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                    THE BOOK OF REVELATION

CHAPTER.6.

THE TRIBULATION PERIOD

Rev chapter 6 to 19

Chapter six begins the revelation of things which will be
fulfilled mainly on earth during the last seven years of this
age.  This period is commonly called `The Great Tribulation'
of `Daniel's 70th Week'.  The judgment of the seven seals and
the first six trumpets will actually take place during the
first three and one-half years of the Great Tribulation.
What John has been seeing in Chapters 4 and 5 has been taking
place in heaven.

The Chronology of Revelation:

Turning again to Revelation 6, which introduces the
Tribulation Period, we must examine this book carefully for
the chronology, or sequence of events.  To assume that the
book of Revelation is intended to unfold step by step is to
prepare oneself for hopeless confusion.  Because of the
variety of subjects dealt with, there must be some
overlapping, but because the first six chapters fall into a
natural sequence, some readers are inclined to assume that
this is true of the entire book.

From chapter 6 through the end of the Book of the revelation
we see the chronological development.  Chapter 6 tells of the
opening of the seals, then chapter 7 interrupts to add
special information.  Chapter 8 and 9 resume the order of
events with the blowing of the trumpets.  Then chapters 10
through 15 give additional information.  Chapter 16 resumes
the chronological order with the poring out of the vials or
bowls.  More special material is then provided in chapters 17
and 18.  The 19th chapter concludes the chronological events
to the Tribulation, but there is some special material even
here.  Then the events of chapters 20 through 22 are in
consecutive order with some additional information about the
New Jerusalem.

The Purpose Of The Tribulation:

Having pointed out the fact of the seven-year Tribulation
Period which will yet come upon this earth, we should examine
God's purpose in sending it.  We are not left to conjecture,
for it was revealed to Daniel at the same time he received
the prediction of the `seventy weeks'.  (Note Dan.9:24).  God
never does anything without a purpose, and here we find that
He had six things in mind.
1.  "To finish the transgression."  This time of suffering
will finish the transgression of Israel. which is the
rejection of her Messiah.  During the Tribulation, the people
of Israel will turn to Christ in great revival and will
become witnesses who will go forth and preach the Gospel
around the world, as we will see in the study of chapter 7.
Actually, the Tribulation Period will help cause a great
revival in Israel.

2.  "To make an end of sins."  The words `make and end'
literally mean `to seal up.'  This period of time will end
with the binding of Satan, which will `seal up' sin.  Man's
cup of iniquity is filled to overflowing, and God brings
judgment upon the earth for man's rejection of His Son.

3.  "To make reconciliation for iniquity."  Again, this is a
reference to the revival of Israel, when they will be
reconciled to God through Him whom they rejected and whom
they asked Pilate to crucify.

4.  "To bring in everlasting righteousness."  When Israel
experiences her revival, the age of righteousness or the
millennial kingdom of Christ will be ushered in.  Though
there will be a brief insurrection at the end, it will be so
short-lived as not to interrupt this final period of
everlasting righteousness that will lead into the new era of
the future, described in Revelation 21 and 22.

5.  "To seal up the vision and prophecy."  When Israel has
turned to Christ, there will no longer be a need for
prophets' visions and prophecy.

6.  "To anoint the Most Holy."   This could refer to the
Holy place on Mt. Moriah where Solomon's Temple was build
over the place where Abraham had prepared to offer Isaac as a
sacrifice, symbolically preparing the way for Israel to have
her sins cleansed through the anticipation of the eventual
death of Christ on the cross.  It could also refer to the
millennial kingdom that will consummate the Tribulation and
usher in the age of righteousness that all Christians yearn
for, the only answer to the heartaches and problems of the
world.

What Begins The Tribulation Period?

Some Christians have the erroneous idea that the Rapture of
the Church will occur at the end of the Tribulation.  There
is no Scripture to support this view other then the slight
suggestion of 1 Thess 4:16 that accompanying Christ, who will
shout from heaven, will be the voice of the archangel and the
trump of God, indication that as Christ comes to take His
Church, possibly the angel Michael will come back to the
earth to again lead the children of Israel as he did in Old
Testament days.

