Revelation 6
BSB1 Then I watched as the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say in a thunderous voice, “Come!" 2 So I looked and saw a white horse, and its rider held a bow. And he was given a crown, and he rode out to overcome and conquer. 3 And when the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!" 4 Then another horse went forth. It was bright red, and its rider was granted permission to take away peace from the earth and to make men slay one another. And he was given a great sword. 5 And when the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” Then I looked and saw a black horse, and its rider held in his hand a pair of scales. 6 And I heard what sounded like a voice from among the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine." 7 And when the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!" 8 Then I looked and saw a pale green horse. Its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed close behind. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill by sword, by famine, by plague, and by the beasts of the earth. 9 And when the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony they had upheld. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You avenge our blood and judge those who dwell upon the earth?" 11 Then each of them was given a white robe and told to rest a little while longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers, were killed, just as they had been killed. 12 And when I saw the Lamb open the sixth seal, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black like sackcloth of goat hair, and the whole moon turned blood red, 13 and the stars of the sky fell to the earth like unripe figs dropping from a tree shaken by a great wind. 14 The sky receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place. 15 Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the commanders, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and free man hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16 And they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. 17 For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?"
Study Notes — Revelation 6
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Revelation 6
- Themes from Revelation 6
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Revelation 6
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with Jesus Christ opening the first six seals, each of which brings a different judgment upon the world. The first seal brings a conqueror, the second seal brings war, the third seal brings famine, the fourth seal brings death, the fifth seal brings persecution of Christians, and the sixth seal brings a devastating earthquake and cosmic disturbances. The chapter ends with the question of who can stand before God's judgment, setting the stage for the rest of the book. Key verses include Revelation 6:1, Revelation 6:2, Revelation 6:8, and Revelation 6:17, which highlight the scope and severity of God's judgments.
Context for the Chapter
Revelation chapter 6 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Revelation, which is a prophetic vision of the end times. The chapter follows the vision of the throne room in Revelation 4-5, and sets the stage for the rest of the book. The chapter is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, emphasizing the themes of judgment, redemption, and salvation. The book of Revelation is a culmination of God's plan, as seen in the Old Testament prophecies and the New Testament teachings of Jesus Christ.
Heart Application
This chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of faith in Christ as the only means of salvation. It also emphasizes the need for repentance and a turning away from sin, highlighting the holiness and justice of God. As believers, we are called to live in light of God's judgment and redemption, seeking to honor Him in all that we do. We must also be mindful of the coming judgment, and seek to share the gospel with those around us, that they may come to know Christ and be saved.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Revelation chapter 6 is about the seven seals that Jesus Christ opens, which bring judgments upon the world. The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in Christ as the only means of salvation, and serves as a call to repentance. As seen in Revelation 6:1 and Revelation 6:17, the chapter highlights the themes of judgment, redemption, and salvation.
Voices from the Church
“The judgments of God are not to be trifled with, for they are a manifestation of His holy and righteous character. As seen in Revelation 6:1, the Lamb's opening of the seals is a demonstration of God's power and authority.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The book of Revelation is a call to faith and obedience, emphasizing the importance of trusting in Christ as the only means of salvation. The image of the Lamb and the sealed Book of Life serve as reminders of God's plan of redemption, as seen in Revelation 6:17.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The First Seal: The Conqueror (Revelation 6:1-2) — The first seal brings a conqueror, who is given a crown and rides out to conquer. This represents the false peace and security of the world, which will ultimately be shattered by God's judgments.
- The Second Seal: War (Revelation 6:3-4) — The second seal brings war, which takes peace from the earth and causes people to kill one another. This represents the chaos and destruction that will result from humanity's rebellion against God.
- The Third Seal: Famine (Revelation 6:5-6) — The third seal brings famine, which causes a dramatic increase in the cost of food and other necessities. This represents the economic hardship and struggle that will result from God's judgments.
- The Fourth Seal: Death (Revelation 6:7-8) — The fourth seal brings death, which kills a quarter of the earth's population. This represents the devastating consequences of God's judgments, and the need for humanity to turn to Him in repentance.
- The Fifth Seal: Persecution of Christians (Revelation 6:9-11) — The fifth seal brings persecution of Christians, who are killed for their faith. This represents the suffering and martyrdom that believers will face in the last days, and the need for perseverance and faithfulness.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over the universe, highlighting His power and authority. The image of the Lamb opening the seals serves as a reminder of God's plan and purpose, as seen in Revelation 6:1.
