Revelation 6:1-2 (The Horsemen of Deception)

The Four Horsemen that were mentioned by the Apostle John through his eyewitness account found in Revelation 6:1-8, is commonly known on the internet and among Catholics as the “Four Horsemen of The Apocalypse.”

But, this term is a common misconception because the true definition of the word Apocalypse: (concerning the Oxford Dictionary) ‘The complete and final destruction of the world as described in the Book of Revelation.’

The Book Revelation deals with the final destruction of the world, and the events leading up to, but the four horsemen do not play a major role in the destruction of the world. So they are not the source of destruction/apocalypse. They do however, play a part in the apocalypse.

Another reason why this common title does not apply is because, simply put, they have already been released to do their work upon the earth. And we are seeing the fruits of their labors today. We are not living in the final days of destruction yet. We are living in the days of sorrows as described by Jesus Christ in Matthew 24:3-14. Which is the beginning of the judgments of God on a global scale.

And based on the second definition of the word Apocalypse: ‘An event involving destruction or damage on an awesome or catastrophic scale.’ And as you read verses 1-8 they are not released by Jesus Christ to bring final destruction on an awesome or catastrophic scale.

They are released into the world as the first set of global judgments by Jesus Christ as the first phase of the judgments of God, which we are living in right now today. As God’s way to bring correction unto the world; trying to draw humanity to repentance and a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation before it’s too late.

So this is why the term “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” really does not apply. They are simply four horsemen mentioned in the Apokalypsis.

The four horsemen are “spirits.” This is why we don’t see them physically, but what we are seeing today right now, are the effects these four horsemen have on society the world over as well in the church age today. Remember what John said in the beginning of these series of Revelations, when he was called up into Heaven (where God Most High and Jesus Christ dwells) while being imprisoned on the Isle of Patmos in,

Revelation 1:9-10 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle 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 heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

Revelation 4:2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and behold, a throne was set in Heaven, and One sat on the throne

In both writings he stresses the fact that he was in the spirit when he saw what is now written in the Book of Revelation. This series of events is what’s happening in the spirit realm now, of what we cannot see physically with our natural eyes. We can only witness the effects in the natural realm, the workings of these spirits in the spirit realm.

You may have read articles on the internet proclaiming a new understanding about these four horsemen as being the four beasts (the Seraphim) that are round about the throne of God, worshiping God. Sadly, people just make things up. There is no connection between these four horsemen and the four beasts of Revelation 4-5.

All because the four beasts are mentioned specifically to be round about the throne of God, worshiping God day and night without ceasing. And that’s the key phrase “without ceasing.” Meaning they are created by God to always be round about the throne worshiping God forever… without ceasing. So they are not going anywhere. And this fact concurs as you read on through the Book of Revelation. 

The four beasts are mentioned a couple more times, “after” chapters 4-5 and “after” the four horsemen are already released into the world in Revelation 7:11, 14:3; 15:7 & 19:4.

And notice in all these Scriptures they are active around the throne of God and nowhere else. So they cannot be in two different places at the same time. They cannot be around the throne of God and wreak havoc on the earth at the same time. This is why the four beasts are not the four horsemen.

(Now recapping our past studies), Jesus Christ has already judged His church in Revelation chapters 2-3, concurring with what the Holy Ghost has ministered through the Apostle Peter in, 1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

And since He has already judged His church by the end of the 1st Century, the Book of Revelation chapter 6 comparing with world events today reveals that He has already opened 5 out of the seven seals as the first set of judgments or rather correction on a global scale.

This is why the four horsemen are released into the world, to wake up the sleeping, lethargic, backslidden, apostate church to repentance and to try to correct the direction of sinners to salvation before the rapture of the church age happens. This reveals two major facts about the four horsemen:

• They are under the authority of God and of Jesus Christ. He has them on a leash; they do not act upon their own will.

• And they are released to prepare the world for the antichrist, who do not want the One true God.

Degree’s of Correction

Remember in a past study in Revelation 3:14-22 (The Lukewarm Church), there are varying degrees of correction?

God has already spoken warnings and rebukes to the world through His church and by His word (the Holy Bible). He has already pronounced all humanities guilt formally through His word; whether everyone knows it or not. And it’s found first in Psalm 14:1-3 and reiterated in,

Romans 3:9-20 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:  There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 

Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes. 

He also declared all humanities guilt a third time in Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. He is simply telling the world, the only way to be saved, justified, righteous and born-again is through Jesus Christ His only begotten Son (Romans 3,4,5,6 & 8).

And if you do not believe in Jesus Christ; then you are guilty before God and already stand condemned (John 3:16-18). Unless you repent from sinning; turn to Jesus Christ and change that eternal condemnation narrative into eternal life in Jesus Chris our Lord.

And on the other side of the coin of truth: If you do believe and were justified before God through Jesus Christ, but rebel against His teachings and will (which is to live according to God’s holy and righteous standards in sanctification 1 Thessalonians 4:3…if you rebel against that); you are already guilty of sinning, and guilty for crucifying Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:26-31). And that is God’s verdict. And that’s how all humanity stands right now before God.

The good news is, you can change that verdict by giving your heart completely to Jesus Christ right now, Repent from sinning (meaning to stop sinning and rebelling against God) and be saved from being condemned to Hell and the eternal Lake of Fire to come. 

Be given the Holy Ghost and be born-again where you will become a new creation, where the old sinful person has passed away and behold, all things become new. Receiving a pure heart and a right Spirit within you. And that is only promised through Jesus Christ (John 14:6)

God Most High, The Father of Jesus Christ is already past rebuking the world with His sharp criticisms, through His ministers, His church body, and of His word (The Holy Bible)! 

Because He has already taken action in His first degree of chastisement by giving Jesus Christ (the Lamb) a book; written front and back; sealed with seven seals for the Lord to read out of (Revelation 5:6-7). This is where the four horsemen comes in on the scene and released by Jesus Christ; by the opening of the first seal…

The First Horsemen: The Deceptive Spirit

Revelation 6:1-2 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

Notice first, after the book was given by God to the Lamb Jesus Christ, “the Lamb opened one of the seals.” Did you catch that? “He opened (past tense) the first seal and a white horse and he that sat on the white horse had a bow and was given a crown; was sent forth into the world. To do what? To conquer.

A lot of people and ministers over the years have mistaken this spirit to be Jesus Christ since the horseman who was given a crown and sat on a white horse. And as you look more into the Scriptures, this idea seems to be plausible at a first glance.

Jesus Christ will return to the earth on a white horse for sure… crowned as you read Revelation 19. But there are several things wrong with this horseman being Jesus Christ. When you compare Revelation 6:1-2 with Revelation 19. The first horseman that Jesus Christ releases is wearing only one crown, whereas Jesus Christ in Revelation 19:12 is crowned with many crowns.

The second problem with Jesus Christ being this horseman, is that this horseman is armed with a bow. Jesus Christ in His second coming is not armed at all. And He doesn’t need to be since His holy pure words of truth and authority is His weapon. And you can read this for yourself in Revelation 19:15.

Yet there is a teaching circulating the internet that claims this horseman to be Jesus Christ connecting Psalm 45 to be the proof of their claim. And it may seem plausible at first glance. But again, when you look deeper into this kind of doctrine you’ll realize quickly their folly, basing their teaching on a weapon. That’s foolishness!

Because in various Psalms it also claims the wicked shoots arrows at the righteous. And the LORD whets His glittering sword for judgment. (Deuteronomy 32:39-42). And to say that Jesus Christ needs a weapon to bring forth judgment and to “conquer” is blasphemy; promoting a powerless Christ!

The third problem, which is a major problem of this horseman being Jesus Christ, is that this horseman is sent forth by Jesus Christ into the world bent on conquest and to conquer. Conquer: ‘Overcome and take control of (a place or people) by use of military force.’ Therefore this horseman is sent out to take control and to conquer by force.

Jesus Christ on the other hand, when He returns, He does not come and take over the world by force at all. He actually returns in His second advent to put an end to Armageddon. To liberate the world from under the control of satan and this will not be done by force but by His word of authority alone and not by military action (Revelation 19:15-21). 

And by doing so, He saves the world from chaos and destruction by overthrowing satan’s kingdom on earth and establishes His own kingdom for a thousand years to ultimately save His people the Jews. And again… Not by force.

