Dear Saint, greetings in Jesus name! I typed this article that you are reading from Jamaica. I met yesterday, March 17, 2003 with the Governor General of Jamaica, His Excellency Sir Howard Cooke and the Prime Minister of Jamaica, The Honorable P.J. Patterson. Even though I talked with both men separately at different times and venues, in both meetings the conversation started off with the war in Iraq. Both men were deeply troubled that President Bush was, in their opinion, defying the United Nations which would lead to World War III. I explained what the Bible and the spirit of prophecy warned would happen before and after World War III. I shared that the book of Revelation was about to be opened and God was going to send His plagues on mankind who fought against His laws and His people. I shared that over two billion people (Rev. 9:15) will die and finally the battle of Armageddon will be fought with Jesus Christ Himself returning to fight the nations which are attacking Jerusalem. I explained that since September 29, 1997, besides traveling the nations of the world, I had been sharing in conferences and churches throughout America warning them of an economic meltdown, stock market crash, nuclear attack, civil unrest, natural disasters, chemical, biological & nuclear terrorism, mammoth tidal waves, earthquakes and eruptions etc. I shared dogmatically across America that we will experience a loss of freedom as a catastrophic event would transpire, either naturally and/or created, that would change the American lifestyle forever. I shared that World War III was coming and that many politicians, as well as church leaders, were working together to create a One World Government. I shared that six months prior to 9/11, I flew to New York City and spoke daily on the television for one hour, warning New York City that blood would soon flow down thousands of their faces but instead of repenting they would join hands together with false religions in prayers of blasphemy. Finally, I warned that because of these blasphemous prayers and a lack of repentance, God would allow more attacks against America until millions of Americans died.

Fellow believers, if you have been reading my newsletters, listening to my messages on radio and short-wave, or watching our television program Warning, you realize I warned that the attack against America September 11, 2001 was just the start of attacks until full-blown World War III was upon us. The War with Iraq begins a process, continually leading us closer to World War III. Let us now look at the seven seals of the book of Revelation.

Revelation 6:1-2 reads, "And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer."

In Revelation 5:1-14, we see that Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, is the only one who was found worthy to take the book of human history from the right hand of God and that Jesus Christ is the only one who has the authority to open the seven seals of God.

Dr. Ronald E. Cottle, in his book "Revelation 2", writes: "There are two items we must understand by way of introduction to the opening of the seals. The first is that the opening of the seals is the establishment of the Kingdom of God and the gathering of His saints under His rule, and at the same time, it is the judgment of God upon the evil and demonic powers that have oppressed humanity. Second, the breaking of the seven seals is preliminary to the actual opening of the book and the events of the end. The Lamb breaks each of the seals that completely close the scroll. The breaking of the seals, however, is not the opening of the book. The seals are not the events of the end of the world, only the events that lead to the end of the world. Third, the seals are not part of the Great Tribulation - they precede it. The sixth seal clearly brings us to the threshold of the Great Tribulation, but is not part of the Great Tribulation." (p. 38, 39)

Dr. Cottle also writes, "It is important to understand the pattern of the breaking of the seals, the blowing of the trumpets and the pouring of the bowls...The content of the seventh seal is the first six trumpets. The seventh trumpet is seen then in the pouring of the seven bowls. This is the developmental tapestry of Revelation...Intertwined in these two visions are four interludes: the 144,000, the unnumbered multitude, the lamb with the scroll and the two witnesses." (ibid p. 35)

Now, let us return to Revelation 6:1-2 and discuss the white horse and the rider of the horse who had a bow and a crown. I realize there is much dispute on the interpretation of the rider of this horse. I believe, according to the way John wrote Revelation (by means of signs, symbols and cryptic language) in order not to be martyred by the Roman government and because I believe that the greatest revival in human history is going to take place during the Great Tribulation, not before this Apocalyptic book starts, that the rider of the white horse carrying a bow and wearing a crown represents an exaltation of violence (wars etc.). One can only understand wars and commotions (conflicts) going on simultaneously in nations today than ever before in human history. Nations cannot agree on how to solve their differences or beliefs. There is "perplexity" amongst the nations, which is so evident in the United Nations, leading up to this war with Iraq and subsequent decisions and conflicts following this present American-Iraqi war. Also, there is a "great general" or super power that is presently conquering and can make war without the other nations of the world in support or agreement depending on how much of their power (nuclear weapons etc.), they could and/or would choose to use. The book of Matthew 24:8, describes these events, "All these are the beginning of sorrows." Ladies and Gentlemen, I believe we are living at the beginning of the seven seals. The first six seals will reveal the events that will lead up to the end of the world. When we reach the seventh seal, instead of the end of the world, we have the seven trumpets and the three woes. The content of the seventh seal will be the first six trumpets and the content of the seventh trumpet is the pouring of the seven bowls. When the first six trumpets sound, the first four will be natural catastrophes and the last two will be directed at mankind that has rejected Jesus Christ and is fighting the elect. Dr. Cottle writes, "A sword represented a commission. The sword is a symbol of civil and internecine or inter-family strife. Many countries rebelled one after another as Rome weakened, but Rome crushed each one as they arose. There were so many of these rebellions that Rome was eventually destroyed. This sword represented a breakdown of human governmental relationships in the Roman Empire. This was going to be one of the signs that would signal the end. The rider of the red horse took peace away so that people killed each other." (ibid p. 40, 41) Ladies and Gentlemen, we are witnessing peace constantly being taken away from the inhabitants of nations as men who become beasts when they reject the Holy Spirit, try to control their fellow man. Religion does not give a person the Holy Spirit. Religious people can become very violent and murderous people as we see in Sudan, Syria, and Iran etc. Religion comes from man rejecting God's plan that is established the Bible as they understand both the old and new testament since they are really one book. It was man that created the division between them, but they should be titled "The Holy Scriptures" as they work together in harmony. It would be like taking any book of history, whether it is medicine etc., and removing half of the content. Doing so would make the entire content lacking of substance, consequently inadequate, or null and void. In the Old Testament one always finds using a bow as a sign of military power. The white horse and crown, I believe, reveals greatness and victory like a great general (superpower) who continues to win battles (wars).

