BBP: 11 The First Seal

Chapter 11

The First Seal

Antichrist’s Imitation of the Real Christ

Rev 6:1-2

Contents

A) Introduction to the First Seal The emergence of the Antichrist as the first certain sign the Endtimes have begun

B) The First Seal & Antichrist’s Rising

C) The First Seal & Antichrist’s Revealing & Resurrection

Primary Points

Whatever this first of the seven seals on the scroll is portraying, would seem to be the first certain sign the Endtimes have begun.

• What is also clear is that the individual portrayed on the white horse is imitating the Real Christ. Therefore, the best interpretation of this rider on a white horse is that he is the Antichrist.
• The First Seal may reflect attributes of the militarily successful Rising Antichrist.
• It seems the bow without arrows suggests the arrows have already been expended to win previous battles.
• One will note how all of this could apply to the description of the Rising Antichrist, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The first of seven Seals seems to reveal that the emergence of the Antichrist, especially his Resurrection, is the first certain sign the Endtimes have begun.

• Revelation 6:1-2 tells us that the first and foremost of the False Christs that Jesus warned of will be the Antichrist.

Antichrist’s Resurrection is a monumental event in the Endtimes that is often overlooked in Church doctrine.

Revelation 6:1-2 is describing the Revealed Antichrist bursting forth onto the world scene to be noticed by EVERYONE.

How will the Antichrist be Revealed in such an obvious way to everyone on Earth? The best answer is Antichrist’s Resurrection.

• The Antichrist could do nothing that would imitate Christ more than being resurrected from the dead.
• Another way the Antichrist could imitate Jesus to the world is by being killed on a Good Friday and resurrected on Easter.
• The First Seal also portrays the Antichrist conquering the world with deception through his Resurrection.
• The Antichrist’s Resurrection will lead to world peace.

Several early Endtime events seem to require the Antichrist’s Resurrection.

A) Introduction to the First Seal The emergence of the Antichrist as the first certain sign the Endtimes have begun

In the following exegetical study of Revelation 6:1-2 the following will be argued: 1) The opening of the First Seal represents the first certain sign the Endtimes have begun; 2) The individual described in the First Seal is the first and foremost False Christ, the Antichrist; 3) The event being portrayed is the Rising Antichrist’s unmistakable Revealing to everyone in the world; 4) It is clear the individual portrayed in the First Seal is attempting to imitate the Real Christ; 5) The best explanation for how all of this would be accomplished is Antichrist’s Resurrection.

Therefore, the primary point of this chapter is: The first of seven Seals reveals that the emergence of the Antichrist, especially his Resurrection, is the first certain sign the Endtimes have begun. It will be argued that the opening of the First Seal described in Revelation 6:1-2 portrays this very thing. We read there:

I watched as the Lamb [Christ] opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, “Come!” 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. (NIV)

As noted in chapter 2:

It was explained in the previous book that the scroll (Rev 5:1) that is being opened contains Christ’s Wrath that will be unleashed on the world after His Return and the Church’s Rescue (cf. CET, ch. 14, sec. E). That Endtime Wrath will begin after the seven seals (Rev 6:1) are broken. The Sixth Seal portrays Christ’s Return and that the wrath of the Lamb … has come (6:16-17). The first five Seals prepare the world for Christ’s Wrath. Therefore, they are referred to as Seals of Preparation throughout the Endtimes Essentials. Accordingly, the Trumpet and Bowl Punishments of Christ’s Wrath will follow the opening of the Seventh Seal (cf. Rev chs. 8-9; 15-16). (sec. A)

In Revelation 6:1-2 Christ is opening the first of the seven seals on the scroll. Therefore, it clearly describes what will mark the very beginning of the Endtimes. In fact, whatever this first of the seven seals on the scroll is portraying, would seem to be the first certain sign the Endtimes have begun.

What is also clear is that the individual portrayed on the white horse is imitating the Real Christ. This will be demonstrated further below (sec. C.2). As explained previously, imitating Christ, and even claiming to be Jesus Christ, will be a foremost attribute of the Antichrist (cf. ch. 7, sec. C; ch. 10, sec. B.2). Therefore, the best interpretation of this rider on a white horse is that he is the Antichrist. ^[1]

In addition, the fact that this figure comes as a conqueror bent on conquest reflects what Scripture clearly says about the Antichrist elsewhere. Daniel describes him as a political and military conqueror when we read of the Antichrist’s Beast Empire:

The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it (Dan 7:23 NIV).

Likewise, Revelation predicts the Antichrist will be given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation (13:7 NIV). The Antichrist being a conqueror and achieving conquest is certainly reflected in such predictions.

Revelation also describes the Antichrist as a spiritual conqueror when we read: The whole world followed the beast … and they also worshiped the beast (Rev 13:3-4). Using the same Greek word as in Revelation 6:2, Revelation 13 reveals that Antichrist’s political, military, and spiritual conquest (nikēsē, Rev 6:2), will ultimately result in his power to wage war against God’s saints and to conquer [nikēsai] them (Rev 13:7). Therefore, the portrayal of a conquering individual in the First Seal certainly refers to the Antichrist.

