Q:  Who is the rider on the white horse in Revelation 6:2? Is he Jesus Christ or the anti‑Christ?

A: The Bible forewarns us of a disastrous seven‑year period known as the great tribulation. Although this time will begin with three and a half years of complete world peace, there is no way of describing the crushing misfortune awaiting humanity. The devastation of one tsunami or hurricane could never picture what people will experience during the latter three and a half years.

Revelation 6‑19 describes some of the demonic appearances, extreme weather patterns, diseases, wars, famines, economic failures, and mass executions. By chapter 9, life will have become so horrible that people will desire death, hoping to find relief.

Revelation 6 is a basic overview of this entire seven‑year stretch. Here God allowed John to see the four horsemen of the apocalypse.

The first horse is white and will usher in a brief time of world peace. The second is red, and he will dissolve the peace party with world war. The third is black which foretells the coming economic collapse. The fourth is ashen or pale green, and he increases death through pestilence and famine.

John wrote, “I saw a white horse and he who sat on it had a bow, and a crown was given to him; and he went out conquering,” (Rev 6:2). Daniel described this man long ago. He said in the latter days, after the transgressors have run their course, a leader skilled in intrigue will arise. He will be cunning, intelligent and eloquent. He will influence the world through deceit, but eventually destroy many while they are at ease. After briefly ruling the world he will be broken, but not by human power. (See Dan 8:23‑26.)

Note that the rider on the white horse has a bow, but no arrows. That is because he will conquer with peace, and win the hearts of the entire world. The good guys are not always mounted upon white horses. This steed is merely white for show. He is the counterfeit of Jesus Christ, known as the anti‑Christ. The crown he is wearing is a stephanos, which is what the Olympians received. It is a perishing wreath of vines and leaves, because his reign is temporary. It is not the royal diadem of a lasting king.

Have you ever known anyone who acted like your friend, but only used you up? Now you understand the deception of the coming world ruler. Your network news will introduce him as Mr. Wonderful, but he will introduce billions to hell on earth. Why not check out Romans 10:9 and introduce yourself to Jesus Christ instead. Think of all the coming attractions you’ll miss.

Matthew 24:42

Reach Pastor Huck at calvarycorner.com