- The Importance of Faith
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in Christ as the only means of salvation, highlighting the need for repentance and trust in God's plan of redemption. The image of the Lamb and the sealed Book of Life serve as reminders of God's plan, as seen in Revelation 6:17.
- The Reality of Judgment
- The chapter emphasizes the reality of God's judgment, highlighting the severity and consequences of sin. The judgments serve as a reminder of God's holiness and justice, and the need for humanity to turn to Him in repentance.
- The Hope of Redemption
- The chapter also emphasizes the hope of redemption, highlighting the importance of faith in Christ as the only means of salvation. The image of the Lamb and the sealed Book of Life serve as reminders of God's plan of redemption, as seen in Revelation 6:17.
Lessons from Revelation 6
- The Importance of Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in Christ as the only means of salvation, highlighting the need for repentance and trust in God's plan of redemption.
- The Reality of Judgment — The chapter emphasizes the reality of God's judgment, highlighting the severity and consequences of sin. The judgments serve as a reminder of God's holiness and justice, and the need for humanity to turn to Him in repentance.
- The Hope of Redemption — The chapter also emphasizes the hope of redemption, highlighting the importance of faith in Christ as the only means of salvation. The image of the Lamb and the sealed Book of Life serve as reminders of God's plan of redemption, as seen in Revelation 6:17.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over the universe, highlighting His power and authority. The image of the Lamb opening the seals serves as a reminder of God's plan and purpose.
- The Call to Repentance — The chapter serves as a call to repentance, emphasizing the need for humanity to turn to God in faith and obedience. The judgments and symbolism serve as a reminder of God's holiness and justice, and the need for repentance and redemption.
Themes from Revelation 6
- Judgment — The chapter emphasizes the theme of judgment, highlighting the severity and consequences of sin. The judgments serve as a reminder of God's holiness and justice, and the need for humanity to turn to Him in repentance.
- Redemption — The chapter also emphasizes the theme of redemption, highlighting the importance of faith in Christ as the only means of salvation. The image of the Lamb and the sealed Book of Life serve as reminders of God's plan of redemption, as seen in Revelation 6:17.
- Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over the universe, highlighting His power and authority. The image of the Lamb opening the seals serves as a reminder of God's plan and purpose.
- Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in Christ as the only means of salvation, highlighting the need for repentance and trust in God's plan of redemption.
- Repentance — The chapter serves as a call to repentance, emphasizing the need for humanity to turn to God in faith and obedience. The judgments and symbolism serve as a reminder of God's holiness and justice, and the need for repentance and redemption.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the significance of the seven seals in Revelation 6, and how do they relate to God's plan of redemption?
- How do the judgments in Revelation 6 relate to the theme of God's sovereignty and control over the universe?
- What is the importance of faith in Christ as the only means of salvation, and how is this emphasized in Revelation 6?
- How do the symbols and imagery in Revelation 6 contribute to the overall message of the chapter, and what do they reveal about God's character and plan?
