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Approaching Hoofbeats: The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
They come as a warning, and grow louder by the day, ' says Billy Graham, who equates the ancient symbols with the modern terrors that pursue us: war, violence, deception, economic chaos, unemployment, poverty, hunger, disease and death. But for those who will heed the warning,
Dr. Graham's message is one of hope - practical, creative and clear direction for men and women, young and old who will read and be transformed by this book.
Dr. Graham's message is one of hope - practical, creative and clear direction for men and women, young and old who will read and be transformed by this book.
236 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1983
About the author
Billy Graham
683 books616 followersBilly Graham was an American evangelical Christian evangelist and an ordained Southern Baptist minister. Graham is best known for his evangelistic missions or “Crusades.” He believed God knew no borders or nationalities. Throughout his career, Graham preached to millions around the world. He met and prayed with every U. S. president from Dwight Eisenhower to Barack Obama.
Graham authored 34 books, including his memoir, Just As I Am. In 1983, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan. In 1996, Graham and his wife, Ruth, received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award Congress can bestow on a private citizen.
Graham married Wheaton College classmate Ruth Bell Graham in 1943. They had five children ( Ruth Graham, Gigi Graham Tchividjian, Anne Graham Lotz, Nelson, & Franklin Graham) and made their home in the mountains of North Carolina. They were married for 64 years before Ruth’s death in 2007. Graham died from natural causes on February 21, 2018, at his home in Montreat, North Carolina, at the age of 99.
Graham authored 34 books, including his memoir, Just As I Am. In 1983, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan. In 1996, Graham and his wife, Ruth, received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award Congress can bestow on a private citizen.
Graham married Wheaton College classmate Ruth Bell Graham in 1943. They had five children ( Ruth Graham, Gigi Graham Tchividjian, Anne Graham Lotz, Nelson, & Franklin Graham) and made their home in the mountains of North Carolina. They were married for 64 years before Ruth’s death in 2007. Graham died from natural causes on February 21, 2018, at his home in Montreat, North Carolina, at the age of 99.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 5, 2013
Those of us who have put our trust and faith in Christ know where we have come from, the purpose of our existence, and the glorious future toward which we are headed. This makes life more than worth living. It gives us a sense of optimism. ~ Billy Graham
Well balanced view on the book of Revelation and the "approaching hoof-beats". The hoof-beats that Billy Graham refers to in the title of his book are the judgements coming upon the earth, which include floods, diseases, hunger, wars, etc. Billy Graham aims to make the reader understand that these four horsemen are a signal for us to be prepared to meet our Maker God through his son the Lord Jesus Christ. Those of us who know Christ have nothing to fear.
Well balanced view on the book of Revelation and the "approaching hoof-beats". The hoof-beats that Billy Graham refers to in the title of his book are the judgements coming upon the earth, which include floods, diseases, hunger, wars, etc. Billy Graham aims to make the reader understand that these four horsemen are a signal for us to be prepared to meet our Maker God through his son the Lord Jesus Christ. Those of us who know Christ have nothing to fear.
August 14, 2014
I gave this book a 4 stars only because of how old it was because some of the info dated the book. But the part on the scripture and the meaning it has for us I would give a 10. As I child I felt we were in the last days; but when I look back things were much better then than now. You can't turn on the news with out hearing something that sounds right out of the pages of Revelations.
As Billy Graham closed the book; we need to repent- accept Christ as Lord and for those of us Christians we need to renew ourselves and rededicate our lives. Things are bad now but will only get worse and our only Hope is in Jesus Christ.
As Billy Graham closed the book; we need to repent- accept Christ as Lord and for those of us Christians we need to renew ourselves and rededicate our lives. Things are bad now but will only get worse and our only Hope is in Jesus Christ.
