The Four Horsemen
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The Four Horsemen
1. The Context and Setting of Revelation 6
The book of Revelation takes a major turn in chapter 6. After seeing the exalted Christ among the lampstands (chapter 1), receiving messages to the seven churches (chapters 2-3), and being transported into the heavenly throne room (chapters 4-5), John now witnesses the Lamb opening the seven-sealed scroll. With each seal, judgment is unleashed. The first four seals introduce us to the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
2. The First Seal: The White Horse
Revelation 6:1-2 describes the first horse: a white horse whose rider carries a bow and is given a crown, going out "conquering and to conquer."
Imitation, Not Christ
While some interpret this rider as Christ, parallels to Zechariah's vision of four unified horsemen and the nature of the following judgments make that unlikely. Instead, this white horse is symbolic of conquest through deception. It's an imitation of purity and authority, representing the ambition of humanity to dominate others—politically, economically, or ideologically.
Judgment Through Unrestrained Desires
God's judgment often comes not by adding new evils, but by removing his restraint and letting human ambition run its course. This rider symbolizes a world where conquest is pursued at all costs, leading to manipulation, treachery, and control.
3. The Second Seal: The Red Horse
Revelation 6:3-4 reveals a bright red horse whose rider is permitted to take peace from the earth so people kill one another. He is given a great sword.
The Judgment of War
Where conquest reigns, war inevitably follows. This horseman symbolizes bloodshed and global unrest. Whether international wars or civil unrest, the world today mirrors this reality. Over a hundred armed conflicts are currently active worldwide. The red horse embodies the violent outworking of humanity's desire for power.
4. The Third Seal: The Black Horse
Revelation 6:5-6 describes a black horse whose rider holds scales, and a voice declares inflated prices for basic food items: "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius."
The Judgment of Famine
This is economic oppression and scarcity. A denarius was a full day's wage, and here it only buys enough food for one person. This judgment reflects both famine and exploitation. As seen in crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, scarcity leads to inflated prices and human greed intensifies. The untouched oil and wine may suggest limited impact or disparity—some suffer deeply while others remain comfortable.
5. The Fourth Seal: The Pale Horse
Revelation 6:7-8 introduces a pale (sickly green) horse. Its rider is Death, and Hades follow
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: Revelation
Sermon Title: The Four Horsemen
Date: Apr 7, 2024
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Revelation 6:1–8
Zechariah 1, 6
Revelation 19
Revelation 12–13
Revelation 4–5
Matthew 24
John 16:33
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