The vision of the 7 Seals of Judgment can be found in Revelation 4-8.
The vision begins with John seeing a door opened in Heaven and hearing a voice inviting him to “come up hither”. Here is where many theologians confuse the timing of the rapture, which shall occur after the sounding of the last trumpet judgment. (In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:52). Many interpret the voice John heard in the 4th chapter as the sounding of the last trump, thus predicting the rapture to occur in this chapter.
However, this is false. Note that the scripture says, ...the first voice I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me;... (Revelation 4:1). Thus, we know that it was a voice speaking to John that sounded like a trumpet as opposed to an actual trumpet.
John is taken before the throne of God, 24 Elders (this could be the 12 Major and 12 Minor Prophets of the Old Testament; however, this is not confirmed yet by scripture.); the 7 Spirits of God (Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Might, Knowledge, the Fear of the Lord and Quick Understanding (Discernment) - Isaiah 11:2-3) and the 4 Beasts.
Revelation 5:1-2
1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
Notice in the image above, the seals are wrapped around the scroll. Therefore, to read the book one would have to open every seal. This is exactly the situation concerning the book with seals in Heaven. However, Praise Jesus, He was worthy and able to open the seals of the book. I would have you note here, that the book was a book of Judgments. Within the book are written judgments which should come upon the earth.
Another prophet, Ezekiel, also had a vision of the same book. And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein; And he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe. (Ezekiel 2:9-10). However, we cannot read those judgments until the seals are loosed. Thus, the opening of the seals does NOT unleash events on the earth, but rather, they are previews of the elements, themes and occurrences within the book they bind. Below is a list of the seven seals and the judgements to be unleashed when the book is opened.
SEAL 1-
White Horse - Horseman with Bow and Crown. - Conquering & Conquer: This white horse rider has a bow without arrows. He is conquering with false religion, doctrines and gross deceptions.
Revelation 6:1-2
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.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.
SEAL 2-
- Red Horse, - Horseman given great sword and empowered to take peace from earth & to have men kill one another.
Revelation 6:3-4
3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
4 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.
SEAL 3-
- Black Horse - Horseman with a scale in hand- Famine
Revelation 6:5-6
5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
SEAL 4-
- Pale Horse - 2 Horsemen on Horse - Death and Hell. - Empowered over ¼ of earth to kill with sword, hunger, death and beasts
Revelation 6:7-8
7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
SEAL 5-
- Martyrs of Jesus awaken, crying for Revenge - Encouraged to Wait for more Martyrs
Revelation 6:9-11
9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
In the many efforts to interpret the meaning of the seals, theologians have missed the mystery of Christ that is only found in simplicity. Many years ago while working on the book of Revelation, noting my frustration, the Lord spoke to me very matter of factly, “Have you considered the fact that the seals are previews and a table of contents?” Oh, my God. This changed everything. Once I saw the seas as a preview and table of contents as to what is in the book of Judgment, there was no more futile effort trying to make the seals either match up with the trumpets, Matthew 24, or the seven vials.
SEAL 6-
- Great Earthquake - Sun blackens - Moon becomes Bloody - Stars Fall to Earth - Sky Scrolls, Mountains Move - Men pray for Death, - Jesus on Throne - 4 Angels (4 corners of earth) disallowed wind to blow - Another Angel, commands 4 angels to hurt not earth, wind, nor sea till men are sealed. - 144,000 Jewish Men Sealed and Raptured - Church Raptured - They Shout Salvation to the Lamb - They Worship
Revelation 6:12 - 17
12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.
14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
Revelation 7:1-17
1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.
5 Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.
6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nephthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.
7 Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.
8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.
9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
SEAL 7-
- Silence in Heaven ½ Hour - Seven Angels with Trumpets Prepare to Sound - Another Angel Stands with Censer and incense - He offers it with the prayers of Saints which ascend before God from Angel’s hand - Censer filled with the fire of altar and poured upon the earth - Voices, Thunderings, Lightnings, Earthquakes.
Revelation 8:1-5
1 And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.
2 And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.
3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.
5 And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.
--End Table 1–
THE FIRST 4 SEALS (The 4 Horses)
The first 4 Seals reveal 4 horses and their horsemen, and the judgements they bring on the earth. Seal 1, reveals a white horse; Seal 2, a red horse; Seal 3, a black horse and Seal 4 a pale horse. Some take the white horse (1st Seal) to be indicative of the coming of the Lord Jesus.
However, this is error, a proper study of Bible Prophecy shows that the Lord will come to set up His Kingdom upon the earth after He has first raptured His saints. In addition to this, His weapon will be the sword of His mouth (the Word of God) as opposed to a bow and arrow. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God - Revelation 19:13-16. Rules of Biblical Interpretation teach us that if a symbol is used in the scriptures, it is either explained in its context or elsewhere in the scriptures. With that said, these horses were never explained in the book of Revelation, however, the book of Zechariah enlightens us concerning them.
