The Revelation of Jesus Christ - The Herald

opened to His spiritual vision, the Divine benediction, represented in the Holy Spirit of
peace and truth symbolized by the dove, abiding on Him. In the case of Stephen the
opening of the heavenly expanse was designed to comfort him and to show him that he
had the approval of the One who sits at the right hand of God. In the case of St. Peter, the
meaning is that the revelation made to him in the vision had its origin in heaven. In the
case of St. John (Rev. 4:1) the same thought is brought out, that the Revelation visions then
to be given to him were from God.
The opening of the heavens and the sudden appearance of the white horse and his rider is
like these other incidents, a vision. The design of the vision is evidently to represent the
manifestation of Christ at His Second Advent to the whole world, riding forth as a mighty
conqueror in majesty and glory. It would represent, therefore, that Christ's mission to
earth is to be a heavenly, Divine one; and the symbolic surroundings connected with the
personage determine in addition that His mission is one of awful judgments, these
judgments to be executed upon God's enemies.
"And behold a white horse"
We inquire next, What is the symbolical significance of the white horse? The horse is
employed in Job 39:19-25; Prov. 21:31; Zech. 10:3 as a symbol of war, conquest and victory,
or triumph. A white horse is used in both triumphal and bridal processions; and thus
employed would denote victory and purity.
The rider of the horse is said to be called, "Faithful and True." (Ver. 11.) We are reminded
of the fact that this was one of the names or titles Christ applies to Himself in the message
to the Church of Laodicea. (Rev. 3:14.) The attributes here referred to--"faithful and true,"
are peculiarly appropriate to Christ, and particularly as they apply to this judgment vision.
In these judgment acts He shows His faithfulness in delivering the Church from all its
enemies, and His truthfulness in fulfilling the promises given her.
"In righteousness He judges and makes war." (Ver. 11.) The teaching is simply that all
these acts of judgment that will be executed will be righteous, just punishments; that the
war that He institutes and engages in, unlike all other wars, which are largely incited by
ambitious men, made in most instances for the purpose of conquest, has for its object the
furtherance of righteousness, and is for the good of all; and it is to this end that this great
destruction of evil men and systems is accomplished.
"His eyes were as a flame of fire." (Ver. 12.) The meaning seems to be that His eyes were
bright, sharp and penetrating, indicating Christ's ability to penetrate into the very
thoughts, motives and purposes of men. We speak sometimes of a fiery look or glance,
which is indicative of just indignation at willful disobedience and sin. "His eyes like a
flame of fire tell us in symbol that our Master is all-seeing, omniscient; that He is not
deceived by outward forms or ceremonies, but can and does read every thought and intent
of the heart." Another commentator on this verse has said: