The First Two Seals of Revelation – Dale Black

Seal 1 and Seal 2 of the Book of Revelation are full of fascinating truths about the beginning of the final 7 years of this present age.

As we let Scripture interpret Scripture – when making comparisons between multiple Bible passages concerning the same prophecy – we can assume that the first seal represents more than simply the timely rising of false teachers and false Christs.

In reality, this prolific increase in false leaders will begin occurring before… and greatly increase right after… the signing of what Isaiah calls, ‘the covenant of death.’ This deceptive treaty of peace and protection is offered to the nation of Israel, by a world leader who controls a coalition of three additional nations.

It is also likely that Seal One’s rider, who is described riding on a white horse, represents the greatest of all false Christs – namely, the Antichrist. He is a man who the Bible describes as someone who has come to conquer.

Of the seven Seals, it is only in Seal One that Jesus directly entreats and warns His disciples with the following words, found in Luke 21:8, “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not go after them.”

This verse alerts us that many ministers, false prophets, and religious leaders who profess that they represent Jesus Christ, will exploit the trust of countless people who are not firmly rooted in God’s Word – therefore, are readily deceived. This great deception will mislead many Christians through false teachings of the gospel message, as well as the timing of the return of Jesus. In the above Scripture, we are forewarned by Jesus, not to follow after these false leaders, or to believe their false prophecies.

In addition, in Matthew 7:15 Jesus says, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”

Professing Christians from many denominations and doctrines will believe the claims of these false Christs, represented by the first seal. Many of these deceivers may also claim that they are the true Messiah who has returned to the earth and that the Second Coming is here.

In summary, Seal One brings onto the world’s scene a global leader who signs a treaty with Israel. As well as many false Christs and false teachers who claim to be representing Jesus.

In Revelation 6, verse 2, the apostle John writes, “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.”

THE SECOND SEAL
With the opening of the Second Seal the ‘beginning birth pangs’ continue. In Revelation 6, verses 3 and 4, John writes, “When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.” 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.”

Wars and rumors of war have always existed on the earth, especially in our present times. However, during the first half of Daniel’s 70th Week, they will be far more numerous and severe than have ever previously occurred in man’s history. This will alert and confirm to the bondservants of Jesus that this is indeed the first half of the final seven years, or Daniel’s Seventieth Week. Even those who do not believe in Jesus and the Word of His testimony, will become anxious and distressed at the level and frequency of violence throughout the world. Mankind will desperately seek a world leader who can bring peace and order to the ever- increasing chaos.

This perfect storm brings about the ideal conditions for the Antichrist to establish himself as a global leader. By defeating his enemies, and merging additional nations to form a ten-nation political powerhouse, this man will offer power and friendship if each nation is willing to relinquish their sovereignty to his control.

This global leader’s actions are described in Daniel 11, verse 39. “Thus he [the Antichrist] shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many and divide the land for gain.”

He will continue to conceal his true identity, but his global power will communicate with the world that he is far more than just a rescuer of nations. This seeming savior of the world, will be received as a conqueror, and the world’s best hope for peace and security. These events further validate the identity of ‘the man on the white horse’ as the Antichrist.

During the first half of the final seven years, it will not yet be evident that the Antichrist’s true intentions are to rule the world, demand the world’s worship and to completely remove God’s people from the earth. At this point, the Antichrist will be hailed as an unequalled warrior and diplomat, who uses his military power to bring peace and order to a chaotic and violent world.

Yet, in spite of this initial façade, the “Great Tribulation” is about to begin at the midpoint of the 70th Week. We will review that further in the coming weeks.

With God, nothing is impossible!

Dale and Paula Black

If you missed last week’s video teaching, Capt. Dale and Paula Black give you another episode of PROPHECY CODEBREAKER as they answer questions and discuss relevant principles we all need to be aware of regarding the last days. Are you prepared?