As we embark on the fascinating study of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse in Revelation chapter 6, we will discover what the Old Testament reveals about these horses - scripture proving scripture. Together we will scrutinize and define the symbolism which will reveal the message on the scroll beneath the seals, and compare it with the same message - edict - on the scrolls of the Old Testament so we will understand to whom the message was intended.
The modern end-time doctrine is about 100 years old, becoming most popular after the Scofield Study Bible was published in 1909. Cyrus Scofield gleaned much of his doctrine from John Darby. Within a few years his end-time doctrine was placed in the curriculum of Bible schools and seminaries in America, eventually becoming the only doctrine accepted by most mainline churches in this country.
Over many decades I have listened to many Christian radio and television programs, read books and magazines where Christian preachers and authors offered their latest and greatest end-time analysis - hoping to find out how historians define the symbolism - but I could not. I did find that some European authors of this subject couldn't believe that the Americans would adopt the false end-time doctrine of John Darby, their British preacher of the 1800's, which they rejected long ago.
After we analyze Old and New Testament scriptures, we will better understand that what Jesus Christ is revealing to John in 50-60 A.D. regarding the mission of the Four Horsemen is specific to Israel and was perfectly fulfilled in 70 A.D. Of course, this means that the 70th week of Daniel's vision has also been fulfilled - and it was - proven by the historian Flavius Josephus - which will be the subject of our next study.
The Apostle Peter said...no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation...for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit...II Pet. 1:20-21. So I ask, why do so many preachers and Bible teachers disobey his wise words? I don't know, but I do know that prophecy of scripture is understood in it fulfillment - historical documentation of a fulfilled prophetic event provides accuracy in the message.
Revelation chapter 5 describes Jesus Christ after He returned to Heaven, having accomplished His work on the earth. He is now sitting on the right hand of God on the throne in Heaven - the only One worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals...verses 1-2.
Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a loud voice like thunder, "Come and see"...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...Rev. 6:1-2.
Everyone in Heaven was waiting watchfully and expectantly for the seven seals to be opened and reveal the secrets hidden within the scroll. Behind each of the first four seals John sees a horse - each a different color to signify its specific function in fulfilling the indictment against Israel, which is written on the scroll. The horses that are colored fiery red, black, and pale symbolize the Lamb's judgment, His vengeance against Israel for rejecting Him as their Messiah - Wrath of the Lamb...Rev. 6:16.
With joy in his heart, John reverently beheld Jesus Christ approaching the throne where His Father was sitting. The silence was deafening, while all eyes were riveted upon Him, as they breathlessly watched the Worthy One remove the scroll from God's right hand. Energized suspenseful anticipation hung like a misty cloud, while John and all the heavenly spirit beings anxiously waited for Him to remove the first seal.
Behind the first seal John sees a white horse. Who is sitting on the white horse and what does white symbolize? Stay tuned...
God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question...
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