Just got through this thread and it has some thought provoking information. I think Revelation 6:2 is pretty clear on the rider being on the white horse with just a bow/no arrows (comes in peace), but he conquers (a politician). He will also deceive many people who will think he is the messiah, especially when you compare 6:2 to 19:11. I think this shows that he will be the antichrist and not the beast system or something else. At least it is good enough for me to believe.
[Rev 6:2 KJV]
2 And I saw, and
behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and
a crown was given unto him: and he went forth
conquering, and to conquer.
[Rev 19:11 KJV] 11 And I saw heaven opened,
and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called
Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth
judge and make war.
Next, Dan 2:44 was brought up as evidence that the Church will still be here during the Tribulation, or at least the early stages of the Tribulation. I am not sure about this one.
[Dan 2:44 KJV]
44 And
in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, [but] it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
It is an interesting speculation but I think it makes more sense as God building His Millennial Kingdom because the Jews are in the process of drawing closer to belief in the Messiah (Ez 37). Also the Church has already been here for at least 2000 years so why would God just start to "set up" His kingdom during the Tribulation? This doesn't make sense to me.
[Eze 37:4-10 KJV]
4 Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.
5 Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:
6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.
7 So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.
8 And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but [there was] no breath in them.
9 Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.
10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.
Anyways, we are definitely getting close!