And then the world will be at peace, while Israel will be fully restored in that thousand year reign of Christ. (according many prophetic utterances of the Old Testament prophets; too numerous to list here at this time: the Book of Daniel testifies the restoration of Israel; Isaiah 60-62; Ezekiel 36-46 (47); Romans 11 and Revelation 19:1 through chapter 20:4). 

And then after all that, satan will be released to deceive nations one last short time. And then the end of the world will come (Revelation 20:7-10). And notice another interesting detail of Revelation 20:7-10. After the thousand year reign of Christ on earth is complete, satan will be released from the bottomless pit and he will successfully deceive nations one last short time.

(Now imagine, humanity being in the physical presence of Jesus Christ in perfect peace and no sinning and no crime. No sickness or diseases because the Lord is the Great Physician. Learning of Christ and of righteousness, and the holy standards of God. Hearing the truth and believing the truth for a thousand years. 

The question is, how can people still be deceived by satan while being in the physical presence of Jesus Christ, the greatest television and internet evangelist and Pastor, the world will ever hear and know?

The answer is, He never forces anyone to salvation, He never forces anyone to stay saved and be right with God. In fact He never forces anyone to believe in Him. Not now… Not in the great tribulation period, or even to the end of the world!)

Yet, this first horseman after being released, “he went forth conquering, and to conquer.” Meaning he has set forth his work by force. The very opposite of Jesus Christ’s nature and that’s the point of all this. To show you the difference between Jesus Christ and this horseman released.

Furthermore, the opening of this first seal isn’t revealing this first horsemen to be Jesus Christ roaming the earth in spirit preaching the victorious gospel either. And there are some articles circulating the internet proclaiming this false teaching. I’m here to tell you, Jesus Christ is no longer preaching His gospel. He has sent His disciples to do that in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) from then onto today.

And not only that, true Christianity has never been about forced conversion. (I can’t stress this enough) And some would actually argue this. And why do I say this? This horseman “went forth conquering, and to conquer.” And to say that this is Jesus Christ; would suggest that He is out to forcefully convert people into Christianity, forcing people into submission under His authority which is an erroneous claim and heretical teaching.

Nor is the opening of this first seal revealing the second coming of Christ at all, because His second advent will not occur until a series of events unfolds first, known Biblically as the “Great Tribulation” (Matthew 24:21/Revelation 7:14).

Furthermore, this horseman is a spirit, working in the spirit realm. Jesus Christ is not only a Spirit (Romans 8:9). He is also a physical being. And in the rapture of the church age as well as His second return, Jesus Christ will physically appear in the clouds and will physically set foot on earth and establish His kingdom.

So you see after all, this horseman being Jesus Christ makes no sense at all and interpreting this spirit on a white horse with a bow and crowned with one crown to conquer; to be Jesus Christ is a bad interpretation after all.

He looks like Christ on the surface, but when you look closely, He doesn’t act like Jesus Christ at all and that’s the deception!

So you can say he’s a “false Christ” and that would only be half true. You may have searched the internet for articles or a definition of what a false Christ is. And the way many articles define a false Christ is, “antichrist.” 

But this definition is not true at all. Because the antichrist, according to the Holy Bible, opposes everything Jesus Christ is, taught, and commands while he will exalt himself to be god and the only answer to all world problems

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as god sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is god.

Not only that, the Holy Bible also defines an antichrist, to deny the Lord Jesus as Messiah and deny the existence of God.

1 John 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

This horseman is not the antichrist and he is not the spirit of antichrist either, but he is a deceptive spirit that masquerades itself to be Jesus Christ. For the Lord Himself releases this deceptive spirit into the world to run rampant in deception.

There has always been deception in the world. For it originated with satan since the fall of man in Genesis 3. But Jesus Christ has given this spirit free reign, meaning without restraint, to deceive. And there is so much deception in the world today and this spirit is the culprit behind it all.

So who or what is this horseman that Jesus Christ released out into all the world to judge the world with? He is a deceptive spirit working two fronts:

• False religion 
• Politics

This horseman deceives on a religious and on political level. And why is he working in these two arena’s? He’s one of the four horsemen who are preparing the way for the antichrist to reign and rule the world through religion and government. 

In order for the antichrist to rule the world, he has to deceive people on a religious level and on a political level. Because not everyone is religious and not everyone is political. So he will use both arena’s to deceive all kinds of people on that day.

