The beginning of the tribulation

When we read Revelation 6, we’re shown a fascinating glimpse of future days. The Lamb (Jesus), who alone is worthy to open the scroll, begins to break its seals. What follows isn't random chaos or meaningless destruction. It’s the righteous unfolding of God’s plan for the world. Every seal opened is a step closer to the return of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom on earth.

From the theological perspective I lean toward, these verses describe the beginning of the tribulation period. This is a future time when God’s judgment will be poured out for 7 years upon this world that has rejected Him. But even as we see the judgments begin, we can’t miss the central truth: Jesus, the Lamb, is still in complete control.

1. The Lamb Opens the First Seal (Revelation 6:1-2)

“Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, ‘Come!’ And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.”  (Revelation 6:1-2)

At first glance, the rider on the white horse might seem to resemble Christ, especially since Jesus appears later in Revelation 19 on a white horse. But the context shows that this is not Christ Himself. Instead, this rider represents the beginning of deceptive peace and conquest on earth.

In Matthew 24:4-5, Jesus warned, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.” This aligns with the first seal. It marks the rise of false messiahs and global deception, preparing the way for the Antichrist who will later appear as a counterfeit savior (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

The bow but no arrows symbolize conquest achieved not initially by war but through diplomacy, persuasion, and manipulation. This is the calm before the storm, the deceptive peace that sets the stage for the turmoil that follows.

Even here, we see something consequential: no one moves unless the Lamb opens the seal. Every event unfolds under His sovereign permission. What a comfort that is. Even in tribulation, Jesus reigns.

2. The Second Seal: War and Violence (Revelation 6:3-4)

“When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, ‘Come!’ And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword.”  (Revelation 6:3-4)

Peace is taken from the earth. The red horse represents war and bloodshed. Once the illusion of peace collapses, violence spreads across the globe.

Jesus also described this in Matthew 24:6-7: “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars… For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.”

What’s significant is that the rider is “permitted” to take peace. This reminds us again that God allows this for His purposes. Human rebellion will finally bear its fruit, and mankind will taste the bitter harvest of its sin.

Throughout Scripture, war is often a divine judgment. In the Old Testament, God sometimes used one nation to discipline another (Habakkuk 1:6-10). During the tribulation, wars will escalate beyond anything history has seen. Yet the believer today can take heart. While our world grows more violent and unstable, we can rest in the assurance that our lives are held in the hands of the One who opens and closes the seals.

3. The Third Seal: Scarcity and Famine (Revelation 6:5-6)

“When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, ‘Come!’ And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of 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!’”  (Revelation 6:5-6)

The black horse represents famine. The scales indicate rationing and economic distress. A “quart of wheat for a denarius” means a day’s wage will buy only enough food for one person. This mirrors what the prophets warned about in the Old Testament. Ezekiel 4:16-17 describes a similar time when food would be measured carefully and eaten in anxiety.

Interestingly, the voice says, “Do not harm the oil and wine.” These items, often associated with luxury, may suggest that the wealthy will still have access to comforts while the poor suffer. This deepens the injustice and desperation of this time.

Yet even here, there’s restraint. The famine is severe, but it isn’t total. God’s judgments, even in wrath, are measured. His goal isn’t destruction for its own sake, but redemption. He’s calling people to repentance.

For us today, this passage reminds us that security in wealth, possessions, or power is fragile. The world’s systems can collapse overnight. True provision and peace come only from the Lord. As Psalm 37:25 declares, “I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.” Even when the world trembles, God’s people are sustained by His faithfulness.

4. The Fourth Seal: Death and Hades (Revelation 6:7-8)

“When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, ‘Come!’ And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.”  (Revelation 6:7-8)

The pale horse, literally “greenish” in color, symbolizes sickness and death. This fourth judgment sweeps across the earth, claiming one-quarter of the world’s population.

In Ezekiel 14:21, God described four severe judgments—sword, famine, wild beasts, and pestilence—the very same combination we see here. What was once local and limited in the Old Testament will now become global during the tribulation.

