The White Horse

In today's podcast, we discussed the four horsemen of the apocalypse, starting with the White Horse that many people seem to believe shows symbolism as being Christ.

Bible students recognize that the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are symbolic of end-time events preceding Christ's return. Yet controversy exists over the identity of the first horseman, who rides a white horse. Some say that the rider represents Jesus Christ preaching the Gospel, because of his apparent similarity to Christ on a white horse, as described in Revelation 19:11–14. Others believe that the first horseman represents the antichrist, who will oppose Christ at His return. Winnail, Douglas. "The Mysterious First Horseman!" | Tomorrow's World (tomorrowsworld.org). 2004.

As we look deeper into this figure, we see that he cannot be Christ, as the Lamb is the one opening said seal, so he can't be the one on the horse, as well, can he? Even though God is omnipresent, why would he be wearing a diadem, which is the crown of a conquering king? The context clues are there, and many scholars over the years have determined that the issues we are seeing in accepting the rider is not Christ echoes the idea that many in Israel will be fooled by the Antichrist. Meaning, in our confusion we see that this man is riding a white horse, normally the symbol of purity in most scriptures, would indicate a pure being like Christ. We are all fooled, however, because this is a conquering king, the king known as Pestilence.

As I researched this, I grew more and more frustrated, because for every person saying that it is Christ, there were others saying it was the Antichrist. In one article, the author states that he believes a totally different theory:

I received a very different impression of what the white horse represents. The white horse represents the kingdom of God that the God of heaven will establish in the last days. [sic] I believe that the white horse of Revelation 6 and the white horse of Revelation 19 are the same horse and the same rider, but at different times. The white horse in Revelation 6 is at the beginning of things happening, as the Lord begins to establish his Kingdom of God on the earth. By Revelation 19, the Lord has prevailed in the end. Between the white horse's first appearance and his triumph in the last scene, we have to go through many great, wonderful and terrible events.The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: The White Horse (mormonrant.com). 2022

I tried to get the gentleman's name to accurately cite the blog, but unfortunately I couldn't find it. I am Pentecostal and he is Mormon, so part of me had a realization that the scripture can mean different things according to different faiths and how each person was raised and by what values they base their life experiences on. It's incredibly confusing to me, and I wish I could sort it out for you guys, but I am just a student and a novice at best. I don't understand so much about these things, and you would think researching it would improve my mood and frustrate me less, but frankly, it had the opposite effect. I am absolutely angry at this moment, and unsure of my ability to finish this blog. There are so many 'scholars' out there, people who have studied for years and decided this is what it is based on that knowledge. I'm just a girl who likes dogs and books. What do I know?

I do know that kindness and empathy are vitally important in this day and age. I also understand that everyone who has formed a unique opinion of what scripture means to them is correct. I am not a graduate of any college, so naturally I'm trash in the eyes of others, but I have a LOT of experience in dealing with people. One of the first lessons I learned in retail is that if a customer claims they had a bad experience in the store, then it was a bad experience, period. It's not, oh she's just being a Karen or dramatic, it's her perception of her time that makes or breaks the store's reputation. I am not here to say that you thinking this white horse is Christ is wrong or right, but to provide you with information so you can make the decision yourself and maybe if you don't agree you can contact me and let me know how you see it. I don't argue religion. Your belief is your belief, but I do like discussing it.

I have to go for now, but the question of the week is who do you think this white horse represents? Or does it even represent anything at all? Is it just allegory, or events that will actually come to pass? Until next week, keep on walking!

Rebecca