THE BIBLE IS A GREAT BOOK OF HISTORY AND LITERATURE
We are certain that the Bible is God’s book. His words that reveal His divine Will are written here. The words of God in the Bible are firm and certain. Man’s wisdom cannot refute them because they are the absolute truth. God’s wisdom prevails above all things.
God’s comprehensive and everlasting plan regarding salvation, the Holy City, and the true eternal life were revealed through visions and recorded in a book.
Isaiah 29:11
“The whole vision has become to you like the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one who is literate, saying, “Read this, please.” And he says, “I cannot, for it is sealed.”
Which book contain this vision but cannot be read because it is sealed? And who can read it to make us understand its content?
Revelation 5:1-5
“And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals. Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?” And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it. So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.”
Hence, the book of vision is in God’s hands and only the root of David can open and understand it. Who is the root of David?
Revelation 22:16
“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”
It is evident that only the Lord Jesus Christ, the descendant of David, can open the book that is tightly sealed with seven seals!
What comprises this book of visions and the servant unto whom its revelation from God’s angel was sent?
Revelation 1:1-3 NIV
“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw – that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. “
It is the Book of Revelation of Jesus Christ. It was given by our Lord God to proclaim to all of Christ’s disciples. This is the pronouncement of the things about to come, that whosoever shall hear, understand, and carry out what the book says will hold a great fortune for himself.
What is the instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ to Apostle John that he should do for the sake of the servants of our Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ?
Revelation 1:9-11, 19
“I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”
“Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.“
Apostle John was instructed to write God’s pronouncements or Jesus Christ’s Revelation for the benefit of the members of the Church of Christ ‒ they are the ones who should understand these events from the beginning of the Christian Era to the end of time or the Day of Judgment. The churches in the seven cities represent the seven kinds of members, while the seven angels represent the seven types of ministers entrusted in administering his church.
Our Lord Jesus Christ revealed the contents of the book to Apostle John through an angel he sent. And the vision was revealed to John so he could write and send it to all the members of the Church of Christ. What did John see when the Lamb opened the first seal?
FIRST SEAL
Let us now find out the events that comprises the first seal.
Revelation 6:1-2
“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.” 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.“
The seal is a period that encompasses events. The Christian era is divided into seven seals and each period consists of different events. And the events comprised therein were written by Apostle John.
Revelation 1:19
“Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.“
Therefore, the book of Revelation includes the events happening from the beginning until the end of the Christian Era. It is divided into seven periods or epochs of time. When the Lamb opened the first seal, John saw a white horse. Its rider held a bow and wore a crown. He rode out as a conqueror and to conquer.
What does the horse in the vision symbolize, and why is its color white? Who is riding it? In what was the horseback rider triumphant? What is the crown on his head?
Zechariah 1:8-10 NIV
“During the night I had a vision-and there before me was a man riding a red horse! He was standing among the myrtle trees in a ravine. Behind him were red, brown and white horses. I asked, “What are these, my lord?” The angel who was talking with me answered, “I will show you what they are.” Then the man standing among the myrtle trees explained, “They are the ones the LORD has sent to go throughout the earth.”
The horse symbolizes a messenger sent by God to bring a message throughout the earth. The message depends on the horse’s color. But before we find out what message the white horse carried, let us first identify the man riding on it. Apostle John mentions this in the book of Revelation.
Revelation 19:11-13
“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.“
Let us carefully note the identity of the man riding on the white horse. (1) He is called Faithful and True. (2) he is waging a battle and is using righteousness in his judgment. (3) he was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and he was named “The Word of God”.
According to Apostle John, who is the ‘faithful one’ referred to in these verses?
Revelation 1:5
“and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood,“
Revelation 3:7 NIV
“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.“
Therefore, the Faithful and True witness is our Lord Jesus Christ. He is riding a white horse, waging a battle, and riding out with victory to victory! According to the prophecy, he carries a bow which he will use for battle. And the meaning of this bow is defined by the prophet, Zechariah.
