It is beginning to dawn on Christians all over the world, that the world no longer perceives them as peaceable, but as a threat. To the saints, this unreasonable perception is very perplexing. We are living at a time in history where Christians are confronted with two opposing views regarding just who is our enemy and, for that matter, why do we have enemies anyway? Does not love triumph over hate? Do we stand up and fight against hatred and persecution, or do we roll over and take it? One aspect is the Lord’s command to love one another. Jesus taught we are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute you. And two, He also said there is no greater love than a man lay down his life for his friend. If we are to lay down our lives for our friends, how much more for our family? In the coming months and years, we’re going to have to make that decision. I would contend that it is necessary now to make that decision and not wait until being confronted. Necessity is the mother of preparation.
Great persecution is coming; indeed, it has already begun an in America no less. Having said that, however, the persecution coming will make what we are experiencing now look like a walk in the park. Jesus said if they hated ME, they will hate you. As a Christian, It won’t be long before you become reluctant even to admit you are a Christian for fear of being beaten, assaulted, or possibly killed. Actually, in today’s culture, not letting strangers know you’re a Christian is prudent, at least until you get to know them. Yet, in doing so, it creates conflict in our soul, because the Bible tells us, always be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within you.
The hate and persecution coming is intended to end our existence. It is demonic, Satanic, and unreasonable. The Bible says that the antichrist is going to make war with the Saints and will overcome them. So what is one suppose to do? Roll over and let them kill you? Actually, that’s not a bad scenario because if they do, the Bible teaches that your spirit goes to be with Jesus in heaven. I like that. But what if they want to rape my wife and daughter or my son? What then, am I going to stand by and let them? Of course not. Killing your enemy while defending oneself is Biblical. Thou shall not kill the commandment says, but what it actually means is that you are not to murder—big difference. Killing your enemy in battle is not considered murder.
So, just who is my enemy? The Bible says that if a man rejects Christ, he is God’s enemy. King David said Lord, do I not hate those that hate Thee? And God testified of David that he was a man after God’s own heart. In effect, HE was affirming that God also hates those who hate Him. Do you know how I know that? Because the Bible says, God knows the end from the beginning. He has seen the future. He knows whether a man will choose Him or reject Him, and the Bible teaches that those who reject Him He has devoted to destruction. It is a myth that God loves everybody. He does not. Yes, Jesus died for the sins of the whole world; however, it was a conditional death. Every man, woman, and child who understands the difference between right and wrong was included; however, in order to receive eternal life, the choice must be made to receive Christ as Savior or parish. Why would God love those who He knows will reject His gift of salvation despite his mercy? If HE did, it would mean He died in vain.
The book of Revelation, in one aspect, is all about Jesus’ exterminating humanity. It is necessary for Him to do so because He being a HOLY GOD is not going to allow billions of sinners of every consort to inherit His Kingdom. His Kingdom is to be one of righteousness, not one populated with sinners. In my book “UNPREPARED,” (soon to be published) I go into great detail about that. After Jesus raptures the Saints out of the tribulation, HIS wrath is going to kill by various means, all remaining humanity. Jesus said if those days were not shortened, no man would be left alive, but for the sake of the elect, those days are shortened. The Bible says few men will be left. We are HIS elect. Christians, along with the Jews, are the elect of God. The difference is they live by the law, and we live by our faith.
Now, read this passage from Revelation, chapter 13, beginning verse 7, speaking of the antichrist.
“And it was given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them; and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. 8 And all who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear. 10 If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints.”
Who gives the antichrist his power and authority? Satan is the culprit. Why would God allow Satan to do that? I will tell you. God is HOLY and just. Therefore He must allow all those who are subjected to the deception put forth by the antichrist and the false prophet be given the opportunity to choose HIM over the antichrist. Otherwise, Satan can rightfully accuse God of being unfair. To paraphrase, Jesus warns, “Ok, Satan, you have 42 months of authority over the world, and then I’m coming after you and your followers.”
Did you catch that? “If anyone has an ear, let him hear.” Jesus is emphasizing the statement. We are to understand. Jesus is telling us our enemy is the antichrist, including all those who worship and support the antichrist. The antichrist is not going to be killing his followers and supporters, or his worshippers, he’s going to be killing Christians and Jews. But hallelujah, Jesus, in the end, is going to annihilate the antichrist and all who follow and worship him. We’re talking about the remaining population of the world.
Jesus is telling us; here is what is going to get the Christian through the tribulation. Your perseverance and your faith. Your faith not to fight back, and in doing so, you will be destined for captivity, and that is better than death, or your faith and perseverance to fight. If you choose to fight, then you are likely to be killed. You will become a martyr. Either way, it is by perseverance with faith. Therefore you will be obeying God if you choose not to fight and become a prisoner or to fight and die.
Because the antichrist is given authority to perform his will for 42 months, God is not going to prevent the antichrist from killing God’s children. Indeed, that is what HE has told us the antichrist is going to do to us. We are not to fear, however. God is going to keep all His promises to us. He will guide us, hide us, nourish us, and, yes, protect us as it suits His purpose. There is no way of knowing how God will choose to use us in the tribulation. We should keep in mind, that it is HIS will that not any perish, and there will be those who have not come to Christ and have not received the mark of the beast. Those will be conflicted because of the signs and wonders. Who is going to tell them the way of salvation? We have no way of knowing how God may use us. That is why we should not try and anticipate and go our own way, but we should walk in faith; remember, He has seen our life. He knows the decisions we will make. He knows how he can use us to save yet one more soul. It may be that in the act of giving our lives in battle, a soul comes to know HIM. That is a victory for us. Remember, this is war!
As for me, I will be locked and loaded. I am prepared to lay down my life for my friends and family. How about you?
UNPREPARED End Time Ministries 