Yes, I do believe each are symbolic. If you notice each horseman is seen by John followed by what they represent. Therefore I think it's safe to conclude John actually saw each horse followed by the explanation of the event the horse represents. I think what's important about each horse is the color, followed by the explanation of what event comes about after the horse is seen by John.
The problem is not realizing the color of each horse. The horses themselves are symbolic of power. When it comes to the white horse nothing is said of the rider except that he had a bow, a crown, and went forth conquering and to conquer.
Yes...this is Christ after conquering sin and death. Hebrews 1 is a lynchpin!
You should relate Zechariah 6 as well as Zechariah 1. I think each passage is clear these horses represent something...that is why explanation follows after they are seen, so we understand each horse is an event that represents what God is doing. Each horse is symbolic of the event , which is accomplished by God's angels/prophets/servants.
The point is that we know we are called the body of Christ as believers. Obviously we are not literally Christ, therefore this is symbolism of Christ indwelling us by the Holy Spirit. In a vision are things seen. Revelation is loaded with things seen, that are further explained to show what that which is seen, means...therefore it is symbolism. In Revelation 1:1 it says Jesus "sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John, who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw." The word "communicated" is the Greek word sēmainō, which means to give a sign. The KJV says "and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John"...this means the method by which Revelation is written is in signs and symbols, which I believe is the method by which one can understand Revelation. All throughout Revelation John looks, sees something, which is followed by explanation which tells what that which he saw means.
I think my answers above answer this portion. Revelation cannot be understood without the OT prophets. Much of it is rooted in their prophecy
Thank you. We're all continually learning when it comes to God's word!
