:7, 8; Luke 21:9).

              2.  The Rider Has a “Great Sword.”

The “sword” is clearly a symbol of war.  In contrast with the first rider who has a bow without an arrow this second rider carried “a great sword.” This sword probably would have been about five feet long and would have weighed about twenty-five pounds. Strong warriors would swing it while on horseback to kill foot soldiers. This again was a picture of political power with the rider as the world ruler.

              3.  The Rider Also Brings Violent Slaughter to New Highs.

The picture here is of warfare and violent slaughter which will become commonplace worldwide.  Even multiple civil wars around the globe are probable because people will slaughter “one another.”

              4.  QUOTE: “Throughout history, conquest has led to civil war. For example, after Alexander the Great conquered the world, he died in his early thirties. For the next two hundred years, his generals fought each other in an attempt to gain superiority. The conquests of Alexander led to two centuries of civil war. In addition, Rome was nearly destroyed by a civil war in A.D. 68-69, after the death of Nero. In that one year, there were three contenders to the imperial throne. The rider on the white horse went out as a conqueror to conquer, and in his wake came warfare. The color of this horse, red, symbolizes great bloodshed upon the earth.”—Life Application Bible Commentary

APPLICATION:  This indicates clearly that methods of international agreement and diplomacy will not bring lasting peace. Only the Lord Jesus Christ the Prince of peace will bring this world real lasting peace.

Isaiah 9:6-7, For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. [7] Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Col. 1:20-21, And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. [21] And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

2 Thes. 3:16, Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

John 14:27, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

The Lord Jesus is the Prince of peace who will usher in an age of never ending peace because He secured spiritual peace through His cross. He is the Lord of peace giving His peace to believers who rest in His wisdom, love, and power. Complete peace (political, spiritual, and interpersonal) will only come when Christ returns. The picture in Revelation of the coming persecutions and natural disasters is gloomy, but ultimately it is cause for great joy. When the believers of that time see these events happening, they will know that Christ’s return to the earth is coming soon, and they can look forward to his future reign of justice and peace. For us today, rather than being terrified by what is happening in our world, we should confidently await Christ's return for us in the Rapture. His second advent will include political peace when He brings justice and restoration to his people. Real peace in any form whether political, spiritual, eternal is always administered through the Lord Jesus Christ.  Make Him your central focus and you too will know peace through all the turmoil life may throw at you.   

The First Seal Is Opened: Antichrist Rises To Power

REVELATION 6:1-2

SUBJECT: TRIBULATION SEAL JUDGMENTS

THEME:  The Lamb breaks the first of six seals, sending God's judgments upon the earth.

INTRODUCTION:              

And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. 2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. (Rev 6:1-2, KJV)

God is long-suffering, but eventually He must judge sin and vindicate His servants.

According to Dan 9:27, seven years are assigned to Israel in God's prophetic calendar.

Daniel 9:27, And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

This period begins with the signing of an agreement with the world dictator (the Antichrist), and ending with Christ's return to earth to judge evil and establish His kingdom. It is this period that is described in Rev 6-19. By referring to John's outline (Rev 1), you will see that his description is in three parts:

      — the first three and a half years (Rev 6-9),

      — the events at the middle of the period (Rev 10-14), and

      — the last three and a half years (Rev 15-19).

What is so significant about the middle of the Tribulation? That is when the Antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel and becomes their persecutor instead of their protector (Dan 9:27).

In this section, John recorded the opening of the first four seals; and as each seal was opened, one of the four living creatures summoned a rider on a horse.  In other words, events take place on earth because of the sovereign direction of God in heaven.  The horse imagery is probably related to the vision described in Zech 1:7-17.

Horses represent God's activity on earth, the forces He uses to accomplish His divine purposes. The center of His program is Israel, particularly the city of Jerusalem. (Jerusalem is mentioned thirty-nine times in Zech.) God has a covenant purpose for Israel, and that purpose will be fulfilled just as He promised. Now, let's try to identify these horses and their riders.

THE FIRST SEAL IS BROKEN: ANTICHRIST RISES TO POWER (Rev. 6:1-2)

This lengthy section details the judgments and events of the time of tribulation (Rev.  3:10) from its beginning with the opening of the first seal (vv. 1,2) through the 7 seal, trumpet, and vial (bowl) judgments to the return of Christ to the earth to destroy the ungodly (Rev. 19:11–21).

   1.  The Administrator (6:1) “I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals”

When Christ opened the first seal on the scroll of Tribulation judgment, John saw a man on a white horse who will conquer, apparently without bloodshed. 

        A.  The Lamb is Christ.

The only one worthy to open these seals is the Lord Jesus Christ!  In Rev. 5, Christ was the only One found worthy to open the scroll —the title deed to the universe— and administer judgment.  

       B.  The Seals are Judgments.

As he breaks the 7 seals that secure the scroll, each seal unleashes a new demonstration of God’s judgment on the earth in the future Tribulation Period of seven years (Rev. 5:1; Matt. 24:3–9). These seal judgments include all the judgments to the end. The seventh seal contains the 7 trumpets; the seventh trumpet contains the 7 bowls.

   2.  The Announcer (6:1):

The first living creature announces this judgment–this is probably the lion like beast (Rev. 4:7).

        A.  The Sound of Thunder.

These "storm signals" will be repeated during the time of judgment, always proceeding from the throne and temple of God. (Rev. 4:5; 8:5; 11:19; 16:18). 