Zechariah 9:13-14 NIV
“I will bend Judah as I bend my bow and fill it with Ephraim. I will rouse your sons, O Zion, against your sons, O Greece, and make you like a warrior’s sword. Then the LORD will appear over them; his arrow will flash like lightning. The Sovereign LORD will sound the trumpet; he will march in the storms of the south,“
The bow or arrow of our Lord Jesus Christ is the power of God! Apostle Paul clarifies the power of God which is referred to.
Romans 1:16-17
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
The power of God is the Gospel or the Words of God. It is the weapon of our Lord Jesus Christ in his battle. It is righteousness and truth that will be utilized for judgment! And according to Apostle Paul, how sharp are the Words of God?
Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.“
Thus, the Words of God will be used by the Lord Jesus Christ in his battle; This is why he is called the ‘Word of God’. Lord Jesus Christ disclosed it himself.
John 14:23-24
“Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.“
This truth concerning Christ was also mentioned in a prophecy by King David.
Psalms 45:4-7 RSV
“In your majesty ride forth victoriously for the cause of truth and to defend the right; let your right hand teach you dread deeds! Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; the peoples fall under you. Your divine throne endures for ever and ever. Your royal scepter is a scepter of equity; you love righteousness and hate wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows;“
This simply means, the throne of our Lord Jesus Christ endures for ever and ever because it is the power of God, namely the Gospel. Even the gentleness of Christ in his struggle was foretold by Prophet Isaiah.
Isaiah 42:1-4 NASB
“Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations. “He will not cry out or raise His voice, Nor make His voice heard in the street. “A bruised reed He will not break And a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice. “He will not be disheartened or crushed Until He has established justice in the earth; And the coast lands will wait expectantly for His law.”
The fulfillment of this prophecy of the prophet Isaiah was clearly recorded by Apostle Matthew.
Matthew 12:15-20
“But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all. Yet He warned them not to make Him known, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen, My Beloved in whom My soul is well pleased! I will put My Spirit upon Him, And He will declare justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel nor cry out, Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets. A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench, Till He sends forth justice to victory;“
It is indubitable then, that the man riding the white horse is our Lord Jesus Christ. What did Jesus Christ contend with and overcome? Lord Jesus Christ declares.
John 16:33
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Therefore, our Lord Jesus Christ has overcome and triumphed over the world. Apostle Paul clearly pronounced Christ’s victories.
I Corinthians 15:24-26
“Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.“
Therefore, everything in this world was overcame by our Lord Jesus Christ. His adversaries were all the rulers, authorities, and powers. Eventually, he will defeat even death! Apostle Paul wrote as to whose reign, authority, and power was being referred to.
Ephesians 6:12 RSV
“For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.“
Our Lord Jesus Christ himself explained how he overcame death.
Matthew 16:18 RSV
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.“
Why is it important for our Lord Jesus Christ to overcome death? What does it mean if death prevails over us? This was clarified in the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 20:14 NIV
“Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.“
Apparently, everyone who will be prevailed by death will be cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death. But the church built by our Lord Jesus Christ will have power over death.
Is there a substantial evidence that the faithful members of the Church of Christ who have died will be resurrected? Apostle Paul explained it in his letter.
I Corinthians 15:12-16, 23 NIV
“But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either.“
“But each in his own turn: Christ, the first fruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.“
Therefore, the resurrection of our Lord Jesus, who is the head of the Church, proves that his body (His Church) will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment. According to Apostle Paul, what will happen on the Day of Judgment?
I Corinthians 15:52-57
“in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.“
Therefore, on the Day of Judgment, Christ and His Church will have absolute victory over death! It is important to mention too, that the prophecy stated of the man riding the white horse was clothed with a robe dipped in blood. Which is the body clothed with a robe dipped in blood? Apostle Paul explained thus:
Acts 20: 28 Lamsa
“Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.”
