Table of Contents
It describes the judgment carried out by Jesus through the four living creatures on those in the Tabernacle Temple who did not repent after receiving warning letters in Revelation 2-3. As each of the first four seals is opened by Jesus, one living creature commands “Come!”: 1) The first seal reveals a rider on a white horse representing Jesus holding a bow of judgment. 2) The second seal shows a rider on a red horse taking away false peace with a sword representing God’s word. 3) The third seal has a rider with scales weighing faith and deeds against God’s word. 4) The fourth seal depicts Death and Hades following a pale horse rider, representing the beast/false pastor killing spirits. The lesson explains the symbolism and connects these judgments to the former spiritual Israel betraying and being replaced by the new remnant faithful.
Shincheonji holds distinct theological views that differ from mainstream Christian denominations, yet it also shares some common teachings. This overlap can sometimes blur the lines between their beliefs and those of traditional Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to exercise critical thinking and discernment to differentiate between these shared elements and the unique doctrines they present.
While their interpretations warrant careful examination through a critical and biblical lens, it is equally important to approach these matters with an open yet discerning mindset.
The following notes were documented in person during Shincheonji’s 9-month Bible Study Seminar. They provide insight into the organization’s approach to introducing and explaining its beliefs to potential new members, often referred to as the ‘harvesting and sealing.’ This process is described as being ‘born again’ or ‘born of God’s seed,’ which involves uprooting the old beliefs and replanting new ones. This uprooting and replanting must occur continuously. By examining this process, we can gain a better understanding of the mindset and beliefs held by Shincheonji members.
We are going to explore today’s content, which will be action-packed.
Indeed, Revelation 6 is truly action-packed.
Rv 6: The Judgment of the Sun, Moon, and Stars of the Former Heaven that Betrayed Part 1
When we speak of the Sun, Moon and Stars of the “former heaven,” we are referring to what used to be. The first heaven and first earth are under judgment.
This naturally leads to the question: What must happen afterward?
We need a new heaven. When the former heaven (or first heaven) passes away, a new heaven must take its place.
According to Revelation 21:1, the passing away of the first heaven and first earth begins in this chapter.
Revelation chapter 6 describes the judgment of the sun, moon, and stars of the former heaven that betrayed.
The spiritual meanings of these celestial bodies are:
- The Sun represents the Pastor
- The Moon represents the Evangelist
- The Stars represent the Saints
These elements belong to the former heaven, also known as the first heaven and first earth – specifically the sun, moon, and stars of the first heaven and first earth that betrayed.
Rev 6 Core Points
There are several key points in Revelation chapter 6. Let’s examine each one.
ONE – Revelation 6: Judgment Due to Lack of Repentance
The judgment described in Revelation chapter 6 occurs as a consequence of people’s lack of repentance.
The opportunity for repentance was previously presented in the letters found in chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation.
TWO – Why Judged? Rev 2-3 Ignored the letters.
In Revelation 2 and 3, letters were sent to the churches, but they did not heed these letters and ignored them.
As a result, in Revelation 6, judgment came upon them due to their lack of repentance. The judgment was a direct consequence of ignoring these letters.
THREE – Jesus judges through the 4 Living Creatures
Jesus executes His judgment through the 4 Living Creatures.
FOUR – The location of Rev 6 is the Tabernacle Temple (TT)
Revelation chapter 6 takes place in the Tabernacle Temple (TT). This Tabernacle Temple, containing the seven golden lampstands, was specifically located at the base of Cheonggye mountain in Gwacheon, South Korea.
FIVE – Jesus Opens = Jesus Fulfills
When Jesus opens, it means He fulfills. As Jesus opens the scroll, it manifests in real people, real events, and real things taking place. These are the realities that appear when Jesus opens the scroll.
SIX – New John Witnesses
New John is present to witness Jesus opening the scroll, and he observes these realities.
He sees: The who, the what, the when, the where, the why, the how (5W1H)
Through New John’s witness, we have knowledge of these events. Without his presence to observe these occurrences, we would not have this information.
SEVEN – End of an Era
Most significantly, Revelation 6 represents the end of an era, leading to Revelation 7, which represents new spiritual Israel.
This is evidenced by the appearance of:
– The 144,000
– The great multitude
Revelation chapters 6 and 7 establish an important relationship between chapters that requires further explanation.
Contrasting Chapters in Revelation
The Book of Revelation contains three sets of contrasting chapters. Each set consists of one chapter representing a negative aspect, followed by a chapter representing a positive new development.
