(Revelation 4:7; 6:1-8)
John described four living creatures:
- a lion, the apostolic saints, represented by Jesus as the lion of Judah,
- an ox, the saints who were martyred by the beast for a time, times, and half a time;
- a man, as Nebuchadnezzar became a beast until seven times passed over him and was given the heart of man;11.Dan 4:16 and finally,
- an eagle, representing the saints who are gathered up when Christ returns.
These four living creatures announce four horses given authority over a fourth of the earth,2Rev 6:8Europe, according to the times of the saints.
The first horse brings pestilence and wild beasts. The second brings war, as Rome falls, and the third brings financial collapse—beginning with the Medici Bank in 1494.
The fourth horse brings death and Hades.
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