February 6, 2023
AN INTERPRETATION OF REVELATION CH. 1-6
Evangelist Billy Graham wrote in the Introduction to this 1983 book, “In this book we are going to be exploring the implications of what have become known as the ‘four horsemen of the Apocalypse.’ These four animals and their riders are anything but beautiful… Some theologians and Bible scholars have thought these scenes as described by the apostle John to be a description of past events. However, most evangelical scholas interpret them as having to do with the future---as do I. In my view, the shadows of all four horsemen can already be seen galloping throughout the world at this moment; therefore, I not only want to apply those four SYMBOLS of events yet to come, but also to put our ears to the ground and hear their hoofbeats growing louder by the day.’ (Pg. 9)
He continues, “The Book of Revelation has always interested me… I cannot pretend to understand it all. In [this book] I only cover the first six chapters. You will find very little … about important events concerning the second coming of Christ---such as the Rapture, Tribulation, Millennium and so on… In writing [this book] I have become more deeply aware of the enormous problems that face our world today, and the dangerous trends which seem to be leading our world to the brink of Armageddon. I have also become more deeply convicted about the responsibility those of us who are Christians have to declare and live the gospel and to fight against both individual and corporate evil. In this book I have tried to share my concern, and indicate some of the ways Christians should act in Christ’s name to improve our world and prepare people for the future world that the Scriptures promise. At the same time, I want to make it clear that while I am very concerned about these social ills… I have not changed my priorities. My priority is… to proclaim the saving gospel of Jesus Christ…” (Pg. 10-11)
He states, “It is good news to know that God has a plan for the redemption of the world. But first, the prophet warns his people to set their lives in order… Second, warns the prophet, there are even worse time ahead. We are to prepare to meet them. That’s the long-range warning of the four horsemen of death and destruction already riding in their direction and in ours.” (Pg. 38)
He acknowledges, “I don’t understand the reasons for suffering and persecution. I don’t know why the churches in one part of the world bear terrible pan and deprivation while other churches are fat and rich and almost pain free… Perhaps you have faced pain or suffering you did not understand. You may even have become angry at God for allowing it to happen while others seem to have escaped such problems. But don’t let the acids of bitterness eat away and destroy you. Instead, learn the secret of trusting Christ in EVERY circumstance.” (Pg. 61-62)
He observes, “There is a vast menagerie of masquerading messiahs in the world today---both men and women claiming to be ‘the Christ.’ Some of them are mental or emotional cripples. Others scheme and dream with ever more menacing sophistication and power. But all are counterfeit. The Bible promises that this line of false Christs will grow longer until the final embodiment of Antichrist appears at the head of the procession. He will be Satan’s man. Imitating Christ, he offers peace---but he is as false as the peace he offers. His golden age will be short-lived. The Scripture teaches that Satan is an imitator.” (Pg. 83-84)
He says, “It is difficult for us to accept the fact that Satan can use a preacher or a clergyman as one of his tools, proclaiming another gospel than the gospel of Jesus Christ. Yet that can be the case. This does not mean that we should be strongly critical of every church or every pastor… looking for heresy in a proud, judgmental way… At the same time, we must not be naïve about Satan’s ability to deceive.” (Pg. 106)
He asserts, “I believe… that there must be something we can do to control the arms race. To limit the growing threat of nuclear warfare seems perfectly in line with Christ’s call to be peacemakers on the earth. Still, in those first years of the nuclear age I did very little n this particular area.” (Pg/ 132)
He admits, “I don’t know fully how concerned and intelligent Christians can help in the worldwide population control. The issue is extremely complex. But we must do what we can and use our God-given creative resources to work with all our ingenuity to alleviate the population problems that lead to hunger and premature death.” (Pg. 174)
He summarizes, “We cannot simply mourn the fate of the earth. We cannot go on pretending that someone else is guilty for its current disastrous state. We cannot act as though we are helpless to work for the world’s renewal. We must do what we can, even though we know that God’s ultimate plan is the making of a new earth and a new heaven. Signs indicate that the end of the age is near, yet there is not certainty. It may be several generations from now.” (Pg. 196)
He concludes, “The ‘New Catholic Encyclopedia’ points that the result of Christ’s triumph over Antichrist and the forces of evil will be a reign of Jesus Christ and His saints of all the ages over an earth that will know unprecedented prosperity and peace. From time immemorial, man had longed for a combination of true law and order, of peace and prosperity, of freedom and fulfillment, of health and happiness, or godliness and longevity on this earth. It will happen when Christ comes again to set up His kingdom.” (Pg. 228)
Biblical prophecy books tend to not ‘age well.’ But Graham’s approach is less ‘outdated’ than those by such luminaries as Hal Lindsey, etc.
