Sermon 205

📖 SERMON 205 — THE OPENING OF THE SEALS

Preacher: Rev. G. S. Kok
Date: May 16, 1951
Text: Revelation 6
Subject: THE OPENING OF THE SEALS

INTRODUCTION:

In chapter 5 Christ took the sealed book from the right hand of God. Chapter 6 now shows Him opening the seals, one by one.

I. THE FIRST SEAL — THE WHITE HORSE

A. John sees a white horse.
1. Its rider has a bow.
2. A crown is given unto him.
3. He goes forth conquering and to conquer.

B. Symbolizes the victorious progress of the Gospel.
1. White is the color of righteousness and purity.
2. Christ goes forth by His Word.
3. The Gospel conquers hearts.
4. Its victories are spiritual.
5. This seal describes the power of the Gospel throughout the ages.

II. THE SECOND SEAL — THE RED HORSE

A. A horse red like blood.
1. Its rider has a great sword.
2. Power is given him to take peace from the earth.

B. Symbolizes war.
1. When men reject the Gospel, hatred remains.
2. Wars and conflicts break out.
3. This seal portrays the strife that follows the Gospel’s progress.

III. THE THIRD SEAL — THE BLACK HORSE

A. A black horse appears.
1. Its rider holds a pair of balances.

B. Symbolizes famine.
1. Scarcity of food.
2. High prices: “A measure of wheat for a penny...”
3. Oil and wine are not to be hurt.
4. A picture of suffering under God’s control.

IV. THE FOURTH SEAL — THE PALE HORSE

A. Its rider’s name is Death.
1. Hell follows him.

B. Symbolizes death in various forms.
1. By sword.
2. By famine.
3. By pestilence.
4. By wild beasts.
5. A fourth part of the earth affected.

V. THE FIFTH SEAL — THE SOULS UNDER THE ALTAR

A. The souls of martyrs cry out.
1. Slain for the Word of God.
2. They cry, “How long, O Lord?”

B. White robes are given to them.
1. They must wait until the number of martyrs is complete.
2. God’s plan includes suffering for Christ’s sake.

VI. THE SIXTH SEAL — COSMIC DISTURBANCES

A. A great earthquake.
1. The sun becomes black.
2. The moon as blood.
3. Stars fall.
4. Heaven departs as a scroll.
5. Mountains and islands moved.

B. The reaction of mankind.
1. Kings, great men, rich men, mighty men all hide.
2. They cry for mountains to fall upon them.
3. They cannot stand before the wrath of the Lamb.

CONCLUSION:

The seals reveal the history of the world under Christ’s sovereign direction. The Gospel, war, famine, death, martyrdom, and final judgment unfold under His rule. The Lamb who opens the seals governs all things for the sake of His kingdom.