Many have speculative over the rider of the white horse and it’s significance. Probably the majority of Christians believe that this rider is Jesus Christ. I’m not so sure, so, I thought I would explore the scriptures to see what they have to say. In Revelation it says;
I looked, and behold, a white horse, and the one who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.
Revelation 6:2
It’s easy to understand why Christians would believe this rider is Christ, after all, he’s wearing a crown and he’s riding a white horse. So, it makes perfect sense! But, there are a few things I would like to point out.
- The words conquering and conquer
- The Bow with no arrows
- The Crown
Let’s start with the word conquer or conquering. To conquer means to overcome and take control of a place, or people, often by military force. Many would say that’s what Jesus did, but, not quite. Christ gave people a choice, choose me or not. It was always left up to the person. People were “called” to Christ, he didn’t force himself on anyone, the person was always in control. And, Christ didn’t have a military presence it was always Christ, his Apostles and His followers.
The rider of the white horse has an agenda which is to conquer and to take control of other places or people even by military force. Meaning a person doesn’t really have a choice because they’re being controlled.
The Bow is an instrument of war and indicates someone who has power and authority over the military forces.
The Crown indicates someone with authority. Often represents a King or someone in a high position of government.
Now, let’s take a look at what Jesus said on the Mount of Olives to his disciples when they approached him privately. Jesus says;
And Jesus answered and said to them, see to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in my name saying, I am the Christ, and they will mislead many people.
Matthew 24:5
If you study the Mount of Olives teaching you’ll see a correlation between the Seals and Christ teaching. By reading Christ words on Mount Olives in the scripture above, Christ is giving us a warning. He’s saying there will be those who claim to be Christ. Unfortunately, those who are not familiar with Christ teaching will be mislead.
Then if anyone says to you, Behold, here is the Christ, or He is over here, do not believe him. For false christs and false prophets will arise and will provide great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.
Matthew 24:23,24
In this scripture Jesus blatantly tells us there will be false christs and false prophets who will rise up to mislead people. In fact, Jesus says, even the very elect if that were possible.
So for me, it’s pretty clear the rider on the white horse when the first seal is opened is none other than the antichrist.
Why do I believe it’s the antichrist when Jesus says many will come in his name?
Because this particular rider of the white horse is given authority to conquer nations, kingdoms and people using a military backing. False prophets and false christ don’t have that authority except for one, the antichrist.