Evangelist Billy Graham wrote in the Introduction to this 1983 book, “In this book we are going to be exploring the implications of what have become known as the ‘four horsemen of the Apocalypse.’ These four animals and their riders are anything but beautiful… Some theologians and Bible scholars have thought these scenes as described by the apostle John to be a description of past events. However, most evangelical scholas interpret them as having to do with the future---as do I. In my view, the shadows of all four horsemen can already be seen galloping throughout the world at this moment; therefore, I not only want to apply those four SYMBOLS of events yet to come, but also to put our ears to the ground and hear their hoofbeats growing louder by the day.’ (Pg. 9)
He continues, “The Book of Revelation has always interested me… I cannot pretend to understand it all. In [this book] I only cover the first six chapters. You will find very little … about important events concerning the second coming of Christ---such as the Rapture, Tribulation, Millennium and so on… In writing [this book] I have become more deeply aware of the enormous problems that face our world today, and the dangerous trends which seem to be leading our world to the brink of Armageddon. I have also become more deeply convicted about the responsibility those of us who are Christians have to declare and live the gospel and to fight against both individual and corporate evil. In this book I have tried to share my concern, and indicate some of the ways Christians should act in Christ’s name to improve our world and prepare people for the future world that the Scriptures promise. At the same time, I want to make it clear that while I am very concerned about these social ills… I have not changed my priorities. My priority is… to proclaim the saving gospel of Jesus Christ…” (Pg. 10-11)
He states, “It is good news to know that God has a plan for the redemption of the world. But first, the prophet warns his people to set their lives in order… Second, warns the prophet, there are even worse time ahead. We are to prepare to meet them. That’s the long-range warning of the four horsemen of death and destruction already riding in their direction and in ours.” (Pg. 38)
He acknowledges, “I don’t understand the reasons for suffering and persecution. I don’t know why the churches in one part of the world bear terrible pan and deprivation while other churches are fat and rich and almost pain free… Perhaps you have faced pain or suffering you did not understand. You may even have become angry at God for allowing it to happen while others seem to have escaped such problems. But don’t let the acids of bitterness eat away and destroy you. Instead, learn the secret of trusting Christ in EVERY circumstance.” (Pg. 61-62)
He observes, “There is a vast menagerie of masquerading messiahs in the world today---both men and women claiming to be ‘the Christ.’ Some of them are mental or emotional cripples. Others scheme and dream with ever more menacing sophistication and power. But all are counterfeit. The Bible promises that this line of false Christs will grow longer until the final embodiment of Antichrist appears at the head of the procession. He will be Satan’s man. Imitating Christ, he offers peace---but he is as false as the peace he offers. His golden age will be short-lived. The Scripture teaches that Satan is an imitator.” (Pg. 83-84)
He says, “It is difficult for us to accept the fact that Satan can use a preacher or a clergyman as one of his tools, proclaiming another gospel than the gospel of Jesus Christ. Yet that can be the case. This does not mean that we should be strongly critical of every church or every pastor… looking for heresy in a proud, judgmental way… At the same time, we must not be naïve about Satan’s ability to deceive.” (Pg. 106)
He asserts, “I believe… that there must be something we can do to control the arms race. To limit the growing threat of nuclear warfare seems perfectly in line with Christ’s call to be peacemakers on the earth. Still, in those first years of the nuclear age I did very little n this particular area.” (Pg/ 132)
He admits, “I don’t know fully how concerned and intelligent Christians can help in the worldwide population control. The issue is extremely complex. But we must do what we can and use our God-given creative resources to work with all our ingenuity to alleviate the population problems that lead to hunger and premature death.” (Pg. 174)
