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“After that I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse [appeared]! The One Who was riding it is called Faithful (Trustworthy, Loyal, Incorruptible, Steady) and True, and He passes judgment and wages war in righteousness (holiness, justice, and uprightness)” (Revelation 19:11 AMPC).
While it may not seem obvious from our text, this passage marks a watershed moment in human history, for this is the point where Jesus steps forward to begin making everything right. Consider the descriptive terms given to us here in Revelation 19:11-14…
Verse eleven:
- “[A] white horse.” This serves as a symbol of victory and purity.
- “He who sat on him was called Faithful and True.” His character is reliable, trustworthy, and genuine.
- “In righteousness He judges and makes war.” All His actions are fair and equitable, even the battles He undertakes.
Verse twelve:
- “His eyes were like a flame of fire.” Fire can be warm and comforting, or painful and destructive. Much the same can be said of our experience with Christ, depending on whether we embrace Him in faith, or dismiss Him in unbelief.
- “On His head were many crowns.” These are the crowns of a king who holds a position of authority. The fact He wears many crowns suggests that He is a person of supreme authority.
- “He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.” Perhaps the best way to interpret this reference is to say that no one comprehends Jesus completely except Himself. We will never run out of things to discover about Jesus, for He the only one who knows all there is to know about Himself.
Verse thirteen:
- “He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood.” This might refer to the blood Christ shed at the time of His crucifixion, along with the events that preceded it.
- “His name is called The Word of God.” This offers a direct association with Jesus, as He is described in John 1:1-2: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.”
Verse fourteen:
- “And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.” This reference to white, clean linen coincides with verse eight, where God’s people were likened to a bride who was arrayed in the same manner. Their vantage point will enable them to bear witness to the greatest military victory in human history.
We’ll continue with this list of attributes from the following verses next.