First Seal: Difference between revisions

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    !What William Branham Said
    !What Clarence Larkin Said
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    |Now, that sounds very good, but it isn't the Truth. No, sir. That... It wasn't. "White" does mean "righteous." We--we realize that, that "white" means "righteous." The teachers taught it, that it was the Holy Spirit conquering in the first age. But my revelation of it by the Holy Spirit is not that way.
    My revelation by the Holy Spirit is: Christ and the Holy Spirit is the self same Person (See?), only in a different form. So here stands Christ, the Lamb. We know He was the Lamb. He's standing here with the Books in His hand, and there goes the white horse rider. See? So it wasn't the Holy Spirit.
    And notice, Christ is not seen any more (See?) from the time there. But He is on a white horse; so if this guy is riding a white horse, he's only an impersonator of Christ. See? Get that? Notice, the rider on the white horse don't have any name. He might use two or three titles, but he hasn't got any name. But Christ has a Name. What is it? The Word of God. That's what it is. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." And the Word made flesh. See?
    The rider has no name, but Christ is called the Word of God. That's what He is. He's called that. Now, He's got a Name that no man knows, but He's called the Word of God. This guy isn't called nothing (See?), but he's on a white horse.
    The rider has no arrows for his bow. Did you notice? He had a bow, but there's nothing said about having any arrows; so he must be a bluffer. That's right. Maybe he's got a lot of thunder and no lightning, but you find out Christ had both lightning and thunder; for out of His mouth goes a sharp two-edged Sword, and He smites the nations. And this guy can't smite nothing (See?), but he's playing the part of a hypocrite. He's going forth riding on a white horse, going out to conquer.
    And for this cause God has sent them strong delusion, that they should believe a--a lie:... (It should be translated there, as I looked in the Lexicon, "the lie," not "a lie"; '''"the lie,"''' same one he told Eve.)
    A white horse rider went out. See? Who is he? He's mighty in his conquering power, is a great fellow in his conquering power. You want me to tell you who he is? He's the '''antichrist'''. That's exactly what he is.
    Now, look, let's take--go back to Daniel again just a minute. I want to read something 'fore... Whether if you don't go back, it's all right. I want to read Daniel 9--Daniel 9, and I want to read the '''26th and 27th verse of Daniel 9'''.
    What are we saying? Who is this rider, this horse rider? You know what it is? It's '''Satan's superman'''...  Notice, this rider is nothing but Satan's superman, a incarnate devil.
    THE FIRST SEAL 63-0318
    Now, we find out in Revelation 13:1-8...  And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up... (Now, here's twelve, where he was kicked out. Now, watch.)... saw a beast rise up out of the sea... THE FOURTH SEAL 63-0321
    |'''First Seal'''
    When the LAMB broke the “First Seal,” the first, or “Lion-like Living Creature” cried with a voice of thunder—“COME.” The words “and see” are omitted in many manuscripts, and in the Revised Version. John had no need to “come” for he was already there. The command then of “Come” was to the “Rider” of the White Horse. When he appeared, John says—“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.”
    Who is the “Rider” upon this White Horse? He is not Christ, as some claim, for Christ, as the LAMB, is holding the “Seven Sealed Book” and breaking its “Seals.” Christ does not appear as a White Horse Rider until chapter 19:11–16, when He comes with the armies of Heaven to engage in the Battle of Armageddon. Then He is called “Faithful and True,” and on His head there is a many “Diademed Crown,” and He is clothed in a vesture dipped in blood, and His name is called the “WORD OF GOD,” and there is no weapon of warfare in His hand, but a sharp sword comes out of His mouth, and the effect upon His enemies will be swift and terrible.
    This “Rider” has a “bow,” no arrow is mentioned, and he is not crowned at first, but a crown will be given to him later...
    As the “Tool of Satan” he will be endowed with wonder working powers, and when he comes, he will find the world ready to receive him, for God will send upon its inhabitants a “strong delusion” that they will believe a LIE, or '''“THE LIE,”''' for that is what he will be. 2. Thess. 2:9–11.
    In other words this White Horse Rider is the '''ANTICHRIST'''. He is the “PRINCE WHO IS TO COME” of Daniel’s Vision of the “Seventy Weeks,” and who will confirm the Covenant for “ONE WEEK,” the last or “Seventieth Week,” with Daniel’s people the Jews. '''Dan. 9:27'''.)
    This “White Horse Rider” will be '''Satan’s “SUPERMAN.”''' The Scriptures clearly teach that there is some day to arise a human being who shall be the embodiment of all Satanic power.
    All this will be fully brought out under the “Sixth Personage,” the “Beast Out of the Sea,”
    Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture, 53-54 (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919).
    |-
    |Now, here's my revelation of it: This is Satan again ...But you find out here that this man has a sword so he pertains to church political war.
    THE.SECOND.SEAL_  JEFF.IN  TUESDAY_  63-0319
    |SECOND SEAL
    There is no need to tarry long with this SEAL. When it was broken John heard the second, or “Calf-like Living Creature” say, “Come,” and a “RED HORSE” appeared and went forth, whose Rider was given a “GREAT SWORD,” and who had power to take peace from the earth, and cause men to kill one another. The symbolism is very clear. Red, the color of the Horse, is a symbol of BLOOD, and the Sword is a symbol of WAR.
    Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture, 55 (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919).
    |-
    |Now, we're going to open the Third Seal. It's found in Revelations 6:5 and 6.
    And when he had opened the third seal, I--I beheld the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that set on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
    And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts saying, A measure of... penny--a measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and... wine.