But of course, such worldwide conquest will require a process in Antichrist’s career. This is why the text says the Antichrist will emerge in the world as an eventual conqueror bent on conquest. The literal Greek reads, he went out conquering so that he could conquer. ^[2] His goal to conquer will require a process of conquering. As explained previously (ch. 7, sec. B), the first five Seals of Preparation portray the Antichrist’s process (and strategy) of conquering the world.

But the First Seal itself may also reflect this process of conquering. More specifically, it may portray both the successes of the Antichrist’s initial Rise and the Antichrist’s eventual and certain Revealing.

B) The First Seal & Antichrist’s Rise

Like many other visions in the Revelation, the First Seal is complex and communicates a lot of meaning. It has been noted before that this is the most difficult type of Scripture to accurately interpret (cf. ch. 1, sec. B). Therefore, we need to be careful about trying to confidently derive a lot of meaning from such symbolic language. But as also noted, the Author of these Scriptures expects us to, Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval and be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15 NLT). Including the word of truth contained in the complex visions of prophetic Scripture. Accordingly, the goal of this chapter is to attempt to correctly explain Revelation 6:1-2.

B.1) The success symbolized by his crown

As noted, it is suggested that the First Seal reflects elements of what we have learned about the Rising Antichrist in previous chapters (8-9). For example, we are told the Rising Antichrist will succeed in everything he does on his way to influencing the world (Dan 8:24 NLT; cf. ch. 9, sec. A). Accordingly, there seems to be several symbols in the First Seal reflecting such success.

For example, the Greek word used here for crown (stephanos) generally meant “’the victor’s crown,’ the symbol of triumph in the games… ‘a token of public honor’ for distinguished … military success” ^[3] Stephanos referred to a “wreath worn by one of high status,” ^[4] which was specifically given to those competing in athletic games (cf. 1 Cor 9:25; 2 Tim 2:5). Regarding the crown in Revelation 6:2, MacArthur explains:

[It] refers to [being] awarded for a distinguished career of conquest… Nikōn (“conquering”), portrays the rider’s career as one marked by a long series of victories. His crown (stephanos) is a winner’s crown. He is no real king and has no real monarch’s crown (diadēma), but has won a crown from the world for his triumphant achievements leading to world peace. ^[5]

A stephanos is a very appropriate symbol for the famous and militarily successful Rising Antichrist predicted in Scripture. Therefore, do not be surprised if the Rising Antichrist (or Resurrected Antichrist) is awarded some sort of “victor’s crown” or wreath in appreciation for his success in bringing peace to the world.

The fact that the Antichrist is portrayed as wearing a single crown of victory may be another element in the First Seal that reflects the Rising Antichrist before he is the powerful Resurrected and ruling Antichrist. In rather stark contrast, Revelation 13 pictures the Antichrist as a beast with ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns [diadēmata] on its horns (Rev 13:1 NIV). The Greek word here refers to a “royal crown.” ^[6] Therefore, royal crowns reflect the worldwide authority he will eventually possess over every tribe, people, language, and nation (13:7 NIV). The ten crowns reflect that at this point the ten horns who are ten kings of the 10-nation Endtime Coalition will have given their power and authority to the beast [Antichrist] (Rev 17:12-13 NIV).

All of this is absent from the initial emergence of the Antichrist portrayed in Revelation 6 and the First Seal. As Walvoord notes regarding the stephanos given the Antichrist in Revelation 6: “He is given the crown of a victor, not the crown of a sovereign. The emphasis is not so much on his authority as on his victory.” ^[7] This progression from adoration to authority will be discussed further in chapter 13.

B.2) The military victory symbolized by his horse and bow

Other symbols in the First Seal also seem to point to the Rising Antichrist’s military victories. For example, regarding the white horse, Thomas writes:

Horses are often connected with war and conquest in Scripture (cf. Job 39:19-25; Ps. 76:5-6; Prov. 21:31)… A popular suggestion has been that white is a symbol for [military] victory, as evidenced in the practices of both the [first century] Romans and Persians [and the Parthians]. The horse with its rider is said to represent brilliant, unchecked … victory. It must be granted that this first horse is associated with victory, as evident in the words (nikōn, “conquering”) and (nikēs, “he might conquer”). ^[8]

Likewise Barclay wrote:

Quite certainly, the white horse and its rider stand for conquest in war. When a Roman general [in the Apostle John’s time] celebrated a triumph, that is, when he paraded through the streets of Rome with his armies and his captives and his spoils after some great victory, his chariot was drawn by white horses, the symbol of victory. ^[9]

Therefore, do not be surprised if the Rising Antichrist (or Resurrected Antichrist) at some point is seen literally riding a white horse to celebrate and be honored for his successes.

Why does the First Seal depict the Antichrist having a bow with no arrows? It is an odd picture. Arrows always go with bows, or the bow is rather useless. So why are there no arrows in this picture? Again, we cannot be dogmatic on the meaning of this, and some claim there is no intended meaning in this imagery. But a bow without arrows is odd enough that it probably suggests something. Accordingly, most commentators suggest this is the case.

