PROPHECY
"Seals in Heaven & Scenes on Earth"
Rev 4:1-4 ch 6

Pastor Jack Anderson

Introduction Rev 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter.

Rev 4:2 And immediately I was in the spirit; and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

The Prophetic scene in the Revelation shifts dramatically, from the vision of the exalted Christ in CH 1 and His letters to the seven churches as recorded in CH 2&3, to a vision of heaven. John is now summoned into the throne room of heaven, where he now views everything from a heavenly perspective.

In Rev 4& 5 we are touching the Throne! And when you touch the Throne you cannot get closer to the Lord than that. These chapters contain a double vision.

In chapter 4 all heaven worships God the Father for creating the world. Chapter 5 All heaven worships Christ the Lamb of God for redeeming the world from the curse of sin. Jesus is the giver of life! The great creator became our Saviour.

The transition in ch 4 begins with the words "After this I looked" A new beginning is made -- as a door is open in heaven to enable John to see what transpires in heaven, so that he can understand what happens on earth.

John was given a vision of the Grace of God, the Government of God and of the Glory of God.
John was in the Spirit and he saw, that the Throne is central in heaven for it is the symbol of God's universal Government.

He also saw the One who is seated on the Throne in His Shekinah glory and he was overcome by the presence and the glory of God. (What an experience)

The Throne set in heaven reminds us of the stability of our God, the One who changes not. What a contrast to the tottering thrones of earth and the weakness of all earthly governments.

Praise God for the throne that is set in heaven. It is the source of the believer's strength and security. It is the pledge of order and authority, and it is a precious sight to the Lord's believing spirit filled people.

For this throne-- is not only a throne of government, it is a throne of Grace, where we, who know the Lord, can come with boldness, that we might find grace to help in time of need. Sustaining continuing Grace is ever a sufficient blessing to help in these dark days of uncertainty.

Beloved in these dark days of uncertainty and gloom, the believer, through the eye of Faith, can see a throne set in heaven and the One, who is sitting on that throne who has everything under control.

God is still on the Throne and He will remember His own
His promise is true-
He will not forget you God is still on the throne.

The aged John was now given a preview of coming attractions, where he saw a sweeping panorama of God's prophetic program in advance. What a breathtaking moment that must have been. It was sensational! It was spectacular! It was amazing

The remaining chapters of the book of the Revelation are a record of what John saw with his own eyes. He saw the One who is reigning and ruling.

He saw that the "Lord Omnipotent reigns. He is clothed with majesty and has girded himself with power and strength. He saw that the Lord is mightier and more glorious than the sound of many waters

It soon became very clear to John that the Lord is in control of global affairs, and that the time had come for God to begin to work out His redemptive plan for planet Earth.

Rev 4:5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

Lighting, Thunder, and voices, these are symbols of judgement. These were the signs that appeared at the giving of the Law at Sinai, and all the people who were in the camp of Israel trembled Exod 19:6

These signs will appear again after the Church has been raptured and the dispensation of God's grace is over.
Rev 8:5 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.

Then, as John looked at the throne he noted that round the throne there was a rainbow that looked like an emerald.
This was an unbroken rainbow and it represents the truth of perfection.
It speaks of a God who keeps His covenants and His promises. It speaks of a God who honours all the commitments he has made.

In Gen 9 The Lord made a Covenant with Noah and with his seed after him, and God said"
Gen 9: 13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.

This Rainbow speaks of Promise and hope, but the unbroken emerald rainbow around the throne of God symbolises that God's perfect judgement has come.

For God has made another covenant with His Son and He is about to fulfil it. He has promised his Son that one day the earth will be His footstool.

Psa 110:1. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Now the day has come for the Lord to assert His claim to the earth. The earth will be cleansed by a terrible judgement in preparation for His coming Millennial Kingdom.
Jesus said that there would be great tribulation such as was not from the beginning of the world.

Mat 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

Terrible times of tribulation are coming to this earth after the rapture of the Church.
1 Th 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

God has not chosen His children for wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. Wrath and Salvation are two opposing destinies.
If the Church is granted Salvation, then we can conclude that we will not experience wrath.

