We've already examined the letters to the seven churches and John's spectacular vision of the throne of God and of the Lamb. The heavenly realm is occupied by four living creatures, 24 elders, a multitude of angels, and perhaps other living beings that John did not mention. This great throng praises the Lamb who sits on the throne. They sing a new song that tells of His worthiness to receive power, wealth, wisdom and honor because of His great sacrifice which "purchased men for God." Only the Lamb is worthy to take the scroll from God's hand and open it. Now we'll read chapters six and seven to see what is written in that scroll with the seven seals.

6:1-8  

Seal 1: The first living creature says, "Come." A white horse appears whose rider has a bow and a crown. He rides out "as a conqueror bent on conquest."

Seal 2: The second living creature says, "Come." A red horse appears whose rider has a large sword. He takes peace from the land and makes men kill each other.

Seal 3: The third living creature says, "Come." A black horse appears whose rider is holding a pair of scales. John heard a voice saying that small amounts of grain cost a day's wages and oil and wine were not for sale.

Seal 4: The fourth living creature says, "Come." A pale horse appears whose rider was named Death and the grave (Hades) followed close behind him.

These are what are commonly called "the four horsemen of the apocalypse." Verse 8 says they are given power over 25% of the earth to kill people by sword, famine, plague and wild animals. If we look at all four horsemen in sequence it's likely that it begins with a leader who rides out to conquer other nations (white horse). This leads to war (red horse), which results in food shortages and famine (black horse). The final result is death (pale horse) and those who die are soon buried in graves (Hades follows close behind). Times of war even affect wild animals. They also suffer from lack of food and are more likely to kill people.

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2 Corinthians 4:1-5:12      

4:1-5 Paul and his coworkers do not lose heart. They refuse to be deceptive or distort the word of God. Rather they proclaim the truth in plain terms that people can readily understand. If their gospel is veiled it's not because Paul is concealing the message. Rather "the god of this age" (Satan) has blinded unbelievers' minds. That's why they can't understand the gospel. Paul preaches Christ, not himself.

v. 6 The reference to "Let light shine out of darkness" comes from God creating light in Genesis 1:3. Just as God created physical light so He also "made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light." What is this light? This light is knowledge-- specifically "the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ."

• God created physical light.
• God made His light shine in the hearts of believers.
• Light is knowledge (knowledge of the glory of God). Light is not a feeling.
• The glory of God is revealed in the (literal) face of Christ

In other words, the light that shines so brightly in Paul is this knowledge of the all-surpassing glory of God that is revealed in the physical incarnation (the physical face) of Christ. Those who turn to Christ are those who believe that He is God in the flesh and that His physical death and resurrection make them righteous in the sight of God. This knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ removes the "veil" of spiritual blindness.

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