Revelation 19:11 says, “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.” This verse describes Jesus Christ returning on a white horse, and he is given the name “Faithful and True.” This name is significant because it highlights two key attributes of Christ’s character that are powerfully displayed in his second coming.
1. Faithful
Calling Jesus “Faithful” in Revelation 19:11 emphasizes his trustworthiness and reliability. Throughout Scripture, Jesus proved himself to be consistently faithful in fulfilling God’s promises and carrying out his mission of salvation. Revelation uses this name “Faithful” to remind readers that Jesus remains unwaveringly dependable. As he returns to judge the world and defeat evil, he does so as the Faithful One who will make good on all of God’s plans and purposes.
Some key examples of Jesus’ faithfulness that likely stand behind his name in Revelation 19:
- He faithfully obeyed the Father and accomplished the work God gave him (John 17:4).
- He remained faithful unto death on the cross, securing salvation for humanity (Philippians 2:8).
- He was faithful as the founder and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
- He faithfully fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah (2 Corinthians 1:20).
- He is a faithful high priest who intercedes for his people (Hebrews 2:17).
- He is faithful to forgive sins when confessed (1 John 1:9).
This track record of demonstrated faithfulness provides assurance that Jesus will continue to be faithful in keeping his future promises. No promise of God will fail, because Jesus himself is Faithful. His faithfulness endures forever (Psalm 119:90). The name emphasizes he can be trusted to do exactly what Scripture says he will do when he returns.
2. True
Not only is Jesus called Faithful in Revelation 19:11, but also “True.” This indicates his actions are characterized by truth, integrity, and purity. Christ lives up to the true, perfect nature of God. He never acts falsely, deceitfully, or in an unrighteous manner.
Jesus proven himself to be True in several respects:
- He is the Truth (John 14:6), who revealed true knowledge about God’s character and plan.
- He is true God in human flesh (1 John 5:20).
- He only spoke truth (John 8:40).
- His judgments are true and just (Revelation 16:7).
This attribute of truthfulness means Christ genuinely is who Scripture says he is. He does not misrepresent himself or act contrary to his holy character. As the True One, Jesus comes in the fullness of his divine identity as the Son of God and executes judgment in complete righteousness.
3. Faithful and True Together
These twin names and attributes provide a significant description of Jesus Christ as he returns in Revelation 19:11. Together, the names Faithful and True communicate the trustworthiness and genuineness of Christ’s character. He demonstrates both unwavering reliability and perfect integrity in his actions.
As one commentator explains, “The Faithful and True One stands by his promises and is perfectly reliable to carry them out.”
Another states: “As Messiah executes judgment, He is perfectly consistent with His own nature as revealed in Scripture. Christ is faithful to His Word and promises. He is true to Himself and His own character.”
No matter how chaotic the world becomes, believers can take comfort in knowing Jesus Christ will remain Faithful and True. He will return exactly as Scripture says, and execute righteousness judgment to defeat evil.
4. Contrast with the Enemy
Notably, these names stand in contrast to the deceitful enemy Jesus conquers at his return – Satan. Revelation often presents Satan as the opposite of Christ in character and actions:
- Jesus has the “key of David” while Satan has the “key to the bottomless pit” (Revelation 3:7, 9:1).
- Jesus is the “Lion of Judah” while Satan is the “ancient serpent” (Revelation 5:5, 12:9).
- Saints overcome Satan by the “blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 12:11).
So also here, Christ’s names Faithful and True oppose the devil’s character. Satan is deceitful, unreliable, and destined to be defeated. But Jesus comes as Faithful and True to make good on his victorious promises over evil.
The name reminds believers that Jesus can be trusted to prevail over Satan’s lies and destruction. Even when the world seems out of control, the Faithful and True One has the final victory.
5. Connection to Old Testament Background
The names Revelation uses for Christ often have Old Testament background tying them to promises about the Messiah. It’s likely “Faithful and True” also connects back to the Old Testament.
For example, the servant songs of Isaiah describe God’s Messiah this way: “The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of disciples, that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. The Lord GOD has opened My ear; and I was not disobedient nor did I turn back” (Isaiah 50:4-5). Jesus proved himself faithful as the suffering servant who listened to God’s voice and obeyed.
The Messiah is also prophesied to be a king of righteousness and faithfulness: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of joy above Your fellows.” (Psalm 45:6-7). Jesus fulfilled this as the Faithful and True king.
So Revelation’s description of Christ draws on Old Testament prophesies about the Messiah’s character, which Jesus proved true in his first coming. The Faithful and True One now returns to fully accomplish these promises.
6. Connection to Earlier Chapters in Revelation
Within the book of Revelation itself, these names connect back to other passages describing Christ and his return:
- Revelation 1:4-5 refers to Christ as the “faithful witness.” As he returns in chapter 19, he has proven himself faithful through his life, death, and resurrection.
