B i b l e S t u d y
Lesson: Revelation 6:1-17
SCRIPTURE READING: Revelation 6:1-17
GOLDEN TEXT: Revelation 6:1
1. Was Jesus Christ found worthy to open the scroll with the seven seals? (Revelation 5:9.) Does the Bible refer to Jesus as being a Lamb? (John 1:29, 36.) Does Jesus now open the first seal? (Revelation 6:1.) Did one of the four living angelic creatures say "Come and see?" (Same verse.)
2. What did John see when he looked? (Revelation 6:2.) What was the person who was sitting on the white horse holding and wearing? (Same verse.) Did he go out to conquer? (Same verse.) Did Jesus tell His disciples to be careful so that no one would deceive them? (Matthew 24:4.) Did He say that many would come in His name and that many would be deceived? (Matthew 24:5.)
Note: The seals in the sixth chapter of Revelation are parallel to the signs that Jesus Christ gave to His disciples in the twentieth-fourth chapter of Matthew.
Many have come saying that they are Christ or that they represent Christ and they have come preaching another gospel. The apostle Paul warned the brethren not to receive another gospel (2 Corinthians 11:4, Galatians 1:6.) Most people probably do not know what gospel is?
3. What is the gospel? (Mark 1:1, 14-15.)
Note: The book of Mark begins with the statement about the gospel: "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God" (Mark 1:1 NKJV). "Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, {15} and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel"" (Mark 1:14-15 NKJV).
Did you notice that Jesus was preaching the gospel of "the kingdom of God" and not about dying and going to heaven? The word "gospel" means "good news", "glad tidings" or "good message." Jesus came preaching the "good news" of the "kingdom of God" and this message was the main focus of His ministry. When Jesus returns, He will set up the "kingdom of God" here on the earth and we will reign with Him for one thousand years (Revelation 5:10, 19:16.)
4. Will Jesus be riding a white horse when He returns and will He be wearing many crowns and also have a sword coming out of His mouth? (Revelation 19:11-16.)
Note: Let’s not confuse the meanings of these two white horses. This first horseman of the apocalypse has a bow, and a bow is used to shoot arrows. Satan the devil is the wicked one who shoots fiery darts (or arrows) at God’s people and our faith is what is required to quench them (Ephesians 6:16.) This first white horse pictures false religion. Satan has deceived the whole world and he uses false religion to do so (Revelation 12:9.)
5. When Jesus opened the second seal, did the second living angelic creature say: "Come and see?" (Revelation 6:3.) What did John see? (Verse 4.) What was granted to the one that sat on this horse and did he have a great sword? (Same verse.) Did Jesus tell His disciples that there would be wars and rumors of wars and that one nation would rise up against another nation? (Matthew 24:6-7.) Did He tell them unless those days were shortened that no flesh would be saved alive? (Matthew 24:22.)
Note: This second horseman of the apocalypse is riding a red horse which pictures war and the color red pictures blood. Today we see many wars going on in the world and we all fear that at sometime in the future some terrorist group or some mad dictator will detonate a nuclear bomb and that war could escalate to the point of "utter destruction".
6. When Jesus opened the third seal, did the third living angelic creature say: "Come and see?" (Revelation 6:5.) What did John see? (Same verse.) What did this horseman have in his hand? (Same verse.) What did the voice say? (Verse 6.) Did Jesus tell His disciples that famines would follow the wars? (Matthew 24:7.)
Note: The third horseman of the apocalypse is riding a black horse which pictures famine and he has a pair of scales in his hand. This indicates that food will be scarce and will be rationed by weight. The denarius was a Roman coin and had the value of about a day’s wage thus indicating that it would take a day’s wage to buy a very small amount of wheat and barley. Notice also the warning not to harm the oil and the wine which is also scarce.
7. When Jesus opened the fourth seal, did the fourth living angelic creature say: "Come and see?" (Revelation 6:7.) What did John see? (Verse 8.) What was the name of this horseman? (Same verse.) Did Jesus tell His disciples that pestilence would follow the famine? (Matthew 24:7.) Note: The fourth horseman of the apocalypse is riding a pale horse which pictures pestilence. Notice that death and the grave follows (Hades is the Greek word for grave.) This is a natural progression. War kills people and it also destroys the land, produce, animals, etc. thus causing famines, and when people are malnourished they become pale and sickly which means that they are ripe for pestilence and disease and people then die and should be buried in graves. Notice that Revelation 6:8 indicates that over a fourth of the earth will be affected by the sword of war, the hunger of famine and the death from pestilence. Also notice that this verse mentions "the beasts of the earth" will be involved in this fourth seal. This could be referring to microscopic beasts of viruses or flea bites which caused a severe epidemic of plague and especially bubonic plague that occurred in Asia and Europe in the 14th century which caused the death of millions.
