Introduction
Much has been written about physical prepping for a future societal collapse. However, what about the mental and behavioral side of preparation? Is it possible that Christians will live through part or all of the Tribulation? If your children are crying due to hunger, would you accept the mark of the Beast to feed them? Are you willing to die for your faith and/or other convictions? These are tough questions, but we need to face them. In the future, whether it’s a grid-down blackout, an economic depression, riot-ravaged neighborhood, war-torn country or a pandemic-plagued world, are you emotionally ready for the coming collapse?
This five-part article series will include excerpts from my book, “Revelation: Illustrated and Explained.” It is a study of the final book in the Bible, including verses, commentary, photos, and illustrations. I am a chaplain at our local jail, and also at a nearby state prison. I have handed out this book to hundreds of inmates. In addition, thousands of inmates in prisons nationwide have downloaded this book through a service providing ebooks viewable on tablets.
Frankly, I have been surprised at the response I have seen to this book, much more than any of my other titles. I can tell you there is overwhelming interest among prisoners in regards to future events. Even among those outside our jails and prisons, I have noticed a tremendous uptick in curiosity regarding Bible prophecy and End Times subjects. However, many people have trouble understanding the book of Revelation, mainly due to the many symbols and figurative language. Who is the Beast? The Prostitute? What exactly will be the mark of the Beast?
Through a combination of a careful analysis of Bible verses, along with explanations of their relation to current events, I believe it is possible to give viable interpretations of these prophecies. Whenever possible, I have also tried to present different viewpoints on such subjects as the Tribulation, the timing of the rapture, the Antichrist, and other topics. In addition to original selections from the book, in this series I will also add updates with new information and/or comments since the publishing date in the fall of 2025. Further included, if applicable, are comments entitled “LIFE APPLICATION,” for how these passages may directly apply to you and your situation. These will hopefully address the original question, “Are You Emotionally Ready for the Collapse?”
This is a difficult subject to cover. Many pastors nowadays are hesitant to preach on the End Times. Some claim they’re not called to preach on this issue; others don’t understand many of the symbols used in Revelation. Still others are fearful of offending or scaring away the people in their congregations, especially some of their big tithers. As a result, most of our churches today are filled with weak, spiritually soft people. Many of these will probably accept the Mark of the Beast instead of enduring patiently as we are told in Revelation 13:10 and 14:12. I actually hope the pre-tribulation rapture believers are right, and that Christians won’t have to go through any of the tribulation. But, what if they’re wrong? Is it better to be prepared or unprepared, for the coming difficult days? Therefore, I believe the time to strengthen ourselves spiritually and emotionally is now, not later when tough times come.
The 1st Seal: The Rider on the White Horse
Even though “Revelation: Illustrated and Explained” contains a full study of all the chapters and verses of Revelation, for this first in a series of articles I will skip to Chapter 6, where we see the unveiling of the seal judgments:
“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.” (Revelation 6:1-2 KJV)
Jesus now opens the first seal in the scroll he holds. In ancient times, a wax seal was placed on a document, only to be opened by the authorized person. It reveals a white horse with a conqueror holding a bow. Some people believe this is either the Antichrist, or the symbol of a one-world government which is beginning to take over the planet. The conqueror has a crown, which indicates he is a king, president or some type of world leader.
There is no mention of arrows in this verse, which may indicate the conqueror will begin to dominate countries or regions of the world through non-warlike means, possibly through peaceful, political or economic pressure. It is possible that this conqueror could gain power by becoming a peacemaker (Daniel 9:26-27). Many Bible commentators believe this conqueror/Antichrist will be the one to offer a solution to the continuing war and violence between Israel and the different countries and groups surrounding them
UPDATE: We are already seeing an acceleration of a push for one-world government, especially the projected reset proposed by the World Economic Forum.
LIFE APPLICATION: How aware are you of increasing government control? Are you taking any steps to protect your private information? As this one-world government takes more and more control, surveillance and the invasion of our Fourth Amendment rights will continue to be eroded.
The 2nd Seal: The Red Horse—Wars and Commotions
“And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.” (Revelation 6:3-4 KJV)
The rider revealed in the second seal causes war and other forms of violence. These events are similar to those described by Jesus:
“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass…” (Matthew 24:6 KJV)
“But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass….” (Luke 21:9 KJV)
Wars are fought between two or more different countries. “Commotions” (some versions, “uprisings”) are instances of internal violence within a particular country. In the future, we will see an escalation of protests, demonstrations, riots and other forms of violence as our world descends into worsening conditions. Increasing tensions between countries could possibly even lead to nuclear war. We are already seeing both wars and uprisings in our world, and they seem to be increasing in frequency and intensity.
UPDATES: WARS: The recent U.S. attack on Venezuela and extraction of President Maduro represents a new escalation of conflict. There could be repercussions from Venezuela and/or its allies.
RUMORS OF WARS: There are reports that Mexico, Colombia, Greenland and Cuba could be the locations of future military action.
COMMOTIONS (uprisings): The recent anti-ICE protests are an example of commotions. Recently, an ICE agent shot and killed a woman in Minnesota, who was being stopped for questioning. There is a very recent news report that protesters in Minnesota entered a church and disrupted a service in progress. Then, a Federal officer shot and killed a man. The Minnesota governor has put the National Guard on notice to deploy in case there is unrest following these incidents. There are also reports that the president may invoke the Insurrection Act, allowing him to send military troops to areas affected by uprisings.