The Three Contrasting Sets:
1.- Revelation 6 and Revelation 7
– Revelation 6 represents the end of the era of spiritual Israel
– Revelation 7 represents the beginning of the new era
2.- Revelation 13 and Revelation 14
– Revelation 13 describes those who receive the mark of the beast, being invaded by the beast with 7 heads and 10 horns, receiving 666 on their foreheads and hands
– Revelation 14 shows those who receive the seal of God (the sealed ones) who can sing a new song
3.- Revelation 18 and Revelation 19
– Revelation 18 depicts the marriage with the devil
– Revelation 19 shows the marriage with the Lamb
Important Note: Understanding these chapter relationships helps explain why some events described in later chapters actually occur after events in earlier chapters, despite their sequence in the book.
Current Focus:
We are examining the first example – the end of spiritual Israel. Revelation 6 will be taught in two parts, with Part 1 beginning today.
Foundation for Understanding:
To comprehend this chapter, we must first examine the Old Testament, specifically the Book of Zechariah. Reference to Zechariah 6:1-5 is important because Jesus uses the 4 Living Creatures to judge. These 4 Living Creatures are referred to by various names throughout the Old Testament, with this being one example of their naming.
Zechariah 6:1-5 NIV84 I looked up again—and there before me were four chariots coming out from between two mountains—mountains of bronze! [2] The first chariot had red horses, the second black, [3] the third white, and the fourth dappled—all of them powerful. [4] I asked the angel who was speaking to me, “What are these, my lord?” [5] The angel answered me, “These are the four spirits of heaven, going out from standing in the presence of the Lord of the whole world.
ONE – The Four Chariots and Four Living Creatures
In Zechariah’s vision, he looks up and sees four chariots. These four chariots represent the 4 Living Creatures. Each of these 4 Living Creatures is accompanied by horses of different colors:
- Red Horse
- Black Horse
- White Horse
- Pale Horse
Each of the four living creatures comes paired with a specific colored horse. These same horses later appear in Revelation 6, where they play a significant role in the judgment described in that chapter.
The connection between Zechariah’s vision and Revelation 6 will be examined in more detail.
Revelation 6:1-2 | 1st Seal
Revelation 6:1-2 NIV84 I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, “Come!” [2] I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.
In Revelation, we see Jesus opening the first of the 7 seals after receiving it from God, his father.
Upon opening the seal, one of the 4 Living Creatures spoke with a voice like thunder, saying “Come.” Then something appeared – a rider mounted on a white horse, carrying a bow.
Let’s examine the meaning of each element:
- The First Seal being opened
- The Four Living Creature’s command to “Come”
- The Rider
- The White Horse
- The Bow
We know specifically who this rider and white horse represent, unlike the other horses mentioned in Revelation. The archangel who says “Come” is distinct from the rider of the horse – they are not the same being.
The rider represents Spirit, and the bow symbolizes the word of judgment.
ONE – Rider, Rev 19:11-13
Revelation 19:11-13 NIV84 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. [12] His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. [13] He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.
The rider on the white horse represents Jesus, who appears in spirit form.
TWO – White Horse, as referenced in Isaiah 31:3
Since Jesus appears in spirit form, the white horse figuratively represents a pastor whom the spirit uses, as supported by Isaiah 31:3: “But the Egyptians are mere mortals and not God; their horses are flesh and not spirit. When the LORD stretches out his hand, those who help will stumble, those who are helped will fall; all will perish together.” (NIV)
Isaiah 31:3 NIV84 But the Egyptians are men and not God; their horses are flesh and not spirit. When the Lord stretches out his hand, he who helps will stumble, he who is helped will fall; both will perish together.
The rider represents Jesus, and according to Isaiah, horses symbolize flesh.
Jesus promised to use the flesh of New John. In this figurative representation, New John is both the white horse that Jesus (the rider) mounts, and is also compared to a throne and a bride – with Jesus being the one who sits and the groom.
To explain again: When Jesus opens the first of the 7 seals, one of the 4 Living Creatures says “Come,” and Jesus appears mounted on a white horse, holding a bow.
THREE – The Bow (Lamentations 2:1-6)
Regarding the bow that Jesus holds – as previously discussed, the bow represents the word of judgment.