Scholars generally focus their efforts on proving the symbolism of bow can only mean conquering by deception or by war. But the better interpretation seems to be that the Antichrist will conquer with both deception and war. The idea of deception, especially through Antichrist’s Resurrection, will be discussed further below (sec. C.3). However, the theme of military victory is also rather clear in the text and a reason why many scholars conclude it symbolizes this. We have already noted the probability that this is the meaning of the rider’s crown and horse. Likewise, Thomas writes regarding the bow and its symbolism of military victory:

This view does justice to the warlike symbolism of the bow and the horse… The bow traditionally has been associated with one who is a warrior. Frequently it is a symbol for victory (cf. Zech. 9:13-14). This is certainly the case here. ^[10]

Likewise, Barclay wrote:

The rider of the horse had in this hand a bow. In the OT, the bow is always the sign of military power [Jer 51:56; Hos 1:5; Ps 46:9]… The bow, then, would always stand for military power… So then, the white horse and its rider with a bow stand for militarism and conquest. ^[11]

Likewise, Osborne writes of the first rider, “the supreme activity and purpose of this figure is military conquest.” ^[12] Therefore, it seems the bow without arrows suggests the arrows have already been expended to win previous battles. ^[13] This military victory has also led to the peace portrayed in the First Seal, as explained further below (sec. C.4).

It has already been noted regarding the Rising Antichrist:

The biblical prediction that He will … succeed in everything he does (Dan 8:24) may be fulfilled in extraordinary military victories. Daniel 7 gives us another description of the Rising Antichrist where we read: After them [the ten kings] another king will arise (Dan 7:24). Arise (qûm) can mean “victory in war or struggle” (ch. 9, sec. A).

Therefore, military victory may also help the Antichrist establish the world-wide peace established in the First Seal. Again, the bow with no arrows could symbolize the Rising Antichrist previously using the military weapons he had in order to accomplish that peace. Such victory may also include uprooting (Dan 7:8) three evil leaders in the 10-nation Endtime Coalition as discussed previously (ch. 9, sec. B), also helping to establish peace.

One will note how all of this could apply to the description of the Rising Antichrist, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in chapter 9. This included his growing record of succeeding in everything he does (Dan 8:24), his potential world-changing military victory over the Russian army, and his desire to lead the world in peace.

But note something important. The Antichrist’s bow without arrows in the First Seal is ready to be rearmed with arrows for the massive war unleashed in the Second Seal. In chapter 18 (sec. B.2) a case will be made that Antichrist’s primary target for that war will be the nuclear destruction of Endtime Babylon (cf. Rev 17:16).

In summary, it seems there may be elements of a militarily successful Rising Antichrist reflected in the First Seal. However, the rider on a white horse also surely portrays the Antichrist conquering by deception, and imitating Christ, especially in His Resurrection. Accordingly, the First Seal seems to represent both the Rising Antichrist who will conquer through war, and establish peace, and the Resurrected Antichrist who will conquer through religious deception, which also leads to world-wide peace. This will be discussed next.

C) The First Seal & Antichrist’s Revealing & Resurrection

C.1) The opening of the First Seal portrays Antichrist’s Revealing & Resurrection

It was noted in the previous chapter that the primary point of Part IV (chs. 10-12) of The Beginning of Birth Pains is to argue that the very first certain sign the Endtimes have begun will be the Antichrist’s Resurrection. In the previous chapter (10) a case was made that the Antichrist will be the first and foremost False Christ that Jesus predicted would be the first birth pain and sign the Endtimes have begun (Matt 24:5).

In this chapter (11) it will be argued that the opening of the first of the seven seals in Revelation 6:1-2 also portrays the emergence of the first and foremost False Christ, the Antichrist, and the first certain sign the Endtimes have begun. Evidence will be given that the rider on a white horse coming to conquer (Rev 6:2 NIV) by deception will be the Antichrist imitating the real Christ in His Resurrection from the dead. Therefore, the First Seal seems to suggest the Antichrist’s Resurrection will be the first certain sign the Endtimes have begun.

Antichrist’s Resurrection is a monumental event in the Endtimes that is often overlooked in Church doctrine. At least the respected NT scholar Grant Osborne comments, “It is the critical event in the ascension of the Antichrist to power.” ^[14] Nevertheless, the Antichrist’s Resurrection is a very neglected topic in Christian Eschatology. Many Christians do not even know the Bible predicts the Antichrist will be undeniably killed and miraculously resurrected from the dead. Some Bible scholars seek to deny or diminish the fact that this will actually happen.

Admittedly, only Revelation clearly describes the Antichrist’s Resurrection (cf. 11:7; 13:3-4, 14; 17:8). Neither Jesus, the OT Prophets (including Daniel), nor the NT epistles seem to clearly mention this event. But as discussed in a future chapter (13), Revelation 13 makes it clear this will be a monumental event in the Endtimes. The Apostle John writes:

And I saw one of the heads of the beast as violently slaughtered to death and the wound from the deadly strike was healed. And the whole world was amazed by this miracle and became a follower of the beast… who was killed by being struck with a sword and then came back to life. (Rev 13:3, 14)

The suggested translation of this text will be explained in chapter 13. Prophetic Scripture is clear that the Rising Antichrist will be undeniably killed and miraculously raised from the dead.

