“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
These scriptures in Chapter 6 align with Jesus’ Word in Matthew 24. Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many.” (Matthew 24:4-5) “And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people.” (Matthew 24:11) This first seal introduces the antichrist onto the scene as a rider of a white horse. This rider wears a crown although white means purity, it can also mean ‘conquering’ (When someone acknowledges that they have been conquered, they raise a white flag to show submission). A bow is a weapon which was used in conquest. This phrase ‘conquer’ is repeated, showing emphasis, and leaving no doubt, in our minds, as to what this horseman’s purpose is.
The world is going to be brought into submission by this first rider. He is a conqueror. He takes control by removing all opposition. He also takes control in order to shed blood and will deceive many with talks of peace, but he will wage war against the saints. That the rider had a bow but no arrows, and that he was honored with a crown that was freely given to him, reveals that his conquering will involve bloodless victories. His crown is a winner’s crown. He is not a real king, but has won a crown from the world for his triumphant achievements leading to world peace. He will not conquer by military force, but by deceit (2 Thessalonians 2:9–11). His conquest will be a peace won by agreement, not conflict (Daniel 9:24–27). Even as the final doom of the world approaches, Antichrist will promise a golden age of peace and prosperity. In gratitude, the world will honor him and elevate him to the position of supreme leadership. Yet his promises and the peace will be short-lived.