- What is the call to repentance in Revelation 6, and how does it relate to the broader biblical narrative of salvation and redemption?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The First Seal: The Conqueror (Revelation 6:1-2)
| Revelation 6:1 | The first seal brings a conqueror, who is given a crown and rides out to conquer. This represents the false peace and security of the world, which will ultimately be shattered by God's judgments. |
| Revelation 6:2 | The conqueror is given a crown, representing the authority and power that he has been given. However, this authority is ultimately under God's control, and will be used to fulfill His plan. |
2. The Second Seal: War (Revelation 6:3-4)
| Revelation 6:3 | The second seal brings war, which takes peace from the earth and causes people to kill one another. This represents the chaos and destruction that will result from humanity's rebellion against God. |
| Revelation 6:4 | The war is a result of humanity's sin and rebellion, and serves as a reminder of God's judgment and justice. |
3. The Third Seal: Famine (Revelation 6:5-6)
| Revelation 6:5 | The third seal brings famine, which causes a dramatic increase in the cost of food and other necessities. This represents the economic hardship and struggle that will result from God's judgments. |
| Revelation 6:6 | The famine is a result of God's judgment, and serves as a reminder of His sovereignty and control over the universe. |
4. The Fourth Seal: Death (Revelation 6:7-8)
| Revelation 6:7 | The fourth seal brings death, which kills a quarter of the earth's population. This represents the devastating consequences of God's judgments, and the need for humanity to turn to Him in repentance. |
| Revelation 6:8 | The death is a result of God's judgment, and serves as a reminder of His holiness and justice. |
5. The Fifth Seal: Persecution of Christians (Revelation 6:9-11)
| Revelation 6:9 | The fifth seal brings persecution of Christians, who are killed for their faith. This represents the suffering and martyrdom that believers will face in the last days, and the need for perseverance and faithfulness. |
| Revelation 6:10 | The persecution is a result of humanity's rebellion against God, and serves as a reminder of God's judgment and justice. |
| Revelation 6:11 | The martyrs are given white robes, representing their righteousness and purity. They are also told to wait a little while longer, until the full number of their fellow servants and brothers has been completed. |
6. The Sixth Seal: The Great Earthquake (Revelation 6:12-17)
| Revelation 6:12 | The sixth seal brings a great earthquake, which causes the sun to become black and the moon to become like blood. This represents the cosmic disturbances that will result from God's judgments. |
| Revelation 6:13 | The stars fall from the sky, representing the chaos and destruction that will result from God's judgments. |
| Revelation 6:14 | The sky recedes like a scroll, representing the unveiling of God's plan and purpose. |
| Revelation 6:15 | The kings and nobles hide in caves, representing their fear and terror of God's judgment. |
| Revelation 6:16 | The people call for the mountains to fall on them, representing their desire to escape God's judgment. |
| Revelation 6:17 | The day of God's wrath has come, representing the fulfillment of God's plan and purpose. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the seven seals in Revelation 6?
The seven seals represent God's judgments upon the world, and are a central theme of the chapter. The seals are opened by Jesus Christ, demonstrating His authority and power. As seen in Revelation 6:1, the first seal brings a conqueror, while the subsequent seals bring war, famine, death, persecution, and cosmic disturbances.
How do the judgments in Revelation 6 relate to the theme of God's sovereignty and control over the universe?
The judgments in Revelation 6 emphasize God's sovereignty and control over the universe, highlighting His power and authority. The image of the Lamb opening the seals serves as a reminder of God's plan and purpose, as seen in Revelation 6:1.
What is the importance of faith in Christ as the only means of salvation, and how is this emphasized in Revelation 6?
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in Christ as the only means of salvation, highlighting the need for repentance and trust in God's plan of redemption. The image of the Lamb and the sealed Book of Life serve as reminders of God's plan, as seen in Revelation 6:17.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 6:1 → Psalm 2:7-9 | The image of the Lamb opening the seals is reminiscent of Psalm 2:7-9, which speaks of God's sovereignty and control over the universe. The psalm emphasizes God's power and authority, and serves as a reminder of His plan and purpose. |
| 2 | Revelation 6:2 → Matthew 24:4-5 | The conqueror of the first seal is similar to the false messiahs described in Matthew 24:4-5, who will arise before the end times. The conqueror represents the false peace and security of the world, which will ultimately be shattered by God's judgments. |
| 3 | Revelation 6:3 → Joel 3:9-14 | The war of the second seal is reminiscent of Joel 3:9-14, which speaks of the chaos and destruction that will result from God's judgments. The war represents the rebellion of humanity against God, and serves as a reminder of His justice and holiness. |
| 4 | Revelation 6:5 → Leviticus 26:26 | The famine of the third seal is similar to the famine described in Leviticus 26:26, which will result from Israel's disobedience. The famine represents the economic hardship and struggle that will result from God's judgments. |
| 5 | Revelation 6:7 → Ezekiel 5:12 | The death of the fourth seal is reminiscent of Ezekiel 5:12, which speaks of the devastating consequences of God's judgments. The death represents the severity and consequences of sin, and serves as a reminder of God's holiness and justice. |