Rev 5:1-4 Describes the Scene in heaven where again Jesus Christ is the central figure.

1. The Incredible Scroll v 1
Rev 5:1 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.

1. What is the Scroll? It is a completed book and it is a sealed book, and thus the judgements and woes that are pronounced by this scroll, are known in every detail before they occur.

2. Where is the Scroll? It is in God's right hand. The Scroll represents God's plan from eternity to eternity.
This is the document that determines the outcome of planet earth. It unveils the destiny of the nations! It is the title deed of earth.

3. Why was it Sealed? A seal was a device, often made with wax with an imprint upon it, which forbade any unauthorised opening.

There is a seal on this scroll for there is only one who has the right to open it. Knowing that the world's destiny is written and sealed; should influence our response to what is happening in the world today.

The book in God's hand is a binding document. It is relevant to the redemption of the world. It represents all that the Father has promised to the Son because of His sacrifice at Calvary.
The memories of Calvary are treasured in heaven.

The Incredible Scroll v 1

The Hysterical Search v.2-4

The challenge goes out who is worthy? He did not ask who is willing? Down through the years there have been many who have been willing to rule the world.

The prospect of world domination has appealed to many across the decades of time. - Alexander, Napoleon, Hitler to name but a few. The graveyard of history is littered with fallen conquerors and their shattered dreams

There are people today who are fanatical in their pursuit of global supremacy and woe betides anyone who stands in their way.
This is the driving force of those who are major figures on the stage of world politics. Yet all past and present have failed because not one of them was worthy.

Rev 5:3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.

Heaven is searched in a vain attempt to find someone, who can open the scroll and reclaim the planet for God, but no one is found.

Earth is searched but no man upon earth - No politician, no religious leader. Hell is searched but no departed conqueror or demon could take the Book or even look upon it. This fruitless search tears John apart!

John was broken hearted; he was devastated because there is no one worthy to open the scroll and fulfil God's plan for human history. These are the tears of all humanity -Caused by sin .why cry?

Although the church has been redeemed, creation is still under the curse.
If no one could take the Book and pay the price, then creation would have to remain in bondage. He knew that the world needs redemption; he knew that it needs a leader but he testifies

Rev 5:4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon

This was the first time that any man has shed tears in Heaven! But this was also last time a person will ever shed tears in heaven, for tears will never stain the streets of heaven.

Rev 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

The Incredible Scroll v 1
The Hysterical Search v.2-4
The Wonderful Saviour v 5-7

Weep not John! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals. This is the message of the church today, we have a redeemer.

There is a Redeemer Jesus God's own Son Precious Lamb of God the Messiah. Jesus alone has triumphed the lion of Judah has prevailed. He has prevailed and He has conquered. Death, Grave, Hell, Satan and all the powers of darkness

The Lion of the Tribe of Judah speaks of His Majesty of His authority and of His power The Jews were looking for a lion and God gave them a lamb and they rejected Him.

John may have expected to see a lion but, while he watched, he saw, Jesus Christ his Saviour, as lamb that had been slain. He still bears the marks of His sufferings. These will ever serve to remind us of the price paid he paid for our redemption.

The Lamb speaks of His Meekness In Jesus Christ alone, the majesty and might of the Lion and the meekness and sacrifice of the lamb are combined in one glorious person.
While the elders and the raptured church watched, Jesus, the perfect sacrificial Lamb came forward before the host of believers, numbering ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands out of ever tribe and tongue and nation.

While the redeemed church sang praises to Him, Jesus stepped forward and He opened the scroll.
Rev 6:1 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.

Rev 6:2 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.

When the first seal is opened, the end time judgement of God has finally come and it begins with a period of Deception. Here we have the first of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse. Who is this mysterious rider on a white horse?

The man on the white horse is not Christ but the Antichrist. This scene takes place on earth for he is certainly not riding forth to conquer heaven.
A White Horse - Gives the appearance of good but it is a false purity for this rider is the false Christ.

You probably realise that there are two riders on white horses in the book of Revelation. The first one is here the second is in chapter 19

Rev 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

In Rev 6:2 The first rider on a white horse has a bow in his hand and a crown was given to him-the word "crown" here is (stephanos) something that a man can win; a victor's crown.