Zechariah 1:8-11
8 I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom; and behind him were there red horses, speckled, and white.
9 Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be
10 And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These are they whom the Lord hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth.
11 And they answered the angel of the Lord that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.
Zechariah 6:1-8
1 And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of brass.
2 In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;
3 And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses.
4 Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord?
5 And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth.
6 The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them; and the grisled go forth toward the south country.
7 And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth.
8. Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.
The 4 Horses are the 4 spirits of the heavens that roam the earth. Note in Zechariah 6:1, they came forth from mountains of brass. Brass (bronze) is the color that biblically represents judgment. Therefore, they are responsible for the implementation or delay of judgment upon the earth. In the first chapter they were responsible to ensure peace which allowed Gentile nations peaceful reign over Judah, Israel and Jerusalem.
However, after 70 years were accomplished God declared it timely that the ease (peace) of the Gentiles be lifted. So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy. And I am very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction. Therefore thus saith the Lord; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: (Zechariah 1:14-16).
We see them again in the 6th chapter as spirits of judgment, that lift peace from the countries which are north and south of Jerusalem, as well as the rest of the world (to and fro through the earth).
SEAL 1
White Horse
Zechariah 6:3,6
3 ...in the third chariot white horses...
6 The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them;
Zechariah 6:8.
… Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.
SEAL 2
Red(Bay) Horse
Zechariah 1:8-10
8...and behind him were there red horses, speckled (pale), and white.
9 Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be.
10 These are they whom the Lord hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth.
Zechariah 6:2 & 7
2 In the first chariot were red horses;...
7 And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth.
SEAL 3
Black Horse
Zechariah 6:2,6 & 8
2 ...in the second chariot black horses; ...
6 The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them;
8 ...Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.
SEAL 4
Pale (Grisled) Horse
Zechariah 6:6
6 The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them; and the grisled (pale) go forth toward the south country.
--End Table 2–
Let us take note that these 4 spirits are angelic spirits that stand before the presence of God - they are not devils, neither are they nations. This causes us to discern that the judgements that are faced by men, are determined by our Father in heaven.
Daniel 4:17
This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
Note here, that the angelic host is giving a decree to all mankind. The decree is that the living may know that God rules in the kingdoms of men, and gives kingdoms to whomever He wants. Therefore, the appointment of kings and rulers are not decided by wars and voting, but by the decision of God and the orchestration done by His holy angels. This is also true for the antichrist - the king who will rule the earth under the Revised Roman Empire. Though, the antichrist will rule and terribly subdue the earth, whatever he does must first be allowed by the 4 Horses and their riders. Therefore, these endtime judgements are performed by the angelic host, and the devil is used as a pawn in the fulfilment of the will of God.
Daniel 4:35
And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
Consider the table below as we go to Matthew 24 to give us a greater understanding of the 7 Seals. Let’s begin with the first 4 Seals to identify the power of these 4 Horsemen. If we understand their function we will be better able to identify them in the events that shall come upon the earth (Trumpet and Vial Judgments).
NB. The Vision of the Seals is a revelation of Jesus’ teaching concerning the end of the world, found in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. In “Rightly Dividing the Word” we learned that the teachings of Christ served as a boundary for the doctrine of the Apostles. Therefore, there is nothing that the Apostles taught that Jesus did not teach first. The Apostles however, in their epistles, gave us a deeper revelation of the things that Jesus had already taught. Matthew 24 and the Vision of the Seals, is a perfect example of this. Each event that Jesus lists in Matthew 24 can be coupled with a seal; therefore the seals give greater insight into what Jesus had said.
Before we continue, let us be sure to remember that the seals do not cause events to happen, neither are they a chronological order of happenings. Rather they are previews or prophecies of what is to come in the book. They serve as somewhat of a table of contents, to cause us to understand what is inside. Hence the 4 Horses, have been in operation since the beginning of time, however, the first 4 seals identify their function (what they have been doing and will do).
MATTHEW 24
DECEPTION IN THE NAME OF CHRIST
Matthew 24:4-5
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.
SEAL 1 - WHITE HORSE Horseman with Bow, Crown. Sent Forth to Conquer in the Form of Christ (On a White Horse). Conquering (Deception) of the earth by Doctrines of Devils and by False Prophets as a form of Judgment. This horseman is a judgment to all those who would reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ and believe a lie. Let us not forget that eternity is in the heart of every soul. All men therefore, will be able to identify with the truth (the Gospel) when they hear it. However, this horse is a judgment to them who reject the truth, they know to be true.
