Apostle John talks about a rider on a white horse. The book of Revelation is filled with visions of what is to come, but this one appears towards the end. Bible readers have been conflicted as to who is referenced to be on the White Horse. Many want to understand, “Will Jesus return on a white horse?”
Scholars suggest that Jesus will return on a white horse. Revelation 19:11 implies that at the end of the tribulation, Jesus will return to earth with His saints. The book of Revelation is filled with symbolism, and the one who sits on the white Horse symbolizes Jesus as speculated in other texts throughout the Bible.
What does a white horse mean in the Bible? Where in the Bible does it say Jesus would come back on a white horse? Does Jesus have a white horse in Heaven? Read on to get answers to these and more questions.
What does a white horse mean in the Bible?
The White Horse is not mentioned once but twice in the book of Revelation. Revelation 6:2, “I looked, and there was a white horse. Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown. He rode out as a conqueror to conquer.” Some bible readers have identified this rider as Jesus Christ in the first seal. The seals here represent judgment. Biblical scholars, however, argue that the rider of this Horse isn’t Jesus but a demonic messiah. The White Horse is part of the four horses of the apocalypse. Others are black, red, and pale. Though there is still confusion on who the rider is, it is clear that the white Horse means victory as its rider is speculated to be a conqueror.
The second mention of the White Horse is in Revelation 19:11. This is among the last of Apostle John’s visions. The white Horse here represents the final victory. It marks the end of the tribulation and signifies that the rider is a triumphant conqueror. White horses were used by Roman generals to draw their chariots into the cities they had conquered. Jesus Christ rides the white Horse to show that he has triumphed.
Is Jesus returning on a white horse to be interpreted literally?
When it comes to the return of Jesus, biblical scholars agree that it will be as literal as suggested in the book of Revelation. Apostle John, as his words speculate, saw Heaven open, and there was a white horse. Most of his visions constituted symbolic objects like crowns and seals, but the events were real. So in Jesus’ return on a white horse, the white Horse is symbolic, but the return is not.
Revelation 1:19, “Write, then, the things you see, both the things that are now and the things that will happen afterward.” The Bible implies that the visions of John were things that were happening and things that were to come. This makes it certain that Jesus will indeed return on a white horse as he will have conquered evil and emerged victorious.
What does the white Horse in revelation symbolize?
The White Horse is mentioned twice in the book of Revelation. The first mention has been subjected to a lot of contradictory interpretations. Some Bible readers have assumed that it is Jesus Christ implied in the text, while biblical scholars argue that it is a demonic messiah. However, the second mention is as clear as day, and biblical scholars agree on the meaning.
The first white Horse is mentioned in Revelation 6:2 and is among the four horses of the apocalypse whose riders cause discourse on earth. They come to cause tribulation and test the faith of humans. The rider is implied to have come to conquer in search of victory. The second white Horse is mentioned in Revelation 19:11. It is ridden by one who is called Faithful and True. The Bible implies that the rider is Jesus Christ. He comes as the final and true conqueror. This Horse symbolizes the final victory. Instead of the victory of the rider of the first Horse, Jesus Christ emerges triumphant. The book of Revelation generally uses the white Horse to symbolize victory.
Where in the Bible does it say Jesus would come back on a white horse?
Revelation 19:11-13, “Then I saw Heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness, he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.”
The Bible implies that the one who is to return is called the Word of God. John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” the scripture speculates the existence of the Word, which was with God and was God. John 1:14 further implies that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Who else is the Word if not Jesus?
Therefore he who comes back on a white horse and is called the Word of God has to be non-other than Jesus Christ.
Does Jesus have a white horse in Heaven?
The Bible speculates that Apostle John saw the return of Jesus on a white horse. Though the Bible does not detail whether Jesus has a white horse in Heaven, many Biblical scholars assume so. In John’s vision, Heaven opened, and a white horse appeared. This implies that the white Horse came from Heaven, where Jesus is, as suggested in Luke 24:51. What is not certain is if the white Horse has been in Heaven during the time of Jesus’ ministry on earth and at the time of His ascension.
So what we know is that Jesus is in Heaven, where the white Horse appeared from. Since the Bible does not explicitly say that Jesus has a white horse in Heaven, we can only assume it is so from the information that is available in the scripture.
Who are the armies of Heaven in white horses?
Revelation 19:14, “The armies of heaven followed him, riding on white horses and dressed in clean white linen.” The Bible implies that on the day of Jesus’ return, he will be followed by an army in white linen. This army has been mentioned several times in the Bible, and it is composed of angels and people in Heaven. The Bible speculates that people like Enoch and Elijah are in Heaven. They were without sin and were taken to Heaven without passing through death. They, together with the angles are who constitute the army. They are referred to as saints as suggested in 1 Thessalonians 3:13 “So that he may establish your heart blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.”
Other verses that reference the armies of Heaven are Matthew 25:31, Zechariah 14:5, and 2 Thessalonians 1:7.
From the Bible, the armies of Heaven have been mentioned even in the Old Testament, and the book of revelation only proves right what has always been known. People in Heaven are part of the armies together with the angels.
References
Why is Jesus going to return on a white horse?
Revelation 19:11 – Verse-by-verse Bible Commentary
The four horses of the apocalypse
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
