Four-fold Reference to Evil Men Fighting Christ:

1. … “For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” (Rev. 16:14). (Emphasis added).
2. … ”These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is the Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” (Rev. 17:14). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.” (Rev. 19:19). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.” (Rev. 19:21). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: All four of these verses distinctly indicate how evil mankind has become during the Tribulation. Men literally are so debased and deceived, to think that they can fight against Christ (him that sits on a horse) … and win. All four verses are in direct reference to the battle of Armageddon and The Day of the Lord. There is no mistake, the beast – earthly kings – earthly armies all gather to “make war” against Christ at the return of his second coming to earth. Interestingly, Christ uses a particular military tactic. Once a main battle is over, a victorious army sweeps through the battlefield looking for their own dead soldiers, those who are injured and need medical assistance, to take out any pockets of hidden enemy resistance, to look for prisoners, etc. After the battle of Armageddon, Christ sweeps through the battlefield and literally destroys the evil remnant of men who were not killed during the main battle. Christ does not take any evil man prisoner. There are no prisoners. Christ’s wrath is complete and thorough. There will be no prisoner of war camps, no hope of rescue, no care packages, no love letters from families back home. Christ’s wrath is complete at the battle of Armageddon! As with many battles over history, the carnage is so great that scavenger birds gorge on dead men until they can’t eat anymore.

It bears repeating that on The Day of the Lord, the Lamb (Jesus Christ) brings with him those who “are called, and chosen and faithful.” These are redeemed men, the Bride of Christ, those who were raptured prior to the Tribulation and those who were dead in Christ at the time of the rapture/harpazo. These who are called, chosen and faithful have already received their glorified bodies (or else they could not be in the physical presence of Christ during his second return). They have already participated in the marriage super and bema seat judgement. The presence of the glorified, redeemed men in Christ’s army clearly indicate and logically support the pre-tribulation rapture of the Church or Bride of Christ. If the rapture were to take place after the battle of Armageddon or at the beginning of the Millennial Kingdom, who then are those who “are called, and chosen, and faithful” that accompany Christ on his glorious return? A heavenly army of teenage mutant ninja turtles, clones from star wars, the avengers? Seriously, the army of heaven that accompanies Christ is not some rag-tag band of mercenaries. They are called to be in his army, they are chosen to be in his army, and they are described as being faithful.

Other verses throughout the Bible refer to those redeemed and forgiven by the shedding of Christ’s blood and his resurrection, as also being called, chosen and faithful. If God’s word in the Bible is consistent (which it is), then it is logical to understand that those who are “called, chosen and faithful” of verse 17:14 as being the army of redeemed, glorified men from the pre-tribulation rapture. It is Christ who has the power over his enemies. Our participation and attendance in his army serves two purposes; one, to give him glory and two, to serve as a testimony to the evil world that Christ’s redemptive word and offer of salvation was true. Those of us who will be in his army (it might be all of us), serve as manifested, physical evidence resulting from the word of God and the promises made by Christ during his ministry from over the past 2,000 years. I would rather peel potatoes in Christ’s heavenly army, than be a 5 Star General in an earthly army.