    Famine, see? Exactly the same Seal, same thing Jesus said. All right. 
    THE SIXTH SEAL 63-0323
    |THIRD SEAL
    When the “THIRD SEAL” was broken John heard the third or “Man-like Living Creature” say—“Come,” and a “BLACK HORSE” appeared... The “BLACK HORSE” signifies famine...
    Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture, 56 (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919).
    |-
    |Now, notice, none of the other rider... None of the other horses or no time that this rider ever rode, '''they didn't have--that man had no name''', but now he is called death. It's not mentioned. See? He's revealed now what he is--is death.
    To the best of my revelation that was '''give to me by God and foretold that it would be done''', this is the Truth of the four horse riders to the best of my knowledge.
    THE.FOURTH.SEAL_  JEFF.IN  THURSDAY_  63-0321
    Fourth Seal, '''pestilence''' and death...
    Matthew 24:7 and 8. I'm sorry. Now, that opens up the rain... or the famine, opens up the famine.
    All right, now the pestilences and death... Yes, sir, now we're going to it; 7 and 8, now, that would be the Fourth Seal. 
    THE.SIXTH.SEAL_  JEFF.IN  SATURDAY_  63-0323
    |FOURTH SEAL
    When the “FOURTH SEAL” was broken John heard the fourth, or “Eagle-like Living Creature” say—“Come,” and a “PALE HORSE” appeared and went forth. Note the “corpse-like” color of the Horse. We are not surprised then when the Rider upon the “PALE HORSE” is called “DEATH,” and that “HADES,” the “Grave,” not “Hell,” follows after “Death” like a great “Voracious Monster” to swallow up the victims of “DEATH.”
    It is worthy of note that '''the Riders of the first three Horses are not named''', but it will be very clear when the events they chronicle occur, who and what is meant. Here however the Rider is personified and called “DEATH,” and his consort is called “HADES,” they are inseparable companions. The reference here is clearly to some great PESTILENCE that shall come upon the earth.
    But awful as those days will be, they will be only the “BEGINNING OF SORROWS” for those who are left. Matt. 24:6–8.
    Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture, 57-58 (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919).
    |-
    |They were killed for the Word of God's sake, not for the testimony of Christ. Did you understand that? But remember, the church come in. Also the martyrs of the church was for the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. How many knows that here too? All right now...  But these didn't have the testimony of Jesus Christ "... for the Word of God and for the testimony which they held," as Jews.
    Notice, they asked for revenge. See? Now, if that had been the Bride, it'd been like '''Stephen''': "Father, forgive them," you know. See? But these are Jews that just come in. See? They asked for revenge.
    Now, notice. These Jews... I have to do this in order to--to let you see the revelation of this Seal, see what it is, these souls under the altar and who they are.
    Now, notice. In the time of Daniel, now, the second half of the seventieth week... Now, remember, Messiah was to be cut off in the midst. That's the middle. Well, what's half of seven? Three and a half... But there's determined yet to the people what? Another three and a half year.
    THE FIFTH SEAL 63-0322
    |FIFTH SEAL
    When the Lamb had opened the “FIFTH SEAL,” John saw under the “Sacrificial Altar,” corresponding to the “Burnt Offering Altar,” the “SOULS” of them that were slain for the “Word of God” and for the “testimony they held.” The fact that their “SOULS” were under the “Sacrificial Altar” is proof that they had been offered as a “Sacrifice,” that is that they were MARTYRS. But they were not the Martyrs of the Christian Church... These Martyrs are those who will be killed for the “Word of God”...
    That there is no such thing as “Soul Sleep,” and that disembodied SOULS are conscious and can speak and cry, is clear from what John saw and heard, for these “SOULS” cried with a loud voice—“How long, O Lord, Holy and True, dost Thou not judge and avenge our BLOOD on them that dwell on the earth?” The character of their cry is further proof that they are not the Martyrs of the Christian Church, for they would not cry to be avenged, but like '''Stephen''' would say—“Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.” Acts 7:60. Their cry is that of the Imprecatory Psalms (Psa. 35, 55, 59, 94, etc.) and indicates that these Martyrs whose SOULS are seen are mainly JEWS.
    These martyred SOULS were comforted, and told that they should rest for a “little season,” about 3½ years, until their fellow servants also, and their brethren (Jews) that should be killed, as they were, should be fulfilled.
    Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture, 58-59 (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919).
    |-
    |Notice, just exactly like come over there: "And the sun became as black as sackcloth..." See? Same thing, these happenings of nature. What was it? What, when nature happens like this, has been? God calling Israel. (See?) God's calling out Israel. Now, "sun as black as hair..." Now, God was about to deliver Israel there (All right.), bring them out of their enemy's hand, which was '''Egypt''' at that time.
    Matthew, '''27th chapter of Matthew and the--the 45th verse''', I believe it is.
    Now, from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.
    Now, notice just exactly what He did back here now in this. See?
    And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal,... lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon--and the moon became as blood;
    Blackness, darkness: Egypt--blackness, darkness, God delivering Jesus at the cross, just 'fore He brought Him up from the resurrection...
    In Isaiah, let's take this. Isaiah the prophet seen this Sixth Seal open and spoke of it...  Let's just... I like this--this of Isaiah. Let's go back here to Isaiah, the 13th chapter of Isaiah. I like...
    THE.SIXTH.SEAL_  JEFF.IN  SATURDAY_  63-0323
    |SIXTH SEAL
    When the “SIXTH SEAL” was broken John tells us that there was a “GREAT EARTHQUAKE,” and the “SUN BECAME BLACK AS SACKCLOTH OF HAIR,” and the “MOON BECAME AS BLOOD,” and the “STARS OF HEAVEN FELL TO THE EARTH,” and the “HEAVEN DEPARTED AS A SCROLL,” and “EVERY MOUNTAIN AND ISLAND WERE MOVED OUT OF THEIR PLACE.”