Lamentations 2:1-6 NIV84 How the Lord has covered the Daughter of Zion with the cloud of his anger ! He has hurled down the splendor of Israel from heaven to earth; he has not remembered his footstool in the day of his anger. [2] Without pity the Lord has swallowed up all the dwellings of Jacob; in his wrath he has torn down the strongholds of the Daughter of Judah. He has brought her kingdom and its princes down to the ground in dishonor. [3] In fierce anger he has cut off every horn of Israel. He has withdrawn his right hand at the approach of the enemy. He has burned in Jacob like a flaming fire that consumes everything around it. [4] Like an enemy he has strung his bow; his right hand is ready. Like a foe he has slain all who were pleasing to the eye; he has poured out his wrath like fire on the tent of the Daughter of Zion. [5] The Lord is like an enemy; he has swallowed up Israel. He has swallowed up all her palaces and destroyed her strongholds. He has multiplied mourning and lamentation for the Daughter of Judah. [6] He has laid waste his dwelling like a garden; he has destroyed his place of meeting. The Lord has made Zion forget her appointed feasts and her Sabbaths; in his fierce anger he has spurned both king and priest.
What we understand here is significant. God uses figurative language, comparing His judgment to a bow, along with many other comparisons. In this context, Jesus is coming to execute judgment.
Specifically, He will judge those who were asked to repent but refused to do so. The judgment will be carried out through the words that were spoken through the flesh.
This represents the first seal.
Revelation 6:3-4 | 2nd Seal
Revelation 6:3-4 NIV84 When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” [4] Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword.
When the second seal is opened, we witness an important event. One of the four living creatures says “Come,” and then appears a rider on a red horse. This rider is holding a sword.
At this point, we should recognize the significance – the sword here is not merely literal but spiritual. As we know, God’s word is described as a two-edged sword.
ONE – Sword
Let’s discuss the sword.
The sword represents God’s word. Both God’s word and Jesus’ words serve as judge, as shown in Ephesians 6:7 and Hebrews 4:12.
Hebrews 4:12 NIV84 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
TWO – Takes Peace
The sword represents the word. This angel brings something specific – the rider on the red horse.
This rider’s role is to take peace away. When considering who takes peace from the earth, while Satan certainly does this, there is also another unexpected figure who came to remove a particular kind of peace.
Matthew 10:34 NIV84 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
Jesus was called the Prince of Peace in Isaiah chapter 9, and Psalms 119:165 states that those who love the word of God will have peace. Yet Jesus said He did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
This raises two important questions:
- What kind of peace did Jesus come to take away?
- What sword did He bring?
Matthew 10:35-39 NIV84 For I have come to turn ” ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— [36] a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ [37] “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; [38] and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. [39] Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
Let’s illustrate Jesus’s message to avoid misunderstanding its true meaning.
People might easily misinterpret Matthew 10, claiming “Jesus came to bring chaos!” But we need the whole Bible’s context to understand the true meaning. Some might say Jesus taught us to hate our family members, but that’s not what he meant.
Looking at John 1:1-5:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made. Without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shined in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it, or overcome it.”
Before Jesus came, there was a relative peace in darkness – people agreeing on falsehood. This wasn’t the kind of peace that should remain. Jesus came to bring division, to separate people from darkness, to separate the sheep from the goats. This created two groups where there was previously one unified in falsehood.
This is why Jesus said, “I have come to turn a man against his father.” When Jesus called his disciples, one might have decided to follow Jesus, while their father might have disagreed, saying:
“This man doesn’t make sense. I don’t understand his words. Don’t follow him.”
But the disciple would respond: “This man speaks the words of truth.”
This division occurs because one person has been called out into the light while others remain in darkness, causing bickering and war instead of peace. However, this division is necessary because when someone comes out of darkness into light, they can eventually bring others out too, leading to true, proper peace.
This is Jesus’s message – not to hate your family, but to love them so much that you leave the place of untruth to eventually bring them out too.
In Revelation 6, the same thing happens to the people from the Tabernacle Temple, whose light has been snuffed out and whose lampstand has been removed. They begin to bicker amongst themselves, saying “No, what they’re saying is wrong” and “No, I don’t like this teaching.” They start to argue and go to war with each other, similar to the time of the first coming. This is number two.
Revelation 6:5-6 | 3rd Seal
Revelation 6:5-6 NIV84 When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. [6] Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a day’s wages, and three quarts of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!”
Let’s zoom in on the third seal, where the third of the four living creatures said “Come.”
The rider here is not the same as Jesus. We can distinguish this because Jesus was described as wearing a crown, while these riders are not depicted with crowns. The horses are also different. The text does not specify who these spirits are, with only the first rider’s identity being specifically described.
ONE – Scale
When a rider on a black horse appears, he is holding a scale. This scale represents something figurative – it is the word of God.
The purpose of this scale is to weigh both one’s faith and deeds (actions).
Proverbs 24:12 NIV84 If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?
The Lord weighs one’s heart and rewards according to their actions. This emphasizes how crucial our actions truly are.
What does God weighing someone’s heart mean? It refers to examining both one’s heart condition and faith. No one can hide their heart and faith from God, as these ultimately manifest through their actions and deeds – God weighs them all.
