A Study And Analysis Of Revelation 6
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles
Brother Richard Mansel, preacher of the gospel, and managing editor of Forthright Magazine, made the following statement and asked this question in The Fellowship Room yesterday regarding Revelation Chapter 6: “Revelation 6:12-14 are the most challenging passages. What do you think they mean?”
The following is my response to his question:
Revelation 6:1-2 — First Seal — The White Horse — Here we have a picture of the conquering Christ who rides a “white horse” (cf. Revelation 19:11-16). He is pictured here as being one who “conquers” (cf. Revelation 14:14; Revelation 17:14). All Christians who are “in Christ” overcomes (1 John 5:4). He goes forth to conquer sinners by the saving Gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16).
Revelation 6:3-4 — Second Seal – Red Horse — Here we see a picture of suffering and persecution of Christians who have been “conquered” by the gospel. Paul tells us that persecution will follow one who names the name of Christ (2 Timothy 3:12). We may even be persecuted by our own family (Matthew 10:34-39) if we become a New Testament Christian.
Revelation 6:5-6 — Third Seal — Black Horse — Here is a picture of economic discrimination upon those who obeyed the gospel message (those who were “conquered” by Christ in vs. 2). Also see Revelation 13:17. The measures presented in this text had just enough purchasing power to just barely keep a family alive with no extra money for other necessities of life. Soon, they would more than likely die. Thus, we have death being pictured in vs. 7-8.
Revelation 6:7-8 — Fourth Seal — Pale Horse — Death and Hades (the Hadean realm) closely followed those Christians who were faithful to the Lord (Revelation 2:10). Also compare with Ezekiel 5:16-17 and Ezekiel 14:21. Also note the suffering and persecution of those who were faithful in the Old Testament (Hebrews 11:32-40).
Revelation 6:9-11 — Fifth Seal — Here we see pictured the souls who were slain for the Word (martyrs, such as Stephen in Acts 7). Note they were “under the altar” (Revelation 6:9), their prayers being offered “upon the golden altar” (Revelation 8:3). They cry out for God to render vengeance upon the enemy (cf. Deuteronomy 32:43; Luke 18:7-8). Note in verse 11 that each martyr was given “white robes” indicating their “overcoming” (cf. Revelation 7:13-14). Also note, they are to “wait” for other faithful brethren to be killed and join them (cf. Revelation 20:4).
Revelation 6:12-17 — Sixth Seal — Here we see divine judgment being announced. Compare the symbols here with Isaiah 13:10-11 and Isaiah 34:1-5 to see the complete picture. This symbolism cannot refer to the end of the world, simply because we still have the seventh seal, yet to be opened in Revelation 8. Also note that in verses 15-16, we have folks hiding in caves and fleeing to the mountains asking the rocks to fall on them (note similar symbolism in Hosea 10:8). These actions will be of no avail when the Lord actually comes back again and the creation is burned up (2 Peter 3:10-11).
The key to these verses is found in the last question in verse 17, “who shall be able to stand” (compare with Nahum 1:5-6). The only ones able to “stand” the onslaught of God’s judgment, would have been faithful saints (note the word “stand” in Ephesians 6:11,13 KJV).
We also need to remember that all of the above events were to “shortly come to pass” (Revelation 1:1 KJV) — applicable to those saints living in the first century.