He summarizes, “We cannot simply mourn the fate of the earth. We cannot go on pretending that someone else is guilty for its current disastrous state. We cannot act as though we are helpless to work for the world’s renewal. We must do what we can, even though we know that God’s ultimate plan is the making of a new earth and a new heaven. Signs indicate that the end of the age is near, yet there is not certainty. It may be several generations from now.” (Pg. 196)
He concludes, “The ‘New Catholic Encyclopedia’ points that the result of Christ’s triumph over Antichrist and the forces of evil will be a reign of Jesus Christ and His saints of all the ages over an earth that will know unprecedented prosperity and peace. From time immemorial, man had longed for a combination of true law and order, of peace and prosperity, of freedom and fulfillment, of health and happiness, or godliness and longevity on this earth. It will happen when Christ comes again to set up His kingdom.” (Pg. 228)
Biblical prophecy books tend to not ‘age well.’ But Graham’s approach is less ‘outdated’ than those by such luminaries as Hal Lindsey, etc.
September 9, 2014
I'm getting even more out of this book the second time through. Billy Graham takes us through history and causes the reader to strongly consider the future, expounding truth, while calling us to take action in our own lives, making ready for Christ's soon return. The way he explains each of the horses and their effects upon the world and the spiritual implications of them is absolutely spot-on!
Though I came across just a tad bit of repetition, I suppose it is needed to drive home those particular points in our memories. He's not only a good preacher, but an outstanding writer too. God bless you Billy Graham!
Though I came across just a tad bit of repetition, I suppose it is needed to drive home those particular points in our memories. He's not only a good preacher, but an outstanding writer too. God bless you Billy Graham!
February 15, 2014
I enjoyed reading this book and am writing the review years after having read the book. It is about the coming judgement if God's people do not turn back to him. Mr. Graham writes of hearing those warnings of the horses and their riders but he also tells how the people can turn back. I read this book just prior to reading Storm Warning which was written as a follow-up to Approaching Hoofbeats (see that review).
December 11, 2008
No so much a scholarly work on the end times as an evangelistic effort to show the relavancy of the end times teaching in scripture to the actual current affairs.
A good book to share with unsaved loved ones to get them thinking about Christ as the answer to all of their lives.
A good book to share with unsaved loved ones to get them thinking about Christ as the answer to all of their lives.
October 29, 2011
I'm on a quest to see where Billy stands on theological matters. This book shows us a few ways he looks at what he thinks God is up to.
I'm sure glad this book wasn't on of the crazy prophetic endtimes predicting books. Billy has a wonderful normal approach to Revelation and future events.
December 13, 2007
Rated: F
February 4, 2023
As Karl Barth said after hearing Graham preach:
"It's the Gospel at gunpoint."
"It's the Gospel at gunpoint."
January 14, 2020
The subtitle of this book is, “The Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypse,” which led me to the conclusion that this was going to be a book about prophecy. While the book does use Revelation as the framework for what Graham wants to write, it is far from a commentary or even a study of predictive prophecy. Instead what Graham does is to look at each of the four horsemen and then at the contemporary world to see a current illustration of what they typify. The white horse symbolizes deception and so that opens the door for the author to talk about deception in the world today. A similar development is found with each of the horsemen. The ultimate purpose it seems to me is for Dr. Graham to preach an evangelistic message. That is certainly consistent with his calling as an evangelist.
I was struck by a couple of things as I made my way through this book. First, it is well illustrated. There are some quotations and stories that will find their ways into my sermons I am sure. Second, was the clarity of the writing style. It is very evident that the author has spent a lifetime communicating with people. I did though wonder about some of the assertions that the writer makes. In passing he mentions that the NT church at Ephesus may have had 50,000 members. I don’t see what he could have based that upon and he simply does not say.