The actual event which begins the Tribulation is found in Dan
9:27 when the Antichrist, `the prince that shall come,' makes
a covenant with Israel for seven years.  Even though he will
break that covenant, his signing will trigger the prophetic
clock of God, and from that moment on only seven years will
be left for man on earth.  One of the reasons we know Christ
is coming before the Tribulation to rapture His Church, is
because the Rapture is a secret thing.  The glorious
appearing will not be secret but well known, for exactly
seven years will elapse from the signing of the covenant to
the glorious appearing of Christ on the earth.

Before examining the opening of the seven seals it will be
helpful to notice the parallel in Matt 24, Mark 13 and Luke
21, where Christ gives us the same chronological outline od
events - though not in as much detail.  Notice the comparison
especially in Matt 24 where we read; "For many shall come in
my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many" (v5).
This is the rider on the white horse.

Then Matt 24:6-7 says, "And ye shall hear of wars and rumours
of wars; see that ye be not troubled; for all these things
must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  For nation shall
rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there
shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers
places."  These verses parallel the other riders in
Revelation.  The `rumours of wars' result from the rider on
the red horse.  The `famines' result from the rider on the
black horse.  The `pestilences' (which naturally follow
famines) result form the rider on the pale horse.  There are
many other parallels between Matt 24, and the events of the
Tribulation recorded in the Book of the Revelation.

THE FIRST SEAL:  THE RISE OF ANTICHRIST.
Rev 6:1-2

Note:
The word `come' in Rev 6:1,3,5,7, is used to command the
riders in the seals to come forth.  This simple and direct
invitation given by the four cherubim is `come'.  The words
`and see' are not in the original in most texts.

Immediately after the Lamb opens one of the seals, the first
of the prophetically well-known `Four Horsemen of the
Apocalypse' appears.  Since there are three more horses and
riders to follow with the successive breaking of the other
seals, it is important that we identify this first rider, as
a key to understanding the three that follow him.

The `white horse' is not to be confused with the white horses
in Rev 19:11-21.  They are literal, but the `white horse' in
verses 1 and 2 is a symbol.  It doesn't mean the Antichrist
will actually come riding on some white horse.  Because the
horses are white in both passages is no proof that they are
symbolic of Christ.

The first rider has a `bow' but no mention is made of any
arrows.  This indicates a cold war rather than any actual
fighting.  The first rider has also been given a `crown'.
From the original language it is clear that this is a
victor's crown, not a sovereign crown.  He has won victory
upon victory so he is given this crown and is elevated to the
position of world leader.  Because of what he promises the
world, the peoples of the world will think that they are
entering the Millenium, when in actuality they will be
entering the Tribulation.

This is what the white-horse rider will do.  He will cone
in power ushering in false peace.  Daniel tells us, `He shall
come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.  And
with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before
him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the
covenant.  And after the league made with him he shall work
deceitfully; for he shall come up, and shall become strong
with a small people: (Dan 11:21-23).  Verse 36 of the same
chapter says, "And the king shall do according to his will;
and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every
god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of
gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished:
for that that is determined shall be done."  Thus, the rider
on the white horse goes forth `conquering, and to conquer'
(Rev 6:2).  This emphasizes that he will have one triumph
after another until "The indignation be accomplished; for
that that is determined shall be done" (Dan 11:36).  God is
in final control and He will let the Antichrist go only so
far.  What God has determined shall be done.

The rider of this horse is the Antichrist!  There are several
reasons for this conclusion.  First of all, it is clear from
the symbol that it is an individual.  It talks about the
rider that has a bow and is given a crown, and goes forth
`conquering and to conquer.'  This fulfills Dan 7:8; 8:8-10,
20-25; 11:35-45.

The Antichrist is the only one prophesied to go forth
`conquering and to conquer.'  He won't necessarily come on a
white horse or steed, but as the false messiah of Israel
(Matt 24:4-5; Jn 5:43; Dan 9:27).  The world today is
awaiting the rise of the Antichrist, and is being prepared
for this time,  When the Antichrist is revealed he will be a
man of vast power.  Millions of people on this earth will be
fooled into thinking that he is really the Lord.

Russia to be Destroyed!

The way this master diplomat, the Antichrist, could conquer
the world through his sudden diplomacy is to offer peace and
prosperity to mankind.  In all likelihood, this could be
accomplished if Russia and her cohorts were out of the way.
Exekiel 38 and 39 tells us that  Russia will conceive of the
idea of conquering Israel.  Just at the moment when she is
preparing to do so, God will supernaturally destroy Russia.
In the wake of this destruction, the Antichrist could very
well offer peace to all men in order to avoid any further
wars between nations.