A Crown given--The world will accept him and will crown him king of the world but He has no right to the throne!
He Comes Conquering - carries a Bow in his hand an instrument of war - A military man who carries a bow, but has no arrows. He conquers by deception rather than bloodshed.

The world is ready for a man to bring peace. The World thought patterns have already been programmed to accept his doctrine.
He will fool the world, he will lure the world into a false sense of security; but his peace will be short lived because it is a false peace and it will last for just 3 1/2 years!

The man on the white horse brings Deception and Delusion
The Apostle Paul speaks of this time when men who refuse to believe the Truth will believe the lie of the Antichrist

2 Th 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
2 Th 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

The nations having rejected the Christ of God, will receive the Devil's Christ The reality is that the spirit of antichrist is at work in the world today trying to lure the world into the lap of Satan while the Church sleeps.

The theologian Harvey Cox-"That seduction is the most callous form of exploitation because," It tricks the victim into becoming unwittingly an accomplice in his own seduction".

The Antichrist will be the most incredible leader that the world has ever known. On the surface he will appear to be the epitome of human genius and power.

He will be an Intellectual genius he will be a Political genius, a commercial genius, and a military genius, the master of deception empowered by the father of lies.
What a contrast there is, as John describes in Rev 11. We could call the climax of Bible Prophecy.

Rev 19: 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.

16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

This One is the true Christ, the Messiah, and not the usurper, the Antichrist. He rides the white horse of conquest and the outcome of His victory is sure.

His greatness is to be seen in His character! He is reliable! He is the faithful and the true witness. He is the Altogether Lovely One! The Rose of Sharon!
The Hidden Treasure! The Great Physician! The Sure Foundation! The Pearl of Great Price! The Rock of Ages! The Incarnate Truth! The Author and finisher of our Faith! The King of Kings and Lord of Lords

The First Seal-the Antichrist is revealed and he creates Deception and Delusion Rev 6: 2
The Second Seal is now opened --- Rev 6:3, 4

Rev 6:3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
Rev 6:4 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.

The rider on the white horse in the first Seal had a bow in his hand, but the rider on the Red horse is wielding a great sword and he is given the power to take peace from the earth.

When this man appears-- world peace is ended, many people are killed, and military power is placed into the hands of one man.

The second seal is ---the Seal of Destruction the red horse symbolises bloodshed and war. The word that translated slay-means to slaughter. Many wars will break out as antichrist attempts to consolidate his power.
The words of Jesus - Mat 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.Mat 24:8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

The fact that this horseman shall take peace from the earth indicates a world war of incredible magnitude. The red horse represents not only nation rising against nation, but man fighting against individual.

He ushers in a time of civil unrest and anarchy, murder and assassination, bloodshed, revolution, rebellion and revolt. Some scholars suggest that as many as two thirds of the world's population may die during the Tribulation.

The Antichrist promised peace but it is only God who can produce real peace in the hearts of men. The Almighty says of the human race, Rom 3:17 And the way of peace have they not known:

At the first advent God sent His offer of peace to a sinful world in the person of His beloved Son. The angel's heralded forth the good news "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace good will toward men"

But when the Prince of peace came they crucified Him and said we shall not have this man to rule over us. Peace was rejected, and war, havoc and destruction have reigned in every century

It will be hell upon earth for those who are living during the Great tribulation when everyman's sword is turned against his brother.

Deception, Delusion, Destruction

The Lamb of God now opens the Third Seal and John describes the scene
Rev 6:5-6 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.

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. (KJV)

The aftermath of the devastation of war is always famine. In the market place prices will change dramatically, there will be soaring inflation. A man will have to work a full day to make enough money to buy enough wheat for one meal for his family

The economic balance will be altered because the world economy will be bankrupt. It could well be that the Antichrist will use the rising spiral of inflation to impose rigid controls over buying and selling and to enhance his power The mark of the beast scenario comes into the equation.

Famine is already here! In today's world we see the images of effects of famine on the third world countries.
The black horse symbolises the world stricken with famine, unlike anything there has been in the past.

