Revelation 6:1-2 “Who’s on the White Horse of the Apocalypse?”

Who Is on the White Horse of the Apocalypse?

Bible Study Guide

(Verse 1) While John gazed at a universe sized screen that would make the largest IMax Theater blush in comparison, He sees Jesus break the first seal of the seven seals of judgment that hold the scroll closed.

Jesus is the only one that can open these seals. He has broken the first seal and set off a chain of events that the earth has never witnessed since its creation. As the wrath of God, Jesus unleashes what God has spoken of and what man has heaped upon himself as rejectors of Christ and His offer of salvation.

With the break of the first seal, a thunderous voice from one of the living creatures that surrounds the throne of God lets out a command. Come!

This is not a command directed to John. But rather intended for the white horse of the apocalypse. This command will be repeated in the same manner as each horsemen is called onto the scene.

As you read through each of the four horsemen of the apocalypse, you’ll understand why the order in which they’re released.

The Conquering White Horse of the Apocalypse

(Verse 2) Then John looks and sees a white horse with a rider. In ancient times, a horse represented war and conquest. This rider has a bow in his hand. The bow shows that he is bent on conquest.

The crown represents his temporary status as king and ruler. But the time of this ruler will be short. Paul explains more about this in his letter to the Thessalonians further down.

Because this rider is on a white horse many have confused this scene to be Christ at His Second Coming. Assuming He’s come to take over the earth and judge evil. But this is not Christ.

This scene is not to be confused with the scene of the Second Coming of Christ in Revelation 19:11-16.

“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords.” (Revelation 19:11-16)

We have to remember, Christ returns at the end of the tribulation. The events that John is being shown here in this passage are those at the very beginning of the tribulation.

What Will Reveal the Rider?

Before we introduce who’s on the white horse, let’s put this scene into context. There’s a really big prophetic event that just occurred prior to this rider on the white horse showing up on the scene. In fact, this soon to be momentous event is what triggered the revealing of the rider on the white horse.

Let’s listen to Paul’s words as he writes to the Thessalonians. He explains to them in detail of who this rider is.

“Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, 2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. 3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God. 5 Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? 6 And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. 7 For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-8)

Who Sits On the White Horse of the Apocalypse?

The answer to who is the rider on the white horse of the apocalypse is found here in this passage written by Paul. The passage explains much of this scene of the white horse and its rider.

The rider is the antichrist. The man who will be a future global leader. But before he comes on the scene, the rapture must occur. The “One” holding him back from being revealed is the Holy Spirit. Where does the Holy Spirit reside? He resides in the believers in Christ.

When the rapture occurs, the Holy Spirit will be removed from the world. This will create a vacuum. This vacuum will be filled with the spirit of lawlessness in a way that the world has never seen evil. Thus the timing of the revealing and rise of the antichrist.

Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead!

Most of us older folks remember the classic film of 1939 “The Wizard of Oz.” If so, you also remember the most joyous scene when the Munchkins are dancing in the streets. The wicked witch of the east has just been crushed by a house. And everyone is singing the joyous song, Ding-Dong! The Witches Dead!

There will be a similar scene that takes hold across the globe when the rapture occurs and the rider (antichrist) on the white horse is revealed. At the absence of all that represented what was left of the good in the world in the form of the Holy Spirit, joyous celebration will break out.

All of those who willfully and purposely chose to reject God will be ecstatic. The ones who’ve devoted their lives to pushing and promoting an anti God agenda will take to the streets and celebrate. They will be glad to see all those do-gooders, Jesus freaks, Christ believing Christians are gone and out of their way.

But this celebration won’t last for long.

The Counterfeit Rider of the White Horse of the Apocalypse

I would be remiss not to mention the similarities of rider of the white horse of the apocalypse in this scene and the one in Revelation 19. Is there a reason for the similarities?

Yes, absolutely! It is and will continue to be the purpose of Satan to copy the work of Christ. Here, he wants to be the one who will come in and conquer and be the ruler of the world. He will first attempt to be a political ruler. Then he will exalt himself and demand he be everyone’s spiritual ruler. But more on that as we continue our journey.

This is not the last attempt of Satan to counterfeit the work of Christ. We’ll see more of this as his plan is revealed by Christ through John’s writing.

As true Christians, we should be encouraged by the events of the world. Because we’re not waiting for the revealing of the antichrist. But we’re waiting for arrival in the clouds of Jesus Christ.

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