Sermon Summary – The Wrath of the Lamb
Revelation 6:1–17
Main Idea:
The Lamb begins to open the scroll—and with each broken seal, the reality of God’s coming judgment unfolds. Yet, even in wrath, the people of God are remembered, preserved, and called to endure with hope.
1. A Shift in the Scene
After glimpses of heaven’s worship and the Lamb’s worthiness in chapters 4 and 5, Revelation 6 brings a dramatic shift.
Now, Jesus begins to open the seven-sealed scroll, and judgment begins to be unleashed on the earth.
2. The First Four Seals: The Four Horsemen
These seals reveal the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse—symbolizing global events that bring chaos, fear, and devastation.
- First Seal – White Horse: A conqueror with a bow and a crown—likely a false Christ or antichrist figure bringing deceptive peace. “Many will come in my name… and lead many astray.” (Matt. 24:5)
- Second Seal – Red Horse: A rider who removes peace from the earth—representing war, conflict, and civil unrest. The sword signifies bloodshed on a wide scale.
- Third Seal – Black Horse: A rider with scales—symbolizing famine and economic collapse. A full day’s wages can barely buy a meal. The rich still indulge, while the poor suffer.
- Fourth Seal – Pale Horse: The rider is Death, with Hades following behind. One-fourth of humanity is affected—by violence, starvation, disease, and even wild animals. Estimated modern death toll: over 2 billion.
3. Fifth Seal: The Cry of the Martyrs
(vv.9–11)
John sees the souls of martyrs beneath the altar, crying out for justice:
“O Sovereign Lord… how long before you will judge and avenge our blood?”
Their deaths are described as a sacrificial offering—holy and precious to God.
They are given white robes (righteousness and victory) and told to rest a little longer, as more will be martyred before the end.
4. Sixth Seal: Global Upheaval
(vv.12–17)
Cosmic signs erupt:
- A great earthquake
- The sun turns black, the moon like blood
- Stars fall, the sky vanishes, mountains and islands are moved
All people—rich and poor, great and small—hide in fear and cry out:
“Fall on us… hide us from the face of Him who is seated on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb…”
They recognize that the great day of judgment has come, and ask the question:
“Who can stand?”
5. Theological Insights
- Judgment is real and connected directly to Jesus (the Lamb), not just as Savior, but as Judge.
- The world’s systems—political, economic, military—will collapse before God’s final justice.
- The martyrs are not forgotten—their voices matter and their sacrifice is seen.
- The imagery echoes the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24) and prophetic writings (Joel, Isaiah, etc.)
6. Application & Assurance
- Who can stand? Only those who belong to Jesus—those sealed by the Holy Spirit and saved by His blood. The wrath of the Lamb is real—but it is not for His people.
“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ…”
(1 Thessalonians 5:9)
- Be prepared, not panicked. Revelation 6 is not meant to frighten God’s people but to remind us of God’s justice and to strengthen our endurance.
- Lift your eyes. When the world seems chaotic and dark, remember: the Lamb still holds the scroll. He is in control. He is fulfilling His plan. He will rescue His people.
Closing Challenge:
Will you be able to stand when the wrath of the Lamb is revealed?
If your faith is in Jesus, you will stand—not in fear, but in awe.
If not, today is the day to trust in the One who died for you.
“Who can stand?” — Only those who kneel before the Lamb now.
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