This passage reveals the depth of human suffering in those days. But again, it’s not outside God’s control. The rider and Hades “were given authority.” Nothing happens apart from divine permission. Even death is under the Lamb’s authority.

For the believer, this truth brings both gravity and comfort. It’s sobering to realize how terrible this future period will be for those who reject Christ. But it’s also reassuring to know that our lives are secure in the hands of the One who has already conquered death. Jesus said in Revelation 1:18, “I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.”

Because He holds the keys, death no longer has the final word over those who belong to Him.

5. The Fifth Seal: The Cry of the Martyrs (Revelation 6:9-11)

“When he 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 witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice, ‘O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?’ Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.”  (Revelation 6:9-11)

Here the scene shifts from earth to heaven. Under the altar, John sees the souls of martyrs, those who died for their faith during the tribulation. Their cry is both raw and reverent. They long for justice, yet they submit to the Lord’s timing.

Their prayer, “How long, O Lord?” sounds like the laments of the Old Testament saints. Psalm 13:1 says, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?” Habakkuk 1:2 asks, “O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear?” God’s people have always wrestled with the tension between His promises and the pain of waiting for their fulfillment.

These martyrs remind us that faithfulness to Christ may cost us something. During the tribulation, it will cost many believers their lives. But notice what happens next. They’re given white robes, a symbol of righteousness and victory. They’re told to rest. Even in their waiting, God provides comfort and honor.

This moment reveals so much about the heart of God. He sees every act of faithfulness, every tear, every sacrifice. Not one life given for the sake of Christ is forgotten. Psalm 116:15 says, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”

And though they’re told to wait “a little longer,” that wait will soon end. The time is coming when the Lamb will return, and justice will be complete.

6. The Lamb’s Authority and the Hope of His Return

In these first five seals, we see both judgment and grace, wrath and restraint. We see the darkness of sin and the light of Christ’s sovereignty. Every horse that rides forth does so because the Lamb opens a seal. Every event is under His rule.

I don’t believe these judgments are symbolic.  I honestly believe they’re literal and will actually happen. They mark the beginning of the seven-year tribulation period that precedes Christ’s thousand-year reign on earth. But they also remind us of something deeply personal and present.

Even now, the world trembles under the effects of sin. We see deception, war, scarcity, and death. We see persecution of believers. While these realities will intensify during the tribulation, they already hint at what’s to come. For the believer, this should stir both compassion and urgency.

Compassion, because we know that the judgments of God are real. Our friends, neighbors, and loved ones need the hope of the gospel before it’s too late. Urgency, because Jesus could rapture His church and call them home at any moment, and the events of Revelation 6 could begin soon after.

The Lamb who opens the seals is the same Lamb who was slain for our sins. His authority to judge comes from His victory at the cross. Because He bore the wrath of God for us, those who trust in Him will not face this wrath themselves. 1 Thessalonians 5:9 assures us, “For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

That promise should fill us with gratitude and hope.

7. Living in Light of the Lamb’s Sovereignty

When you read about the seals, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The imagery is intense. The suffering is immense. But remember who holds the scroll. The same Jesus who walked the dusty roads of Galilee, who healed the sick, who forgave sinners, is the One who oversees these events.

He hasn’t lost control of history. He’s guiding it toward His kingdom. And for those who belong to Him, that means our future is secure.

In your own life, when you face uncertainty or fear, remember that the Lamb reigns. The same authority that governs the course of history governs the details of your days. You can trust Him completely.

If you’ve ever asked, “Lord, how long?” the answer is the same one given to the martyrs: rest a little longer. God’s justice will come. His promises will be kept. His kingdom will be established.

8. Looking Ahead with Hope

Revelation 6:1-11 shows us the beginning of the end. But for those in Christ, it’s not the end of hope. It’s the beginning of the fulfillment of every promise God ever made. The Lamb who opens the seals will soon return as the Lion of Judah, and the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ (Revelation 11:15).

Until that day, we live by faith. We share the gospel. We endure trials with hope. And we fix our eyes on the Lamb who is worthy.

Because of Him, our story doesn’t end in fear or judgment. It ends in glory, peace, and everlasting joy in His presence.

© John Stange, 2025