We can see an example of God’s weighing in Daniel 5:24-31, where He weighed Belshazzar, son of King Nebuchadnezzar. When Belshazzar took the temple articles and used them inappropriately for a party, God wrote on the wall “tekel tekel mene parsen,” meaning “you have been weighed and found wanting.” That same day, Belshazzar was slain.
To be weighed means to be measured on God’s scale. Just as each country has its laws as the standard of judgment in the world, God’s word is the standard by which Christians and believers are judged.
Let us strive to be found heavy when weighed against God’s word, which is His standard of judgment.
TWO – ¼ Wheat and ¾ Barley
What do we observe in the third seal?
In Revelation 6:5-6, we find important details: “Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a day’s wages, and three quarts of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine.'”
When we hear about wheat, it connects to the four fields and the barn. This relates to Matthew 13, where the parable of the sower is found. In this parable, the farmer sows seed in his field, but the enemy comes to the same field and sows weeds among the wheat. Both grow together until harvest time.
In the tabernacle temple, some people heed the warning coming from the flesh that the spirit are using. They decide to come out – the one quart wheat and three quarts barley. They are like the remnant seed.
Remnant means the last of something that escapes judgment.
Throughout the Bible, we see the logic of remnant being used. Before God carries out judgment, He always extracts the few righteous in that place.
For example:
– God intended to wipe out Adam’s world with the flood but found the righteous man and extracted him – remnant – and his family too
– God intended to judge Sodom and Gomorrah but found Lot and his family and extracted them before judgment
This is why Jesus said in Matthew 24 that the time of the second coming will be like the days of Noah and Lot.
In the Old Testament, when God’s people were sinning against Him, God said He set aside a remnant for something new.
This logic continued at the first coming too. Jesus extracted a remnant out of Israel – the disciples and other followers who came out of the old darkness into His light.
At the time of Revelation’s fulfillment, this remnant seed represents the few in the tabernacle temple who heed John’s call and warning about what is happening within them.
When John gave the testimony, not many people, but a few decided not to soil their clothes and came out first. They can be considered like the first harvested, even in these very early days.
THREE – Oil and Wine
When we discuss oil and wine, what do these elements represent?
Wine: The New Revealed Word
– Wine represents the words of Jesus
– This is supported in Isaiah 55:1-3: “Come, buy without cost, wine and food”
– Jesus spoke about new wine, explaining it cannot be put into old wineskins
– The wineskin must be new to receive the new word from Jesus
– In John 15:1, Jesus declares, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener”
– Since Jesus is the vine, and vines produce grapes, which make wine, this figuratively represents Jesus’s words as wine
Oil: The Word of Testimony
– Oil comes from the witnesses
– Revelation 11 refers to “these two olive trees are my two witnesses”
– Two olive trees equal two witnesses
– Olive trees produce olive oil
This understanding helps explain Matthew 25, where:
– The wise virgins tell the foolish ones to “go to the oil sellers”
– This means going to those who have the testimony to get more for themselves
Revelation 6:7-8 | 4th Seal
For today, we will examine the fourth seal, which is the last seal we will discuss. Of course, there are more seals that need to be open, but we will focus on the fourth seal for this session.
Revelation 6:7-8 NIV84 When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” [8] I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.
When the fourth seal is opened, the fourth living creature says “come,” and a rider on a pale horse appears. This rider, described elsewhere in the Bible as being on a dappled horse, is followed by Death and Hades.
There are four living creatures, and this is the last of the four living creatures carrying out judgment.
The fifth and sixth seals are different and will be discussed in the next class.
ONE – Death and Hades
Here we have a rider on a pale horse followed by Death and Hades.
Death and Hades take those who have died to hell. If something is being compared to Death and Hades, it means they’re killing something and carrying it away. We need to understand this spiritually, not literally. Jesus has the key to Death and Hades, so nothing can happen without Jesus’s knowledge and permission. Jesus allows this to happen because they are being judged.
Death and Hades here represents one who is being used to kill the spirits of the people – one who kills spirits with false word, one who is like a beast.
TWO – Beast: False Pastor without the Word
A beast is a false pastor who does not have the word and does not understand the word. Through his words, this pastor kills the spirits of the people like Death and Hades, and he is given the key to do so.
We will see this play out in Revelation chapters 8, 9, and 13.
The reality of this particular beast is Mr. Oh, who kills people with false doctrine about food sacrificed to idols.
THREE – Satan’s Organization
Hades is also Satan’s organization – the churches. The destroyer’s organization is the Christian Stewardship Training Center (or Stewardship Education Center in Korean translation).
