The Bible teaches that when Jesus Christ returns, He will be riding on a white horse. This imagery is found in Revelation 19:11-16:
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. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
There are a few key reasons why Jesus will return on a white horse:
1. The white horse symbolizes purity and righteousness
The color white often represents purity, righteousness, and holiness in the Bible (e.g. Revelation 19:8). As the perfectly sinless Son of God, Jesus embodies these qualities. Returning on a white horse is a striking visual reminder that He is the pure, spotless Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).
2. The white horse represents victory
In the ancient world, generals and kings would ride white horses in triumphal processions after victorious military campaigns. The white steed was a symbol of conquest over enemies. When Jesus returns, He will be completing His ultimate triumph over Satan, sin, and death. Riding a white horse proclaims Christ’s supreme authority as the conquering King of Kings.
3. The horse signifies strength and force
A mighty horse bearing a royal rider is an image of power, speed, and force. As Jesus returns to judge evil and establish His kingdom once and for all, He will come with divine authority, backed by the full might of heaven’s armies. The white horse underscores that the returning Christ has irresistible strength to accomplish His purposes.
4. The horse was a symbol of war
In Scripture, horses are associated with war, as they were prime instruments of ancient warfare. The book of Revelation portrays Jesus returning to wage war against God’s enemies, including the beast, the false prophet, and all evildoers who oppose Him. His riding a horse indicates He is prepared for battle and will be victorious over all ungodly forces.
5. It connects Jesus with the Four Horsemen
Earlier in Revelation 6, four figures ride out on colored horses bringing judgment and disaster. Jesus on a white horse seems to deliberately contrast with and counter those destructive riders. If they represent plague, war, famine and death, Christ represents righteousness, peace, prosperity, and life. His horse associates Him with the Horsemen while showing He has greater power.
6. The horse was used for royal processions
The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday foreshadowed His future return as King. He rode into the city on a donkey to public acclaim and expectation that He would reign. His prophesied second coming will fulfill this coronation scene, with Christ proclaimed as ruler over all.
7. The white horse carries messianic meaning
The rabbis taught that if Israel was worthy, the Messiah would come gently, riding on a donkey. If unworthy, He would arrive on a war horse. Jesus fulfilled the donkey prophecy at His first coming (Luke 19:35-38). The white stallion depicts Him executing the judgment side at His second coming, as King and Divine Warrior.
8. The horse represents speed and urgency
Horses offered the fastest mode of transportation in the ancient world. The white horse conveys that Christ’s return will be swift and speedy. It will transpire suddenly like “a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2). This fits Jesus’ warning to be prepared at all times for His coming.
9. It is a heavenly mode of transportation
The rider is described as “Faithful and True” and the armies with Him are angels clothed in fine white linen (Revelation 19:14). This implies the horse itself comes from heaven, not earth. The glorified Christ will be fittingly mounted upon a heavenly creature as He descends from the skies.
10. It is intended as dramatic, vivid imagery
More than anything, Revelation features apocalyptic literature rich in symbolism. The striking portrait of the conquering Messiah riding a white horse is primarily intended to be dramatic, powerful imagery. It conveys truths about Christ’s character and His coming in a memorable, gripping vision.
The stunning image of Jesus returning on a white horse gives us a glimpse of His glory, purity, authority and power when He comes again to fulfill God’s perfect plans. This magnificent vision in Revelation points to the climactic ending of the great spiritual battle between good and evil. When Christ comes as Promised King and Judge, He will defeat His enemies, rid the world of sin and suffering, and usher in His everlasting Kingdom of righteousness and peace.