| 6 | Revelation 6:9 → Matthew 24:9 | The persecution of Christians in the fifth seal is similar to the persecution described in Matthew 24:9, which will occur before the end times. The persecution represents the suffering and martyrdom that believers will face in the last days, and the need for perseverance and faithfulness. |
| 7 | Revelation 6:12 → Isaiah 13:10 | The cosmic disturbances of the sixth seal are reminiscent of Isaiah 13:10, which speaks of the chaos and destruction that will result from God's judgments. The disturbances represent the unveiling of God's plan and purpose, and serve as a reminder of His sovereignty and control over the universe. |
| 8 | Revelation 6:17 → Romans 2:5 | The day of God's wrath in the sixth seal is similar to the day of God's wrath described in Romans 2:5, which will bring judgment upon the unrighteous. The day of wrath represents the fulfillment of God's plan and purpose, and serves as a reminder of His justice and holiness. |
| 9 | Revelation 6:1 → John 1:1 | The image of the Lamb opening the seals is reminiscent of John 1:1, which speaks of Jesus Christ as the Word of God. The Lamb represents Christ's role as the Redeemer and Savior of the world, and serves as a reminder of God's plan of redemption. |
| 10 | Revelation 6:17 → 1 Thessalonians 1:10 | The day of God's wrath in the sixth seal is similar to the day of God's wrath described in 1 Thessalonians 1:10, which will bring salvation to believers. The day of wrath represents the fulfillment of God's plan and purpose, and serves as a reminder of His justice and holiness. |
Sermons on Revelation 6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
"Can God Forgive Me?" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the unfathomable mercy and forgiveness of God, highlighting a powerful encounter with a soldier haunted by his past sins and seeking redemption. It explores |
|
(Revelation - Part 1): John Saw Further in All Directions by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Revelation and the visions that John saw. He describes how John saw various apocalyptic events, such as the sun turning black, th |
|
|
If Any Man Be in Christ - Part 2 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the impact of the Apostle Paul's teachings and the great things he accomplished despite facing numerous challenges. The preacher also menti |
|
The Spirit and the Bride Say Come by R.G. Lee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of accepting Jesus Christ as one's Savior. He warns that if someone were to die without accepting Christ, they would be consider |
|
|
(Revelation - Part 11): The Souls Under the Alter - Who They Are by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the four states of a man: lost on earth, saved on earth, waiting in heaven after death, and glorified. He emphasizes that the Lord is concern |
|
What Is Real Christianity? by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher passionately delivers the gospel of Jesus Christ, urging the listeners to repent and turn to God. He emphasizes the fallen nature of humanity, using ex |
|
Priests Unto Him by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of true consecration and sacrifice to God. He describes the image of priests who are completely spent and exhausted, so immers |
|
|
That Tragic and Fiery Day by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the sixth chapter of Revelation. He begins by describing the opening of the four seals, which represent different events and symbols. The fi |
|
(Revival) Highlights of Past Revivals - Part 1 by Michael L. Brown | Michael L. Brown discusses the historical context of biblical revivals, emphasizing the Hebrew concept of 'Chaya,' which means to revive or bring to life. He highlights the story o |
|
(Revelation) the Last Dictator by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of numbers in relation to biblical concepts. The sermon emphasizes the importance of unity and fellowship with God, represen |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Revelation 6
In Revelation 6, we see the Lamb opening the seven seals, which brings a series of judgments upon the world. The first six seals bring a conqueror, war, famine, death, persecution, and cosmic disturbances, all of which serve to remind us of God's sovereignty and control over the universe. The seventh seal brings a period of silence, followed by the seven trumpets, which will bring even greater judgments upon the world. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lamb opens the seals, and the consequences of his doing so are the judgments that follow.' The chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of faith in Christ as the only means of salvation, and the need for repentance and trust in God's plan of redemption, as seen in Revelation 6:17. The image of the Lamb and the sealed Book of Life serve as reminders of God's plan, and the need for believers to persevere and remain faithful in the face of persecution and tribulation. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Use of Symbolism
The chapter makes use of vivid symbolism, including the image of the Lamb, the four living creatures, and the sealed Book of Life. These symbols serve to convey the themes of redemption, judgment, and salvation.
The Emphasis on God's Sovereignty
The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over the universe, highlighting His power and authority. The image of the Lamb opening the seals serves as a reminder of God's plan and purpose.
The Call to Repentance
The chapter serves as a call to repentance, emphasizing the importance of faith in Christ as the only means of salvation. The judgments and symbolism serve as a reminder of God's holiness and justice, and the need for humanity to turn to Him in repentance.