    Such physical phenomena and changes have happened before. We must not forget the “GREAT DARKNESS” that for 3 days overspread '''Egypt''' in the days before the Exodus (Ex. 10:21–23), nor the “DARKNESS” that settled over Jerusalem and Calvary on the day of the Crucifixion of Christ. '''Matt. 27:45'''.
    In '''Isa. 13:9–10''', we read—“Behold the ‘DAY OF THE LORD’ cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate, and He shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall NOT GIVE THEIR LIGHT, the sun shall be DARKENED in his going forth, and the moon shall not CAUSE HER LIGHT TO SHINE.”
    Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture, 60-61 (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919).
    |-
    |Now, I want you to hold your Book like this: '''Matthew 24 and Revelations 6''', like this, and let's compare something here just a little bit. So watch this now, and you can find out just how--how it is. See, what the Lamb here is showing exactly in symbol what He said over here in Word, doing exactly. So that makes it right. Now, that's--that's all there is to it. Here's--here's one; He's talking of it, and here's where it happens. See? '''It's just a perfect vindication.'''
    THE SIXTH SEAL 63-0323
    |SIXTH SEAL
    At this point it will be interesting to '''compare''', as on the next three pages, Christ’s “Olivet Discourse” ('''Matt. 24:1–30'''), with the “Six Seals” of '''Rev. 6:1–17'''. The similarity between them is most striking, and proves that the author of the “Olivet Discourse” foreknew, in the “Days of His Flesh,” in their exact order, the things that shall come to pass in the “Day of the Lord.” This is indisputable evidence of the Deity of Jesus.
    Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture, 61 (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919).
    |-
    |Notice, it's the end of the church age. It's the--the end of the Seven Seals. It's the end of the trumpets. It's the end of the vials, and even ends '''the ushering in of the millennium'''; that's on the Seventh Seal.
    It's just like '''firing a rocket into the air''', and that rocket explodes here, and it goes up, then it explodes again. It puts out five stars. One of those stars explodes and blows out five stars from it; and then one of them stars explodes, blows out five stars from it (See?); it fades on out. That's what the Seventh Seal; it just ends the time for the world. It ends the time for this. It means the time for that. It ends the time for this. It ends the time... Everything just ended up on that Seventh Seal.
    And the '''four and twenty elders that stood before God there harping with their harps''', they quit playing their harps. The Angels hushed their singing in heaven. Think, the holy '''Cherubims and Seraphim'''s, that Isaiah saw it in the temple with six sets... or three sets of wings, three on--two over his face and two over his feet, and flying. And he's day and night they're before God, saying, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty." And even when they walked in, or come into the temple, the posts of the temple moved with their--their presence. And these holy Seraphims hushed up. Angels quit singing. (Whew.) Flying in the Presence of God, singing, "Holy, holy, holy..." they shut up.
    They were '''awed by it'''...
    Now, a '''half hour might not be long''' if you're having a good time, but in the '''suspense of between death and life''', it seemed like a millennium. I
    THE SEVENTH SEAL 63-0324E
    |SEVENTH SEAL
    We must not forget that the “SEVENTH SEAL” includes all that happens during the sounding of the “Trumpets,” and the pouring out of the “Vials,” and so extends down to '''the ushering in of the Millennium'''. To illustrate, '''a rocket fired into the air''' may burst into “seven stars,” and one of these stars into “seven other stars,” and one of the second group of stars into a third group of “seven stars.” So the “Seventh” Seal includes the “Seven Trumpets,” and the “Seventh” Trumpet includes the “Seven Vials.”
    The “SILENCE” that followed the breaking of the “Seventh Seal” was preparatory to what was to follow during the sounding of the “Trumpets,” and the pouring out of the “Vials.” This “SILENCE” was something remarkable. '''The Four and Twenty Elders ceased their harp-playing'''; the angels hushed their voices, and the '''Cherubim and Seraphim''' and all the host of Heaven were silent, and so great was the silence that all Heaven was '''awed by it'''; and to add to the noticeableness of it, John added that it lasted for “HALF AN HOUR.” Now a '''“half an hour” is not long''' when engaged in some pleasant employment, but it causes a nerve breaking tension when we do not know what is going to happen, and '''when a life is at stake''' a minute, or even a few seconds, seem to be hours. The '''suspense''' of the half hour of SILENCE in Heaven was intense.
    Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture, 68 (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919).
    |-
    |Now, oh, my. Now, the forfeited '''title deed''' is now in the hands of the original Owner, Almighty God. The title deed to the earth and to Eternal Life, when Adam forfeited it, then Satan's dirty hands could not take it; so it went back to its original Owner, God Himself. We're going to find it in just a minute; there He sets on the throne with it in His hand: the title deed. Oh, that makes me feel religious, friends. The title deed to Eternal Life, abstract title deed to Eternal Life, when Adam forfeited it for wisdom and instead of faith, it went back to the hands of the Owner: Almighty God. What a great thing.
    All right, waiting... What's it doing? In the hands of God, waiting for redemption claims. He made a way of redemption. He made a way back, and someday the Redeemer is to take it back. You see where we're getting to now? We'll watch this Fellow setting upon the throne. All right.
    THE.BREACH.BETWEEN.THE.SEVEN.CHURCH.AGES.AND.THE.SEVEN.SEALS_  JEFF.IN  SUNDAY_  63-0317E
    |What was this “LITTLE BOOK”? Some claim that it was the “SEVEN SEALED BOOK,” now open, and therefore the “TITLE DEED” to the Earth...
    Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture, 81 (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919).
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    Revision as of 23:57, 9 July 2014

