The 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse (Revelation 6:1-8)

Pastor Bob and Janet
Nov 7, 2017
4 min read

The classic baby shower where everyone brings pink clothes for a girl or blue clothes for a boy is being replaced. Trending now is a party called a gender reveal party. Typically, through ultrasound, the baby's gender is discovered and placed in a sealed envelope. The parents give the results to the hostesses, and an exciting way to reveal the gender is planned. For example, the parents may open a final gift filled with pink or blue balloons, or they may cut into a neutrally decorated cake to find a pink or blue inside. What a fun and happy revelation such a party can be! The last book of the Bible, Revelation, speaks of a revealing that may or may not be a happy event, depending upon your standing with the living God. The word apocalypse is a term sometimes used for the Book of Revelation since the word revelation comes from the Greek apokalupsis, “an unveiling, a revealing, a revelation." A gender revealing celebrates an end to pregnancy, and the beginning of new life. The apocalyptic revelation of the Bible celebrates the end of a fallen world and the beginning of a new heaven and a new earth. Before the new heaven and new earth can come to fruition, a series of dreadful events will take place. The events of the end times is called the Great Tribulation.

I. The Background of The Great Tribulation

Matthew gives background of the Great Tribulation in the twenty-fourth chapter of his Gospel. “For then, there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will. Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short." This verse speaks of terrifying events, giving us a concerning caveat, as well as, a comforting confirmation. The verse begins with the word then, indicating that this is a future event that has not taken place as of yet. A warning comes next, informing us that the events of the tribulation are unique to history and are so horrific that no life will be saved. The comfort is for the elect. For the believers' sake, the days of horror will be cut short. God will put a hedge of protection around us just as he protected Job. Most importantly, we can be comforted by the fact that God is in control.

Many people want to know why God would send such tribulation on people he is supposed to love. No one wants people to be saved more than God! (1 Timothy 2:4) Consequently, the ability to begin a relationship with God has become increasingly easy. Even before there was a Bible, God spoke to the patriarchs. Then, he sent his son to earth where many learned about salvation from Jesus. Next, the church was established. Finally, the World Wide Web has innumerable resources at your fingertips. God has made it easy to know him. Ironically, the easier it has become to know Christ, the more people have rejected him. Secondly, at some point, the end must come. God is long-suffering and patient, and he has given people more than enough time to answer his call to be saved. Only the Father knows the end time, referred to as the day of reckoning. The day of reckoning is a day at the end of time when God will decree the fates of all individual humans according to their acceptance or rejection of Christ.

II. An Overview of the Great Tribulation

It is comforting to know that, even when the end is near, God uses tribulation for good. During the Great Tribulation, there will be a great returning to God. In fact, there will be so many, they can't be counted. Romans 11 speaks of a time when people who have hardened their heart toward God will turn to him, and he will save them. Who will be the tangible witnesses for Christ and the Gospel? The church will still be on earth to continue the witness of the Savior.

III. The Details of the Great Tribulation

During the Great Tribulation, God will judge the people of the earth. He will use three things to carry out his judgment: war, famine, and plagues leading to death. The first horseman, riding a white horse, wore a crown and held a bow. His purpose was to conquer. The rider is Christ himself. He is the redeemer that is in control, and he will lead people through the Great Tribulation. God is so good to show us Christ in control before he shows us the pain and suffering. A second horseman, riding a fiery red horse, carried a sword. His purpose was to take peace from the earth, causing people to kill each other. The third horseman, riding a black horse, held in his hand, scales. His purpose was to bring famine on the earth. During the famine, there will be rationing of food. Food will be scarce, and it will be very expensive. The fourth horseman, riding an ashen horse, had the name Death. Following behind, was Hades. He was given the power to wipe out one fourth of earth's population through war, famine, pestilence, and wild beasts. Today's population stands at nearly 8 billion people, so about 2 billion people will die.

The events of the Great Tribulation will definitely be horrific, but God will bring salvation to those who are willing to follow. The Great Tribulation will be one last opportunity to turn to God. Additionally, this time will be an opportunity for the church to be the church. In the midst of the suffering, believers will urgently share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So church, continue to practice witnessing and service, for the end is coming. In the words of a family theologian, Jane Forester, "Strap in!"