This organization no longer exists as it was judged later in Revelation, but it has morphed into something else. Today, it is known as the CCK (Christian Council of Korea). While not exactly the same as before, it carries out similar roles and tasks.
This is the reality of what happened in Revelation chapter 6 with the fourth seal.
The destroyers are allowed into the Tabernacle Temple to destroy them because they betrayed and did not repent – judgment is now taking place on these people.
In the next lesson, we will learn about seal 5 and seal 6 in Revelation chapter 6, part 2.
Memorization
Revelation 6:6 NIV84 Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a day’s wages, and three quarts of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!”
Let’s Us Discern
Discernment is still a work in progress …. Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”
Analysis
Questions to Self-Reflect
Outline
Outline
Part 1
I. Introduction
- This section establishes the context of Revelation 6 as the judgment of the “former heaven” – the first heaven and first earth – specifically focusing on the sun, moon, and stars, which represent the pastor, evangelist, and saints, respectively.
- It emphasizes that this judgment is a consequence of the lack of repentance from those who received the letters in Revelation 2 and 3, and that it takes place within the Tabernacle Temple in Gwacheon, South Korea.
- It introduces the key role of the 4 Living Creatures in executing Jesus’ judgment.
II. Foundation in Zechariah
- This section draws a parallel between Zechariah 6:1-5 and Revelation 6, highlighting the connection between the 4 chariots and the 4 Living Creatures, each accompanied by a specific colored horse, which play a significant role in the judgment.
III. The First Seal: The White Horse
- This section analyzes the opening of the first seal, marked by the appearance of a rider on a white horse carrying a bow.
- It identifies the rider as Jesus in spirit form, the white horse as a pastor (flesh) used by the Spirit (supported by Isaiah 31:3), and the bow as the word of judgment (as in Lamentations 2).
IV. The Second Seal: The Red Horse
- This section explores the opening of the second seal, which introduces a rider on a red horse carrying a sword.
- It explains that the sword represents the word of God (as in Ephesians 6:17 and Hebrews 4:12), and that the rider’s role is to take away the false peace based on lies, similar to how Jesus brought division between those in darkness and those in light (Matthew 10:34-39).
V. The Third Seal: The Black Horse
- This section delves into the opening of the third seal, featuring a rider on a black horse holding scales.
- It interprets the scales as representing God’s word used to weigh faith and deeds (supported by Proverbs 24:12 and Daniel 5:24-31), emphasizing the importance of actions aligned with God’s standard.
VI. The Remnant Seed: Wheat, Barley, Oil, and Wine
- This section focuses on the imagery of wheat, barley, oil, and wine mentioned in the third seal.
- It connects the wheat and barley to the remnant seed – those who heed the warning and separate themselves from the corrupted Tabernacle Temple (Matthew 13).
- It interprets wine as representing the new revealed word of Jesus (Isaiah 55:1-3, John 15:1), and oil as the word of testimony from the witnesses (Revelation 11).
VII. The Fourth Seal: The Pale Horse
- This section examines the opening of the fourth seal, revealing a rider on a pale horse accompanied by Death and Hades.
- It explains that Death and Hades represent the killing of spirits through false words, specifically pointing to a false pastor (beast) who lacks understanding of the word.
- It identifies the beast as Mr. Oh, who spread false doctrine about food sacrificed to idols, and links Hades to Satan’s organization – the Christian Stewardship Training Center (SEC), which later transformed into the Christian Council of Korea (CCK).
VIII. Conclusion and Summary
- This section summarizes the key points of Revelation 6, highlighting the judgment taking place on those who betrayed and did not repent.
- It emphasizes that the four horsemen are not literal but symbolic representations of spiritual judgment executed by God.
IX. Review
- This section provides a concise review of the main points covered in the session, reinforcing the connection between the sun, moon, and stars and the pastor, evangelist, and saints, respectively.
- It re-emphasizes the reason for judgment (lack of repentance), the location (Tabernacle Temple), and the instrument of judgment (four living creatures).
- It briefly summarizes the significance of each of the four seals opened in Revelation 6.
A Study Guide
Revelation 6: The Judgment of the Former Heaven
Study Guide
I. Key Concepts:
- Betrayal and Judgment: Revelation 6 details the judgment upon the “sun, moon, and stars” of the former heaven (symbolic of the pastor, evangelist, and saints of the Tabernacle Temple in South Korea) who betrayed God and did not repent after receiving the letters in Revelation 2-3.
- Four Living Creatures: Jesus carries out judgment through the four living creatures, mirroring Zechariah 6. Each creature summons a rider on a horse, representing a specific aspect of judgment.
