2 Thessalonians and the Return of Christ
By Kato Mivule
February 12th 2008
We once again humble ourselves to study the second letter of Paul to the Thessalonica Saints concerning the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. We have been taught many doctrines in Christendom which totally disagree with the word of God and as such we must judge those views in light of God’s Word and reject what is evil – the deception and lies and hold on to Truth, allowing the Bible to interpret itself on this crucial subject.
The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is a very important subject that one’s view of this topic will certainly affect their walk with The Lord. The Lord desires that we correctly and biblically know about His Second Coming and not be caught up like the Pharisees who failed to discern the signs of the times that pointed to the First Coming of the Messiah.
Counted worthy for God’s kingdom, for which you suffer…2 Thessalonians 1:3-5
(3) We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
(4) So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
(5) Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
Paul gives thanks to God once again as he did in his first letter to the Thessalonians that their faith had grown exceedingly with love despite the persecution and tribulations that they were going through. Tribulations and Persecutions are not words that the Church today desires to hear.
Yet for God to have mercy on many in the Church and count them worthy of the kingdom of God, The Lord Himself will allow the saints to go through persecutions and sufferings for the Name of Christ Jesus. It is when the saints go through persecutions and tribulations that their faith becomes sound and grows exceedingly. This is a very hard saying but that is what the global Christian church is going to face in the very near future.
Church Denominations will fall, Church buildings will mean nothing, pompous Christian leaders will fail and all saints will fix their eyes on Jesus Christ as all nations hate those who love Jesus Christ. Our only consolation will be Jesus Christ and hope in His return…
It is manifest token of God’s Righteous Judgment that we be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which we suffer… Suffering for Christ Jesus is part and parcel of the Christian life experience…
The Lord Jesus Christ will come to Judge – Vengeance belongs to Him…2 Thessalonians 1:6-10
(6) Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
(7) And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
(8) In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
(9) Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
(10) When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
Paul encourages the saints that The Lord Jesus Christ will return and take vengeance on…
• Those who have troubled the saints… This involves all who engage in persecuting, causing suffering, and killing of the saints. The Lord Himself will judge them and repay their evil deeds. However, this calls for patience of the saints for vengeance belongs to The Lord alone. We are not to take up arms and fight against our captors and those who cause suffering to us. We are to endure the suffering and await the return of The Lord when He Himself will avenge our persecutors. We are to follow the example of our Lord Jesus Christ as He endured the cross and did not fight back…for His Kingdom is not of this world…
John 18:36
Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
Romans 12:17-21
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
1 Peter 3:8-9
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
• All who don’t know God… This involves all those who have not known The Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and Redeemer. They might have heard about Him but rejected Him.
• Those who don’t obey the gospel… This involves those who knew the truth of the gospel but refused to obey it. It involves those who have decided to turn their backs of The Teachings of Jesus Christ and His commandments to the Church. Most of Christendom today falls under this category as people simply refuse the Teachings of Jesus Christ but obey Man and Traditions of Man…
Hebrews 10:26-31
(26) For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
(27) But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
(28) He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
(29) Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
(30) For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
(31) It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Be Counted Worthy of THIS Calling…2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
So, what is ‘THIS’ worthy calling that Paul is speaking about here? Is it not the very calling he speaks about in the verses above this very one?
2 Thessalonians 1:5
Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
It is this calling that Paul alludes to here, the calling to be counted worthy for the kingdom of God for which we suffer… Yes, being counted worthy for the kingdom of God also means suffering for the Name of Jesus Christ.
Today most of the ‘Westernized’ Church scorns and scoffs at those who suffer for the Name of Jesus Christ and pays little attention to our fellow brothers and sisters who are suffering and enduring persecution for the name of Jesus Christ. Is it because that the ‘Westernized’ Church might not be worthy of the kingdom of God? Have they compromised with the world to such an extent that they are best friends with the world and therefore enemies of Jesus Christ?
The early church did not view Christians who endured suffering for Jesus Christ with scorn and scoff; they applauded them, encouraged them, and saw such Christians as counted worthy for the kingdom of God. It sounds out of place that one would tell Christians today that suffering for Christ is part of our Christian faith. Most of the ‘comfortable’ Church would totally laugh at such yet the early apostles did not…
Acts 5:40-42
And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
Brethren, sufferings for Christ Jesus are not to be taken lightly. Let’s pray that we be counted worthy for that same calling that the apostles rejoiced for – counted worthy to suffer shame for His Name… In the coming days, the Antichrist will arise and heavily persecute the saints and all those who reject the Number of the Beast…will you be among those counted worthy to suffer shame and reproach for the Name of Jesus Christ even unto death?
