Sure Death. Sure Life.

Revelation 6:7-8 When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” 8 I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.
 
WHEN God gives John the picture of, “what must take place after this.” (Revelation 4:1b) we understand the vision is a preview of world events to begin at some point. Many believe Revelation’s trials, suffering, warfare and ultimate victory begin at a future date still to come. Others understand Revelation as a prophecy of both near future and far future that extends into eternity. They believe the Lord shows John the trials of spiritual warfare and God’s ultimate triumph from the late first century until the final judgment.
   Certainly the cataclysms of conquest (white horse), warfare (red horse), famine and disease (black horse) and death (pale horse followed by Hades – the grave) mark the world’s condition generation upon generation. Revelation assures us people will reject God’s righteousness until Jesus comes again.
   In this particular judgment, one-fourth of the earth’s population (2 billion people in 2022) die. This is far too horrible to consider. But is it not true countless millions of people throughout history have died violent deaths because nations and cultures reject God’s law? Evil’s warfare has destroyed life since the accounts of Genesis.
   But amid the deadly vision, the Bible shines God’s life promise: Isaiah 45:17 But Israel will be saved by the Lord with an everlasting salvation; you will never be put to shame or disgraced, to ages everlasting. And 1 Timothy 2:3 (Godliness and holiness) is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. Rejoice that God has not and will not allow all the earth to be destroyed and many will come to his saving grace. He withholds judgment from the great majority of mankind until the gospel is preached to all nations and tribes. People will be saved each day until history concludes with Jesus’ return.
   Revelation is a warning and a promise. Be alert to prepare your life against judgment. Trust in God’s sure salvation to save you unto himself.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your life-giving patience and your great love to teach us the way of salvation. We pray for those around the world who reject you. Turn their hearts to repent and be saved. Amen.