- Symbolic Language: The horses, riders, and their implements (bow, sword, scales) are rich in symbolism and represent spiritual realities. The judgment is primarily spiritual, not literal physical destruction.
- Remnant Seed: Amidst judgment, a remnant of faithful believers (represented by the “quart of wheat and three quarts of barley”) heed the warning and come out of the corrupt Tabernacle Temple.
- End of an Era: Revelation 6 marks the end of spiritual Israel, paving the way for a new spiritual Israel in Revelation 7 (represented by the 144,000 and the great multitude).
II. Chapter Breakdown
- Revelation 6:1-2 (1st Seal): White horse rider (Jesus) with a bow (God’s word of judgment) appears, signifying the beginning of judgment upon those who betrayed.
- Revelation 6:3-4 (2nd Seal): Red horse rider with a sword (God’s word) appears, taking away false peace and causing division between those who follow truth and those who cling to falsehood.
- Revelation 6:5-6 (3rd Seal): Black horse rider with scales (God’s word) appears, weighing the faith and deeds of individuals.
- Revelation 6:7-8 (4th Seal): Pale horse rider (Death) followed by Hades appears. Death and Hades represent the false pastor (beast) and Satan’s organization (Stewardship Education Center/Christian Council of Korea) who kill the spirits of people with false doctrine.
III. Contrasting Chapters in Revelation:
Understanding the relationship between contrasting chapters is crucial for interpreting Revelation’s timeline. Here’s the first set:
- Revelation 6: End of the era of spiritual Israel.
- Revelation 7: Beginning of a new era with the appearance of the 144,000 and the great multitude.
Short Answer Quiz
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.
- What do the sun, moon, and stars represent in Revelation 6?
- Why is judgment being carried out in Revelation 6?
- What is the significance of the “quart of wheat and three quarts of barley” in the third seal?
- What does the sword symbolize in the second seal?
- Explain the role of the four living creatures in Revelation 6.
- How is the bow in the first seal related to judgment?
- What is meant by “taking peace from the earth” in the second seal?
- What does the rider with the scales in the third seal represent?
- Who or what does the rider on the pale horse in the fourth seal symbolize?
- What is the connection between Zechariah 6 and Revelation 6?
Answer Key
- The sun, moon, and stars symbolize the pastor, evangelist, and saints of the former heaven, specifically the Tabernacle Temple in South Korea.
- Judgment is being carried out because the people of the Tabernacle Temple betrayed God and refused to repent after receiving the letters in Revelation 2-3.
- The “quart of wheat and three quarts of barley” represent the remnant seed, the faithful believers who heed the warning and come out of the corrupt Tabernacle Temple before judgment.
- The sword symbolizes God’s word, which judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart and brings division between truth and falsehood.
- The four living creatures serve as agents of Jesus’ judgment. Each creature calls forth a rider on a horse, representing a specific aspect of God’s judgment.
- The bow, as seen in Lamentations, is a symbol of God’s judgment. In the first seal, Jesus holds the bow, signifying that He is the one who carries out God’s judgment.
- “Taking peace from the earth” refers to the division caused by God’s word. It separates those who cling to falsehood from those who embrace truth, disrupting the false peace built on lies.
- The rider with the scales represents God’s judgment, which weighs the faith and deeds of individuals according to His word.
- The rider on the pale horse symbolizes Death, representing the spiritual death inflicted upon people by the false pastor (beast) through false teachings and deception.
- Both Zechariah 6 and Revelation 6 feature four chariots/living creatures and horses of different colors. This parallel highlights the consistent use of these symbols to represent God’s judgment throughout scripture.
Essay Questions
- Analyze the symbolism of the four horses and their riders in Revelation 6. What do their colors and implements represent, and how do they contribute to the overall theme of judgment?
- Explain the concept of the “remnant seed” in Revelation 6. How does it connect to the Old Testament, and what is its significance in understanding God’s judgment?
- Discuss the spiritual nature of the judgment described in Revelation 6. Why is it not a literal physical destruction, and what are the implications of this understanding?
- Analyze the relationship between Revelation 6 and Revelation 7. How do these chapters contrast, and what do they reveal about the transition from the old era to the new era?
- Explain the role of the false pastor (beast) and Satan’s organization (Hades) in the judgment described in Revelation 6. How do they contribute to the spiritual death of the people?
Glossary of Key Terms
- Former Heaven: Refers to the Tabernacle Temple in South Korea, which represents a fallen spiritual system.
- Sun, Moon, and Stars: Symbolize the pastor, evangelist, and saints of the former heaven who have betrayed God.
- Four Living Creatures: Heavenly beings who act as agents of Jesus’ judgment.
