In a time of unprecedented turmoil and crisis that has engulfed the entire planet, a magnificent horse is mounted by its rider and begins its historic world-changing gallop towards Earth.

The moment is described in the Book of Revelation. Though most Bible students focus on the destructive rides of the first four horsemen of chapter 6, this great fifth horseman signifies a promising future and heralds a far better age to come.

Jesus Christ, rides onto the world stage to wage a final, righteous war with the nations gathered at Jerusalem. “Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war” (Revelation 19:11).

Like the first horseman of Revelation 6, Christ sits astride a white horse. This image in both places symbolises conquest, but unlike the first rider, Jesus comes with truth, power and great glory. The only real peace will be brought by the hand of God through the ride of the fifth horseman of Revelation.

The terrifying first four horsemen are identified as the first four of seven seals opened by Jesus Christ, and describe the destruction caused by 1) false religion, 2) war, 3) famine and 4) pestilence.

Why does all this horror and war will come on the earth, and where will it lead? In Ezekiel 18:23-30, God states, “Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? … and not that he should turn from his ways and live? ...Therefore I will judge you … , every one according to his ways … Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin.”

God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked and wants us to live righteously and enjoy the blessings of obedience. But when the way of man becomes too wicked, a terrifying time of righteous judgment is prophesied symbolised by the four horsemen of revelation and the rest of the seven seals.

Thankfully God is not done with us, and sends His Son, the Christ, to save us from our own destruction, and take us into a glorious future.