    Links to other articles in the series

    This article is one in a series of studies on the Seven Seals - you are currently on the topic that is in bold:

    William Branham preached a series of sermons in March 1963 on the Seven Seals of the book of Revelation. This article contains a summary of these sermons as taught by William Branham, who taught that each seal identifies a religous disturbance. Much of William Branham's teachings on the Seven Seals can also be found in the works of Clarence Larkin, a dispensational Baptist author.

    Each seal opens a new chapter in the book sealed with seven seals. This page reviews William Branham's commentary on the first seal, as found in the first two verses of Revelation Chapter 6.

    Revelation Chapter 6 Verse 1
    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. (Revelation 6:1-2)


    The Lamb worthy to open the Seals

    William Branham taught that the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Lamb of God and the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, is the only one worthy to open the book sealed with seven seals. When Revelation 6 speaks of the Lamb opening the first seal, it is Jesus himself opening the book.


    Noise like thunder

    William Branham taught that the noise of thunder is the voice of God from heaven, bringing the Word of God. The voice of God is only heard once at the start of the seals, and is not heard again until all of the seals are opened.

    • In the book of John, Chapter 12, Jesus says Father, glorify thy name.
    • Immediately a voice speaks from heaven saying I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
    • The people listening to Jesus didn't necessarily hear a voice, but some said that it thundered and others said An angel spake to him.

    Other thunderings in the Bible include:

    • II Samuel 22:14 The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice.
    • Job 37:5 God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.
    • Psalms 18:13 The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire.
    • John 12:28-29 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
    • Revelation 14:2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:


    The first of the four beasts

    Four beasts, full of eyes before and behind, are around the throne in heaven. Each of these beasts have six wings, but are different in their appearance. The first beast is like a lion, the second like a calf, the third has a face like a man, and the fourth is like a flying eagle. (Revelation 4:6-8)

    William Branham taught that these beasts are Cherubims, or covering angels, whose job is to protect the testimony of God. Unlike people, Cherubims can appear in many different forms:

    1. The Cherubims that Moses comissioned to cover the mercy seat had only one face, which were turned toward the mercy seat.
    2. The prophet Ezekiel saw four Cherubims each with four faces. These faces were of a lion, ox, man, and eagle.
    3. Ezekiel saw engravings in the temple in heaven of Cherubims with two faces.
    4. Lucifer was once known as the "covering Cherub", but he was cast down from heaven after he rebelled against God.

    The first beast to speak is the Lion. Like the Gospel of Matthew (the first of the four books protecting the testimony of Jesus Christ and giving witness to the book of Acts), the Lion testifies of the kingship of Jesus Christ. Under the anointing of the Lion, the early Christians boldly spread the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world with signs following.