Dr. Cottle writes, "...the Parthians were a vicious enemy of Rome who defeated them in A.D. 62. They were expert horsemen who rode white horses and were the most famous bowmen in the world. The word for crown is stephanos. The idea of crown is expressed in the words 'and he went forth conquering, and to conquer,' which means he was victorious in his missions." (ibid p. 40)

Revelation 6:3-4 reads, "And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer."

Luke 21:8-10, 24 helps us understand this horse and the trouble that the rider brings to the nations of the earth which cannot agree on the solution to their differences or beliefs. "...Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom...and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity."

I believe we are in a period where Jesus is starting to open the seals. We are not in the Great Tribulation; the Apocalypse or book of Revelation has not been opened yet, but we are getting closer. Remember, the seals are not the end of the world, only events leading up to the Great Tribulation, Armageddon and the end of the world. Today, there are more rumors of wars and commotions (conflicts) going on simultaneously in nations today than ever before in human history. Nations cannot agree on how to solve their differences or beliefs. There is "perplexity" amongst the nations, which is so evident in the United Nations, leading up to this war with Iraq and subsequent decisions and conflicts following this present American-Iraqi war. Also, there is a "great general" or super power that is presently conquering and can make war without the other nations of the world in support or agreement depending on how much of their power (nuclear weapons etc.), they could and/or would choose to use.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I believe we are living at the beginning of the seven seals. The first six seals will reveal the events that will lead up to the end of the world. When we reach the seventh seal, instead of the end of the world, we have the seven trumpets and the three woes. The content of the seventh seal will be the first six trumpets and the content of the seventh trumpet is the pouring of the seven bowls. When the first six trumpets sound, the first four will be natural catastrophes and the last two will be directed at mankind that has rejected Jesus Christ and is fighting the elect.

Dr. Cottle writes, "A sword represented a commission. The sword is a symbol of civil and internecine or inter-family strife. Many countries rebelled one after another as Rome weakened, but Rome crushed each one as they arose. There were so many of these rebellions that Rome was eventually destroyed. This sword represented a breakdown of human governmental relationships in the Roman Empire. This was going to be one of the signs that would signal the end. The rider of the red horse took peace away so that people killed each other." (ibid p. 40, 41)

Ladies and Gentlemen, we are witnessing peace constantly being taken away from the inhabitants of nations as men who become beasts when they reject the Holy Spirit, try to control their fellow man. Religion does not give a person the Holy Spirit. Religious people can become very violent and murderous people as we see in Sudan, Syria, and Iran etc. Religion comes from man rejecting God's plan that is established through Jesus Christ and consequently they become deceived by evil spirits, etc.

2 Thessalonians 2:3, 7 reads, "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition...For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way."

There has never been such an apostate time in human church history where the fundamental doctrines of Christianity are being eroded and heresy is being taught instead. People today, both in the church and in society, cannot recognize right from wrong any more. Evil is being proclaimed as good and good as evil. If one agrees with Jesus Christ according to the Protestant Bible that homosexuality, killing the innocent (abortion) and idolatry (serving other gods/religions/philosophies) are sins; then society classifies you as a hate monger. In some countries, if you proclaim that Jesus Christ is the only living God, then they say you are guilty of causing a disruption and they classify it as a hate crime. In many countries, including America, it is not politically correct to pray in Jesus' name because that name is offensive. Many supposed Christian nations have removed the name Jesus Christ out of their assembly prayers because they claim that it is offensive! The Moslems can name their god "Allah" but Christians cannot name their God Jesus. What is so very sad (but also reveals the degree to which the churches are falling away) is how many Christians themselves will rebuke other Christians for using the name Jesus at Rotary Clubs etc. Can you see the spirit of apostasy and heresy that we are living in today? Dear saints, the name of Jesus Christ as the only messiah has always been offensive. That is why the church was persecuted.