- Seals: Symbolic of events or pronouncements in God’s plan.
- Bow: Represents God’s word as a weapon of judgment.
- Sword: Represents God’s word as a divider between truth and falsehood.
- Scales: Represent God’s judgment as a weighing of faith and deeds.
- Pale Horse: Symbol of death and destruction.
- Death and Hades: Represent the false pastor (beast) and Satan’s organization, respectively, who kill the spirits of people.
- Remnant Seed: Faithful believers who heed the warning and escape judgment.
- Wine: Represents the new revealed word of Jesus.
- Oil: Represents the word of testimony from the witness.
- Beast: A false pastor who deceives people with false teachings.
- Stewardship Education Center/Christian Council of Korea: Represents Satan’s organization in the context of Revelation 6.
Breakdown
Timeline of Events from “Rv 6: The Judgment of the Sun, Moon, and Stars of the Former Heaven that Betrayed Part 1”
This timeline outlines the events described in the provided source, interpreting them through the specific lens of the source’s religious framework. It’s crucial to understand that this timeline represents a theological perspective and not a sequence of historical events.
Pre-Revelation 6:
- Unknown Time: God sends letters to the messengers of the seven churches, urging them to repent.
- Unknown Time: The churches, including the Tabernacle Temple (TT) in Gwacheon, South Korea, ignore the letters and refuse to repent.
Revelation 6:
- Opening of the First Seal: Jesus, in spirit form, appears riding a white horse, symbolizing a pastor (New John) who is being used by the Spirit. He carries a bow, representing the word of God, to judge the hearts of those who have betrayed.
- Opening of the Second Seal: A rider on a red horse appears, carrying a sword that symbolizes God’s word. This rider takes away the false peace based on lies and creates division, leading to people leaving the Tabernacle Temple.
- Opening of the Third Seal: A rider on a black horse appears carrying scales, representing God’s word, which weighs the faith and deeds of individuals. A remnant of people, symbolized by wheat and barley, heed the warning and leave the Tabernacle Temple.
- Opening of the Fourth Seal: A rider on a pale horse appears, followed by Death and Hades. Hades is represented as a beast, symbolizing a false pastor (Mr. Oh) who spreads false doctrines, killing the spirits of people. Hades is also equated to Satan’s organization, first represented by the Christian Stewardship Training Center (SEC) and later by the Christian Council of Korea (CCK).
Post-Revelation 6:
- Judgment continues: The source indicates that the fifth and sixth seals will bring further judgment, suggesting a continuing timeline of events.
Cast of Characters
Jesus Christ: The central figure of the narrative, who is depicted as the Lamb opening the seals and executing judgment on those who betrayed.
New John: A key witness to the events of Revelation 6, described as both the white horse that Jesus mounts and a symbol of the pastor being used by the Spirit.
Four Living Creatures: Angelic beings who carry out Jesus’ judgment, each associated with a specific horse and rider.
Rider on the Red Horse: An unspecified spirit who wields a sword representing God’s word, removing false peace and causing division.
Rider on the Black Horse: An unspecified spirit carrying scales, symbolizing God’s word, which weighs the faith and deeds of individuals.
Rider on the Pale Horse: An unspecified spirit who is followed by Death and Hades, symbolizing the destruction of people’s spirits through false doctrines.
Mr. Oh: A real-life individual identified as a “beast” and a false pastor, spreading false doctrines and killing the spirits of people.
Death and Hades: Symbolic representations of both the physical death of individuals and the destruction of their spirits through falsehood.
Christian Stewardship Training Center (SEC): Identified as Satan’s organization during the events of Revelation 6, later morphing into the Christian Council of Korea (CCK).
Christian Council of Korea (CCK): The modern-day representation of Satan’s organization, according to the source’s interpretation.
The Remnant: Individuals symbolized by wheat and barley who leave the Tabernacle Temple, heeding the warning and escaping judgment.
The Betrayers: Individuals within the Tabernacle Temple who ignored God’s calls for repentance and face judgment as a result.
Important Note: This cast of characters reflects the specific interpretations and claims made within the provided source. It’s crucial to understand that these interpretations might not align with broader theological perspectives or historical facts.
Overview
Overview: Revelation 6 – The Judgment of the Former Heaven
Main Themes:
- Judgment of the “former heaven”: This refers to the first heaven and earth, specifically the Tabernacle Temple (TT) in Gwacheon, South Korea, which is deemed to have betrayed God.
- Consequences of unrepentance: The judgment unfolds because the recipients of the letters in Revelation 2-3, representing the church, ignored the call to repent.