And this deceptive spirit is already at work on a global scale now. Why do you think politics and Government news are constantly in the mainstream media mostly as “headline news”. And why in America are people looking for Government handouts and people seeking answers through Government? 

This spirit has deceived many into believing the Government is the answer! The “American Government” is the solution to all the world’s problems! And in reality, it’s not! And this deception is on a global scale. 

False Christ’s Work of Deception

Remember the Lord’s warning about false Christ’s who will appear to deceive many people on earth in “the beginning of sorrows” as part of the signs of His coming (the rapture) and the end of the world (Matthew 24:3)?

Matthew 24:4-5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in My name, saying I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

This concurs with Revelation 6:1-2 as the first sign pointing to the rapture in the days of sorrows, referring to the release of this horseman to start. And we have been seeing the effects of its work before the first century ended all the way up to today. 

False Religion

This false Christ is to deceive those who do not want the real true God with heretical teachings, false religions and doctrines of demons, to deceive self proclaimed Christians who are not fully committed to the Lord nor has a real relationship with Him at all. Nor is born-again by the Holy Spirit of God Most High and refuses to change even if God gave them an experience. 

Not only that, since Jesus Christ fulfilled the five fold ministry as a Pastor, a Teacher, a Prophet, an Evangelist and an Apostle. This deceptive spirit masquerades itself to be a minister and even goes as far as to deceive some minister to be Jesus Christ.

So false Christ’s are false ministers. In general, they are apostate pastors, agnostic teachers, heretical evangelists, blaspheming prophets and self proclaimed Apostles. These are this false-Christs’ disciples.

You had so many through the centuries, but focusing on the influence of false Christs’ in my lifetime; you’ve had Jim Jones of the 70’s. David Koresh of the 80’s, Marshall Applewhite of the 90’s; Sun Myung Moon, Sergey Torop known as Vissarion of this century who actually has claimed to be Jesus Christ. And this is fulfilled today.

So these are the workings of this false Christ horseman. But he doesn’t stop here. The other workings of this horseman are as follows:

• agnosticism
• false religious movements and doctrines
• carnal Christianity (easy believe-ism)
• preaching a fake gospel
• and promoting a powerless Jesus

Political:

Notice carefully in Revelation 6:2 “and a crown was given unto him” If anyone knows anything about “symbolism” in the Book of Revelation, you may interpret this rider’s crown to be a symbol of authority. And that would be only half true. 

This rider was given a crown and the question would be, ‘ Who gave him this crown? The answer is God Most High Who sits on the throne and Jesus Christ gave him this crown (authority/permission) to deceive freely the world without restraint. 

But that’s only half the story. A crown also symbolizes a ruler or a king. A king represents government/politics. So this deceptive spirit is deceiving the world to believe the government is the answer to all your problems and your lack in life. And whatever you need, the government will provide it for you. Will think for you, will protect you. Deceiving people to believe the government is your provider. Government is your savior!

Government and politics is the “New world’s religion,” as we speak globally and that’s this deceptive spirit’s work. You see, this horseman is bent on conquering (meaning to take control of people through false religions and deceptive political ideologies) He is a lying spirit. 

This horseman is helping the spirit of antichrist to pave the way for the antichrist to easily take over the world through religion and politics. Because not everyone who is religious…are political. And not everyone who is political…religious. So by these two platforms, he will be able to reach both types of people through religion and government.

So today we see the workings of this deceiving false Christ spirit building an apostate/sinning religion in the form of carnal blasphemers who call themselves Christians, living in sin. Ministering with convincing words; enticing many away from having a close relationship with Jesus Christ by an easy, broad road to destruction of easy-believe-ism. The very opposite of what Jesus Christ had taught to be saved!

These are they who will act like they know the Holy Bible, but only have a carnal understanding of it and teach contrary to holiness and challenge the very truth and authority of the Holy Bible. And will minister half truths that sound good on the surface, but the end goal is to deceive and repel carnal people away from Christ and provide religion instead.

They are nothing more than wolves who have killed enough sheep of Christ spiritually in order to disguise themselves as part of the flock of Christ. And they are successful in deceiving many away from Christ into apostasy. Targeting the self deceived which is ultimately this first horseman’s end result of his work.

Be not deceived, beware…!