The Revelation

Chapter 6, When the Lamb Opens the Seals
Lesson 13 Bobby Stafford

When the Lamb Opens the Seals

Introduction (Revelation 6:1–17):
Revelation 6 reveals what unfolds when the slain-and-risen Lamb opens the seals. The vision strengthens persecuted saints by showing Christ’s rule over history and God’s certain judgment. (Revelation 6:1–17; cf. Revelation 4–5)

The Lamb Who Opens the Future
The scene begins when the Lamb opens the first seal and a living creature summons John to “Come and see” (Revelation 6:1). Heaven declares that Jesus, worthy in power and holiness, governs what follows (Revelation 5:5–7). The seals unveil God’s providence for His people and His response to their oppressors.

The White Horse—Christ’s Cause Advances
John sees a white horse. Its rider holds a bow, receives a victor’s crown, and goes forth conquering (Revelation 6:2). Scripture portrays the gospel as God’s power that brings down strongholds and claims hearts for Christ (Romans 1:16; 2 Corinthians 10:3–5). In a hostile world, the message of the cross advances by the Lord’s authority and brings real victory—one soul at a time (Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 2:41,47).

The Red Horse—Peace Removed and Blood Shed
A fiery red horse appears, and peace is taken from the earth so that people kill one another; the rider bears a great sword (Revelation 6:3–4). Early Christians lived through waves of violence and official pressure (Acts 8:1–3; 1 Peter 4:12–16). Jesus forewarned that allegiance to Him brings costly division and requires steadfast courage (Matthew 10:34–39; Revelation 2:10).

The Black Horse—Scarcity and Economic Pressure
A black horse arrives; its rider holds scales, and a voice prices grain at a day’s wage while oil and wine remain untouched (Revelation 6:5–6). The picture fits famine, scarcity, and inequity. Believers often face economic exclusion for refusing idolatry and compromise (Revelation 2:18–29; 3:8–10). God sustains His people during seasons when faithfulness narrows earthly options (Psalm 37:25; Philippians 4:11–13).

The Pale Horse—Death and Hades Follow
The fourth horse is pale, and its rider is Death with Hades close behind; authority is given over a fourth of the earth by sword, hunger, pestilence, and beasts (Revelation 6:7–8). Mortality casts a wide shadow in a fallen world (Hebrews 9:27), yet Christ holds the keys of death and Hades (Revelation 1:18). Even widespread calamity remains bounded by the Lord’s decree (Job 38:11; Revelation 7:3).

The Cry Beneath the Altar—“How Long, O Lord?”
Under the altar are the souls of those slain for the word of God and their testimony (Revelation 6:9–10). They plead for righteous judgment. White robes are given, and they are told to rest until the full number of martyrs is complete (Revelation 6:11). God hears the prayers of the faithful and answers in His time (Luke 18:7–8; Psalm 56:8; Revelation 8:3–5).

The Sixth Seal—A Vision of Earth-Shaking Judgment
A great earthquake, darkened sun, blood-like moon, falling stars, and a sky rolled back portray a cosmic-level upheaval (Revelation 6:12–14). Kings, commanders, rich and poor alike seek hiding places and cry, “Hide us… from the wrath of the Lamb” (Revelation 6:15–17). Prophets often used such language to depict the downfall of proud powers and the nearness of divine judgment (Isaiah 13:9–13; Ezekiel 32:7–10; Joel 2:10). No refuge stands against the Lord’s day when He vindicates His people (Nahum 1:6–7).

Comfort for a Persecuted Church
Revelation 6 assures embattled saints that Christ governs the advance of the gospel, knows their suffering, receives their prayers, and brings measured judgments that humble persecutors (2 Thessalonians 1:6–10). Faith endures with eyes fixed on Jesus and with strength drawn from worship and fellowship (Hebrews 10:24–25; 12:1–3).

When the Lamb Opens the Seals Sermon Outline:

• Text & Aim

  • Primary Text: Revelation 6:1–17

  • Aim: Exalt Christ’s rule in the opening of the seals, steady the church under pressure, and call believers to faithful endurance and witness.

   

• I. The Worthy Lamb Governs the Seals (Revelation 5:5–7; 6:1)

  • Heaven’s summons: “Come and see.”

  • Providence unfolds by the Lamb’s authority.

   

• II. White Horse—The Gospel’s Victorious Advance (Revelation 6:2)

  • Bow and victor’s crown.

  • Christ’s mission conquers through the word (Matthew 28:18–20; 2 Corinthians 10:3–5).

