Revelation 6:1-2
We will now start into the area of the Book of Revelation that has caused much confusion and different thoughts of what the Apostle John is describing for the reader. I do not believe anyone entirely understands all of the timing that is involved with the seven seals, the trumpets and vials or the bowl judgments.
As we work through this bear in mind that this is an overview and not hard fast specifics. I will venture to point out some of the differences of opinions and commentary and at times I will share what I lean toward. The sequence of the seal, trumpet and bowl judgments can be consecutive or overlapping. There are similar judgments but timeline a vague. Some believe that the seals bring forth the trumpets and the trumpets bring forth the bowls. Whatever way they happen, it all happens in the Tribulation Period.
Also, keep in mind, for the Believer; this is all just information of what is to take place for the seven years that we will be enjoying our tour of Heaven, as well as the Rewards Ceremony and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. For those that believe the Church will be here during this time, I suppose they can look to this information as a prelude to what is to come for them.
In verse 1 we see the Lamb opening the first seal leading to verse 2. Out comes a white horse with a rider on it that has been given a crown, a bow (no mention of arrows) and he went forth to conquer.
This is one of those points of differences that we will examine. The two main ones are:
Is the rider Jesus Christ or the anti-Christ? Bear in mind as we work through these seals, they are judgments being poured out upon the earth. Jesus is facilitating the judgments; He is not the one carrying them out.
Some of the confusion comes from the fact that the rider is on a white horse. We see in chapter 19 Jesus is riding upon a white horse. So let’s examine the difference between these two riders:
The rider in chapter 6 is given a crown. In the Greek rendering this is a “winner’s wreath” that was given to someone involved in a sports arena event of that day. In chapter 19, Jesus was given many crowns and the Greek word for those crowns is “diadem” which is an actual crown.
Both riders are upon white horses which represent a conquering hero. The description of the rider in chapter 6 states he is being sent out to conquer. In chapter 19 the rider is described as one who is “faithful and true.” We need to keep in mind that Jesus has already conquered the forces of evil but the rider in chapter 6 gives us the impression that the rider is just getting started in his conquest.
The rider on the white horse in chapter 6 does not appear to have any identifiable markings on his vesture, yet in chapter 19, Jesus’ vesture is dipped in blood and has the writing on it “King of kings and Lord of lords.”
The rider in chapter 6 has a bow yet no arrows, leaving an impression that he is to conquer with something other than force. Deception and fear are the only weapons satan has in his arsenal, so this rider, being his man is limited to these weapons as well.
Additionally diplomatic solutions may be what he uses. They are also popular in the world system and some indication of this is given in the book of Daniel, however there could be other methods yet to come. Technology that is close to being developed could be used as well, such as a weapon system that can totally disarm nations without bloodshed of any sort.
Praise God that we know Jesus and we will not be here to experience whatever will be used to try and conquer mankind. Notice I said he tries to conquer; one thing that often is not factored in is the God we serve. He is not going to give the kingdom of darkness a free ride. In fact during the whole Tribulation period, the anti- Christ will have constant struggle to accomplish his plans and purposes. In the book of Psalms, the Psalmist pens, “God sits on His Throne and Laughs!” I am so glad we are going to be there to see this, aren’t you?
I, along with most Bible Scholars and Teachers attribute the rider in chapter 6 to be the anti-Christ since he is part of the judgment package riding his horse throughout the Tribulation period.