Revelation 19:14; Clothed in Fine Linen, White and Clean

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Revelation 19:14 (KJV)  And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 

The fine linen was explained in the verses preceding. It is “the righteousness of saints.” Therefore these armies are saints, and not angels, as some have supposed. Those who share the kingdom with Christ are everywhere called “the righteous,” and these have the apparel of the righteous, even that with which it was given the Bride to be clothed. Long ago, referring to this very scene, the Psalmist in Psalm 58:11 sung, Psalm 58:11 (KJV)  So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth. 

They reign with the mighty Conqueror after the battle; and so they share in the battle and triumph which bring the Kingdom. 1 Corinthians 6:2 (KJV)  Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 

They wear no armour. They are immortal, and cannot be hurt; and they are not the executors of this vengeance. It is Christ’s own personal victory, in accordance with the Apostolic declaration , that “for this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the Devil.” (1 John 3:8). He bears the only sword, and He alone uses it. He treadeth the winepress alone. Those who accompany Him in the scene of conflict therefore need no weapons. The sword of the great Captain is enough. Their defence is in Him, and their victory is in Him. They follow up the achievements of His sword. They ride through the blood it causes to flow. They “wash their feet in” it for it is up to the horses’ bridles. But it is David who slays Goliath, and the hosts of God’s Israel have only to follow up the mighty triumph, shouting their songs along the path of the victory. When the wicked are cut off, they shall see it; they shall diligently consider the place of the wicked, and it shall not be; but the meek shall inherit the earth, and delight themselves in the abundance of peace (Psalm 37:10, 11, 14).

Psalm 37:10-11 (KJV)  For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. 

Psalm 37:14 (KJV)  The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.