8. When Jesus opened the fifth seal what did John see? (Revelation 6:9.) What were these voices saying? (Verse 10.) Were they told that they must rest a little longer? (Verse 11.) Did Jesus tell His disciples that tribulation would follow? (Matthew 24:9-10.)
Note: In verse 9, the counterpart to the altar in heaven would be the altar of incense of the ancient Tabernacle. The incense in heaven is a reference to the prayers of the Saints (Revelation 5:8). What God is hearing here in verses 9-10 is the prayers of the Saints who had been slain or martyred. Notice in verse 11 that God tells them that they must "rest a little while longer" until Christ returns and then they will be resurrected at the first resurrection. Notice also that God has a ‘number’ in mind of Saints who will be killed before He allows Christ to return and resurrects the Saints. Please keep in mind that this is a vision that John is having (Revelation 1:10.)
9. After Jesus tells His disciples about false prophets, war, famine, pestilence, and earthquakes, does He say that "All these are the beginning of sorrows?" (Matthew 24:8.)
In Conclusion: It is not very comforting when we read about these seals and the horrible things that they represent. The one major lesson that we can learn from prophecy is that we can repent and obey God now so we can have God’s protection.
10. What happened when Jesus opened the sixth seal? (Revelation 6:12.) Was there a great earthquake? Did the sun become black? Did the moon become like blood? Did stars from heaven fall to the earth? (Verse 13.) Did islands move out of their places? (Verse 14.)
Note: The seals in the sixth chapter of Revelation are parallel to the signs that Jesus Christ gave to His disciples in the Mount Olivet prophecy in the twentieth-fourth chapter of Matthew.
11. What did Jesus tell His disciples would happen immediately after the tribulation? (Matthew 24:29.)
Note: These ‘end time’ events will be dramatic and very scary. If you have ever been in an earthquake then you know how unsettling and spooky it is to have the earth under you moving. This great earthquake will cause tsunamis and giant tidal waves that will cause islands to disappear. Geological upheavals will cause mountains to move out of their places which could cause volcanic eruptions. There will be meteor showers striking the earth like fig trees dropping her figs (Revelation 6:13.) The meteors hitting the earth could cause dust storms and along with the volcanic ash from the volcano eruptions will fill our atmosphere with a black haze of which will cut down on the amount of sunlight coming through the clouds and it will appear as if the sun is blackened and the moon will appear red in color like blood.
12. Does the prophet Joel prophesy about the heavenly signs? (Joel 2:30-31.)
13. Does the prophet Isaiah prophesy about impending judgements coming upon the earth? (Isaiah 24:1, 4.) Why will these judgements come upon the earth? (Verse 5.) Is it because the people have transgressed against God’s laws and broken His covenant? Will the cities be in confusion and desolate? (Verses 10-12.) Will the foundations of the earth be shaken? (Verse 19.) Will there be a great earthquake in which the earth will reel to and fro and totter like a drunk man? (Verse 20.) What does Isaiah say about the sun and the moon? (Verse 23.) What happens next? (Same verse.)
14. Is this the time of the return of Jesus Christ who will appear in heaven? (Matthew 24:30.) Will the people of the earth mourn when they see Jesus Christ coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory? (Same verse.) Will the kings of the earth and the mighty men hide themselves in the caves and the rocks of the mountains? (Revelation 6:15.) Will they want the mountains and the rocks to fall on them to hide them from the face of God who sits on the throne. (Verse 16.) Is this the great and awesome Day of the LORD? (Joel 2:31, Zephaniah 1:14-15.)
Note: This is the time that the whole world finds itself in trouble.
15. What kind of an attitude will Jesus Christ be in when He returns? (Revelation 6:16-17.)
Note: There is good news and there is bad news. The good news is that Jesus is coming and the bad news is that He is angry and filled with wrath. Why all of the wrath? Because man has sinned against God and has trampled over God’s Law and has rebelled against God. Man has it coming.
