The Rider on a Red Horse

1. The book of Revelation reports John's vision, at the opening of the second seal: «And another horse, fiery , went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great .» We can understand the symbolism of the second seal, with the help of the Word of God.

2. The message of the second seal perfectly corresponds to the second letter, addressed to the church of Smyrna, also found in the book of Revelation. Which historical period covers the events foretold by the second letter and the second seal?
   The period from A.D. 1 to 31.
   The period from A.D. 31 to 100.
   The period from A.D. 100 to 313.
   The period from A.D. 313 to 538.

3. During our lesson, we have discovered that the rank of the living creatures corresponds with the rank of the seals they introduce. So the second seal is introduced by the second living creature, whose nature carries a symbolism that is very relevant to the period of the second seal. The book of Revelation indicates that «the second living creature [was] like...»
   «... a man.»
   «... a lion.»
   «... a calf.»
   «... an eagle.»

4. The color of the second seal's horse also bears an interesting symbolism. The book of Nahum explains the meaning of this color: «The shields of his mighty men are made , the valiant men are in . The chariots come with flaming torches in the day of his preparation, and the spears are brandished.» This color thus represents violence and bloodshed.

5. The sword of the second seal's rider also indicates that the prophesied period would be marked by violence and bloodshed. The book of the prophet Jeremiah illustrates the meaning of the sword: «For this is the day of the Lord God of hosts, a day of , that He may avenge Himself on His adversaries. The sword shall ; it shall be satiated and made drunk with their .»

6. A character of the Bible, using the same words as the second seal, stated that He would take away peace on earth, and bring a sword. Who is that character?
   Jesus.
   Moses.
   John the Baptist.
   Elijah.

7. The Gospel according to Matthew reports the following prophecy from Jesus, which is a good description of the second seal's period, but also of what believers of all times would experience, until the return of their Savior: «For I have come to set a man his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a man's will be those of his own .»

8. The period prophesied by the second seal was marked by severe persecution against the Church. Describing the murder of all those who lose their life for God's sake, the book of Psalms says: «The wicked have drawn the and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, to those who are of conduct.»

9. The most severe persecution against the Church was announced by both the second seal and the second letter, addressed to the church of Smyrna. This persecution came to an end with the proclamation of the Edict of Milan, which made Christianity the Empire's official religion. When was that edict issued?
   In A.D. 31.
   In A.D. 100.
   In A.D. 313.
   In A.D. 538.

10. In the book of Revelation, Jesus said to the believers who lived during the period of the second seal: «Do not fear any of those things which you are about to . (...) Be faithful until , and I will give you the of life.» The faithfulness of the believers during this terrible period will be, for each one of us, a source of inspiration when we face difficult days.

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