    Revelation Chapter 6 Verse 2
    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. (Revelation 6:1-2)

    A white horse

    William Branham taught that a horse represents a power, and white represents innocence. Unlike the white horse rider in Revelation Chapter 19 whose name is called the Word of God, this rider does not have a name. This rider is the Spirit of the Antichrist impersonating Jesus Christ. Attenpting to blot out His name, the rider instead uses the titles "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit".

    The white horse rider cannot be Jesus Christ, who is opening the seals at the time of this prophecy. The Antichrist is is so close to true Christianity, that it would deceive the very elect if possible (Matt. 24:24).

    “about the time Christ come on the throne, the antichrist come on the throne: Judas. About the time Christ went off the earth, Judas went off the earth. Just about the time the Holy Spirit come back, the antichrist come back.” (Sermon: The First Seal)


    A bow with no arrows

    William Branham noted that this rider, who again is the spirit of the Antichrist, has a bow with no arrows. Without any arrows, he is powerless to persecute other Christians on his own, and he is also not directly responsible for the blood of the martyrs at this time.

    Between 325 A.D. and 800 A.D. the Catholic Church relied on the military power of Christian nations to enforce its doctrine. Contstantine I began this tradition, and by 385 A.D. Emperor Maximus executed Priscillian of Avila on charges of heresy, even though both Martin of Tours and Pope Siricius appealed on his behalf. By 700 A.D., however, the Popes were no longer condemning execution for expansion, as evidenced by the baptism of Caedwalla of Wessex, a ruthless warlord who conquered southern England in the name of Christianity, by Pope Sergius I. By 800 A.D. Charlemagne was crowned as the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, and Rome's direct association with enforcement became official.


    An earthly crown

    John saw that this rider received a crown, signifying that the Antichrist spirit had become a man.

    By 400 A.D. the Holy See had replaced the Holy Spirit as the Head of the Christian Church by assuming the title of Pope. By the 8th century, the Papal States had been established, and Charlemagne had been crowned as the "Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire". By the turn of the century the Pope was wearing a tiara, known as the papal crown, to signify the fulfillment of this prophecy.


    Conquering and to Conquer

    William Branham said:

    When he starts off as a Nicolaitan spirit in the church, he's a spirit. You can't crown a spirit. But three hundred years later he become a pope. And then they crowned him. He had no crown to start with, but he got a crown later (See?), when that spirit become incarnate. See? He become a man. Nicolaitane doctrine become a man; then they could crown it.”
    Sermon: the First Seal
    "Nico" means "to conquer." "Laity" means "the church, the laity." "Nicolaitanes" "to conquer the laity": take the Holy Spirit out of the church and give it all to one holy man, let him be the boss of all of it.
    Sermon: the First Seal
    Now, remember, the antichrist [false prophet] and the beast is the same self spirit. ...Remember, Nicolaitan (See?), it had to be incarnate before it could be crowned. See? Now, watch this. Three stages: first stage he's called antichrist; second stage, he's called the false prophet; third stage, he's called the beast.”
    Sermon: the First Seal
    Satan's superman, a incarnate devil. He's a educated genius. he's got a lot of wisdom; so has Satan. He tries to sell it. He sold it to Eve; he sold it to us.
    Sermon: the First Seal
    Matthew 24:4-5 Revelation 6:1-2
    And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 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.

    Plagiarism

    What William Branham Said What Clarence Larkin Said
    Now, that sounds very good, but it isn't the Truth. No, sir. That... It wasn't. "White" does mean "righteous." We--we realize that, that "white" means "righteous." The teachers taught it, that it was the Holy Spirit conquering in the first age. But my revelation of it by the Holy Spirit is not that way.

    My revelation by the Holy Spirit is: Christ and the Holy Spirit is the self same Person (See?), only in a different form. So here stands Christ, the Lamb. We know He was the Lamb. He's standing here with the Books in His hand, and there goes the white horse rider. See? So it wasn't the Holy Spirit.

    And notice, Christ is not seen any more (See?) from the time there. But He is on a white horse; so if this guy is riding a white horse, he's only an impersonator of Christ. See? Get that? Notice, the rider on the white horse don't have any name. He might use two or three titles, but he hasn't got any name. But Christ has a Name. What is it? The Word of God. That's what it is. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." And the Word made flesh. See?

    The rider has no name, but Christ is called the Word of God. That's what He is. He's called that. Now, He's got a Name that no man knows, but He's called the Word of God. This guy isn't called nothing (See?), but he's on a white horse. The rider has no arrows for his bow. Did you notice? He had a bow, but there's nothing said about having any arrows; so he must be a bluffer. That's right. Maybe he's got a lot of thunder and no lightning, but you find out Christ had both lightning and thunder; for out of His mouth goes a sharp two-edged Sword, and He smites the nations. And this guy can't smite nothing (See?), but he's playing the part of a hypocrite. He's going forth riding on a white horse, going out to conquer.

