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Jesus and the author of the book of 1 John warn us that an antichrist is coming. Read the details below in order to recognize the antichrist. In Matthew 24 we see Jesus' warnings that false messiahs are coming (see also Mark 13:22). In 1 John 2:18, we see an additional warning that a particular antichrist is coming. Here are 37 facts regarding the antichrist as provided by Scripture; knowing these facts will help the world to recognize the antichrist when he appears; recognizing him is important, because (a) he comes to power at the start of a final, critical 7-year period that was prophesied regarding the descendants of Jacob, and many believe that the Rapture will occur before he comes to power (see our post regarding Scriptural Support for a Pre-Tribulation Rapture for more information), and (b) to avoid eternal condemnation during the period of the Great Tribulation, people will have to refuse to worship the antichrist, and they will have to reject the mark that will be mandated by the antichrist in order to buy or sell anything (see our Letter to the Saints of the time of the Great Tribulation post to learn more): He is also called “the beast” - Rev. 17:11 He will be a national and/or international leader—like a president or king - Rev. 17:11 He will rule with 7 other leaders (as an 8th king) - Rev. 17:11 He along with the 7 other leaders, will lead a 10 nation union - Rev. 17:12 Curiously, he “was” (presumably, before around 90 AD, when the Book of Revelation was written), “is not” (at around 90 AD), and will come again - Rev. 17:8 (a parallel to Jesus). This curious description causes us to wonder whether he is a resurrected Antiochus IV Epiphanes--the Seleucid emperor, ruling over the areas now known as Iraq, Syria, Jordan and Turkey, who referred to himself as "God Manifest," outlawed the reading of the Torah and sacrificed a pig to desecrate the altar in the temple in Israel? (See https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Antiochus_IV_Epiphanes.) Or is he a resurrected Nimrod--the "mighty hunter," and founder of the first cities of the area now known as Iraq, who tradition suggests built the Tower of Babel to escape another flood from God? (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nimrod.) Or is he a resurrected Nero Ceaser--who ordered the destruction of the temple in Israel and tortured Christians? (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nero). Or perhaps the curious reference refers to modern times—to a leader who was in power, lost the power and then regained it. (Revelation 17:11 clarifies that this beast who "was, and is not" is the 8th king). He is called “the little horn” - Dan. 7:8 (just like “the little horn” in Dan. 8:9 is considered to refer to Antiochus IV Epiphanes). He will come from “the abyss”—a place that even demons fear - Rev. 17:8, Rev. 11:7, Luke 8:31 [This is indeed a curious statement; the abyss is also referred to in Scripture as the bottomless pit, so it appears that he comes back from the dead such that either (a) he dies and is somehow resurrected, (b) perhaps the antichrist is a person who becomes inhabited by an evil spirit who had previously been locked away in the bottomless pit, or (c) perhaps, more radically and less likely, the DNA of a person at that time dead is infused into another to recreate or bring back from the dead an evil person from the past.] He will strike down God’s 2 witnesses - Rev. 11:7 He will be given authority to act for 3.5 years - Rev. 13:5 He will speaks arrogantly - Dan. 7:8 He will blaspheme God and those who dwell in heaven - Rev. 13:6, Dan. 7:25 He will be given authority over everyone on earth - Rev. 13:7 He will intend to change religious festivals and laws - Dan. 7:25 He will conquer saints - Rev. 13:7, Dan. 7:25 Everyone except the saints will worship him - Rev. 13:8 He or his false prophet delegate will require that everyone receive a special mark (which Scripture calls the "mark of the beast") on their right hand or forehead in order to buy or sell, and the mark is the name of the beast or his number, which is 666 - Rev. 13:16-18 He is also referred to as “man of lawlessness “ and “son of destruction” - 2 Thes. 2:3 His coming is in accord with the activities of Satan--with deception and wickedness - 2 Thes. 2:9-10 He will sit in the temple and proclaim himself to be God, defiling the temple - 2 Thes. 2:4, Matt. 24:15-16 He will enter into a 7-year covenant and break it after 3.5 years - Dan. 9:27 He will be thrown alive into the Lake of Fire at the arrival of Jesus - Rev. 19:20 He will deny the deity of Jesus – 1 John 2:22-23 He will exalt himself above and boast against all gods, including the God of gods - Dan. 11:36 He will do as he pleases - Dan. 11:36 He will be successful in what he does until the end of his time - Dan. 11:36 He will show no regard for the gods of his fathers or any other god - Dan. 11:37 He will show no regard for the desire of women [some translations: the god desired by women] [many scholars believe that the correct interpretation is that he has no sexual interest in women and others that he has no particular regard for women] - Dan. 11:37 He will honor a god of fortresses [possibly a new god that he creates, his own military power, a new incredibly powerful weapon, some war god from the past—such as jupiter or mars, or Satan] with gold, silver, precious stones