In Conclusion: But just as we come to the time for the terrible DAY OF THE LORD to strike, an angel appears holding back the four winds (Revelation 7:1-3) which are the first four Trumpet plagues (Revelation 8:7- 12) of the Day of the Lord.
Scriptures
Scripture Reading:
(Revelation 6 NKJV) Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, "Come and see." {2} And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. {3} When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, "Come and see." {4} Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword. {5} When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come and see." So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. {6} And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine." {7} When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, "Come and see." {8} So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth. {9} When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been 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, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" {11} Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed. {12} I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. {13} And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. {14} Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. {15} And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves 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 who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! {17} "For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?"
Golden Text:
(Revelation 6:1 NKJV) Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, "Come and see."
1.)
(Revelation 5:9 NKJV) And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,(John 1:29 NKJV) The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
(John 1:36 NKJV) And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, "Behold the Lamb of God!"
(Revelation 6:1 NKJV) Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, "Come and see."
2.) (Revelation 6:2 NKJV) And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.
(Matthew 24:4-5 NKJV) And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you. {5} "For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many.
(2 Corinthians 11:4 NKJV) For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted; you may well put up with it!
(Galatians 1:6 NKJV) I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,
3.) (Revelation 5:10 NKJV) And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth."
(Revelation 19:16 NKJV) And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
4.) (Revelation 19:11-16 NKJV) Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. {12} His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. {13} He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. {14} And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. {15} Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. {16} And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
(Ephesians 6:16 NKJV) above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
(Revelation 12:9 NKJV) So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
5.) (Revelation 6:3-4 NKJV) When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, "Come and see." {4} Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.
(Matthew 24:6-7 NKJV) "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. {7} "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.
(Matthew 24:22 NKJV) "And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened.
6.) (Revelation 6:5-6 NKJV) When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come and see." So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. {6} And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine."
(Matthew 24:7 NKJV) "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.
7.) (Revelation 6:7-8 NKJV) When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, "Come and see." {8} So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.
(Matthew 24:7 NKJV) "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.
8.) (Revelation 6:9-11 NKJV) When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been 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, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" {11} Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.
(Matthew 24:9-10 NKJV) "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. {10} "And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.
9.) (Matthew 24:8 NKJV) "All these are the beginning of sorrows.
10.) (Revelation 6:12-15 NKJV) I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. {13} And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. {14} Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. {15} And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves 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 who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!
11.) (Matthew 24:29 NKJV) "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
12.) (Joel 2:30-31 NKJV) "And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke. {31} The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD.
13.) The LORD's Devastation of the Earth
(Isaiah 24:1 NKJV) Behold, the LORD makes the earth empty and makes it waste, Distorts its surface And scatters abroad its inhabitants.
(Isaiah 24:4 NKJV) The earth mourns and fades away, The world languishes and fades away; The haughty people of the earth languish.
(Isaiah 24:5 NKJV) The earth is also defiled under its inhabitants, Because they have transgressed the laws, Changed the ordinance, Broken the everlasting covenant.
(Isaiah 24:10-12 NKJV) The city of confusion is broken down; Every house is shut up, so that none may go in. {11} There is a cry for wine in the streets, All joy is darkened, The mirth of the land is gone. {12} In the city desolation is left, And the gate is stricken with destruction.
(Isaiah 24:19-20 NKJV) The earth is violently broken, The earth is split open, The earth is shaken exceedingly. {20} The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, And shall totter like a hut; Its transgression shall be heavy upon it, And it will fall, and not rise again.
(Isaiah 24:23 NKJV) Then the moon will be disgraced And the sun ashamed; For the LORD of hosts will reign On Mount Zion and in Jerusalem And before His elders, gloriously.
14.) (Matthew 24:30 NKJV) "Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
(Revelation 6:15-16 NKJV) And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves 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 who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!
(Joel 2:31 NKJV) The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD.
The Great Day of the LORD
(Zephaniah 1:14-15 NKJV) The great day of the LORD is near; It is near and hastens quickly. The noise of the day of the LORD is bitter; There the mighty men shall cry out. {15} That day is a day of wrath, A day of trouble and distress, A day of devastation and desolation, A day of darkness and gloominess, A day of clouds and thick darkness,