March 31, 2023

Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.” And I looked and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. Revelation 6:1-2

The enthronement of our risen Savior in heaven (see Revelation 5) corresponds with Pentecost on earth in 31AD, leading directly to the history of the Christian church within the hostile world from the first century to the return of Jesus (chapter 6). Following the Holy Spirit’s anointing of the disciples, the pure gospel message was carried to the world, imparting to receptive hearts the message of “new life!” and “victory over sin and death!” The symbolic rider on the white horse is like a military general riding out in victory as expressed in the Psalms:

You are fairer than the sons of men; Grace is poured upon Your lips; therefore God has blessed You forever. Gird Your sword upon Your thigh, O Mighty One, with Your glory and Your majesty. And in Your majesty ride prosperously because of truth, humility, and righteousness. Psalm 45:2-4a

The first church on the Asia Minor mail route, Ephesus, began in purity and power. The rider on the white horse depicts followers of Jesus carrying the gospel message to the world. They went forth “conquering and to conquer.” Theirs was a conquering faith, bringing victory for good in the internal war between good and evil that each of us faces. This “warrior” language conveys the reality of the necessity to fight the good fight (1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7). Toward the end of the first century when they received the letter from Jesus (Revelation 2:1-7), He admonished them to return to their “first love.” This admonition was taken seriously by a significant number of the hearers, as the gospel message continued to spread rapidly. Thousands were being converted (Acts 2:41,47; 4:4). This rider on the white horse is also a reminder that Christ Himself began the expansion of His kingdom on earth by waging war against the forces of evil in reclaiming “territory” taken by the enemy when He healed people of all sorts of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual afflictions.

Since the beginning of the church age—and even before—there have been wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6), but because God’s Word shall accomplish what He purposes (Isaiah 55:11), the white horse will continue to go forth in power under the authority of Jesus until He returns for the ultimate rescue of His faithful bride. Beloved, keep to your first love and you will be a conquering force for God’s glorious kingdom!

Jesus said: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14