Lam 4:8-9 We have a description of the terrible results of famine Now their appearance is blacker than soot; they go unrecognised in the streets; their skin clings to their bones, it has become as dry as wood.

9 Those slain by the sword are better off than those who die of hunger; for these pine away, stricken for lack of the fruits of the field.

While antichrist keeps himself detached! Violence and war cause havoc in every nation, men women and children will have all kinds of health problems and multitudes will die of starvation. It is human misery at its worse height.

Deception, Delusion, Destruction, Devastation,
Distress and Death

As John the Revelator watched, the Lamb opens the fourth seal

Rev 6:8 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.

Notice that death and Hades rode together, and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him
While death takes the body, Hades takes the soul! Hades is the place where the spirit of the lost man goes.

A quarter of the world's population shall perish when the pale horse comes on the scene. Men and women shall be killed by the sword, with hunger, and with the beasts of the earth.

From Gen 9:2 we learn that God instilled a fear of humanity into animals Gen 9:2 And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered.

During the horrible judgments of the Tribulation God will remove this fear allowing the wild beasts to attack and devour humans until the Lord comes.

Then Jesus will reinstate a covenant of peace between humans and animals.
Isa 11:6-9 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.

1. When Jesus opens the fifth Seal, the scene moves back to heaven where John saw under the Altar the souls of believers who had been martyred for their faith.

Rev 6:9-11 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?

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 fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. (KJV)

John is writing about those who have proved their love and loyalty to Jesus Christ during the dark days of Satan's rule and reign of terror. These martyrs under the altar had poured out their lives as a drink offering unto the Lord.

What a challenge these saints bring to us who are living in this dispensation of God's Grace.
For so often we seek the easy comfort zone of Christianity! We mummer and complain if some one upsets us, or does something their way instead of our way.

What contribution are we really making to the kingdom of God? What are we really doing to win the Lost? How are we living our lives in the light of the soon return of the Master? Let us examine our hearts before the Lord, as to what kind of Christian witness we are!

Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Is your life a channel of blessing?
Is the Love of God flowing through you?
Are you telling the Lost of the Saviour?
Are you ready his service to do?

May our sincere Pray be

Make me a channel of blessing today
Make me a channel of blessing I Pray
My life possessing, my service blessing
Make me a channel of blessing today

CONCLUSION
When Jesus breaks the sixth seal, planet earth is shaken to its very core. Verses 12-17

1) There is a great earthquake
2) The Sun becomes as black as sackcloth
3) The Moon becomes as Blood
4) The Stars of the heaven fall to the earth and the heavens and the atmosphere splits apart like a scroll.

This clearly indicates some sort of nuclear or cosmic disaster, which causes the entire planet to be shaken. What is happening? It's the wrath of the Lamb.

Rev 6:15 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;

Rev 6:16 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:

Rev 6:17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

The entire population is in a state of blind panic. The bottom has fallen out of man's tiny world and God has brought men that have gone beyond the point of no return to their knees

The day of the Lamb has come and there is no hiding place and who can stand before His wrath?

The people mentioned here are like people today! They would rather hide from God in fear than run to Him in Faith! This is what sin does to every man

With the opening of the first six seals the process of judgement begins! The world is at war, the planet is in jeopardy, but one thing remains clear:

God is still in control. Jesus Christ is opening the seals and the sovereign will of heaven prevails, despite a depraved and corrupt world.

The Victory is the Lord's though each step to the cross was a step of agony; it was also a step to victory.
And the Victory is available for all who are trusting wholly in HIM

John also saw that wonderful day when the Church militant will be the Church triumphant in Heaven. As he looked he saw the Saviours Return from heaven.

Rev 19: 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

The church will return with Christ as a mighty army clothed in the fine linen of His righteousness; white and clean, as the redeemed of the Lord.

The destiny of every true believer is now clarified.

This includes,
1) The Rapture
2). The Return
3) The Reign

At the Rapture we go up to heaven.
At the Return we come back to earth.

In the Millennium we Reign with Christ on earth for a thousand years.

There are no losers in Christ only winners

Winners are those who Love God! Obey the Government of God and work for the Glory of God.