and treasures - Dan. 11:38 He will take action against the strongest of fortresses with the help of a foreign god - Dan. 11:39 He will give great honor to those who acknowledge him and will make them rulers over the many - Dan. 11:39 He will parcel out land for a price (perhaps rewards for honoring him or advancing his interests) - Dan. 11:39 His kingdom will be attacked by powers from the north and the south, and in responding to their advances, his kingdom will pass through and sack many nations - Dan. 11:40 His kingdom will also enter into Israel, but the area constituting what we know today as Jordan will be rescued from attacks by his kingdom - Dan. 11:41 His kingdom will also attack and conquer many other nations, particularly including Egypt, and he will acquire control over the gold and silver of that nation - Dan. 11:42-43 Other nations in Africa, particularly including Libya and Ethiopia, will endeavor to fight against his kingdom - Dan. 11:43 Threats by nations from the East and the North will prompt him to launch massive attacks that will result in the death of many people - Dan. 11:44 He will establish his kingdom in Israel near Jerusalem, and there he will be destroyed - Dan 11:45 As noted above, it is of eternal importance that people living in the time of the antichrist reject his "mark of the beast" that is required in order to buy or sell (Rev. 13:16-18), because as John writes in Revelation, “[t]hen another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, ‘If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb’” (Revelation 14:9-10). People living in the time of the antichrist must be able to survive in hiding or reject the mark under the penalty of death, and this will require endurance. Indeed, Jesus said, “[b]ut the one who endures to the end is the one who will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:13-14). So beware and be watchful of the antichrist and his mark. #antichrist #tribulation #markofthebeast #revelation #apocalypse #sixsixsix #israel #jordan #egypt #jerusalem #antiochus #epiphanes #endure #reject #libya #ethiopia #manoflawlessness #sonofdestruction #littlehorn

Below we have provided a letter to the saints at the time of the Great Tribulation, giving them guidance and encouragement from Scripture about living during this special, prophesied time. We, your fellow saints, who have been gathered to Jesus at the command of God (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17), having been ordained to avoid the wrath of God (Romans 5:9, 1 Thessalonians 1:10 and 5:9, Isaiah 26:20-21 and John 14:1-2) because of our faith in things unseen (Hebrews 11:1), knew this time would come, because Jesus said, speaking about the time in which you are living, “[f]or then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will again” (Matthew 24:21). During this time, the Bible makes clear, such as in Isaiah 24:1-13 & 19-20, and later detailed in Revelation 6, 8, 9, 11 & 16, that God’s plan is to judge and desolate the earth, and you can see from these passages of Scripture that it is indeed a time of great tribulation. The good news is that God has a plan for you. Know this first, that God loves you, and He sent His One and Only Son, Jesus, to offer the sacrifice of His own life so that you could live. Jesus said, “God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world that He might judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. Anyone who believes in Him is not judged, but anyone who does not believe is already judged, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God” (John 3:16-18). Jesus also said, “I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10b). It is also written that “if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. With the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation” (Romans 10:9-10). We, your fellow saints, accordingly encourage you to place your faith in Jesus Christ. In relation to Jesus Christ, the Bible states among many other things that Jesus (1) is God (John 1:1) and the One and Only Son of God (John 3:16), (2) is the expression of God the Father to all of humanity, and called “the Word” (John 1:1-14), (3) became a man, having been born of the virgin, Mary (Luke 2:1-7), (4) is a lineal descendant of Israel’s King David (Matthew 1:1-16), (5) lived a sinless life (2 Corinthians 5:21), (6) died on a cross, shedding His blood as a sacrifice to atone for the sins of mankind (John 19), and (7) now sits at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 1:1-4), waiting to return to the earth in glory as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords at the time determined by the Father (Matthew 24, Revelation 19). Speaking specifically about the time in which you are living, Jesus said, “[b]ut the one who endures to the end is the one who will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:13-14). Jesus’ admonition to you to “endure” is imperative for you, and it is your Gospel. You are warned in Scripture that, at the time of the great tribulation, an antichrist government will come into power and will cause “all, the small and the great, the rich and the poor, and the free and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, and he decrees that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six” (Revelation 13:16-18; see also Revelation 14:9-11, 15:2, 16:2, 20:4; Revelation 9:4). About this “mark,” please know that