THE 4TH SEAL: REVELATION 6.7 When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see!” 6.8 And behold, a pale horse, and he who sat on it, his name was Death. Hades [or, Hell] followed with him. Authority over one fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword, with famine, with death, and by the wild animals of the earth was given to him. -WEB Bible. If we're not sure whether the Tribulation has started or not, the Pale Horseman will banish all doubts. There will be more violence, more famine, and there will be pestilence (plague, pandemic) added to it. Wild animals will turn against us. One-fourth of the world's population will die. Currently, the world's population is estimated to be around 8.2 billion people in 2025. So, one-fourth of the world's population would be just over 2 billion people. As bad as Covid has been, the death toll is “only” at 7.10 million worldwide (on 4-13-2024.) That's not as severe as some of the plagues in history, such as the Black Plague in the 1300's when as many as 200 million died. The Black Death was the worst pandemic in history. War… It is estimated that 150 million people died in all the wars during the 20th century, which includes WWI and WWII as well as many others. The death toll from all wars throughout ALL human history ranges from estimates of 1 billion to 1.6 billion people.
Considering all these statistics, then: a loss of 2 billion people within a short period of time is far more than mankind has ever experienced. The 4th Horseman will be unmistakable when he arrives. We’re not at the point predicted by the fourth Horseman, but the daily news headlines are alarming. The conflicts centered around Israel are upsetting the entire Middle East, and the whole world is on edge because of it. Vladimir Putin is determined to win the war in Ukraine, and he threatens to use nuclear power if necessary. A Global Nuclear War would be catastrophic and this prophecy of the Pale Horseman could easily be fulfilled. SETTING THE STAGE. According to the Bible, the end times Tribulation will take place quickly; perhaps in just seven years. In order for that to happen, God will set up the world stage first. We can see the framework for the four Horsemen being set up all around us: first deception, then violence, and then inflation and food shortages. And finally, the threat of global war. HAS THE TRIBULATION STARTED? I don't know. We do sense the storm gathering. There’s a great sense of foreboding in this world. It does seem obvious that the groundwork for these Horsemen is being laid. When the 4th Horseman arrives, there will be no doubt that we're in the Tribulation period. JOHN 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. -NIV Jesus told us what would happen at the end of the world, because he wants us to have peace, and faith that He is in control. Jesus promised to never leave us nor forsake us; so if you're alarmed by world events, then hold fast to Jesus. IMAGE CREDIT: Image of the 4th Horseman, generated by ChatGPT DALL-E3 and edited by C.A. Stevens.
IMAGE CREDIT: The Pale Horseman is closely followed by the gates of Hades (or Hell, Sheol), which is brilliantly illustrated by Gustave Dore. Hades is eager to harvest its victims! With John’s vision of the 4th Horseman, God is giving us a vivid illustration of devastating destruction. It's also a warning. The purpose for this vision (and all the disasters it foretells) is repentance. God is merciful: he is giving us every chance to fall on our knees, humble ourselves before God and ask for forgiveness. There's no doubt that the Pale Horseman is terrifying. Those who die may be the lucky ones, because God is intent on bringing this world to its conclusion: and things are going to get steadily worse. This study of Revelation
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