As argued in this chapter (sec. C.4), Antichrist’s Resurrection will be the cause of so much that occurs in the Endtimes. Which is why it seems Scripture describes it as the first certain sign the Endtimes have begun. In fact, there is good biblical evidence that the opening of the First Seal in Revelation 6 reflects these very things.

As noted, it seems the First Seal portrays elements of the successful Rising Antichrist. But it also represents Antichrist’s unmistakable Revealing to the world and the Church. It was concluded in a previous chapter (9, sec. D) that the biblical prophecies fulfilled by the Rising Antichrist could give us a relatively high degree of confidence in his identity. But when the First Seal is opened, his identity as the Revealed Antichrist will be absolutely certain.

Antichrist’s Revealing is reflected in the heavenly command for this conquering rider on a white horse to “Come!” The Greek word (erchou) means, “making an appearance, come before the public.” ^[15] It is uniquely used most often in the NT to describe the spectacular appearing of Jesus Christ at His Second Coming. As Thomas puts it, “Erchomai, ‘I come’ is a common word for making a public appearance, especially in reference to an appearance of divinity.” ^[16] Therefore, Revelation 6:1-2 is describing the Revealed Antichrist bursting forth onto the world scene to be noticed by EVERYONE.

It was noted in the previous chapter that Jesus predicted the emergence of False Christs would be the first birth pain of the Endtimes (Matt 24:5). It was further argued that the first and foremost of those False Christs would be the Antichrist. Therefore, it seems that the opening of the first of the seven seals describes the revealing of the first and foremost False Christ, the Antichrist, as the first certain sign the Endtimes have begun.

How will the Antichrist be Revealed in such an obvious way to everyone on Earth? The best answer is Antichrist’s Resurrection. As also argued in the previous chapter, as the first and foremost False Christ, the Antichrist will be claiming to be Jesus Christ Himself returned to Earth (cf. Matt 24:5; ch. 10, sec. B.2). Such a claim would certainly require the Antichrist to be resurrected from the dead.

This too seems to be portrayed in the opening of the First Seal. We have already noted that the command to “Come!” (erchou) refers to “an appearance of divinity,” and is uniquely used in the NT to refer to the real Christ’s appearing to the whole world. Therefore, the heavenly command for the Antichrist to “Come!” seems to portray his appearing to the whole world through his Resurrection.

In addition, the imagery of a stephanos seems to also reflect the worship, glory, and life of Antichrist’s miraculous Resurrection from the dead. The NIDNTT notes: “The stephanos played a part in many ancient customs, and bore diverse connotations [including] worship.” ^[17] This reminds us of John’s description of Antichrist’s Resurrection when we read that when the fatal wound is healed the whole world will worship the beast (Rev 13:3-4 NIV). If the crown is also reflecting the world’s worship of the Antichrist, then it would seem his Resurrection has occurred in the First Seal.

In addition, Vine’s points out that a stephanos referred to a person’s “glory.” ^[18] In fact, it is used that way when Peter describes the reward of church elders as the crown of glory (stephanon tēs doxēs, 1 Pet 5:4; cf. Phil 4:1; 1 Thess 2:19). In addition, in Revelation 2:10 a stephanos refers to a crown of life (stephanon tēs zōēs; cf. Jms 1:12). The Antichrist will never do anything more glorious than being fatally wounded and then coming back to life (Rev 13:14 NLT). And the crown (stephanos) of the Antichrist’s worship, life, and glory in the First Seal represents all of these things reflected in Antichrist’s Resurrection. This will be confirmed by the fact that the Antichrist is certainly imitating the real Christ in the First Seal. This will be discussed in the next section.

C.2) The Antichrist will imitate the Real Christ in His Resurrection

As noted previously (ch. 7, sec. B), imitating Christ is in the very name antichrist that the Apostle John gave him (1 John 2:18). The Greek prefix anti can mean “against” or “in place of.” Scripture confirms both meanings apply to the Antichrist.

Antichrist’s imitation of the real Christ is clearly portrayed when the first of the seven seals is opened (Rev 6:1) to begin the Endtimes. There we read that John saw, a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest (v. 2). The Antichrist’s desire to imitate the Real Christ is made evident by comparing how the Real Christ is described in Revelation 19 where John writes:

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 wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. (vs. 11-12 NIV)

Both passages depict a rider on a white horse wearing a crown or crowns and coming to conquer and wage war. But Antichrist’s white horse and crown (Rev 6:2) merely mimic the white horse Jesus will be riding, and the many crowns He will be wearing, and Who is rightly called Faithful and True. Accordingly, Thomas explains that even the color white in the First Seal is intended to imitate the Real Christ:

[The] white carries the primary symbolism of righteousness and holiness. This is … consistent with usage of the color throughout the Apocalypse where it is constantly associated with Christ’s righteousness or with His spiritual victory (cf. 1:14; 2:17; 3:4-5, 18; 4:4; 6:11; 7:9, 13-14; 14:14; 19:11, 14; 20:11). ^[19]

Clearly, the First Seal portrays the Antichrist’s strategy and purpose to imitate the Real Christ. What will be the Antichrist’s greatest impersonation of Jesus Christ? His Resurrection. Indeed, the most shocking and profound example of the Antichrist’s imitation of the real Christ will be the Antichrist’s Resurrection. The Antichrist could do nothing that would imitate Christ more than being resurrected from the dead.

