In Revelation 6:1-8, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is worthy, has taken the book from the hand of God and He now opens the seven seals, giving us an understanding of the Great Tribulation. The first four seals describe the beginning of the period of Tribulation, and the modus operandi (i.e. the mode of operation) of the beast. Through this period, the Lord, who holds the book and opens the seals, is in absolute control from the beginning to the end.

1.  The Beast and his Beginning (Rev 6:1-2)

The first seal describes how the beast will sit on a white horse having a bow which symbolises peace. A crown will be given to the beast as he will conquer using peace, and become the one-world ruler to a world that is hungering for peace.

2.  The Beast and the Government (Rev 6:3-4)

The second seal describes a red (representing blood) horse that went out. Once the beast is in the seat of power, he will rule with an iron fist based upon evil, cruelty, deception and wickedness, and he will kill many believers.

3.  The Beast and the Economy (Rev 6:5-6)

The third seal describes a black (representing sufferings and death) horse with the beast having a pair of balances in his hands. The balances represent the beast’s control over the economy, as many suffer famine and death. Becoming a believer during this point in time require them to count the cost, reject the mark of the beast and to be prepared to suffer. Today, the system is already in place for the beast to succeed. This shows how near the return of Christ is. It is so important for us to take heed.

4. The Power of the Beast (Rev 6:7-8)

The fourth seal describes a pale (representing death) horse with the beast sitting on it. The beast will control and kill one quarter of the earth with “sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth” (Rev 6:8). The only safety then is for a person to believe in Christ.

This seven-year period of the Great Tribulation is the final period of man's existence under man’s rule. With the last days of man's rule on earth and the last days of the church, where will you be in these last days depends on who you are today.