    And for this cause God has sent them strong delusion, that they should believe a--a lie:... (It should be translated there, as I looked in the Lexicon, "the lie," not "a lie"; "the lie," same one he told Eve.)

    A white horse rider went out. See? Who is he? He's mighty in his conquering power, is a great fellow in his conquering power. You want me to tell you who he is? He's the antichrist. That's exactly what he is.

    Now, look, let's take--go back to Daniel again just a minute. I want to read something 'fore... Whether if you don't go back, it's all right. I want to read Daniel 9--Daniel 9, and I want to read the 26th and 27th verse of Daniel 9.

    What are we saying? Who is this rider, this horse rider? You know what it is? It's Satan's superman... Notice, this rider is nothing but Satan's superman, a incarnate devil. THE FIRST SEAL 63-0318

    Now, we find out in Revelation 13:1-8... And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up... (Now, here's twelve, where he was kicked out. Now, watch.)... saw a beast rise up out of the sea... THE FOURTH SEAL 63-0321

    		First Seal

    When the LAMB broke the “First Seal,” the first, or “Lion-like Living Creature” cried with a voice of thunder—“COME.” The words “and see” are omitted in many manuscripts, and in the Revised Version. John had no need to “come” for he was already there. The command then of “Come” was to the “Rider” of the White Horse. When he appeared, John says—“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.” Who is the “Rider” upon this White Horse? He is not Christ, as some claim, for Christ, as the LAMB, is holding the “Seven Sealed Book” and breaking its “Seals.” Christ does not appear as a White Horse Rider until chapter 19:11–16, when He comes with the armies of Heaven to engage in the Battle of Armageddon. Then He is called “Faithful and True,” and on His head there is a many “Diademed Crown,” and He is clothed in a vesture dipped in blood, and His name is called the “WORD OF GOD,” and there is no weapon of warfare in His hand, but a sharp sword comes out of His mouth, and the effect upon His enemies will be swift and terrible.

    This “Rider” has a “bow,” no arrow is mentioned, and he is not crowned at first, but a crown will be given to him later...

    As the “Tool of Satan” he will be endowed with wonder working powers, and when he comes, he will find the world ready to receive him, for God will send upon its inhabitants a “strong delusion” that they will believe a LIE, or “THE LIE,” for that is what he will be. 2. Thess. 2:9–11.

    In other words this White Horse Rider is the ANTICHRIST. He is the “PRINCE WHO IS TO COME” of Daniel’s Vision of the “Seventy Weeks,” and who will confirm the Covenant for “ONE WEEK,” the last or “Seventieth Week,” with Daniel’s people the Jews. Dan. 9:27.)

    This “White Horse Rider” will be Satan’s “SUPERMAN.” The Scriptures clearly teach that there is some day to arise a human being who shall be the embodiment of all Satanic power.

    All this will be fully brought out under the “Sixth Personage,” the “Beast Out of the Sea,”

    Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture, 53-54 (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919).

    Now, here's my revelation of it: This is Satan again ...But you find out here that this man has a sword so he pertains to church political war.

    THE.SECOND.SEAL_ JEFF.IN TUESDAY_ 63-0319

    		SECOND SEAL

    There is no need to tarry long with this SEAL. When it was broken John heard the second, or “Calf-like Living Creature” say, “Come,” and a “RED HORSE” appeared and went forth, whose Rider was given a “GREAT SWORD,” and who had power to take peace from the earth, and cause men to kill one another. The symbolism is very clear. Red, the color of the Horse, is a symbol of BLOOD, and the Sword is a symbol of WAR. Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture, 55 (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919).

    Now, we're going to open the Third Seal. It's found in Revelations 6:5 and 6.

    And when he had opened the third seal, I--I beheld the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that set on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts saying, A measure of... penny--a measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and... wine. Famine, see? Exactly the same Seal, same thing Jesus said. All right. THE SIXTH SEAL 63-0323

    		THIRD SEAL

    When the “THIRD SEAL” was broken John heard the third or “Man-like Living Creature” say—“Come,” and a “BLACK HORSE” appeared... The “BLACK HORSE” signifies famine... Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture, 56 (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919).

    Now, notice, none of the other rider... None of the other horses or no time that this rider ever rode, they didn't have--that man had no name, but now he is called death. It's not mentioned. See? He's revealed now what he is--is death.

    To the best of my revelation that was give to me by God and foretold that it would be done, this is the Truth of the four horse riders to the best of my knowledge.

    THE.FOURTH.SEAL_ JEFF.IN THURSDAY_ 63-0321

    Fourth Seal, pestilence and death...