Therefore, the First Seal seems to be portraying the occurrence and timing of Antichrist’s Resurrection. This is how he will “Come!” (erchou) and make “an appearance of divinity.” Antichrist’s Resurrection is how he will imitate the real Christ and His glory (reflected in wearing the crown, stephanos) and Christ’s “spiritual victory” (reflected in riding the white horse). To date, what has been the most victorious and glorious event in Christ’s life on this Earth? His Resurrection.

Accordingly, Revelation 13 clearly teaches that the Antichrist’s Resurrection will be another attempt to imitate Christ. There the Antichrist is described as one who was slain (esphagmenēn “slaughtered;” Rev 13:3 NASB). ^[20] Likewise, the real Christ is described with the same Greek word twice in the Revelation as slain (esphegmenon(oun) “slaughtered;” Rev 5:6; 13:8 NASB). The parallel is obvious.

Christ’s Resurrection was the supernatural foundation of His claim to be God’s Son and our Savior (cf. Matt 12:38, 40; Acts 17:31; cf. Acts 2:24, 32; 13:30,33,34,37; 17:31; Rom 6:4; 8:11; 10:9; 1 Cor 6:14; 15:15; Eph 1:20; Col 2:12; Heb 13:20; 1 Pet 1:21). Likewise, Antichrist’s Resurrection will be the supernatural foundation for his Claim to be God (cf. 2 Thess 2:4). The beast [Antichrist] will be fatally wounded and then come back to life (Rev 13:14 NLT, cf. v. 3). As a result, The whole world will be filled with wonder and follow the beast… and they will also worship the beast (vs. 3-4 NIV). This one act will be a foremost reason that the Antichrist usurps the worship of the world from Christ. But it is also an obvious and intentional effort to imitate the greatest miracle of Christ.

Let us recognize another way the Antichrist could imitate Jesus to the world. The Scriptures say, Christ died then he was buried and then he was raised on the third day (1 Cor 15:3-4; cf. Matt 16:21; Acts 10:39-40). Accordingly, we should not be surprised if the Revealed Antichrist is killed on a Good Friday and resurrected on the third day the following Easter Sunday. This is only a suggestion, but it would reflect the great desire of God, Satan, and the Antichrist to have him imitate the real Christ.

Nevertheless, the following has been argued from the text of Revelation 6:1-2: 1) The opening of the First Seal represents the first certain sign the Endtimes have begun; 2) The individual described in the First Seal is the first and foremost False Christ, the Antichrist; 3) The event being portrayed is the Rising Antichrist’s unmistakable Revealing to everyone in the world; 4) It is clear the individual portrayed in the First Seal is attempting to imitate the Real Christ; 5) The best explanation for how all of this would be accomplished is Antichrist’s Resurrection.

C.3) The Antichrist will conquer the world through the deception of his Resurrection

It was suggested previously that Antichrist’s first strategy to conquer the world will be deception (cf. ch. 7, sec. C). Likewise, the First Seal also portrays the Antichrist conquering the world with deception. This has already been established by the fact that the most evil person in the history of humanity is depicted as a rider on a white horse seeking to imitate Jesus Christ. That is a lot of deception!

Accordingly, biblical prophecy says of the Antichrist: He will cause deceit to prosper (Dan 8:25 NIV). Or as the NLT has it, He will be a master of deception. As noted above, even the Antichrist’s white horse is intended to give him the appearance of moral truth and purity. The whole picture portrays him as the noble “Rescuer” coming to save the world.

But what will be the Antichrist’s greatest act of deception? His Resurrection when he is fatally wounded and then comes back to life (Rev 13:14). This is what will cause the whole world to marvel at this miracle and give allegiance to the beast Antichrist (Rev 13:3). As argued in the next chapter, the Apostle Paul likewise explained that the lawless one will be revealed with all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie and that even God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie (2 Thess 2:8-9, 11 NIV). It seems the powerful delusion Paul predicted is being described in the obvious and powerful deception being portrayed in the First Seal and best explained by the Antichrist’s Resurrection.

C.4) Some early Endtime events seem to require Antichrist’s Resurrection first

There is additional evidence that Antichrist’s Resurrection will be the first certain sign the Endtimes have begun. This is the fact that several early Endtime events seem to require the Antichrist’s Resurrection.