When will Russia be destroyed?  It is impossible to be
dogmatic in answering this question.  At the latest, it will
occur at the beginning of the Tribulation, for it will take
seven years to burn the implements of war after God has
wrought His destruction on Russia.  (Exek 39:9).  It is
unthinkable that this would go on during the Millennium,
therefore it must come at the very beginning of the
Tribulation or even before it.

It is possible that Russia will be destroyed before the
Rapture of the Church.  There is nothing that demands it, for
the Lord could come at anytime.  However, there is no reason
to believe that Russia would not be destroyed before the
Rapture of the Church.  If the Antichrist signs a covenant
with Israel immediately after Rapture of the Church, thus
beginning the Tribulation, it is highly probable that Russia
will be destroyed before the Rapture.  However, if there is a
period of time between the Rapture of the Church and the
beginning of the Tribulation, the Church could be raptured,
Russia destroyed, and then the Antichrist set up his one-
world government.

Although all the would leaders promise peace to the masses,
man does not have the capacity to fulfill that promise, no
matter who he is or what nation he represents.  The
Antichrist will be no exception!  For we will see that his
false promises of peace , though giving him control of the
world, are impossible for him to fulfill.


THE SECOND SEAL:  WAR
Rev 6:3-4.

The horse of the second seal is a `red horse'.  However, the
rider is still the same rider as appeared on the first horse.
Even though the horses change colours it is not said there
are different riders.  Red speaks of war and bloodshed.  This
is a sobering reminder of 1 Thess 5:3, "For when they shall
say, Peace and safety,, then sudden destruction cometh upon
them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not
escape."

The real intent of the Antichrist is revealed with the
opening of the second seal.  He will actually take peace from
the earth, not give it.  Actual warfare is also seen in that
the people of the world `kill one another' and `there was
given unto him a great sword' (v4).  This, then, is the first
battle of the greatest global, conflict the world has ever
known.  Obviously, in the Antichrists' takeover of the world,
some dissatisfied nations will have waited too long to make
their play to avoid his domination.  Yet, rather than remain
slaves, they will revolt, thus inaugurating a world war.
Although their attempt to throw off the shackles of the
Antichrist will be unsuccessful, it is evident form the
opening of the next seals that this will be a widespread war.


THIRD SEAL:  FAMINE.
Rev 6:5-6.

The black horse rider `had a pair of balances in his hand'.
This was for the purpose of measuring food.  This indicates a
severe scarcity of food (Exek 4:10-17).  The symbolic idea of
the black horse rider is famine.  Famine is the natural
result of war because of lack of men to till the soil and
harvest the crops.  During the first three and one-half years
of the Tribulation period, great famine is going to grip
parts of the world.  This is referred to in Matt 24:6-7.
Millions will starve, as food will not be grown in those
areas where wars are being fought.  The Antichrist will
conquer great nations and empires.  This will be a time of
cataclysmic destruction.  This third seal reveals a terrible
famine following the horrible bloodshed caused by the
Antichrist.



THE FOURTH SEAL:  DEATH AND HELL.
Rev 6:7-8.

These two riders are named because they are not recognizable
by man, as are the first three.  Death is referred to here as
a great pestilence that shall be sent on the earth after the
rise of the Antichrist, and after the wars and famines have
taken their toll on human life.  The Greek word CHOLOROS is
translated `pale' but it really means `green'.  It is so
translated in Rev 8:7, 9:4, Mark 6:39.  The colour of the
fifth horse is not given.

The pale horse is literally livid or corpse-like, signifying
death.  The death rate of the first twenty-one months of the
Tribulation Period will be tremendously high as a result of
war, famine, and inflation.  In fact, one-fourth of all the
world's population will die.  According to the present world
census, that would total between 600 and 700 million people -
some killed by the edge of the sword, some by hunger, and
some by `wild beasts of the earth.'  This could mean
literally a revolt against man on the part of the animal
kingdom.  The first three and one-half years of the
Tribulation will be bad, but the last three and one-half
years will be worse!