   

• III. Red Horse—Violence and Costly Discipleship (Revelation 6:3–4)

  • Peace removed; saints tested (1 Peter 4:12–16).

  • Be faithful unto death (Revelation 2:10).

   

• IV. Black Horse—Scarcity, Scales, and Trials of Provision (Revelation 6:5–6)

  • Daily bread dear; luxuries untouched.

  • God sustains the faithful amid inequity (Psalm 37:25; Philippians 4:11–13).

   

• V. Pale Horse—Mortality within Limits (Revelation 6:7–8)

  • Death and Hades permitted a measured reach.

  • Jesus holds the keys (Revelation 1:18).

   

• VI. Beneath the Altar—The Martyrs’ Plea (Revelation 6:9–11)

  • “How long, O Lord?” heard in heaven.

  • White robes and promised rest until the number is complete (Luke 18:7–8).

   

• VII. The Sixth Seal—The Majesty of Judgment (Revelation 6:12–17)

  • Prophetic earthquake and cosmic signs (Isaiah 13:9–13).

  • No one stands against the Lamb’s day (Nahum 1:6–7).

   

• VIII. Encouragement for the Church

  • The gospel still advances; prayers rise; endurance is rewarded (Revelation 8:3–5; 14:12).

   

• IX. Practices that Strengthen Endurance

  • Word-shaped worship (John 4:24).

  • Unashamed witness (Romans 1:16).

  • Steadfast fellowship (Hebrews 10:24–25).

   

Call to Action
Fix your heart on the Lamb who opens the seals and rules history. Bring your fears, losses, and daily needs to Him in prayer. Stand firm in worship, witness, and fellowship, trusting His power to sustain and His justice to prevail. If you need to begin anew in Christ—believe, repent, confess His name, and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. If you are weary, seek the prayers of the church and renew your resolve to endure.

Key Takeaways

• The Lamb alone governs the opening of history’s seals (Revelation 5:5–7; 6:1).

• Christ’s cause advances with true victory (Revelation 6:2; Matthew 28:18–20).

• Discipleship often costs comfort and safety (Revelation 6:3–4; 1 Peter 4:12–16).

• Scarcity and exclusion cannot block God’s care (Revelation 6:5–6; Philippians 4:11–13).

• Death and Hades operate within limits under Christ’s keys (Revelation 6:7–8; 1:18).

• God hears the martyrs and answers at the right time (Revelation 6:9–11; Luke 18:7–8).

• Divine judgment humbles proud powers; no one hides from the Lamb (Revelation 6:12–17; Isaiah 13:9–13).

• Endurance grows through worship, witness, and fellowship (Hebrews 10:24–25; Revelation 14:12).

Scripture Reference List

• Revelation 6:1–17 — The six seals: advance, conflict, scarcity, death, martyrs, judgment.

• Revelation 4–5 — The throne and the worthiness of the Lamb.

• Matthew 28:18–20 — Christ’s authority and the mission.

• Romans 1:16 — The gospel as God’s power.

• 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 — Divine power to destroy strongholds.

• Acts 2:41,47 — The word conquers hearts.

• 1 Peter 4:12–16 — Fiery trial and faithful confession.

• Revelation 2:10 — Faithful unto death.

• Revelation 2:18–29; 3:8–10 — Pressure to compromise; Christ sustains.

• Psalm 37:25 — The Lord’s provision.

• Philippians 4:11–13 — Contentment in all conditions.

• Revelation 1:18 — Jesus holds the keys of death and Hades.

• Hebrews 9:27 — The reality of death.

• Revelation 6:9–11 — The martyrs’ plea and promised rest.

• Luke 18:7–8 — God avenges His elect.

• Revelation 8:3–5 — Prayers rise like incense.

• Isaiah 13:9–13; Ezekiel 32:7–10; Joel 2:10 — Prophetic language for judgment.

• Nahum 1:6–7 — Who can stand? The Lord is a refuge.

• Hebrews 10:24–25; 12:1–3 — Stir one another up; fix eyes on Jesus.

• John 4:24 — Worship in spirit and truth.

• 2 Thessalonians 1:6–10 — God repays afflictors and comforts saints.

• Acts 2:38 — Repentance and baptism for forgiveness.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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God, the Avenger of His Children (Revelation 6)
(Lesson 17)

Revelation 5 continues the awe-inspiring throne scene of chapter 4, revealing Jesus Christ as the Lamb who is worthy to open the sealed book. Under Roman persecution, Christians are comforted with a vivid reminder: God reigns supreme, and Christ alone holds the authority over history, redemption, and final judgment.