    Matthew 24:7 and 8. I'm sorry. Now, that opens up the rain... or the famine, opens up the famine. All right, now the pestilences and death... Yes, sir, now we're going to it; 7 and 8, now, that would be the Fourth Seal. THE.SIXTH.SEAL_ JEFF.IN SATURDAY_ 63-0323

    		FOURTH SEAL

    When the “FOURTH SEAL” was broken John heard the fourth, or “Eagle-like Living Creature” say—“Come,” and a “PALE HORSE” appeared and went forth. Note the “corpse-like” color of the Horse. We are not surprised then when the Rider upon the “PALE HORSE” is called “DEATH,” and that “HADES,” the “Grave,” not “Hell,” follows after “Death” like a great “Voracious Monster” to swallow up the victims of “DEATH.”

    It is worthy of note that the Riders of the first three Horses are not named, but it will be very clear when the events they chronicle occur, who and what is meant. Here however the Rider is personified and called “DEATH,” and his consort is called “HADES,” they are inseparable companions. The reference here is clearly to some great PESTILENCE that shall come upon the earth.

    But awful as those days will be, they will be only the “BEGINNING OF SORROWS” for those who are left. Matt. 24:6–8.

    Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture, 57-58 (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919).

    They were killed for the Word of God's sake, not for the testimony of Christ. Did you understand that? But remember, the church come in. Also the martyrs of the church was for the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. How many knows that here too? All right now... But these didn't have the testimony of Jesus Christ "... for the Word of God and for the testimony which they held," as Jews.

    Notice, they asked for revenge. See? Now, if that had been the Bride, it'd been like Stephen: "Father, forgive them," you know. See? But these are Jews that just come in. See? They asked for revenge.

    Now, notice. These Jews... I have to do this in order to--to let you see the revelation of this Seal, see what it is, these souls under the altar and who they are. Now, notice. In the time of Daniel, now, the second half of the seventieth week... Now, remember, Messiah was to be cut off in the midst. That's the middle. Well, what's half of seven? Three and a half... But there's determined yet to the people what? Another three and a half year.

    THE FIFTH SEAL 63-0322

    		FIFTH SEAL

    When the Lamb had opened the “FIFTH SEAL,” John saw under the “Sacrificial Altar,” corresponding to the “Burnt Offering Altar,” the “SOULS” of them that were slain for the “Word of God” and for the “testimony they held.” The fact that their “SOULS” were under the “Sacrificial Altar” is proof that they had been offered as a “Sacrifice,” that is that they were MARTYRS. But they were not the Martyrs of the Christian Church... These Martyrs are those who will be killed for the “Word of God”...

    That there is no such thing as “Soul Sleep,” and that disembodied SOULS are conscious and can speak and cry, is clear from what John saw and heard, for these “SOULS” cried with a loud voice—“How long, O Lord, Holy and True, dost Thou not judge and avenge our BLOOD on them that dwell on the earth?” The character of their cry is further proof that they are not the Martyrs of the Christian Church, for they would not cry to be avenged, but like Stephen would say—“Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.” Acts 7:60. Their cry is that of the Imprecatory Psalms (Psa. 35, 55, 59, 94, etc.) and indicates that these Martyrs whose SOULS are seen are mainly JEWS.

    These martyred SOULS were comforted, and told that they should rest for a “little season,” about 3½ years, until their fellow servants also, and their brethren (Jews) that should be killed, as they were, should be fulfilled.

    Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture, 58-59 (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919).

    Notice, just exactly like come over there: "And the sun became as black as sackcloth..." See? Same thing, these happenings of nature. What was it? What, when nature happens like this, has been? God calling Israel. (See?) God's calling out Israel. Now, "sun as black as hair..." Now, God was about to deliver Israel there (All right.), bring them out of their enemy's hand, which was Egypt at that time.

    Matthew, 27th chapter of Matthew and the--the 45th verse, I believe it is. Now, from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. Now, notice just exactly what He did back here now in this. See? And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal,... lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon--and the moon became as blood; Blackness, darkness: Egypt--blackness, darkness, God delivering Jesus at the cross, just 'fore He brought Him up from the resurrection...

    In Isaiah, let's take this. Isaiah the prophet seen this Sixth Seal open and spoke of it... Let's just... I like this--this of Isaiah. Let's go back here to Isaiah, the 13th chapter of Isaiah. I like...


    THE.SIXTH.SEAL_ JEFF.IN SATURDAY_ 63-0323

    		SIXTH SEAL

    When the “SIXTH SEAL” was broken John tells us that there was a “GREAT EARTHQUAKE,” and the “SUN BECAME BLACK AS SACKCLOTH OF HAIR,” and the “MOON BECAME AS BLOOD,” and the “STARS OF HEAVEN FELL TO THE EARTH,” and the “HEAVEN DEPARTED AS A SCROLL,” and “EVERY MOUNTAIN AND ISLAND WERE MOVED OUT OF THEIR PLACE.”

    Such physical phenomena and changes have happened before. We must not forget the “GREAT DARKNESS” that for 3 days overspread Egypt in the days before the Exodus (Ex. 10:21–23), nor the “DARKNESS” that settled over Jerusalem and Calvary on the day of the Crucifixion of Christ. Matt. 27:45.

