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The innocent betrothed dressed in white and the experienced mistress dressed in scarlet, not a fair contest when it comes to seducing a man. On the other hand, this isn’t just any man, this is the Rider of the white horse. He will choose. He cannot be seduced.

Among the very words of the Book of Revelation I have discovered a contest involving two women and a man. Their colors are red and white. Compare these passages for instance: 17:1-3 with 21:9-10, also 17:5 with 19:16, also 18:16 with 19:8, 14. It seems as if the mistress mocks and the bride-to-be is vindicated by the very same sets of words. It took me many readings of the book before I even noticed, and many more readings to locate so many parallels. For me, reading the Revelation is like entering into the mind of God, so repeated readings only excite me more.

There are two "red" words in the Greek of Revelation, meaning "fiery" and "scarlet." They are connected with killing (6:4), the dragon/serpent/Devil/Satan who persecutes and pursues the woman in white (12:3,9,13), the creature the woman rides and the color she wears (17:3-4), and her fine linen clothes (18:16).

There are also two "white" words in the Greek of Revelaiton, meaning "white" and "shining."

The word for "white" is connected with a vision of Christ (1:14), overcoming (2:17; 3:4-5), getting rid of shame (3:18), golden crowns (4:4), conquering and rest (6:2, 11) a multitude praising God (7:9,13-14); a cloud chariot (14:14), victor’s horses and clothes (19:11, 14), and the great throne of God (20:11).

The word for "shining" is connected with angels (15:6), what can’t be found with the woman in red (18:14), and the bride’s fine linen clothes (19:8).

It surely is clear to me which one I’d choose. And I think that reading the Book of Revelation will help me know God’s mind and choose as He would even if the contest seems unfair.

What is the Book of Revelation for me? Read, quite, . . . and true!