THE FIFTH SEAL:  TRIBULATION MARTYRS.
Rev 6:9-11

Chapter 7 will introduce the fact that at the beginning of
the Tribulation there will be a great soul harvest throughout
the world.  The opening of this fifth seal clearly teaches
that after this has begun, there will be a time of great
personal persecution for the children of God.  These, then,
are tribulation saints, individuals who had not received
Christ at the time of the Rapture, before the Tribulation
began, but did receive Him as a result of the faithful
witnesses who are depicted in Chapter 7.  They will be
martyred `for the Word of God and for the testimony which
they held.'  The world despises a clear-cut testimony based
on the Word of God, and that hatred will be given free reign
during the Tribulation Period, resulting in an agonizing time
of persecution for God's people.  Even though these saints
inquire of the Lord, "How long, O Lord.....,"  others will be
killed for their testimony.  Their prayer will not deter
persecution, because it is a time that must be `fulfilled'.
We know that these are believers, for verse 11 indicated that
they are clothed in `white robes.'  It is comforting to know
that although this time must be `fulfilled,' it is also `yet
for a little season.'  This will probably be the greatest
period of cruelty to Christians the world has even known.
Many of the believers referred to in Revelation 7:9 as `a
great multitude, which no man could number,' will probably be
slain.

Some may have a question relative to these people who have
dies and gone to glory.  There is a question as to whether
they were all raptured at one time or at different times.
These martyrs, the Bible tells us, are to wait until all who
will be slain during those years will be killed, and then
they will all be raptured together in one body at the end of
the Great Tribulation.  One must understand that their souls
and spirits are in heaven and their bodies are still on
earth.  They have not been raptured yet when this discussion
is taking place in Rev 6:9-11.  Of course, the Church will be
raptured prior to this.  There will be several raptures.
There will be a rapture of the Tribulation Martyrs.


THE SIXTH SEAL:   CATASTROPHE ON EARTH.

When the sixth seal is opened, the earth is violently shaken
by a giant earthquake, indication that it is the great day of
God's wrath.  Following the persecution of His Saints, He
will show His displeasure on the earth for this persecution.

Although there is some conjecture to the contrary, this would
seem to be a description of a physical shaking of the earth
caused by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.  Such things
have happened before.  Earthquakes in Northern Peru in 1970
took almost 67 000 lives.  A Professor once stated that in
the last 4 000 years earthquakes have caused a loss of 13
million lives, and he claimed the most awful earthquake is
yet to come.  Dr. Robert Thieme tells of the eruption on
August 27, 1883, of Krakatau on an island in the Dutch East
Indies.  The explosion was heard in Rodriguez, South America
3 000 miles away.  As a result of the earthquake, the sun was
blotted out.  Volcanic ash seems to make the moon look red
and blots out the sun, for after the eruption of Krakatau, it
is said that the sun was blotted from view at Batavia, 100
miles away.  At Bondune, 150 miles away, the was sun blotted
out and the moon appeared red.  Tidal waves traveled as far as
Cape Horn, 7 000 miles away, and in all, 36 000 people were
killed.

"And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig
tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty
wind" (Rev 6:13).  Verse 13 indicated that meteors will fall
to the ground and hit as hard, unripe things.

"And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled
together, and every mountain and island were moved out of
their places" (Rev 6:14).  This catastrophe will apparently
bring about fantastic changes on the physical earth.

"The great day of His wrath is come."  This portion of
Scripture, which states that the heavens will depart as a
scroll, really means that the heavens will open and the
thrones of God and of Jesus Christ will be seen by men on
this earth.  At the realization that the time of God's wrath
is come, they will cry in terror to be killed for they will
see that God is going to judge them for their sins.

"And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich
men, and the chief captains, and the  mighty men, and every
slave, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in
the rocks of the mountains" (Rev 6:15).  Great fear will grip
the hearts of men, but because of their stubborn, willful,
rebellious ways, instead of turning to God in the hour of
peril they will hide in the rocks and the dens of the earth.
The cataclysm will be so gigantic in proportions that even
the great men of the earth will have no place to hide.  Who
knows what will happen to the poor?
"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; for the great day of His wrath is come,
and who shall be able to stand?" (Rev 6:16,17).  It seems
evident from these verses that the world will know that this
is a judgment from the Lord Jesus Christ, for they refer to
Him as the Lamb.