    In Isa. 13:9–10, we read—“Behold the ‘DAY OF THE LORD’ cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate, and He shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall NOT GIVE THEIR LIGHT, the sun shall be DARKENED in his going forth, and the moon shall not CAUSE HER LIGHT TO SHINE.”

    Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture, 60-61 (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919).

    Now, I want you to hold your Book like this: Matthew 24 and Revelations 6, like this, and let's compare something here just a little bit. So watch this now, and you can find out just how--how it is. See, what the Lamb here is showing exactly in symbol what He said over here in Word, doing exactly. So that makes it right. Now, that's--that's all there is to it. Here's--here's one; He's talking of it, and here's where it happens. See? It's just a perfect vindication.

    THE SIXTH SEAL 63-0323

    		SIXTH SEAL

    At this point it will be interesting to compare, as on the next three pages, Christ’s “Olivet Discourse” (Matt. 24:1–30), with the “Six Seals” of Rev. 6:1–17. The similarity between them is most striking, and proves that the author of the “Olivet Discourse” foreknew, in the “Days of His Flesh,” in their exact order, the things that shall come to pass in the “Day of the Lord.” This is indisputable evidence of the Deity of Jesus.

    Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture, 61 (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919).

    Notice, it's the end of the church age. It's the--the end of the Seven Seals. It's the end of the trumpets. It's the end of the vials, and even ends the ushering in of the millennium; that's on the Seventh Seal.

    It's just like firing a rocket into the air, and that rocket explodes here, and it goes up, then it explodes again. It puts out five stars. One of those stars explodes and blows out five stars from it; and then one of them stars explodes, blows out five stars from it (See?); it fades on out. That's what the Seventh Seal; it just ends the time for the world. It ends the time for this. It means the time for that. It ends the time for this. It ends the time... Everything just ended up on that Seventh Seal.

    And the four and twenty elders that stood before God there harping with their harps, they quit playing their harps. The Angels hushed their singing in heaven. Think, the holy Cherubims and Seraphims, that Isaiah saw it in the temple with six sets... or three sets of wings, three on--two over his face and two over his feet, and flying. And he's day and night they're before God, saying, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty." And even when they walked in, or come into the temple, the posts of the temple moved with their--their presence. And these holy Seraphims hushed up. Angels quit singing. (Whew.) Flying in the Presence of God, singing, "Holy, holy, holy..." they shut up.

    They were awed by it...

    Now, a half hour might not be long if you're having a good time, but in the suspense of between death and life, it seemed like a millennium. I

    THE SEVENTH SEAL 63-0324E

    		SEVENTH SEAL

    We must not forget that the “SEVENTH SEAL” includes all that happens during the sounding of the “Trumpets,” and the pouring out of the “Vials,” and so extends down to the ushering in of the Millennium. To illustrate, a rocket fired into the air may burst into “seven stars,” and one of these stars into “seven other stars,” and one of the second group of stars into a third group of “seven stars.” So the “Seventh” Seal includes the “Seven Trumpets,” and the “Seventh” Trumpet includes the “Seven Vials.”

    The “SILENCE” that followed the breaking of the “Seventh Seal” was preparatory to what was to follow during the sounding of the “Trumpets,” and the pouring out of the “Vials.” This “SILENCE” was something remarkable. The Four and Twenty Elders ceased their harp-playing; the angels hushed their voices, and the Cherubim and Seraphim and all the host of Heaven were silent, and so great was the silence that all Heaven was awed by it; and to add to the noticeableness of it, John added that it lasted for “HALF AN HOUR.” Now a “half an hour” is not long when engaged in some pleasant employment, but it causes a nerve breaking tension when we do not know what is going to happen, and when a life is at stake a minute, or even a few seconds, seem to be hours. The suspense of the half hour of SILENCE in Heaven was intense.

    Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture, 68 (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919).

    Now, oh, my. Now, the forfeited title deed is now in the hands of the original Owner, Almighty God. The title deed to the earth and to Eternal Life, when Adam forfeited it, then Satan's dirty hands could not take it; so it went back to its original Owner, God Himself. We're going to find it in just a minute; there He sets on the throne with it in His hand: the title deed. Oh, that makes me feel religious, friends. The title deed to Eternal Life, abstract title deed to Eternal Life, when Adam forfeited it for wisdom and instead of faith, it went back to the hands of the Owner: Almighty God. What a great thing.

    All right, waiting... What's it doing? In the hands of God, waiting for redemption claims. He made a way of redemption. He made a way back, and someday the Redeemer is to take it back. You see where we're getting to now? We'll watch this Fellow setting upon the throne. All right. THE.BREACH.BETWEEN.THE.SEVEN.CHURCH.AGES.AND.THE.SEVEN.SEALS_ JEFF.IN SUNDAY_ 63-0317E

    		What was this “LITTLE BOOK”? Some claim that it was the “SEVEN SEALED BOOK,” now open, and therefore the “TITLE DEED” to the Earth...

    Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture, 81 (Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919).

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