1–2 The stage is now set and the eschatological drama is about to begin. John watches as the Lamb himself opens the first of the seven seals. With a voice like thunder, one of the four living creatures calls out, “Come!” Suddenly a white horse bursts upon the scene. The rider holds a bow and is given a crown. He rides forth as a conqueror bent on conquest. Many scholars take the rider on the white horse to be Christ. In chapter 19 we will encounter another white horse and rider. In that