Even in the dark ages of church history, homosexuality, abortion, lesbianism, witchcraft (witches etc.) were dogmatically classified as sin! "The mystery of iniquity" is definitely at work destroying social and Christian norms allowing men with hidden agendas to continue to plot and set up their United Nations, New World Order, One World Government and Religion. The removal of national sovereignty, including the destruction of Judeo/Christian values, is a prerequisite to syncretism thus the "Tower of Babel", all over again. It is man versus God, anti-Christ versus Jesus Christ. Humanism (self will), just as in the garden, reigns throughout the world and most of our churches. Dear saint, it is only by God's method, which is through the blood of Himself (Jesus), that mankind can be forgiven. The precious blood of Jesus Christ is free from the curse of the fall which brought about sin and death. Jesus Christ, born of a virgin, life coming from God Himself; only God's plan and his blood can give us eternal life because his blood was without genetic defect, etc. The eternal life blood of God Himself extended to all who receive Jesus Christ as Lord and savior. Please read, John 3:16.

Once again, we are living in an age of man wanting to control his fellow man. We are in an age of rebellion and self-actualization and exaltation. The Bible tells us that rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft (1 Samuel 15:23). Lucifer led the first rebellion against the authority of Jesus Christ in heaven and man is following Lucifer's spirit; the spirit of humanism which is a spirit of independence, pride and selfishness. Whoever doesn't comply with the spirit of the New Age/New World Order etc., will be classified as a fanatic; a biased prejudicial radical; a hatemonger. Consequently, mankind is being programmed through the media to be brainwashed and controlled. The world is creating syncretism, or another name for it is New Age Religion. Man in rebellion against Jesus Christ has always defied the method of worshipping God through Jesus Christ. Humanism (self on the throne of one's life), insists on creating it's own gods/religions. Please read Romans 1:16-32, Leviticus 18:1-30, etc.

Revelation 6:5-6 reads, "And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou and the wine"

"A pair of balances in his hand" represented weight scales. Wheat and barley was the food of the poor. Olive groves produced "the oil and the wine", the food of the rich. The rider on the "black horse" represented famine and starvation which is coming in much greater proportions than the world has yet witnessed. "Hurt not the oil and the wine" referring to the rich that will survive this world-wide food shortage quite well but the poor will suffer greatly.

Dr. Cottle writes, "The penny or denarius was a Roman silver coin in the New Testament era. It took its name from its being equal to ten "asses," a number that after 217 B.C. was increased to sixteen (about 3.898 grams or .1375 oz.). It was the principal silver coin of the Roman Empire. From the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, it would seem a denarius (penny) was, then, the ordinary pay for a day's wages. (Matthew 20:2-13). One day's labor would buy one measure of wheat, which was approximately two pints, or three measures of barley, which was about six pints. This suggests the poor lived from day to day, dependent on the day's wage to provide the amount of food they needed for the day. They could buy nothing in addition to their daily food needs. This is famine! The poor suffered. Anytime your bread is weighed out for you on a daily basis, it indicates famine (Leviticus 26:26; Ezekiel 4:16). We see in this seal the calamity of the dislocation of wealth, where most of the money is in the hands of a few very rich people while the vast majority suffer and die from lack." (ibid p. 42)

We are seeing this type of living conditions throughout much of the world today, such as parts of the continents of Africa, India, Asia, Central and South America and in The Middle East etc. This will only escalate as we get into the seals and finally the Great Tribulation.

Revelation 6:7-8 reads, "And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth."

Death was the rider of this pale (sometimes called green) horse. The Romans killed people by the sword, starvation and by wild beasts. Power was granted over this rider to kill "the fourth part of the earth." I understand this to mean that people who are against Jesus Christ and His people are going to suffer limited judgment according to the statement, "and hell followed with him." The first four seals are called by many Biblical Scholars, "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse." As Jesus Christ opens each seal, trouble and evil are released, just as a prisoner who has not been rehabilitated is released from prison or a man-eating lion is released from its cage.

You know from my articles titled "I Am Grieved" (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea), a seven part series of articles discussing the seven churches of Revelation, that Jesus Christ is the author of the book of Revelation and the Apostle John was simply the amanuensis of Jesus. You also realize that in the ancient world, the number seven stands for perfection or completeness. This meant that Jesus Christ was not only writing to the churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea which would share the letters with the smaller churches in their postal districts, but Jesus was communicating to the totality of churches throughout history past, present and future. Please refer to my seven articles on "I Am Grieved" to understand the condition of the church and the strong warning to us Christians to put our house in order (our lives) if we wish to live, rule and reign with Jesus throughout eternity.

Yes, the War with Iraq is just a continuation of the process which started with September 11, 2001. It will one day lead us into World War III followed by the trumpets and bowls of Revelation. Armageddon is certain one day and Jesus Christ Himself will return during this battle against the nations of humanists led by the anti-Christ.
 

© 2003 World Ministries International