Revelation 13:4-10
And they worshiped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshiped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
If any man have an ear, let him hear.
He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
Revelation 12:9-11
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
The Coming of Jesus Christ and Our Gathering To Meet Him…2 Thessalonians 2:1-4
(1) Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
(2) That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
(3) Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
(4) Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
Paul reiterates to the saints in Thessalonica what he had taught them earlier in his first letter to the Thessalonians about the Coming of Jesus Christ. Paul clearly was speaking about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ in this passage. It is also clear that he speaks about one event…
• The Coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ…
• Our Gathering to Meet Him…
All these are one and the same event. When Then Lord returns, we as saints gather to meet Him. This is also very consistent with what Jesus Christ taught in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21… Jesus Christ is very clear that when He returns – after the tribulation of those days…during which the angels gather his elect… So it is very clear that when Jesus Christ returns the saints shall be gathered to meet Him. But wait a minute, there is going to be an order of things even as we are gathered to meet The Lord…
Can the Rapture happen at any time?Paul warned the Thessalonica saints not to be shaken in mind or troubled in spirit by word or letter as if from the apostles claiming that ‘the day of ‘Christ is at hand’… Interestingly King James Version uses this phrase ‘the day of Christ is at hand’… Other translations state ‘that the day of the Lord has already come’…
However, the King James Versions brings this verse out correctly, which is that there are those who went around churches telling the saints that the day of Christ is ‘at hand’…
When we look into the Strong’s Dictionary for this meaning in Greek of the phrase ‘at hand’, we find something astonishing…
G1764
enistēmi
en-is'-tay-mee
From G1722 and G2476; to place on hand, that is, (reflexively) impend, (participle) be instant: - come, be at hand, present.
The Greek word for the phrase ‘at hand’ is ‘enistemi’ with meanings…
To place on hand…
• Impend… be imminent, loom, be about to happen…
• Be Instant… immediate, instantaneous, moment….
• Present…
• Imminent…
We find out that there were folks who erroneously taught that the day of Christ is ‘at hand’…that the day of Christ is IMMINENT… they caused trouble in the churches in Thessalonica that Paul the apostle had to write a letter to correct this doctrinal error.
Today we do have the same spirit of error around that has engulfed the large part of the Church to day. There are those who teach that the day of Christ is at hand…they teach that Jesus Christ’s return is IMMINENT. The Imminent doctrine teaches that Jesus Christ can return any moment and that the rapture can happen any time.
The biggest pushers of this imminent rapture doctrine are Tim LaHaye of ‘Left Behind Series’ among others who have sold millions of books worth millions of dollars… This doctrine is also known as the Pre Tribulation Rapture… Brethren, lets see what Paul had to say concerning the Second Coming of Jesus Christ…
That day will NOT come UNLESS…Paul explains to the Thessalonians that that day will NOT come UNLESS the following happen…
• The falling away comes first…
• The Man of sin is revealed…
These two events have to occur before The Day of the Christ comes… Paul goes on ahead to warn the Thessalonians that they should NOT let any one DECIEVE them by ANY means as that day will NOT come unless those events take place…
Paul’s teachings agree very well with the Prophet Daniel, Jesus Christ and John the apostle…there is no contradiction at all in what they write…they all strongly agree with each other.
The prophet Daniels states that in the latter days the Antichrist will fight against the saints and will be destroyed at the coming of The Lord Jesus Christ…
Daniel 7:20-28
(20) And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spoke very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows.
(21) I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;
(22) Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.
(23) Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.
(24) And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.
(25) And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
(26) But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end.
(27) And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
(28) Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.
Jesus Christ clearly speaks of the Abomination of Desolation being set up of course by the Antichrist, thereafter which will be such great tribulation in which the saints will heavily be persecuted…and Jesus Christ returning after the tribulation of those days…
Matthew 24:15
(15) When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
Matthew 24:21-22
(21) For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
(22) And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
Matthew 24:29
(29) Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
John in the Book of Revelation narrates how he saw the Antichrist fight against the saints and is destroyed when Jesus Christ returns…
Revelation 13:1-10
(1) And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
(2) And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
(3) And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
(4) And they worshiped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshiped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
(5) And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
(6) And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
(7) And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
(8) And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
(9) If any man have an ear, let him hear.