First, it was argued in the previous chapter that Jesus indicated the first sign of the Endtimes would be the first birth pain of False Christs (Matt 24:5). It was further argued that the Antichrist would be the first and foremost False Christ. Therefore, his emergence would be the first certain sign the Endtimes have begun. Finally, it was noted that Jesus rather clearly taught that the False Christs will be claiming to be Jesus Christ Himself returned to Earth.

Therefore, the first and foremost False Christ, the Antichrist, in his great desire to imitate Jesus Christ and steal His worship, will also be claiming to be Jesus Christ returned to Earth. As Jesus said, he will be claiming in the name of Jesus, “I am he” and “I am the Christ,” and will mislead many (Matt 24:5; Mark 13:6 NASB).

As noted there, how could the Antichrist as the first and foremost False Christ possibly convince many that he is Jesus Christ Himself returned to Earth? It seems his undeniable death and miraculous Resurrection to life as predicted in Revelation 13 and reflected in Revelation 6:1-2 would be an important proof of his claim.

If Antichrist’s emergence is the first birth pain as the first and foremost False Christ who is claiming to be Jesus Christ, then all of this is more evidence that Antichrist’s required Resurrection is the first certain sign the Endtimes have begun.

Second, it seems the First Seal is portraying the Antichrist obtaining worldwide peace, which would also seem to require the persuasion and power of his Resurrection. A reason to claim the First Seal reflects worldwide peace, is the fact that in the Second Seal, catastrophic war will take peace from the earth. We read:

When the Lamb [Christ] opened the second seal … another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other. To him was given a large sword. (Rev 6:3-4 NIV)

The reason this rider will need to take peace from the earth is because worldwide peace will be significantly and remarkably accomplished by the Antichrist portrayed in the First Seal. As Thomas notes: “Worldwide peace is the condition at the end of the first-seal period, because one of the results of the second seal is to take that peace away (cf. 6:4).” ^[21] Accordingly, Walvoord writes of the Antichrist in the First Seal, “He will launch his career as a great peacemaker.” Indeed, Paul described the people of the world during the Endtimes as desperately calling for “Peace and safety!” (1 Thess 5:2 NIV). ^[22] The victorious Antichrist revealed in the First Seal will at least temporarily provide that. Along these lines, MacArthur writes of the Antichrist:

He will at first appear to be everything a desperate world longs for—a man who will unify the world under his leadership and usher in a short-lived era of global peace and prosperity. ^[23]

Likewise, in MacArthur’s summary of the First Seal he writes:

Even as the final doom of the world approaches, Antichrist will promise a golden age of peace and prosperity. In gratitude, the world will honor him and elevate him to the position of supreme leadership… The world’s desperate desire for international peace will serve as the bait for the satanic trap. That longing for security and safety will play into the hands of Antichrist, Satan’s ruler, who will convince the world that he can provide them. ^[24]

It has been noted that we can expect the Rising Antichrist to be promoting peace in our world (cf. ch. 9, sec. C). But the Revealed and probably Resurrected Antichrist portrayed in the First Seal will actually accomplish peace as part of conquering the world with the deception that he is Jesus Christ returned to Earth.

The worldwide peace accomplished by the Antichrist is related to another early Endtime event that will probably require Antichrist’s Resurrection. This will be Antichrist’s Religious Covenant. Daniel 9:27 predicts the Antichrist will make a firm covenant with the many (NASB) in the Endtimes. It will be explained in a later chapter (14) that this will result in the formal implementation of Antichrist’s Religion and worldwide worship. It is doubtful the Antichrist would have the religious and political power to make a firm religious covenant with the many before his Resurrection.

Therefore, this is more evidence that the Antichrist’s Resurrection is the first certain sign the Endtimes have begun. This is because Antichrist’s Religious Covenant is one of the first events in the Endtimes. It begins Daniel’s Last Seven Years and the countdown to Christ’s Return. This too will be explained later in chapter 15.

There will be a remarkable result of the peace the Antichrist will bring through his Religious Covenant. Daniel predicts that when he will make a firm covenant with the many (Dan 9:27 NASB), it will result in Israel having the freedom to resume sacrifice and offering … at the temple (NIV). To appease and persuade the Jews, this will have to be a rebuilt temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Again, this is the kind of achievement that would seem to require the supernatural political and religious power of the Resurrected Antichrist.

Since about the year A.D. 700, the Muslim mosque “Dome on the Rock” has existed on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Most Muslims believe it marks the spot where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to Heaven. Accordingly, it is considered the third holiest site in Islam. Therefore, Islam’s fanatical opposition to allowing the Jews to resume sacrifice and offering … at a rebuilt Jewish temple is understandable. For example one resource notes:

The 1990 Temple Mount riots, or the Al Aqsa Massacre, also known as Black Monday, took place at the Temple Mount, on Monday, 8 October 1990. Following a decision by the Temple Mount Faithful to lay the cornerstone for the [Jewish] Temple, mass riots erupted. In the ensuing clashes, 17 Palestinians died, more than 150 Palestinians were wounded by Israeli security forces, and more than 20 Israeli civilians and police were wounded by Palestinians. ^[25]

Nothing has changed since then. Oddly, an agreement states that Jews can visit the Temple Mount, but cannot pray there. Still, in January of 2023 an Israeli government official merely visited the Temple Mount. The following news report described the result:

The Palestinians and many Muslim and non-Muslim supporters sharply disagreed with Israel on Thursday at an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting over the [mere and legal] visit of an ultranationalist Israeli Cabinet minister to a flashpoint Jerusalem holy site [the Temple Mount].

