Who are they that compose the armies with Christ at Armageddon?

By Rev. Bill Lee-Warner

The "armies" with Christ at the battle of Armageddon are thought to be either: (1) angels or, (2) the Bride of Christ.

Those who believe they are the Bride of Christ base their belief on the following:

A. the teaching regarding the Marriage of the Lamb immediately precedes this event, and

B. the description of this army - "...in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean..." is similar to the description given of the saints (bond-servants [19:5]) at the marriage of the Lamb

Those who believe the army is the angels of God base their belief on:

A. the elect are never referred to as an army with Christ meting out judgment on mankind

B. it is inconceivable that the "wife" of the Lamb would enter a battle immediately after her wedding

C. angels are described in scripture as wearing linen (cf. Daniel and Revelation)

D. throughout Revelation and in the teaching of Jesus (Matt. 13:39, 41; 24:31; Mk. 13:27) angels are carrying out the purposes of God

E. the apostle Paul tells us that angels serve with Christ in end-time events (II Thess. 1:7)

Therefore, it seems probable that the armies referred to in Revelation 19:14 are angels.