Still, this book was well worth reading and I’m glad that I finally got around to doing so. I have owned it for a little over 10 years and have thought I would read it many times in the past. I think I will be suggesting it some folks who have an over excited interest in the predictive element of prophecy. It might help them to have a different approach.
I was struck by a couple of things as I made my way through this book. First, it is well illustrated. There are some quotations and stories that will find their ways into my sermons I am sure. Second, was the clarity of the writing style. It is very evident that the author has spent a lifetime communicating with people. I did though wonder about some of the assertions that the writer makes. In passing he mentions that the NT church at Ephesus may have had 50,000 members. I don’t see what he could have based that upon and he simply does not say.
Still, this book was well worth reading and I’m glad that I finally got around to doing so. I have owned it for a little over 10 years and have thought I would read it many times in the past. I think I will be suggesting it some folks who have an over excited interest in the predictive element of prophecy. It might help them to have a different approach.
December 14, 2025
Although I gave it 3/5 stars, it's not a bad book. I think Billy Graham's explanation of the four horsemen of the apocalypse and their impact / mission was great. He is able to paint a picture in your mind about what John was seeing in the vision, how he may have responded and what he may have thought. His imagery about the horsemen and explanations of their individual missions is where the book truly peaks.
Some (but not all) negatives that bring the book's rating down for me are:
- It takes some time in the book to get to the first horseman (the pale horse).
- There are paragraphs of quotes from world leaders and statistics that aren't useless but, for me, detract a little. To me, some sections felt like I was reading a news article.
I suppose I had some expectations about what the book would be more like before reading, and they weren't necessarily met. It is still a great read and I have plenty of underlined material inside. Billy Graham was a one-of-a-kind Christian and this did help better my understanding of the four horsemen of the apocalypse.
Some (but not all) negatives that bring the book's rating down for me are:
- It takes some time in the book to get to the first horseman (the pale horse).
- There are paragraphs of quotes from world leaders and statistics that aren't useless but, for me, detract a little. To me, some sections felt like I was reading a news article.
I suppose I had some expectations about what the book would be more like before reading, and they weren't necessarily met. It is still a great read and I have plenty of underlined material inside. Billy Graham was a one-of-a-kind Christian and this did help better my understanding of the four horsemen of the apocalypse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2026
The end times and Christ's return are both inevitable. This doesn't mean we roll over to the world's Satanic and demonic system of rule by patiently waiting with our hands folded in our laps. We are salt and light and will be persecuted for living obediently to God's Will. Individually, or even collectively as Christ's Body the church, we can't do everything, but something is better than nothing. With the surrounding evil getting worse every day, our work may seem futile; however, God's call transcends what we can physically see and hear. Jesus will come back and destroy Satan and his legions of demons and worldly rulers and followers. Jesus Kingdom will be established for eternity. The approaching hoofbeats of the four horsemen are simply a sign the end times are near. Deception=Know Your Bible; War=Live at peace with your fellow man; Death & Famine=Minister to each other's spiritual and physical needs; and etc. Please read, espcially if you are a follow of Jesus.
April 14, 2021
This book kept my attention all the way through.Billy Graham spoke in detail about the four horsemen that are approaching - some of which we are already experiencing the foreshadowing of them. Even though it was copyrighted in 1983, it is still very applicable to today. Examples were used of past historical events; even today's events could be tied into these very well. Billy Graham does not take anything out of context in the Bible. In fact, his descriptions come from bible verses that give further description of what is spoken about. Throughout the book, and especially at its conclusion, the invitation to receive Christ is given. This would not be like Billy Graham not to do this. In fact, that is what his ministry was all about.
