Four Horsemen

One of the most startling sights recorded in the book of Revelation is the four horsemen of the apocalypse. These four horses each represent a plague or evil that is to be unleashed on mankind. What many people don't know is that Jesus already gave this testimony in the Gospels.

Jesus was asked by a few of his disciples a very important question -

Matthew 24:3. And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

Jesus gave a very shocking and descriptive answer. The first four answers he gave are the first four of the seven seal judgments from Revelation. He gave these before the book was even written! These signs would be the "beginning of the sorrows" for all of the world.

White Horse

The first horse that is seen by John is white. This is different from the white horse seen in chapter 19 of Revelation. This horse is white like Jesus' because it represents false peace, the Antichrist.

Revelation 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.

Matthew 24:4. And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Red Horse

The second horse represents war. Peace will be shattered and war and destruction will take its place.

Revelation 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.

Matthew 24:6. 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. 7. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:

Black Horse

Following all wars is the threat of famines which is represented by the third horse.

Revelation 6:5. 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. 6. 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.

Matthew 24:7. … and there shall be famines,

Pale Horse

The last of the four horses, but not of the sealed judgments, is death. Disease will be so common, and vaccines will be so scarce, that death will have plenty for the taking.

Revelation 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.

Matthew 24:7. … and pestilences