in the prophetic book of Revelation, John writes, “[t]hen another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, ‘If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb’” (Revelation 14:9-10). From this passage in Revelation, we know that during this time of the great tribulation, a person must, in addition to faith in Jesus, refuse to worship the antichrist beast or his image, and also reject the mark of the antichrist government (that we, your fellow saints, know as the “mark of the beast”) that is mandated by the antichrist government to be affixed to the right hand or forehead of all persons. The mark of the beast is a form of identification with the religious, economic, government and/or social system promoted by the antichrist or with the antichrist himself. We know that life will be extremely difficult for you if you reject the mark and refuse to worship the antichrist or his government. In fact, it is difficult for us to imagine what it is like for you to not be able to buy food, housing or transportation--the very essential elements of living. Moreover, we know that you will be hunted down by the antichrist for what he declares to be your insolence against his government, because of your refusal to accept the "mark of the beast" or to worship him or his kingdom, and many of you will be imprisoned and martyred as a consequence. As John writes about the antichrist “beast” in this regard: “It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority was given to him over every tribe, people, language, and nation. All who live on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written since the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slaughtered. If anyone has an ear, let him hear. 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” (Revelation 13:7-10). Even worse, Jesus warns in another end times discussion that "[b]rother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved" (Matthew 10:21-22). In view of Jesus' warning, it will be difficult for you to trust anyone during the great tribulation, because the inability to participate in commerce and the threat of persecution will cause people to do the unthinkable. Family members and close friends who may have hidden you, or supplied food, water and other needs to you (because you haven't taken the mark and cannot participate in commerce) will suddenly and without warning turn on you--disclosing you to the antichrist government. Indeed, they may be compelled to do so under the threat of death. The pressure on all will be great, which is why Jesus' counsel is to run (Matthew 10:23, 24:16). Other Scriptures encourage you to hide (Isaiah 26:20, Proverbs 22:3, Proverbs 27:12, Proverbs 28:12, Psalm 27:5, Psalm 31:20, Psalm 64:2, Exodus 2:3, 1 Samuel 19:2) to escape the devouring bite of the beast. However, in spite of everything, as Jesus said, you must “endure to the end.” For those of you whose endurance “to the end,” as Jesus describes, culminates in your martyrdom, Scripture indicates that a very special reward is promised; as John writes in Revelation, “Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their foreheads and on their hands; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him for a thousand years” (Revelation 20:4-6). Thus, you who become martyrs will return to rule over the very people who tormented you, if they survive the Day of the Lord (Isaiah 24:5, Isaiah 30:27-28&30-32, Isaiah 35:4, Psalm 110:5-6, Joel 3:2&12, Obadiah 16, Zephaniah 3:8, Ezekiel 39:2,1 Zechariah 14:1-5, Zechariah 12:9, Revelation 19:19-21). So be encouraged that your suffering, though severe, is temporary compared to the eternal kingdom that you will have the privilege to enjoy, serving the very Author of Life (John 1:3-4). However, for those who fail to endure “to the end,” as Jesus describes, that is to say, those who, perhaps because the threat of death is too frightening, succumb to the heavy hand of the antichrist by worshipping him or his kingdom or by getting his "mark of the beast," Scripture indicates, as mentioned above, in Revelation 14:9-10, that a very devastating consequence, far worse than death is promised--drinking "of the wine of the wrath of God." And it is extremely important when you face these moments of trial, wherein you are tempted to submit to the demands of the antichrist, that you consider the duration of the trial in relation to eternity, and persevere, because, as John warns in Revelation, "[a]nd the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus" (Revelation 14:11-12). Therefore, considering the immense significance of the reward for endurance relative to the punishment for failing to endure, we encourage all saints during the time of the great tribulation to embrace the following Gospel of the Tribulation: Believe that Jesus Christ is the one and only Son of God and that, as God and Lord, Jesus Christ died on a cross for your sins, rose from the grave, lives forever, and will one day return as the Messiah, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Reject the application of any mark (necessary for you to buy or sell) required by any government, kingdom, world leader or religion to be affixed in any form to your person, particularly on your right hand or forehead. If you have to do so, as the Word of God instructs, run and hide. Refuse to worship any person or thing other than God as described in the Bible. Hold fast to these commitments, persevere, and endure until the first to occur of the end of your life or the end of the great tribulation period, which will be marked by the arrival of Jesus Christ as the Messiah, as described in Revelation 19:11-16. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. #letter #saints #tribulation #apocalypse #rapture #endure #antichrist #markofthebeast SPECIAL NOTE TO WEBSITE VISITORS: We believe that during the Great Tribulation, the Internet may no longer be available (See Revelation 6, 8, 9, 11 & 16), and even if it survives, internet materials that discuss Jesus Christ or provide access to the Bible will be removed by the antichrist kingdom. Accordingly, we suggest that you print a copy of this letter, fold it, and place it inside the front cover of a Bible that you place in your home in a prominent location so that in the event of the Rapture or other traumatic event associated with the Great Tribulation, people will find the Bible and the letter--giving the readers guidance regarding the Gospel as it applies to them at such time. A draft of the letter is provided below: NOTA ESPECIAL PARA LOS VISITANTES DEL SITIO WEB: Creemos que durante la Gran Tribulación, es posible que Internet ya no esté disponible (ver Apocalipsis 6, 8, 9, 11 y 16), e incluso si sobrevive, los materiales de Internet que hablan de Jesucristo o brindan acceso a la Biblia serán removidos por el reino del anticristo. En consecuencia, le sugerimos que imprima una copia de esta carta, la doble y la coloque dentro de la portada de una Biblia que coloque en su hogar en un lugar destacado para que en caso del Rapto u otro evento traumático asociado con la Gran Tribulación, las personas encontrarán la Biblia y la carta, brindando a los lectores una guía con respecto al Evangelio que se aplica a ellos en ese momento. Un borrador de la carta se proporciona a continuación: 对网站访问者的特别说明：我们相信在大灾难期间，互联网可能不再可用（见启示录 6、8、9、11 和 16），即使它幸存下来，讨论耶稣基督或提供访问的互联网材料圣经将被敌基督国删除。因此，我们建议您打印这封信的副本，将其折叠起来，然后将其放在您家中显眼位置的圣经封面内，以便在发生被提或其他相关的创伤事件时大灾难时，因为它在那个时候适用, 人们会找到圣经和书信——为读者提供有关福音的指导，。该信的草稿如下： ОСОБОЕ ПРИМЕЧАНИЕ ДЛЯ ПОСЕТИТЕЛЕЙ САЙТА: Мы верим, что во время великой скорби Интернета может больше не быть (см. Откровение 6, 8, 9, 11 и 16), и даже если он сохранится, интернет-материалы, обсуждающие Иисуса Христа или предоставляющие доступ к Библии, будут удалены царством антихриста. Поэтому мы предлагаем вам распечатать копию этого письма, сложить его и поместить в обложку Библии, которую вы положите в своем доме на видном месте, чтобы в случае Вознесения или другого травмирующего события, связанного с Великим трибуналом, люди нашли Библию и письмо, давая читателям руководство относительно Евангелия, применимого к ним в это время. Черновик письма приведен ниже: NOTE SPÉCIALE AUX VISITEURS DU SITE WEB : Nous croyons que pendant la Grande Tribulation, l'Internet pourrait ne plus être disponible (voir Apocalypse 6, 8, 9, 11 & 16), et même s'il survit, les documents Internet qui parlent de Jésus-Christ ou donnent accès à la Bible seront supprimés par le royaume de l'antéchrist. En conséquence, nous vous suggérons d'imprimer une copie de cette lettre, de la plier et de la placer à l'intérieur de la couverture d'une Bible que vous placerez chez vous à un endroit bien visible, de sorte qu'en cas d'Enlèvement ou d'un autre événement traumatisant associé à la Grande Tribulation, les gens trouveront la Bible et la lettre - donnant aux lecteurs des conseils concernant l'Évangile tel qu'il s'applique à eux à ce moment. Une ébauche de la lettre est fournie ci-dessous : वेबसाइट विज़िटर्स के लिए विशेष नोट: हम मानते हैं कि महान क्लेश के दौरान, इंटरनेट अब उपलब्ध नहीं हो सकता है (प्रकाशितवाक्य 6, 8, 9, 11 और 16 देखें), और यहां तक ​​​​कि अगर यह जीवित रहता है, तो इंटरनेट सामग्री जो यीशु मसीह पर चर्चा करती है या पहुंच प्रदान करती है बाइबिल को मसीह विरोधी राज्य द्वारा हटा दिया जाएगा। तदनुसार, हमारा सुझाव है कि आप इस पत्र की एक प्रति प्रिंट करें, इसे मोड़ें, और इसे एक बाइबिल के सामने के कवर के अंदर रखें जिसे आप अपने घर में एक प्रमुख स्थान पर रखते हैं ताकि उत्साह या अन्य दर्दनाक घटना से जुड़ी हो। महान क्लेश, लोगों को बाइबिल और पत्र मिलेगा - पाठकों को सुसमाचार के बारे में मार्गदर्शन देना क्योंकि यह ऐसे समय पर उन पर लागू होता है। पत्र का मसौदा नीचे दिया गया है: ملاحظة خاصة لزوار الموقع: نعتقد أنه خلال الضيقة العظيمة ، قد لا يكون الإنترنت متاحًا (انظر رؤيا 6 و 8 و 9 و 11 و 16) ، وحتى إذا نجت ، مواد الإنترنت التي تناقش يسوع المسيح أو توفر الوصول إلى الكتاب المقدس سيتم إزالته من قبل ملكوت المسيح الدجال. وفقًا لذلك ، نقترح عليك طباعة نسخة من هذه الرسالة ، وطيها ، ووضعها داخل الغلاف الأمامي للكتاب المقدس الذي تضعه في منزلك في مكان بارز بحيث يكون في حالة نشوة الطرب أو أي حدث صادم آخر مرتبط به. الضيقة العظيمة ، سيجد الناس الكتاب المقدس والرسالة - لإرشاد القراء فيما يتعلق بالإنجيل كما ينطبق عليهم في ذلك الوقت. يتم توفير مسودة الرسالة أدناه: הערה מיוחדת למבקרי אתרים: אנו מאמינים כי במהלך הצרה הגדולה, ייתכן שהאינטרנט כבר לא יהיה זמין ( ראה התגלות 6, 8, 9, 11 ו- 16 ), וגם אם הוא ישרוד, חומרי אינטרנט הדנים בישוע המשיח או מספקים גישה לתנ"ך יוסרו על ידי הממלכה האנטיכריסטית. בהתאם, אנו מציעים לך להדפיס עותק של מכתב זה, לקפל אותו, והניח אותו בתוך הכריכה הקדמית של תנ"ך שאתה מציב בבית שלך במקום בולט כך שבמקרה של ההשתלה או אירוע טראומטי אחר הקשור ל צרה גדולה, אנשים ימצאו את התנ"ך ואת המכתב - ויעניקו לקוראים הדרכה בנוגע לבשורה כפי שהיא חלה עליהם בזמן כזה. להלן טיוטת המכתב:

This video considers what the headlines might look like when the Rapture occurs.

Did you know that the Gospel changes during the period of the Great Tribulation? Find out more below. The Great Tribulation We know that a time of tribulation is coming. The Bible makes clear, such as in Isaiah 24:1-13 & 19-20, and later detailed in Revelation 6, 8, 9, 11 & 16 that God has a plan at some future time to judge and desolate the Earth. Many refer to this period as the Great Tribulation period. Regarding that time Jesus said, “[f]or then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will again” (Matthew 24:21). The time of the Great Tribulation will be initially troubling, we believe, because it will be initiated by the Rapture, an event in which all saints in the world will be gathered to Jesus in heaven, leaving the world momentarily devoid of any saints and attendant influence of the Holy Spirit of God. Further adding to the trial of those days, as the judgment of God begins to unfold on the earth, is the fact that God’s plan of salvation will change. God’s Plan of Salvation Before the Tribulation Before the Great Tribulation, people are saved by their belief in Jesus Christ. According to Scripture, by believing in Jesus Christ, and what He has done, people can be forgiven of their sins and inherit eternal life with God; this is salvation, and we receive it by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). In this regard, Jesus said that “God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world that He might judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. Anyone who believes in Him is not judged, but anyone who does not believe is already judged, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God” (John 3:16-18). It is also written that “if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. With the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation” (Romans 10:9-10). In relation to Jesus Christ, the Bible states among many other things that Jesus (1) is God (John 1:1) and the one and only Son of God (John 3:16), (2) is the expression of God the Father to all of humanity, and called “the Word” (John 1:1-14), (3) became a man, having been born of the virgin, Mary (Luke 2:1-7), (4) is a lineal descendant of Israel’s King David (Matthew 1:1-16), (5) lived a sinless life (2 Corinthians 5:21), (6) died on a cross, shedding His blood as a sacrifice to atone for the sins of mankind (John 19), and (7) now sits at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 1:1-4), waiting to return to the Earth in glory as the King of Kings at the time determined by the Father (Matthew 24, Revelation 19). God’s Plan of Salvation During the Tribulation Unlike now--the period before the Great Tribulation--the Bible indicates that during the Great Tribulation period, additional requirements must be added to a person’s faith in order to obtain salvation. Indeed, Jesus said, “[b]ut the one who endures to the end is the one who will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:13-14). Rejection of the Mark of the Beast and Refusal to Worship the Antichrist The endurance described by Jesus is further explained by reference to detail provided in the prophetic book of Revelation wherein John writes, “[t]hen another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, ‘If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb’” (Revelation 14:9-10). From this passage in Revelation, we know that during the Great Tribulation period, a person must, in addition to faith in Jesus, (a) refuse to worship the antichrist beast or his image, and (b) reject the mark of the antichrist kingdom (also known as the “mark of the beast”) that is mandated to be affixed to the right hand or forehead of all persons. The mark of the beast appears to be some form of identification with the religious, economic and/or social system promoted by the antichrist. Consequences for Rejection of the Mark of the Beast and Refusal to Worship the Antichrist The rejection of the mark of the beast will indeed constitute endurance, because the proposed mark will be required to participate in commerce. As Revelation 13:16-18 indicates, the antichrist administration will cause “all, the small and the great, the rich and the poor, and the free and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, and he decrees that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six.” (See also Revelation 14:9-11, 15:2, 16:2, 20:4; Revelation 9:4.) Therefore, people who desire to be saved and inherit the Kingdom of God during the time of the Great Tribulation will, if they reject the mark and refuse to worship the antichrist and his kingdom, be unable to purchase food and water, to travel, to have a bank account, and otherwise engage in many of the simple activities of life that are needed to live. Moreover, these saints will be hunted down by the antichrist for their insolence against his kingdom, and they will be imprisoned and martyred. As John writes about the antichrist in this regard: “It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority was given to him over every tribe, people, language, and nation. All who live on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written since the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slaughtered. If anyone has an ear, let him hear. 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” (Revelation 13:7-10). To make matters even worse, Jesus warns, in another end times discussion that "[b]rother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved" (Matthew 10:21-22). Thus, it will be difficult to trust anyone during that time, because the inability to participate in commerce and persecution will cause people to do the unthinkable. Family members who have hidden, or or supplied food, water and other needs to their family member "saints" (who haven't taken the mark and cannot participate in commerce) will suddenly turn on them--disclosing them to the antichrist government. The pressure on all will be great, which is why Jesus' counsel is to run (Matthew 10:23, 24:16) (and hide, Isaiah 26:20, Proverbs 22:3, Proverbs 27:12, Proverbs 28:12, Psalm 27:5, Psalm 31:20, Psalm 64:2, Exodus 2:3, 1 Samuel 19:2)--presumably so that the identity of the persecuted saints is not known. The End of the Great Tribulation Period The Great Tribulation period culminates in the exceedingly terrible and momentous “the Day of the Lord,” when Jesus, the One and Only Son of God, will return to Earth to establish His kingdom, and He will reign over all mankind (Daniel 7:13-14, Joel 2, Amos 5:18-20, Zechariah 12:10, Matthew 24 and Revelation 19). This event is known as the “Second Coming of Christ.” Reward for Endurance As noted above, Jesus promises that those who endure to the end will be saved (Matthew 10:22). In addition, for those whose endurance “to the end,” as Jesus describes, culminates in their martyrdom, Scripture indicates that a very special reward is promised: Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their foreheads and on their hands; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him for a thousand years (Revelation 20:4-6). Eternal Condemnation for Failing to Endure For those who fail to endure “to the end,” as Jesus describes, that is to say, those who succumb to the desire to engage in commerce, perhaps because of starvation, by getting the “mark of the beast,” or the desire to stop the persecution, perhaps because the threat of death is too frightening, Scripture indicates, as mentioned above, that a very devastating consequence is promised--a consequence far worse than death: “[t]hen another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, ‘If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb’” (Revelation 14:9-10). Conclusion Therefore, considering the immense significance of the reward for endurance relative to the punishment for failing to endure, we encourage all saints during the time of the Great Tribulation to embrace the following Gospel of the Tribulation: Believe that Jesus Christ is the one and only Son of God and that, as God and Lord, Jesus Christ died on a cross for your sins, rose from the grave, lives forever, and will one day return as the Messiah, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Reject the application of any mark (necessary for you to buy or sell) required by any government, kingdom, world leader or religion to be affixed in any form to your person, particularly on your right hand or forehead. If you have to do so, as the Word of God instructs, run and hide. Refuse to worship any person or thing other than God as described in the Bible. Hold fast and endure to these commitments until the first to occur of the end of your life or the end of the Tribulation period, which will be marked by the arrival of Jesus Christ as the Messiah, as described in Revelation 19:11-16. Help your friends and loved ones who may be left behind by providing them with a copy of our Letter to the Saints at the Time of the Great Tribulation. #tribulation #gospel #markofthebeast #endure #saints #jesus #salvation

Throughout Scripture we see many prophecies regarding the Last Days. Below we have compiled some passages and considerations regarding the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord. Students of Bible prophecy recognize that God has ordained a period in the future wherein Jesus Christ will return to the earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords to rule over all nations of the world for 1,000 years (see Revelation 20:4)—the millennial reign of Christ. Prior to this millennial period, God will judge the world. The period of God’s judgment is referred to as the Great Tribulation (Matt. 24:21), and it culminates in an excruciating Day of the Lord—a particularly devastating period that is concluded by the Second Coming of Christ (Matt. 24:29-30). Some of the critical considerations regarding this period along with their supporting Scriptures are noted below. 1. The judgment constituting the tribulation is understood from a prophecy in Daniel 9 to extend for a period of 7 years. See Daniel 9:24-27. The prophecy indicates that 490 years (or 70 “sevens”—also referred to as “weeks”) were particularly ordained regarding the Jews, Jerusalem and the work of the Messiah; the prophecy is divided into 2 sections of time: 483 years (or 69 of the “sevens”) of the prophecy were fulfilled when the Messiah was “cut off” (which many Bible students understand to equate to the crucifixion of and ascension to heaven by Jesus); thus, 7 years (or 1 “seven”) of the prophecy remain; according to the prophecy the antichrist will enter into a 7-year (or 1 “seven”) covenant with “the many”; then 3.5 years into that covenant, he will break it and cause sacrifices to cease. Thus, it appears that the covenant is with the people of Israel and may have something to do with the temple and sacrifices. 2. God will desolate the earth. Isaiah 24:1-13, 19-20. 3. God’s desolation of the earth is heralded by the breaking of 7 seals (Rev. 6&8:1-5), the sounding of 7 trumpets (Rev. 8:6-9:21&11:15-19) and the pouring of 7 bowls of wrath (Rev. 16). Each has its own consequence: Breaking of the 7 Seals Breaking of 1st Seal (Revelation 6:1-2) - A white horse comes, and the rider has a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. Breaking of 2nd Seal (Revelation 6:3-4) - A red horse comes, and the rider takes peace from the earth even such that people kill one another; and a large sword was given to him. Breaking of 3rd Seal (Revelation 6:5-6) - A black horse comes, and the rider has a pair of scales in his hand, and it seems that the price of wheat and barley increase dramatically. Breaking of 4th Seal (Revelation 6:7-8) - An ashen horse comes, and the rider’s name is Death, and Hades is following him; he kills ¼ of the people of the earth with sword, famine, plague and animal attacks. Note that the heralds of the first 4 seals, these "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse," may be the 4 spirits who patrol the earth and appease the wrath of God as described in Zechariah 6:1-8. Some speculate that the rider of the white horse is the antichrist who, in a mimicking precursor to the Second Coming of Christ (Rev. 19:11-16), appears on a white horse. Breaking of 5th Seal (Revelation 6:9-11) - The souls of martyrs for God cry out for judgment. Breaking of 6th Seal (Revelation 6:12-17) - A great earthquake occurs; the sun becomes black; the moon becomes like blood; a storm of asteroids strikes the earth; the sky is split apart like a scroll; every mountain and island are moved from their places; all on earth cry out for death rather than to face the Messiah. Interlude (Revelation 7) - Angels halt wind from blowing on the earth. An angel seals 144,000 men from Israel on their foreheads. A multitude who came out of the Tribulation and whose robes have been made white by the blood of the Lamb cry out a praise to the Lamb, and the Lamb spreads His tabernacle over them. Breaking of 7th Seal (Revelation 8:1-5) - An angel fills a censor with fire from the alter and hurls it to the earth with lightning, thunder and an earthquake. Sounding of the 7 Trumpets Sounding of 1st Trumpet (Revelation 8:6-7) - Hail and fire mixed with blood are hurled to the earth; and 1/3 of the earth is burned up, and 1/3 of the trees are burned up, and all the green grass is burned up. Sounding of 2nd Trumpet (Revelation 8:8-9) - A great mountain burning with fire is hurled into the sea; and 1/3 of the sea becomes blood, and 1/3 of the sea creatures die; and 1/3 of the ships are destroyed. Sounding of 3rd Trumpet (Revelation 8:10-11) - A great star falls from heaven, burning like a torch on 1/3 of the rivers and on the springs of waters. The star is named Wormwood; and 1/3 of the waters become wormwood, and many people die from the waters because they are made bitter. Sounding of 4th Trumpet (Revelation 8:12) - 1/3 of the sun, 1/3 of the moon, and 1/3 of the stars are stricken, so that 1/3 of them would be darkened and the day would not shine for 1/3 of it, and the night in the same way. Interlude (Revelation 8:13) - An eagle flies and announces 3 woes for those who live on the earth because of the blasts of the next 3 trumpets. Sounding of 5th Trumpet (Revelation 9:1-12) - 1st Woe - The abyss is opened and smoke darkens the air and the sun, and Abaddon’s (or Apollyon’s) scorpion like locusts come out of the smoke and attack all humans that do not have the seal of God on their foreheads, and they torment humanity for 5 months. Sounding of 6th Trumpet (Revelation 9:13-21) - 2nd Woe – 4 angels bound at the Euphrates River are released, and they release a 200 million horseman army (breastplate colors are hyacinth, fire and brimstone) that kills 1/3 of mankind with plagues of fire, smoke and brimstone. Then, the 2 witnesses appear, are slain, are resurrected and ascend to heaven. An earthquake strikes Jerusalem; 1/10 of the city falls; 7,000 are killed. Sounding of 7th Trumpet (Revelation 11-12) - 3rd Woe – An announcement is made in heaven: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.” The temple of God in heaven appears with the ark of His covenant. Signs appear regarding Israel, Satan, Christ and Michael, the archangel. (Rev. 12) A woe is announced regarding Satan’s being on earth filled with wrath, because he knows his time is short. Interlude (Revelation 13-15) The beast from the sea and the beast from the earth appear. (Rev. 13) The Lamb appears with 144,000 special saints; angels appear declaring the gospel, doom of Babylon, and doom for worshippers of the beast. (Rev. 14) One like the son of man reaps from the earth. An angel then reaps for the winepress. (Rev. 14) Angels receive the 7 bowls of wrath to be poured out on the earth. (Rev. 15) The 7 Bowls of the Wrath of God Pouring of 1st Bowl (Revelation 16:2) - Harmful and painful sores afflict everyone who has received the mark of the beast (the antichrist) and worshipped his image. Pouring of 2nd Bowl (Revelation 16:3) - The sea is turned to blood and everything in it dies. Pouring of 3rd Bowl (Revelation 16:4-7) - The rivers and springs of water are turned to blood. Pouring of 4th Bowl (Revelation 16:8-9) - The sun scorches people with a plague of fire and heat. Pouring of 5th Bowl (Revelation 16:10-11) - The kingdom of the beast is darkened, and pain and sores afflict people (possibly because sunlight provided healing and relief). Pouring of 6th Bowl (Revelation 16:12-16) - The Euphrates River is dried up—preparing the way (to Israel) for the kings from the East (to attack Israel). Spirits of demons, like frogs coming from the mouths of Satan, the antichrist and the false prophet, summon nations to come and attack Israel (the Battle of Armageddon). Pouring of 7th Bowl (Revelation 16:17-21) - An announcement is made from the throne in the temple in heaven: “It is done.” The strongest earthquake in history strikes the earth. Cities fall. Jerusalem is split into 3 sections. Islands disappear. Mountains fall. 100-pound hailstones fall upon the people of the earth. 4. Celebrations will cease. Isaiah 24:7-11, Rev. 18:22-23. 5. People will be scorched. Isaiah 24:6, Rev. 16:8-9. 6. All are subject to judgment. Isaiah 24:2, 4, 18. 7. The Day of the Lord and Tribulation are for judgment. Isaiah 24:5, Isaiah 30:27-28&30-32, Isaiah 35:4, Psalm 110:5-6, Joel 3:2&12, Obadiah 16, Zephaniah 3:8, Ezekiel 39:21. 8. The sun and moon will be impacted. Isaiah 24:23 They will become dark. Joel 3:15, Isaiah 60:2, Rev. 8:12, Matt. 24:29. 9. The antichrist will destroy Jerusalem and the Temple, first permitting the sacrifices and then halting them and desecrating the temple. Daniel 9:27, Zech. 14:2, 2 Thes. 2:3-4, Matthew 24:15-16. 10. Messiah will battle and defeat all nations. Zech. 14:1-5, Zech. 12:9, Rev. 19:19-21. 11. An earthquake will level the land, except for part of Jerusalem. Zech. 14:10, Rev. 16:17-21. The mountain of the House of the Lord will remain. Isaiah 2:2. 12. All of armies of nations will essentially panic, fight each other and rot while standing when Messiah arrives. Zech. 14:12-13, 15. 13. Great wealth will be collected at the battle of Armageddon. Zech. 14:14. 14. We do not know the day or the hour when Jesus will return. Matt. 24:42. #endtimes #apocalypse #rapture #greattribulation #tribulation #messiah #signs #armageddon #seals #trumpets #bowls #wrath #god #jesus

We have compiled a number of considerations and passages of Scripture regarding the future millennial reign of the Messiah. Read on to see how the Messiah will bring peace and restoration to a world that has been devastated by the Great Tribulation. Many passages from Scripture address the future millennial reign of the Messiah. The listing below is not comprehensive, but it allows you to see the pervasiveness of the discussion in Scripture regarding this special time. Christians, of course, recognize the Messiah as Jesus Christ. Many of the Scriptures refer to the One performing the works variously and fairly interchangeably as the Messiah, the Servant, the Son of David and God. The Scripture references and considerations have been placed into categories for convenient reference. The Reign The Messiah will stand on the Mount of Olives, and it shall split in two at His arrival. Zech. 14:4 The Messiah, sometimes referred to as Yahweh, will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem. Isaiah 24:23, Psalm 2:6-9, Psalm 9:11, Psalm 14:7 (and matching verse Psalm 53:6), Psalm 50:2, Psalm 87:1-3, Psalm 99:2, Psalm 102:13&16, Psalm 110:2, Psalm 132:13-14, Psalm 134:3, Psalm 135:21, Zech. 8:1-3, Isaiah 2:2-4, Isaiah 12:6, Isaiah 18:7, Isaiah 33:5&20-22, Isaiah 40:9-10, Isaiah 52:7-10, Isaiah 59:20, Isaiah 62:11, Joel 3:16-17&21, Obadiah 21, Micah 4:1 The Messiah is from the line of David. Isaiah 9:7, Zechariah 6:12-13, Jeremiah 23:5-6, Ezek. 34:23-24 The Messiah, before He reigns, is marred to the point of not looking human. Isaiah 52:13-15 (see also verses 7-10 for context that it’s the Messiah; see also Isaiah 53). Israel will look upon the Messiah—recognizing that they are the ones who pierced Him, and they will mourn for Him. Zech. 12:1-14 This Millennial realm of the Messiah may be what is described in Scripture as the Kingdom of God. Matt. 26:29, Mark 14:25 Everyone will know the Messiah. Heb. 8:11 The Messiah will rule over all nations. Psalm 2:8, Psalm 9:8, Isaiah 9:6-7, Daniel 7:14 & 27, Zech. 14:9, Isaiah 2:4 His reign shall continue on Earth for 1,000 years (Rev. 20:4) (hence, "millennial"). After this period, Satan will be released and will deceive the nations, enticing them to attack Christ (Rev. 20:7-9); all participants in this rebellion along with Satan will be defeated and cast into the Lake of Fire. Rev. 20:9-10. Thereafter, the Kingdom of Jesus will be moved to a new heaven and a new earth. Rev. 21-22. The Messiah (also called the Branch of David) will build the Temple, and he will rule from a throne as a king and also be a priest and counselor. Zechariah 6:12-13; Jeremiah 23:5-6, Acts 2:29-36, Isaiah 33:6, Micah 4:3 The Messiah will repair the Tabernacle of David. Amos 9:11 The Messiah will establish His sanctuary among His people from this point and continuing forever. Ezek. 37:26-28, Psalm 9:7 Martyrs and saints will reign with the Messiah during this time. Rev. 20:4-6, Daniel 7:27, Rev. 5:10. Jesus’ disciples will also reign with Him—judging Israel. Matt. 19:28 The Kingdom of Messiah will be everlasting. Daniel 2:44, Daniel 4:3, 34; Daniel 6:26, Daniel 7:14, 27; Micah 4:7, Luke 1:33 The Earth The earth will be refreshed when the Messiah arrives. Isaiah 35:1-2, 6-7, Amos 9:13, Zech. 8:12 Healing People will be healed when the Messiah arrives. Isaiah 35:3-6 Living water will flow out of Jerusalem. Zech. 14:8, Joel 3:18 There will be no death. Zech. 8:4 Peace There will be peace. Zech. 8:12&16, Zech. 9:10, Isaiah 2:4 Even the animals will live in peace. Ezek. 34:25, Isaiah 65:25 (although this verse could be applicable only to the New Jerusalem in the new heaven and new earth) Justice and Honor The Messiah will require that people live honorably, justly, truthfully and peacefully. Zech. 8:16-17, Psalm 99:4 People will not fear crime, danger or injury. Zech. 8:5 Particularly in Israel. Isaiah 60:18 The Highway of Holiness There is a special highway from Egypt to “Assyria” that presumably passes through Jerusalem. Isaiah 11:16, Isaiah 19:23, Isaiah 35:8-10, Isaiah 49:11, Isaiah 62:10 It is called the Highway of Holiness. Isaiah 35:8 People and Worship People will be joyful. Isaiah 35:10 All nations will worship the Messiah. Psalm 99:9, Psalm 100, Psalm 102:15&21-22, Isaiah 24:14-15, Isaiah 30:29, Isaiah 60:1-3 The nations are particularly invited to worship at Sukkot--also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or the Festival of Booths (which is curious, because it commemorates God's protection of the Jews as they wandered in the wilderness; however, it also celebrates the harvest). Zech. 14:16-19 The kings of the earth will be silent on account of Him. Isaiah 52:15 Probably because they will eventually join Satan to attack the Messiah, the praise of many will be pretentious—because of the apparent power of the Messiah. Psalm 66:3 Many things will be dedicated to the Messiah. Zech. 14:20 There will be sacrifices in Jerusalem. Zech. 14:21 There will be many celebrations. Zech. 8:19 Nations will seek the favor of the Messiah. Zech. 8:20-22, Isaiah 2:2-3 Many people will seek His instruction. Micah 4:2 Special Blessings for Israel The land of Israel will be restored from its desolation. Ezek. 36:33-36 Jerusalem and Israel will be made a notable item of God’s delight. Isaiah 62:1-7&12 The Messiah will particularly rule over His people, the Jews. Ezek. 37:24 The Messiah’s reign over His people, the Jews, from this point will continue forever. Ezek. 37:25 Israel will be particularly blessed. Amos 9:14, Micah 4:7, Zech. 8:12-15, Psalm 14:7 (and matching verse Psalm 53:6), Psalm 69:35-36, Psalm 132:15-17, Eze. 34:14-15&26-30, Ezek. 36:8-12, Ezek. 39:25, Joel 3:1, Zeph. 3:14-20, Isaiah 60:5-7&10-17 Peace in Israel will be permanent. Amos 9:15 The Messiah will gather Jews to Israel. Zech 8:7-8, Ezek. 34:11-13, Ezek. 36:24, Ezek. 37:21-22, Ezek. 39:27-28, Psalm 50:5, Micah 4:6, Zeph. 3:19-20, Isaiah 14:12, Isaiah 60:4 Jews will be honored. Zech 8:23, Psalm 126:2-3, Micah 4:7 The Messiah will provide a unique cleansing and salvation of Jews. Ezek. 36:26-29, Ezek. 37:23-28, Ezek. 39:29, Psalm 133:3, Isaiah 40:11 Satan Satan is bound in the bottomless pit during the 1,000-year period. Rev. 20:1-7 #millennium #messiah #millennial #reign #christ #jerusalem #israel #jesus #peace

This video summarizes some of the key elements of Bible prophecy as it relates to the Rapture, the Second Coming and the Great Tribulation.

This Video examines the Millennial Day Theory in relation to Bible Prophecy regarding the Rapture and our time.