As I usually do when I touch upon the interpretation of scripture, I will again state that I am a layman and have not attended any kind of seminary. With that out of the way, I became curious about what Bible studies might say about the first horseman of Revelation — the rider of the white horse. I found that there is no real consensus view on what that rider represents, which is understandable given that the rider’s main attribute is that of a conqueror. For what it is worth, I would agree with those who say the white rider does not represent Christ. I would also favor the interpretation that the white rider in a fashion represents the Beast. My personal interpretation is that white rider represents the success of those preparing the way for the rise of the Beast. Those working to achieve their social and political agenda for a secular messianic period, are indeed conquering.
Given the ambiguity of the first horseman, we await the coming of the second horseman to confirm that the End of Days has actually begun.
While we are on the subject of the interpretation of scripture, this would be a good time to discuss the rapture. I have yet to read a strong argument that God will call up living Believers in the End of Days, however I did have one thought. After the six seal is opened, God pauses to mark 144,000 from the tribes of Israel, so that they are kept safe from the horrors that will follow. After that, in Revelation 7:9-17, we read about a great multitude, too numerous to count, of people from all over the world who are worshiping at the feet of God. We are told that these people came ‘out of the great tribulation’. Given this, I guess I would have to argue that should there be a rapture of the living Believers, then it would occur after the sixth seal. When God gives His protection of the 144,000 from the tribes of Israel, perhaps at that time, He will call up (aka rapture) the living Believers to be with Him and save them from the horrors to come. I also noticed in Revelation 14, that the 144,000 of the tribe of Israel that were marked by God are referred to. Though they are required to endure longer, God gives them a special place.
These are just some of my own thoughts on two issues, which I wanted to follow up on given that I have discussed them in the past. This is not a site for Bible study per se, so please keep that in mind.