In these times, many shall come declaring themselves the Savior of the world, the Messiah, God and/or the Christ. They will perform signs and wonders and they will deceive many. In addition, there are so many religions, philosophers, theorists and celebrities that minister a Christless way to God, or the absence of God altogether. These also, are a form of saying, “I am Christ”, because they seek to reform the way to God. These will cause men to become deceived and some will reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This will prevent men from receiving the Holy Ghost, and thus they will be bound by the enemy, who will use them for evil deeds. Also, the Saints, who believe false doctrines will never walk in the power of the Comforter, and hence will be overtaken by the troubles of this life. Both will be set on a path to hell and will perish.
NB. The Horseman has no arrows, simply a bow. This is because, these deceivers will, by the working of signs and wonders, come with a similitude of Christ, (hence white horse). However, they will lack the power of His coming (no arrows, no sword). Jesus will come with great glory, conquering the world, defeating the antichrist with the sword of His mouth, and establish His global reign unlike false Christs.
WARS AND THREATS
Matthew 24:6-7
6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:
SEAL 2 - RED HORSE Horseman with Great Sword. Empowered to Take Peace from the Earth (Wars, Terrorist Groups, and Murders) The Horseman of the Red Horse is empowered to implement the judgement of terrorism, wars and threats (rumours) of wars. There has always been wars, however, this will be amplified in the trumpet judgements. NB. That a judgment can also have an emotional aspect, eg. Rumours of Wars produce Fear and Anxiety.
FAMINES AND INFLATION
Matthew 24:7
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
SEAL 3 - BLACK HORSE Horseman with Balances (Scale). Empowered to Cause Famines The Horseman of the Black Horse is empowered to cause famines and struggles through the crashing of the world economy and inflation. The voice from Heaven stated that a measure of wheat would be for a penny (denarius).
The parable of the Labourers in the Vineyard shows that a penny was reasonable pay for a day’s work - And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard (Matt 20:2). Though it is a difficult thing to compare currencies of the past to today’s currency, according to Historian Kenneth W. Harl a denarius is approximately a little over $20 USD. However, all we know according to the scripture above is that a measure of wheat might just cost a day’s pay.
Inflation will be especially high as a result of the trumpet judgments that shall come upon the earth. Commodities that were once in surplus shall be rare, and hence expensive. This will make the reception of the mark of the beast even more appealing because the antichrist will cause the economy to prosper in his hand. (And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. (Daniel 8:24-25).
DEATH AND HELL
Matthew 24:7-8
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
SEAL 4 - PALE HORSE 2 Horsemen, Death and Hell Empowered to Slay by the Sword, Hunger, Death (Pestilences) and Beasts Death, who sat upon the Pale Horse has and will cause murders, famines, pestilences (plagues, diseases, and disasters and earthquakes). However, Hell, who sat behind Death on the Pale Horse by the Trumpet judgements will cause death and torment by armies/creatures (beasts) of hell. The powers of hell shall be loosed on the earth, to hurt and kill the men of earth.
These 4 spirits are the angels responsible for the judgments of the earth. The 4 horses can be identified in every judgment in the book, by their functions listed in the table above. Note that these 4 Horses are responsible for the Beginning of Sorrows. The Beginning of Sorrows is a statement that causes us to understand that though there have been sorrows already on the earth, the true sorrows are just starting. Everything prior to this point was just a “warm up” phase to lead us to true sorrows. Hence, though the 4 Horses have been responsible for the Beginning of Sorrows, we will see their full potential being unleashed from the last 3 Woes (Trumpets), and the Vial judgments.
--End Table 3--
THE 5TH SEAL
The spirit we can see identified in the 5th seal is the spirit of antichrist (the devil). His function is to attack spiritually and naturally all those whose names are in the Book of Life. He also keeps everyone else on a path to Hell. His function must be seen in a duality. Firstly, we must see the spirit of iniquity (spiritual), and then we must see the antichrist spirit as the Man of Perdition (natural). The spirit of antichrist has been prevalent since the Garden of Eden; however, we see the scriptures refer to the Man of Perdition in two time periods, in the time of Christ, and in the time of the end.
ANTICHRIST TORTURE Matthew 24:9-24
9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Revelation 6:9-11
9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
SEAL 5 - THE SPIRIT OF ANTICHRIST (MARTYRDOM OF THE CHURCH & ISRAEL’S JUDGMENT)
The Martyred Church wakes up and is instructed to wait till the rest of the Church is martyred.
It was the spirit of antichrist that caused Jesus to be crucified. The scripture declares that Judas was a Man of Perdition - While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. (John 17:12).
Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. (John 13:27).
Though, Judas was a Man of Perdition, the spirit of antichrist also caused the rulers of Jesus’ time to crucify Jesus. That spirit continued to posses, and inspire men to slaughter the early church. Those who were slaughtered are the people who awoke from their resting place inquiring when Jesus would avenge them.
That spirit also crept into the church in the form of preachers and developed false doctrines which eventually led to the falling away of the Church.
1 John 4:3
And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh [the mystery of Christ] is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
This very spirit will be manifested in the last days as a man again - the Antichrist (the Beast, or Man of Perdition). He will make war with the saints and overcome them. He will also subdue 2/3rd of Israel. A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee: and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them (Ezekiel 5:12).
Let us note well that, God rules in the kingdoms of men. Therefore, Antichrist is used as a buffeting spirit sent to the Church, to ensure that they suffer with Christ, that they might reign with Him. Also, he is a beating rod for the Jews for rejecting their Messiah, Jesus Christ. However, He can only do that which he is allowed to do by God. Consider the scripture below concerning the wasting the Antichrist will perform upon Israel.
Ezekiel 5:7-9
7 Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Because ye multiplied more than the nations that are round about you, and have not walked in my statutes, neither have kept my judgments, neither have done according to the judgments of the nations that are round about you;
8 Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, am against thee, and will execute judgments in the midst of thee in the sight of the nations.
9 And I will do in thee that which I have not done, and whereunto I will not do any more the like,
because of all thine abominations.
--End Table 4–
THE ANTICHRIST AND THE 4 HORSES
WHITE HORSE - DOCTRINES OF DEVILS
The Antichrist will come forth with signs and wonders, a false prophet and his god, the Dragon, (Devil) as a false trinity. The False Prophet will declare the Antichrist as God and as worthy to be worshipped. This will cause many to be deceived and those names who are not written in the book of life will worship the Antichrist as God.
RED HORSE - WARS AND THREATS
Everyone who names the name of Christ shall be persecuted, under the Antichrist reign. This same spirit caused the martyrdom of the early church. However, he will be given complete power over the saints in the end. Gen 3:15 - And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. [Heel - latter parts of Christ, latter day Church]
Revelation 13:7
And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
He will also war with Israel and subdue 2/3rds of it.
BLACK HORSE - FAMINES AND INFLATION
In the reign of Antichrist, he will cause craft to prosper in his hand. This means he will cause the earth to recover from the effects of the black horse. He will cause all those who take the Mark of the Beast, to be prosperous. However, those who do not will not have the support of his wealth. They will not be able to buy or sell. This poses the threat of starvation to whomever does not take the Mark of the Beast. He causes a famine in Jerusalem because he surrounds the city with armies.
PALE HORSE - DEATH AND HELL
In the reign of Antichrist, he will cause craft to prosper in his hand. This means he will cause the earth to recover from the effects of the black horse. He will cause all those who take the Mark of the Beast, to be prosperous. However, those who do not will not have the support of his wealth. They will not be able to buy or sell. This poses the threat of starvation to whomever, does not take the Mark of the Beast. He causes a famine in Jerusalem because he surrounds the city with armies.
--End Table 5–
THE 6TH SEAL
The 6th Seal is where we see all 5 spirits (4 Horsemen and Antichrist) from the seals above taking action. Whereas, in the first 5 seals, we see these spirits in position, in the 6 seal we see them at work. The 6th seal also prophesies the rapture of the church. Some of the Trumpet Judgements to come are also revealed in this seal.
HEAVENS DARKENED & RAPTURE
Matthew 24:29-31
29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors
HEAVENS DARKENED & RAPTURE
Matthew 24:29-33
29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
SEAL 6 - THE 4 HORSEMEN AND THE ANTICHRIST IN ACTION & THE RAPTURE
Great Earthquake; Sun Darkens; Moon Turns to Blood; Stars Fall to Earth; Rapture of 144,000 Jewish Virgins; and Rapture of the Church. In this particular seal we see some of the ways in which the horsemen and the antichrist execute their judgment in the Trumpet & Vial Judgements.
T = Trumpet V = Vial
Great Earthquake T6, T7, V7
Sun Darkens T4, T5, V5
Moon Turns to Blood T4, V5
Stars Fall to Earth T3, Rapture T7
NB. Antichrist spirit seen in the following scripture found within 6th seal - Revelation 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
--End Table 6--
THE 7th SEAL
Table 7
The opening of the 7th seal indicates that the Book of Judgments can now be opened
See original diagram;
White Horse, Red Horse, Black Horse, Pale Horse, AntiChrist - Seals 1 to 5 consecutively
The Five Spirits in action, The Preparation of trumpets (Book Opened/Unsealed) - Seals 6 and 7 consecutively.
