Revelation 6:1 Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.”

What happens when the first seal of the scrolls is opened?

Imagine standing in silence awaiting news, then the environment shakes and a booming voice starts to speak. That would get your attention. This is the situation John is witnessing as he is being shown great signs and wonders in heaven. The throne room is amazing, being in the presence of God is frightening and then the voice speaks out, “Come and see.” Put yourself in the place of John. How do you think you would hold up?

The first seal is opened and John walks over to see what this is all about. He sees a man on a white horse with a golden crown. This is a picture of prophecy coming to fruition in front of John, but the event has not happened and will not happen for thousands of years. Could you imagine what John’s life is like the rest of his days? Feeling blessed but living with the knowledge of what is coming for a future generation!

Tell us more about this man on the white horse.

Revelation 6:2 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. In Roman times, the white horse represents winning a battle or conquering an enemy. Jesus will come again riding a white horse, but this is not Jesus. Most conservative scholars would tell you this is the anti-christ.

He has a bow. This was not given to him; he has it. A bow is a weapon of war meant for softening up the ones being attacked. He is given a crown of gold which represents the authority he is given. Then he goes forth conquering and to conquer. The repeated phrase means this is not a normal warfare. He is conquering the world. Death and destruction follow him on earth. His white horse of victory speaks of his success.

Who will be on earth to be conquered?

1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus, we shall always be with the Lord. This verse Paul writes tells us that believers will be raptured. I believe before this time of great suffering starts. Caught up, which in the Greek is harpazo. This word means snatched up. In Latin it is translated rapturo; this is where we get raptured. This is to answer those who say rapture is not in the Bible.

But those who are saved by grace will be caught up. We will not be here to go through this great tribulation. Those who deny Jesus will be on earth to suffer through this terrible time. Are you ready for the rapture? Will you be one of the saints who meet Jesus in the air after being snatched up? Today is the day. Call on His saving grace today.