As John describes the events going on in heaven, we see Jesus Christ step forward, the only being in the entire universe, qualified to receive the scroll and break its seven seals. Halleluyah! He receives the scroll and breaks the first seal, the effect, is felt not only in heaven, but on the earth. The effect is the appearance of a rider on a white horse. "As I watched, the Lamb broke the first of the seven seals on the scroll. Then I heard one of the four living beings say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” I looked up and saw a white horse standing there. Its rider carried a bow, and a crown was placed on his head. He rode out to win many battles and gain the victory." Revelation 6:1-2 NLT. Revelation chapter 6 is actually the beginning of 21 judgements that will come upon the earth. The 21 judgements are divided into 3 sets; 7 seals, 7 trumpets and 7 vials or bowls. The breaking of the 7th seal ushers in 7 trumpets judgements, while the blowing of the 7th trumpet ushers in the 7 vials judgements. It is vital to pay particular attention to the events of the first seal because it gives us an opportunity to understand all that is about to happen and to situate it in time. The seal reveals a rider on a white horse mirroring another rider on a white horse in Revelation 19. The rider on the white horse in Revelation 19 is specifically named as Christ himself. The rider of this white horse is nameless, he is a deceiver and a pretender, it is the Antichrist himself. He is carrying a bow without arrows, this meaning he will have the capacity for warfare but will instead portray himself as a man of peace. A crown was placed on his head means his authority is not his, it was given to him. We will see his power given to him in Revelation 13 where the great dragon, satan himself, gives his authority and power to the antichrist who is depicted here as the beast. Lastly, "he rides out to win many battles and gain the victory." This means he is going to win, however people pray and try to struggle against him, they will not be able to defeat the antichrist. He is a master of deception, and exceptional at getting results. I believe that understanding the events and timing of the appearance of the antichrist, the rider on the white horse which is usually a symbol of peace, is the key to understanding the endtimes. Secondly, because we also know that the antichrist will not reveal himself until after the church is raptured, and that his appearing starts all of the judgements, understanding when and how he manifests is a crucial lesson if you like me are preparing not to miss the rapture.