October 19, 2024
An Excellent Exposition of Revelation 6
Dr. Graham's book is a classic. He does an indepth examination of Revelation Chapters 4 through 6, with extra emphasis on Chapter 6, specifically the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. While the book is a little dated, his undertanding of God's Word is spot on. Written in a conversational style, Approaching Hoofbeats is an excellent book that will help you undertstand the end of this age.
Dr. Graham's book is a classic. He does an indepth examination of Revelation Chapters 4 through 6, with extra emphasis on Chapter 6, specifically the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. While the book is a little dated, his undertanding of God's Word is spot on. Written in a conversational style, Approaching Hoofbeats is an excellent book that will help you undertstand the end of this age.
November 13, 2018
This book was a little different in style compared to other books I have ready by Mr. Graham. It virtually draws the attention of the reader to what the four horseman bring to the tribulation and how symptoms are occurring today. It warns the reader to stay away from SIN and in his customary way, Mr. Graham urges all to come to Christ. I recommend this book.
March 2, 2020
This book is not scholarly , which Mr. Graham does well to remind his readers. It also became evident while reading as he backs up the routes from the bible with anecdotes infest of other written evidence. He does a surprisingly good job of making sure to address women as well as men in his book. A shocking action that wasn't seen enough in the early 1980s, and was refreshing to see.
May 21, 2022
Though written nearly 40 years ago, it is still applicable today. In the early 80’s when Reverend Graham wrote this, people were convinced the return of Christ was near due to the evilness and corruption in the world. Just think how much more so it is now! With biological and nuclear devastation threatened every day, it seems like end must be near. Turn to Christ now and pray!
July 29, 2018
When a book is written by Billy Graham, you know it will be good. And it was. I especially liked how Dr. Graham connected very practical applications with the biblical teaching of Revelation. I was inspired.
September 13, 2020
Billy Graham was such a gifted evangelist, and it is interesting to read how in the 1980s the apocalypse seemed so near. It is so much closer now than ever before, and this book tells us how to prepare for the end by relying on Christ’s love and grace.
February 6, 2026
This book demonstrates the flaws of trying to see current events (e.g. non-political events like Mr St Helen erupting) as indicative of fulfilling ancient writings. Current political events are often driven by the ideology of narrow minded people who want to artificially fulfill ‘prophecies’.
February 19, 2019
From the moment I picked this book up and my eyes fell upon its words i could not out it down. Although Rev Billy Graham wrote this over 35 years ago, it stands even truer today
November 5, 2019
I love Billy Graham's work. Even though this book is older it still shows many truths.
March 14, 2021
Full of scripture and knowledge. We should all pay attention to the messages it contains and the warnings. This book is almost as timeless as the Holy Bible.
March 16, 2021
An overview of the four horsemen of the apocalypse.
December 16, 2022
After reading Revelation a few times, this book really helped me understand many of its passages and how they relate to other passages throughout the Bible. Now to read Revelation again!
July 23, 2026
Good book! Thanks!
December 25, 2013
I found this book to be fairly difficult to read. It took me about a week to get through these 230 pages. I could only read a chapter at a time. Most of what he put in the book I understood its relationship to me. I enjoyed the evangelical aspect of the book more than anything. This book was written in 1983. I found it interesting to read the concerns of the population 30 years ago. Many of the same concerns still exist today. I find it interesting that there seemed to be limited hope that we would make it to the 21st century.
January 9, 2014
Billy Grams take on the four horseman of Revelation is not only interesting, but applicable. Even if the reader does not agree with Gram's dispensationalism, this book is well worth reading. Gram's book is a fantastic reminder of what will happen when God unleashes his justice upon the earth, and what we can do to lead others to Christ with the little time we have left.
July 24, 2022
A pretty good commentary and sermon series about the four horsemen of the Apocalypse described in Revelation chapter 6.
Not sensationalistic (well, not more so than the Bible itself, anyway), just solid and balanced teaching and exhortation.
Not sensationalistic (well, not more so than the Bible itself, anyway), just solid and balanced teaching and exhortation.
September 5, 2007
What the end times will be like
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews