ENDTIME insights

Heavenly Victory in the Great Tribulation

The Bible warns us that a powerful world government will arise in the final days of man’s dominion on Earth, led by a demonic dictator—the Antichrist—who will be possessed by Satan. The last three and a half years of his rule will be a time that the Bible calls the “Great Tribulation” (Matthew 24:21; Revelation 7:14). This Antichrist government will use a universal electronic monetary system to try to cause everybody to come under the control of the Antichrist, because no one will be able to buy or sell without a personal account number, which the Bible calls the “mark of the Beast” (Revelation 13:16–18), on his hand or forehead. An image (idol) of the Antichrist will also be set up, and those who refuse to worship the image will be killed (Revelation 13:14–15).

But God’s people will refuse to worship the Antichrist or receive his mark, and God will take care of them! (Revelation 12:6,14). Although some Christians will die as martyrs, the Antichrist will not be able to overcome them spiritually. The Lord says, “And they”—the Christians—“overcame him [the Antichrist] by the blood of the Lamb [Jesus] and by the word of their testimony; and they did not love their lives to the death” (Revelation 12:11).

God’s Word also promises that during this time “the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits,” and that “those of the people who understand shall instruct many” (Daniel 11:32–33). In those days many will be seeking the truth and a way out of their desperate situations, and those who know the Lord and understand His Word will be able to explain to them what’s happening. Those in the know will lead others to God till the very end.

The Lord has also promised to come to His people’s defense. Revelation chapters 8 and 9 talk about horrific plagues that God will send to punish the wicked and thwart most of their attempts to hurt His people. The Lord is also going to give many of those who believe in Him miraculous powers to defend themselves, survive, proclaim the truth, and lead others to Him right up till His return (Revelation 11:3–6).