Khaled Khiare, the U.N. assistant secretary-general for political and peacebuilding affairs … said, “it is seen as particularly inflammatory.” The visit sparked widespread condemnation in the region and internationally “as a provocation that risked sparking further bloodshed.” ^[26]

The Bible predicts that the Antichrist will one day obtain peace between Jews and Muslims to such an extent that the former will be able to conduct sacrifices and offerings in a rebuilt temple (Dan 9:27) where there is already a sacred Muslim mosque. This will likely occur when the Revealed Antichrist will make a firm covenant with the many and implement Antichrist’s Religious Covenant. Again, all of this would seem to require the deception, power, and persuasion that will occur with the Antichrist’s Resurrection. In fact, it will be explained in a future chapter (13) that Antichrist’s Resurrection will deceive even all Muslims to worship the Antichrist.

Finally, there is another rather early event in the Endtimes that would seem to require the Antichrist’s Resurrection. Revelation chapters 17-18 describe the destruction of Endtime Babylon by an alliance between the Antichrist and the 10-nation Endtime Coalition. The prophecy states the ten kings … will give their power and authority to the beast [Antichrist] (Rev 17:12-13). The result will be:

The ten horns [Endtime Coalition] that you saw and the beast [Antichrist] will hate the Prostitute [Endtime Babylon] and they will permanently remove all people from her and strip her naked and they will completely devour her body and will completely burn her up with fire… in one hour (Rev 17:16; 18:10 ^[27])

As discussed previously in chapter 4 (sec. B.2), this kind of destruction reflects the use of nuclear weapons. Therefore, it seems nuclear powers will be surrendering their weapons and power and authority to the Antichrist. Obviously, this will require significant, even supernatural persuasion. Therefore, there are good reasons to believe this predicted alliance between the Antichrist and the 10-nation Endtime Coalition to destroy Endtime Babylon will occur only after Antichrist’s Resurrection. Why else would powerful countries entrust so much to a man if he were just a little horn (Dan 7:8)?

It will only be after his fatal wound is healed and the whole earth is amazed and will follow after the beast and worship the beast (Rev 13:3-4 NASB) that the ten leaders of the Coalition will also believe the powerful delusion (2 Thess 2:11), and be amazed by the Antichrist, and also be willing to worship and follow him and give their power and authority to the beast (Rev 13:3-4; 17:12-13). Including giving the Antichrist their nuclear weapons arsenal to destroy their primary political, economic, and military rival on Earth: Endtime Babylon.

Revelation 17 seems to provide additional evidence that it will be the Resurrected Antichrist that forms an alliance with the 10-nation Endtime Coalition. After an emphasis on describing the Resurrected Antichrist (cf. vs. 8, 11), the passage gives the only description of this alliance in Scripture (cf. vs. 12-13, 16).

It will be argued in chapter 18 (sec. B) that the catastrophic result of this military alliance between the Antichrist and Coalition is described in the Second Seal of massive war. Again, we read after the opening of the First Seal and Antichrist’s probable Resurrection:

When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other. To him was given a large sword. (Rev 6:3-4 NIV)

Therefore, if this alliance and nuclear war is reflected in the Second Seal, and requires the Antichrist’s Resurrection, then this is more evidence that this event is portrayed in the First Seal. This also again suggests that Antichrist’s Resurrection, portrayed in the First Seal, will be the first certain sign the Endtimes have begun.

1. The identification of the rider on a white horse (cf. Rev 6:2) has been greatly debated. Walvoord writes: “more diverse explanations have been given of [Rev 6] verse 2 than probably any other portion of the entire book” (loc. 1934). Walvoord, after evaluating other views, agrees with the view argued in this section that the rider is portraying the Antichrist and writes:

   
   A more plausible explanation is that the rider of the white horse is none other than the “prince who is to come” of Daniel 9:26 … He is Satan’s masterpiece and the counterfeit of all that Christ is or claims to be. He is therefore cast in the role of a conqueror, which seems to be the significance of the white horse. In biblical times, it was customary for a conqueror to ride in triumph on a white horse… his identification as the world ruler of the tribulation, the same individual described as the beast out of the sea in Revelation 13, is preferred. (loc. 1943)

   Wiersbe agrees, writing:

   The rider on the white horse in Revelation 6:1-2 is the Antichrist, that final world dictator who will lead the nations astray. He will begin his career as a peacemaker, signing a covenant with Israel to protect her from her enemies (Dan. 9:27). (Matt 24:4)

   However, many see in the First Seal a portrayal of general evil forces, perhaps including both the Antichrist and the many False Christ’s. Accordingly, Thomas concludes:

   At the very beginning of the period, called “the beginning of birth-pains,” he [the Antichrist] will be one of many impostors who constitute this anti-Christian force of which this first rider is an emblem. (693-694; cf. MacArthur, Rev, 178; Beale, 377; Van Kampen, 199).

