First Seal: The Antichrist

The Antichrist riding a white horse is a counterfeit of Jesus riding a white horse (Rev. 19:11).

2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. (Rev. 6:2)

White Horse: the horse speaks of speed and strength and white symbolizes righteousness. The Antichrist’s reign will initially appear righteous and helpful to the nations.

Crown: a symbol of authority over the nations. He will rise suddenly to a place of international authority. Satan and the Antichrist are both described as having crowns (Rev. 12:2; 13:1-2, 7).

Arrowless bow: the Antichrist’s authority will initially increase without any bloodshed. The arrow is an ancient symbol of war that speaks of striking ones enemies from a distance. This rider is pictured as ready to go to war with a bow in hand on a horse. However, since the bow does not have arrows it is understood as a ‘threat of war without war actually breaking out’.

Initially his conquests will be peaceful by using deceptive diplomacy without bloodshed. He will privately threaten international leaders with war while being seen publicly to accomplish his agenda by peaceful means. He uses a sword which strikes up close and causes bloodshed.

Conquering: the Antichrist will have a series of successful conquests unprecedented in history. He will initially conquer only in the political and economical arenas. It will escalate to military aggression that will result in a world war (second seal) leading to a devastating economic crisis and then worldwide famine (third seal). For 3½ years he will seem to be invincible (Rev. 13:4).

Given: his power is given to him. The Antichrist receives his authority first from God, then from Satan (Rev. 13:2) as well as kings who will voluntarily give their authority to him (Rev. 17:17). The phrase “is given” is used 22 times in Revelation. The Two Witnesses, the Antichrist, angels and demons are given authority from God (Rev. 6:11; 7:2; 8:2; 9:1, 3, 5; 11:2-3; 12:14; 13:1-18).

5 And he (Antichrist) was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months…7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation…15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast... (Rev. 13:5, 7, 15)

The Antichrist does not take God by surprise. He is part of the Father’s plan. It is by God’s decree that the Antichrist will be given a specific sphere to operate in for 3½ years to show himself to Israel as their Messiah as Jesus did. Jesus has all authority over all the nations. The Antichrist is God’s tool of judgment on apostate Israel and on wicked nations (Zech. 11:16-17).
18 Jesus spoke saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Mt. 28:18)

1 There is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. (Rom. 13:1)