The body clothed with a robe dipped in blood is the Church of Christ for it has been purchased by Christ’s precious blood. How valuable is Christ’s blood? Why does he need to redeem his church by it?
Hebrews 9:14, 22
“how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?“
“And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.“
Therefore, it is imperative that we belong to the Church of Christ to be covered by Christ’s redemption, to be forgiven of our sins, and to attain salvation. In the sight of God, what does it mean for us to enter Christ’s church that was purchased by his blood?
Revelation 7:13-14 NIV
“Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes – who are they, and where did they come from?” I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.“
Those who belong to the Church of Christ were forgiven from their sins. They have washed their robes and have them whitened with the blood of Christ. The clothes washed with the blood of Christ was identified by Apostle John.
Revelation 19:7-9 NIV
“Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!'” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”
Therefore, the clothing whitened by Christ’s blood refers to the member’s righteous deeds or obedience to the Words of God, which can be used to contend with all kinds of evil. What is the promise of our Lord Jesus Christ to those who will uphold their faith triumphantly like him?
Revelation 3:4-5
“You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.“
It is apparent that the one riding the white horse is our Lord Jesus Christ and his Church which is his body, referred to as a conqueror riding out successfully in his conquest. They will also render their judgment based on righteousness and truth, or the words of God!
Let us not forget that according to the prophecy, God gave a crown of honor to the man riding on the white horse. Let us find out first the crown given to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:20-23 NIV
“which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.“
Apostle Paul pronounced the honor that God has given to our Lord Jesus Christ. But what else has God given him?
Philippians 2:9-11
“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.“
Our Lord Jesus Christ received the great crown of honor for his victory in battle! Let us study the crown of honor that the members of the Church of Christ will receive after they succeed in their struggle.
II Timothy 4:6-8
“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.“
Apostle James explicates further the meaning of “crown of righteousness” that will be given to the members who will be successful in keeping the true faith.
James 1:12 NIV
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
Those among the church of Christ that have endured and overcame trials to receive the crown of life were identified in Revelations:
Revelation 22:14, 1-5 NIV
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.”
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. “
And who will be with them forever and ever in God’s kingdom? This is Apostle Paul’s answer:
II Timothy 2:10-12
“Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.
Indeed, the members of the church of Christ who keep themselves pure and have whitened their clothes are truly blessed. God will honor them greatly for they persevered under trials to be triumphant in their struggle. They will reign with Christ in the eternal kingdom. Not only will they attain the everlasting life, but they would also have the right to enter the Holy City.
What else will be the great reward for the members of the church who continue to overcome? What will they inherit according to Apostle John?
Revelation 21:7, 1-5
“He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.
Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”
It is now clear that the first seal is the beginning of the Christian era. The white horse refers to the time of Christ and his apostles, and the establishment of the first century Church of Christ. The first century church, while under the direct administration of Christ and his Apostles, remained pure, pristine, and worthy. Righteousness and Truth prevailed over the church. The number of first fruits who upheld their faith triumphantly till the end is clearly recorded by the Apostle John.
Revelation 14:1, 4 NIV
“Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.
“These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they kept themselves pure. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among men and offered as first fruits to God and the Lamb.“
The Lamb is our Lord Jesus Christ. The first fruits who were with him and had become members of his church are the 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their forehead. They were the result of his preaching when he was on earth; the others were fruits of the apostles’ evangelical mission. From what lineage do these first fruits came from?
Revelation 7:4 NIV
“Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. “
The one hundred and forty-four thousand are the firstborns who were not tainted by the harlot or Great Babylon, namely the Roman Catholic Church. The members of the first Church of Christ (that were from the twelve tribes of Israel) have remained faithful, pristine, and worthy.
We have now unraveled the events that transpired after the Lamb opened the first seal in Revelation.
The Last Chronicles 