LIFE APPLICATION: Review your current security precautions. How well is your house/property protected from a break-in or attack? How will you protect yourself and your family? If you don’t have firearms, shooting bear spray in the face of an attacker could be a viable alternative. (This spray can shoot up to 20 feet). But remember, only take defensive measures with any potential weapon if you are in fear of serious bodily harm or death. Also, follow your state laws regarding all self-defense actions.
The 3rd Seal: Economic Collapse
“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….” (Revelation 6:5-6 KJV)
The black horse and rider represent hyperinflation and/or economic collapse. In ancient times, and even in the world today, “balances” or scales have been used to measure out dry food, vegetables, and fruit for sale. Hyperinflation in the future will be so severe that a person will work all day long to earn “a penny” (or denarius in other translations) to earn the equivalent of “a measure” (or a quart, per other translations) of wheat or wheat flour. In the first century, a denarius was the common daily wage for the average worker. It normally takes approximately two cups of flour to make one loaf of bread. So, since there are four cups in a quart, a person will work all day to earn the equivalent of two loaves of bread.
In coming years, inflation may be many times worse than it was in 2025. In Germany following World War I, hyperinflation got so bad that people would bring in a wheelbarrow of money to buy a single loaf of bread.
LIFE APPLICATION: God is warning all of us that severe food shortages and/or hyperinflation are coming. Would you rather have stored food on hand, or would you instead rather go hungry? Set up a canned food rotation, so you use up items with nearing expiration dates, while replenishing them with cans stamped with later dates. Buy not only canned and dry food, but any other goods you may need in the future: Spices, coffee, tea, sugar, salt, meds, sleeping bags, even 40-100 watt solar panels and generators to power up small appliances.
The 4th Seal: Death
“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.” (Revelation 6:7-8 KJV)
After hyperinflation causes food prices to skyrocket, many families end up going hungry—hence the hunger (or famine) described here. The sword represents a continuation and escalation of the wars described in the second seal. One of the consequences of war is food shortages, because of damage to crops and food processing facilities.
The fourth rider also brings in “death,” translated in other versions as plague or pestilence. Plague can come in different forms:
1. Diseases such as smallpox, malaria, Ebola, Covid and others which can sometimes mutate and jump from animals to humans. This could possibly be related to “and with the beasts of the earth” (v. 8) The new mutated species many times is resistant to treatment, and can cause severe illness or death.
2. Plagues such as the fruit fly, aphids, mold and fungus which could severely damage row crops such as wheat, corn, alfalfa and others; and also fruit trees.
3. Plague can also come in the form of locusts or grasshoppers, which sometimes multiply and swarm in large numbers. Such huge clouds of insects can wipe out crops and cause devasting economic damage, causing crop failures, food shortages, and famine.
4. Chemical and biological warfare can also be considered examples of plague.
LIFE APPLICATION: Review all meds you have on hand, and buy as much extra as you can. Keep your immune system strong by purchasing extra multivitamins, vitamin C, D3/K2, Zinc, and others. Don’t forget other medical-related items and supplies, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, allergy and flu meds, bandages, gauze, compression bandages, burn-related meds and bandages, and anything else you think you may need. If you hear of a future pandemic, take precautions by keeping your distance from people. Do thorough research on any proposed vaccines or medications, and any potential harmful side effects.
The 5th Seal: Souls of the Saints
“And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.” (Revelation 6:9-11 KJV)
By now, serious persecution and the killing of Christians has increased dramatically. It is probable that the Antichrist has already gotten into power. We are told the full number of those to lose their lives for their faith has not yet been “fulfilled” (v. 11). Some believe that there is some overlap between the seals, trumpets and bowl judgments. Others believe they are consecutive events. This topic will be covered in depth in part 2 of this series.
The 6th Seal, Part 1: A Great Earthquake
“And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, 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 unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.” (Revelation 6:12-14 KJV)
The judgments increase in severity with a great earthquake, an eclipse and a blood moon. “…the stars of heaven fell unto earth” (v.13) could be literal stars hitting the earth, or possibly meteorites striking the earth and causing severe damage. “…every mountain and island were moved out of their places” (v. 14) is very similar to “And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.” (Revelation 16:20 KJV), which is part of the final (seventh) bowl judgment at the end of the period of time known as the “wrath of God.” This event leads up to the Second Coming of Jesus. So here again is a possible overlap of the Seal and Bowl Judgments.
The 6th Seal, part 2: The Wrath of the Lamb
“And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” (Revelation 6:15-17 KJV)
This passage clearly shows the reaction of the unbelievers to the Second Coming of Jesus. They think that by hiding in caves and behind rocks that they can avoid God’s judgment. The “great day of his wrath” referred to in verse 17 coincides with the beginning of the bowl judgments in Revelation 16. So again, it appears there is some overlap between the seal and bowl judgments, according to some students of prophecy.
Note that this passage also mentions the “kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men.” No matter how much money a rich person has; no matter how big of a house with plenty of supplies and their own private security force; none of these will save them if they don’t have a saving relationship with the Lord. It will be a terrible sight for them to see the face of Jesus when he returns to the earth to bring His judgment upon those who rejected Him.
In Part 2 of this series, we will discuss the Trumpet Judgments, the Tribulation, the Great Tribulation, and the Rapture.
(To be continued tomorrow, in Part 2.)
About The Author: Peter Cannon is an author and jail/prison chaplain in California. He is a former newspaper reporter and editor, filmmaker, and currently a preacher and teacher.