Taken from a Commentary on Revelation by James A. Fowler

" The rider of the white horse is masquerading as a pure and righteous victor. The victorious commanders of the marauding armies of old would return to their country or city riding a white stallion/steed as the symbol of self-justified victory. Jesus purposefully did just the opposite. Riding to victory in the "triumphal entry" into Jerusalem, Jesus rode on a donkey to show that His power and victory was not like that of the physical world, explaining "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36). Religionists, on the other hand, disguise themselves as "servants of righteousness" (II Cor. 11:15) as they are led by Satan who "disguises himself as an angel of light" (II Cor. 11:14). The history of religion is replete with their carrying weapons of military violence and their constant clamoring after crowns (as evidenced by the papal crown in Roman Catholicism). Religion goes forth "to conquer" (6:2). The Greek word used of the "conquering" activity of the rider of the white horse is nike. This is the same root word that was employed in reference to the Nicolaitans (2:6,15), describing religionists who "conquer the people." Religion seeks to conquer the people by whatever means possible in order to build their own "kingdom" and "empire." Constantine is perhaps the prime example of this religious tendency, allegedly having seen a "cross" in the sky and heard a voice saying, "By this sign conquer!" By the self-justified reasoning of "conquering by the cross" religion has conducted militaristic crusades and violent inquisitions throughout history. Religion is deaf to the words, "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts" (Zech. 4:6)." ~James A. Fowler~