   But for reasons given in the previous chapter (10, sec. B), it would seem the Antichrist will be the first and foremost False Christ, emerging even a few years before the many False Christ’s who will be operating after the Fifth Seal and The Greatest Persecution.

   Understandably, some have interpreted the rider on a white horse as the coming of the real Christ (e.g. Hendricksen). But this is simply a misunderstanding of the fact that the First Seal is portraying the imitation of Christ, not His arrival. For more on this see Mounce who concludes: “The arguments against Christ as the rider of the white horse are sufficient in strength to make the identification unlikely” (141).

   However, Mounce argues for perhaps the most popular view in modern theology. Regarding the rider on a white horse he writes: “John has in mind military conquest in general.” Aune, Morris, Metzger, and Osborne agree. The NLT translation of Rev 6:2 suggests this as well, having, He rode out to win many battles and gain the victory. As noted in section B of this chapter, this seems to be part of the meaning in the symbolism of the First Seal. But these commentators seem to be in error to ignore or dismiss the ideas of deception and peace in the First Seal as well. ↑

2. LGEINT. ↑

3. Vine’s, 139. BDAG defines stephanos as a “wreath worn by one of high status.” ↑

4. BDAG. ↑

5. MNTC, Rev I, 179. ↑

6. BDAG. ↑

7. Walvoord, Rev, loc. 1951. ↑

8. Thomas, 689, 691, 694-6. Mounce (142), Osborne (277), Morris, (102), and Beale, (378) agree. ↑

9. Barclay, 3-4. ↑

10. Thomas, 689, 691, 694-6. Mounce (142), Osborne (277), Morris, (102), and Beale, (378) agree. ↑

11. Barclay, 3-4. ↑

12. Osborne, 277. ↑

13. Several commentators claim that the First Seal can only be portraying conquering by peaceful means. For example, Thomas writes:

    It is better to take the absence of arrows from the description as a symbol of bloodless victory. The bow indicates that war is threatened, but never actually occurs because victory is accomplished through peaceful means (Scott; Walvoord)… Because death is not alluded to under this seal, this explanation of the bow without arrows is preferable. (694)

    However, as pointed out in this section, there are several clear allusions to military victory in the First Seal. And contrary to Thomas, military victory does allude to “death” in the First Seal.

    Likewise, MacArthur writes:

    He will not conquer by military force, but by cunning and deceit (cf. 2 Thess. 2:9–11). His conquest will be a “cold war” victory, a peace won by agreement, not conflict (Dan. 9:24–27). (Rev, 179; cf. Walvoord)

    MacArthur’s error is to assume the conquering portrayed in the First Seal can only come in one way. On the contrary, as argued in this section, the imagery can symbolize conquering by both war and deception.

    The NLT translation is interesting, stating: Its rider carried a bow, and a crown was placed on his head. He rode out to win many battles and gain the victory. This correctly reflects the military conquest portrayed here, but again, the bow without arrows suggests the battles have already been fought and won. The NLT suggests there is war in the First Seal, but it is best to understand that war does not begin again until the Second Seal. ↑

14. Osborne, 617. ↑

15. BDAG, #1.b. ↑

16. Thomas, 687. Some liberty was taken in the quote to change Thomas’ more obscure “divine epiphany” to “appearance of divinity.” ↑

17. NIDNTT, I.405. ↑

18. Ibid. ↑

19. Thomas, 689. He adds:

    The obvious objection to this explanation is the possibility that the horse’s rider represents the forces of evil, as will be shown below. If, however, his is only a feigned righteousness, a counterfeit of the true, the objection is overruled. ↑

20. Osborne writes regarding Rev 13:3a:

    This is clearly another great imitation [of Christ], for “slain to death” was used in 5:6 for the Lamb that was “as slain.” The emphasis in the twice repeated “death” is on the reality of his death… [This is] a parody of Christ’s resurrection… The first beast gains control by parity in Christ’s death and resurrection. When he returns from the dead, his associate, the false prophet, will use the event for forging a new world religion with the beast… In the same way, the “was and is not” [Rev 17:8] parodies Jesus’ death and resurrection. In 1:18 Christ says, “I am the Living One. I was dead, and behold, I am alive for eternity” (also 2:8). The beast imitates this in 13:3, 12, 14 with his “mortal wound that is healed. (495, 507, 615) ↑

21. Thomas, 694. ↑

22. For more on the world’s desperate cry for “Peace and safety” (1 Thess 5:2), see CET, ch. 15, sec. B. ↑

23. MacArthur, Thess, 146. ↑

24. MacArthur, Rev, 178-180. ↑

25. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990_Temple_Mount_riots#cite_note-4 ↑

26. https://apnews.com/article/politics-israel-government-west-bank-jerusalem- ↑

27. For an explanation of the suggested translation of Rev 17:16 see Endtime Babylon, ch. 8, sec. A.1. ↑