- Jesus as the judge: While He doesn’t directly appear, Jesus orchestrates the judgment through the Four Living Creatures, who act as His agents.
- Fulfillment of prophecy: The opening of each seal represents the realization of specific events and reveals the true nature of individuals and organizations.
- The role of New John: He acts as a witness to the events, providing a firsthand account of the unfolding judgment.
Most Important Ideas/Facts:
- Symbolic Interpretation:
- Sun: Pastor
- Moon: Evangelist
- Stars: Saints
- Horses: Flesh being used by spirits
- Bow: Word of judgment
- Sword: God’s word that judges and divides
- Scales: Word of God that weighs faith and deeds
- Wine: New revealed word of Jesus
- Oil: Word of testimony from witnesses
- The Four Seals:
- First Seal (Rev 6:1-2): White horse rider (Jesus in spirit form) with a bow, signifying the beginning of judgment through His word. “I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, ‘Come!'”
- Second Seal (Rev 6:3-4): Red horse rider with a sword, taking peace from the earth and causing division. Represents the divisive nature of truth and the separation it brings between those who believe and those who don’t. “Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword.”
- Third Seal (Rev 6:5-6): Black horse rider with scales, signifying the judgment of faith and deeds according to God’s word. “Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. [6] Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a day’s wages, and three quarts of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!'”
- Fourth Seal (Rev 6:7-8): Pale horse rider (Death) followed by Hades, representing the destruction of spirits through false teachings and the role of corrupt religious organizations. “I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.”
- The Remnant: Represents those who heed the warnings and separate themselves from the corrupted church, similar to biblical examples like Noah and Lot. “This remnant seed represents the few in the tabernacle temple who heed John’s call and warning about what is happening within them.”
- Specific Figures:
- Mr. Oh: Identified as the “beast” who leads people astray with false doctrines.
- Christian Stewardship Training Center (SEC) / Stewardship Education Center: Seen as a corrupt organization that has morphed into the Christian Council of Korea (CCK), continuing its destructive influence.
Key Quotes:
- “When Jesus opens, it means He fulfills.”
- “The sword represents the word that judges…”
- “God weighs one’s heart and rewards according to their actions.”
- “This is why Jesus said in Matthew 24 that the time of the second coming will be like the days of Noah and Lot.”
Q&A
Q&A
1. What is the symbolic meaning of the sun, moon, and stars in Revelation 6?
These celestial bodies represent the leadership and members of the “former heaven,” specifically the Tabernacle Temple in South Korea. The sun symbolizes the pastor, the moon the evangelist, and the stars the saints or believers within that church.
2. Why did the sun, moon, and stars of the former heaven face judgment?
The judgment described in Revelation 6 is a consequence of the people in the Tabernacle Temple ignoring the messages of repentance found in the letters to the seven churches (Revelation 2-3). Their lack of repentance and continued betrayal led to divine judgment.
3. How does Jesus carry out the judgment described in Revelation 6?
Jesus executes his judgment through the four living creatures, powerful spiritual beings also mentioned in the Old Testament book of Zechariah. Each living creature is associated with a horse of a specific color (white, red, black, and pale), and each horse represents a different aspect of the unfolding judgment.
4. What is the significance of the rider on the white horse in the first seal?
The rider on the white horse is Jesus himself, appearing in spirit form. The white horse symbolizes a pastor (flesh) whom Jesus’ spirit uses to carry out his will, in this case, New John. The bow held by the rider represents the word of judgment, which will pierce the hearts of those who have refused to repent.
5. What is the meaning of the rider on the red horse and the sword he carries?
The rider on the red horse symbolizes division and conflict, particularly within the church. The sword he carries represents the word of God, which has the power to divide truth from falsehood and expose hypocrisy. This division is necessary to separate those who follow Jesus from those who cling to darkness.
6. What does the rider on the black horse with the scales represent?
This rider represents God’s judgment of the people’s faith and deeds. The scales symbolize God’s word, which serves as the standard for measuring righteousness. Those whose faith is weak and whose actions are not aligned with God’s will will be found wanting.
7. What is the meaning of the oil and wine mentioned in the third seal?
The oil and wine represent spiritual sustenance for believers. Wine symbolizes the new revealed word of Jesus, while oil symbolizes the word of testimony given by faithful witnesses. Those who heed the warnings and remain faithful will receive spiritual nourishment.
8. Who are Death and Hades that follow the rider on the pale horse in the fourth seal?
Death and Hades represent the destructive forces that come upon those who have rejected God’s truth. Hades symbolizes Satan’s organization, which works through false pastors and misleading teachings to kill the spirits of people. The pale horse and its rider signify the spiritual death that results from following falsehood.