- Revelation 3:14 calls Christ “The Amen, the faithful and true Witness.” This closely connects to the name “Faithful and True” used again in Revelation 19.
- Revelation 15:3 celebrates the truth and justice of God’s ways, right before the final judgments are poured out leading up to Christ’s return in chapter 19.
So within Revelation, these attributes of Jesus are mentioned multiple times. His second coming shows him continuing to be Faithful and True by fulfilling the promises to judge evil and redeem his people.
7. Foreshadows the Marriage Supper of the Lamb
The name Faithful and True connects closely to a key event prophesied to follow Christ’s return – the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-9). As the bridegroom, Jesus shows himself faithful to his bride, the Church. He keeps his covenant promise to be married to his people forever in perfect faithfulness.
The marriage feast also requires the Lamb to be true to his bride. Christ’s purity and holiness as the True One makes him worthy to be united to his Church. This makes the Church ready and pure as well (Revelation 19:7-8).
So Jesus fulfilling his name Faithful and True is the basis for the joyful celebration that follows his return. He keeps his promises and unites to his people in true righteousness.
8. Victory Over False Teaching
Revelation was written when false teaching threatened the early church. Calling Christ “Faithful and True” starkly contrasts him with false doctrines and myths.
Unlike myths about Roman gods, Jesus proved faithful to real historical promises. And against early gnostic heresies that denied Christ’s humanity, Revelation declares him the True incarnation of God. He is the Faithful and True One who overcomes all deception and falsehood.
This name encourages believers that Christ will triumph over any false ideologies in the world. No false teaching can undermine who he is or what he will accomplish.
9. Christ Judges Faithfully and Truly
A key action of Christ when he returns is judgment – “in righteousness he judges” (Revelation 19:11). The Faithful and True One executes judgment upon the world completely consistently with his righteous character.
His judgments are not erratic or vindictive, but faithful to his promises of justice. And his verdict is according to the true standard of God’s holiness. He judges based on truth because he himself is True.
What an encouragement that Christ has no injustice or deceit in him (Isaiah 53:9). His judgment will be trustworthy and right. He will vanquish evil and clear the world of sin based on his faithfulness and truth.
10. Christ Makes War Faithfully and Truly
The passage says the Faithful and True one “makes war” when he returns (Revelation 19:11). This depicts his conquest over the enemies of God.
Human warfare is often unjust and deceptive. But when Christ wages war against Satan and sin, he does so with perfect faithfulness to God’s cause. There is no compromise or lack of commitment in his warfare.
And Christ’s warfare has none of the cunning lies and propaganda that accompany human conflict. He wars in complete truth, honesty, and transparency before all creation. All will recognize his war is righteous judgment.
What confidence it brings that the Prince of Peace makes war in a completely Faithful and True way. His warfare brings true peace as he defeats evil and establishes justice.
11. Christ Has Faithful Followers
Not only is Christ named Faithful and True, but Revelation also describes believers who share these virtues:
- The martyred saints under the altar were “faithful unto death” (Revelation 2:10)
- The 144,000 victorious saints “follow the Lamb wherever he goes” in faithfulness (Revelation 14:4).
- The bride of Christ makes herself ready and pure to join him (Revelation 19:7).
Far from being hypocritical names for Christ, Faithful and True reflect virtues followers of Jesus are empowered to walk in. We can emulate the same faithfulness and purity by the Spirit at work in us.
The returning King finds those ready who have by grace become faithful disciples and true worshipers. They have walked in obedience to Christ to live out the gospel wholeheartedly with integrity.
12. Proper Response to the Faithful and True One
How should Christians respond to Jesus being revealed as the Faithful and True warrior and judge?
- Worship him in awe and reverence for who he is.
- Take comfort and find peace in Christ’s faithfulness and honesty amidst a deceitful world.
- Have full confidence that he will fulfill all his promises.
- Live in holiness and purity, rejecting sin.
- Walk in faithfulness by obeying his Word and following his Spirit.
- Wait eagerly for his return, knowing it will be right and true.
- Proclaim to others the truth of the gospel of Christ.
- Repent from falsehoods and seek to bear witness of the truth in word and deed.
- Trust fully in righteous judgments when he returns.
- Praise and honor him who alone is worthy as the Faithful and True Lamb upon the throne.
Conclusion
The revelation of Jesus Christ as the Faithful and True One who judges and makes war is a meaningful picture of Christ’s character and work when he returns. He will prove conclusively he is absolutely reliable to keep his promises. And everything he does will perfectly align with truth and righteousness. What assurance this brings to all believers. The Faithful and True One will make all things right and new to bring glory to God and abundant life to his people.