        B.  The Presence of the Beautiful Beasts.

These special angelic creatures who symbolize God's creation and are related to God's covenant with Noah (Gen 9:8-17) will actually announce the judgments that Christ unleashes on the earth.  The presence of the four creatures before God's throne teaches us that He is in control of creation, and that He will keep His promise to one day deliver creation from the bondage of sin (Rom 8:19-24).  Here they demonstrate that the actions of Christ in administering judgment are in full harmony with His covenant with Noah.  They are symbols of divine integrity and faithfulness to the earthly creation.  It is also interesting to not that when the Beasts speak the attention returns to the earth and when the 24 elders speak it is in reference to things in Heaven (Rev. 7:13). 

   3.  The Action (6:2)

        A.  John Sees a White Horse (6:2 a).

              1. The Color White Could Correspond to Conquest.

The victorious Roman generals would ride a white horse before the procession of conquered peoples in ancient times.

              2.  The White Horse Symbolizes the Desire for Conquest.

The fact that this white horse and its rider precede three other horsemen who wreak havoc on the earth suggests that the white horseman might represent the lust for conquest.

APPLICATION:  When mankind has his heart set on conquest, the result is warfare, famine, and death.  This is even true in our interpersonal conflicts. James 4:2-3, Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. [3] Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

        B.  John Sees a Rider (6:2 b).

Its rider goes out to conquer with a bow in his hand and a crown on his head.

            1.  The Rider is a Counterfeit Christ.

                  — Do not confuse this scene with that described in Rev 19:11, where we see Christ riding in conquest. 

                  — The Lord Jesus Forewarned and Predicted that False Christs Would Precede His Return to Earth. Matthew 24:3-5, And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? [4] And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. [5] For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

  

                A.  He is a Deceiver.

We would expect the Antichrist to resemble the Christ, because Antichrist is Satan's great imitation! Even the Jews (who ought to know the Scriptures) will be deceived by him (2 Thess 2:1-12;Rev. 13:14; Matt. 24:5, 24).

John 5:43, I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

2 Thes. 2:3-4, Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; [4] Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

2 Thes. 2:8-10, And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: [9] Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, [10] And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

                B.  He is Wearing only One Crown.      

     

                      1.  The word “crown” in Rev 6:2 is stephanos, which means "the victor's crown."   This is the laurel wreath awarded to winning athletes. It “was given unto him.” Antichrist becomes king, elected by the world’s inhabitants regardless of the cost, and will conquer the entire earth in a bloodless coup.

                      2.  The crown that Jesus Christ wears is diadema, "the kingly crown" (Rev 19:12).  Antichrist could never wear the diadem, because it belongs only to the Son of God.

                C.  He is Followed by Disaster.

This rider will be followed by War (vs. 4), Pestilence (vs. 5), Death (vs. 8) and Hell (vs. 8).  The Bible consistently teach that Christ will come and establish a real world peace marked by long life and prosperity.   This obviously does not fit the prophetic sequence.

            2.  The Rider is a Diplomatic False Christ.

This great deceiver will come as a peaceful leader, holding a bow but no arrows!  This is a picture of the Antichrist (Rev. 13:1-10) as he subdues the world through peaceful deception. 1Thes. 5:3, For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

                A.  He Uses the Wrong Weapon. The “bow” is a symbol of war, but the absence of arrows implies that this victory is a bloodless one—a peace won by covenant and agreement, not by war (Dan. 9:24–27).

                    

                B.  Our Lord's weapon is a sword; (Rev 19:15.)   Antichrist will solve the world's problems and be received as the Great liberator.  The true Christ will judge and execute war at His next advent.

                                                                                               

                C.  Daniel states that there is a "prince that shall come," who will make a covenant with Israel to protect her from her enemies (Dan 9:26-27). In other words, the future world dictator begins his career as a peacemaker! He will go from victory to victory and finally control the whole world.

Daniel 9:26-27, And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. [27] And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

            3.  The Rider is a Conquering Anti-Christ.   

                 A.  He Has a Passion for World Conquest.

 Although the Antichrist will be the leading figure promoting “peace,” the entire world will follow him, being obsessed with pursuing this false peace.  His conquests will be secured through the vote of the world and through a universal yearning for peace.

                 B.  This is Not Jesus Christ.

There is much debate over who or what this horseman represents. Some have suggested that the rider on the white horse is actually a symbol of the "conquering Christ" who today is proclaiming the Good News of Christ and defeating the forces of evil in the world.  They see the white horse as being "good" and therefore the rider on a good mission.  Jesus is closely associated with the color white in Revelation (1:14; 6:11; 14:14).  They point to Rev 19:11 as proof, but the only similarity is the presence of a white horse. If this rider is indeed Jesus Christ, it seems strange that He should be named at the end of the book and not at the beginning!

                 C.  Jesus Christ is a Conqueror.

Certainly, there is a sense in which Jesus Christ is conquering today! 

                         1.  He releases people from the bondage of sin and Satan.

Acts 26:18, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Col. 1:13, Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

                         2.  But this conquest began with His victory on the cross and certainly did not have to wait for the opening of a seal! We shall note later that the sequence of events in Rev 6 closely parallels the sequence given by our Lord in His Olivet discourse; and the first item mentioned is the appearance of false Christs (Matt 24:5).