(10) He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
It is a coincidence that the writers in the Bible all agree concerning the return of Jesus Christ or is it proponents of the Pre Tribulation rapture and IMMINENT Return teachers that are contradicting scripture?
So, for the day of The Christ – the day of The Lord to come, we must first see the Falling away and the revealing of the Man of Sin…
The Falling Away…Concerning the Falling Away… Paul the apostle is speaking about those who will fall way from the Truth and follow after deceptive spirits and doctrines of demons… The Greek word for the phrase ‘the falling away’ is…
G646
apostasia
ap-os-tas-ee'-ah
Feminine of the same as G647; defection from truth (properly the state), (“apostasy”): - falling away, forsake.
The Greek meaning for ‘Falling Away’ is ‘Apostasia’ commonly known as Apostasy with meaning of …
• Defection from truth…
• Falling away…
• Forsake…that forsaking truth…
Paul, the apostle is speaking of a time that will come when some of those who know the truth will decide to forsake the truth and defect or depart from truth and follow after doctrines of devils and demons.
Paul repeats this in his other letters to the churches, Peter, Jude and John point to this ‘defection’ from truth in the last days. When we see this event take place in which Christians defect from truth and give heed to doctrines of man and demons, we should know that we are in the last days and that the next event that will transpire is the revealing or unveiling of the Antichrist….
Matthew 24:23-25
(23) Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
(24) For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
(25) Behold, I have told you before.
1 Timothy 4:1-2
(1) Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
(2) Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
2 Timothy 3:1-5
(1) This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
(2) For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
(3) Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
(4) Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
(5) Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2 Timothy 4:1-4
(1) I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
(2) Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
(3) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
(4) And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
2 Peter 2:1-3
(1) But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
(2) And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
(3) And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
1 John 2:18-23
(18) Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
(19) They went out from us, but they were not of us: for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
(20) But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
(21) I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
(22) Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
(23) Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: but he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
Jude 1:3-4
(3) Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
(4) For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
There is no doubt that today, many Christians have defected from truth and given heed to doctrines of demons. Many have followed false Christs (false anointed ones) and gone after miracles while forsaking Truth. This is the Falling Away happening before our very eyes. Christians are forsaking the Doctrine of Jesus Christ and the Teaching in the New Testament to follow after doctrines of denominations and of Man. The next event is the revealing of the Man of Sin…
The Man of Sin being revealed…Paul speaks of the second event that happens after the Falling Away – the Apostasy…and that is the Man of Sin being revealed… The Working of the Antichrist is already taking place but THE Antichrist is yet to be revealed. He will be revealed when he stands in the Temple in Jerusalem and declares himself to be God. His true character will be unveiled.
It is interesting that the King James Version uses the phrase ‘that man of sin be revealed’… When we check out the Strong’s Concordance on the term ‘revealed’ used in this passage we find out the following…
G601
apokaluptō
ap-ok-al-oop'-to
From G575 and G2572; to take off the cover, that is, disclose: - reveal.
Revealed here in Greek is ‘apokalupto’ which means…
• Take off the cover…
• Disclose…make known, unveil, expose…
• Reveal…expose, make public, divulge, disclose…
It is very clear that the Man of Sin – the Antichrist will come under some sort of cover and most folks will not know that this is the Antichrist until he is exposed when he sets himself up in the Temple to proclaim that he is God.
For most people this Antichrist – the Man of Sin will come under the cover of a world peace maker and one who can solve world problems. Even the Jews in Israel will not know that this man is the Antichrist – the Man of Sin because perhaps he will grant them peace to rebuild the Temple and peace with Israel’s enemies especially the Palestinians and Arabs…
The Antichrist bringing in false peace…Many people including Christians will be taken away by this man’s Charisma and wisdom that they not know that He is the Man of Sin until it is too late… Remember that when they say peace and safety, then sudden destruction comes upon them.
1 Thessalonians 5:3
(3) For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
At some point in time, folks allover the world will be saying ‘Peace and Safety’ and then sudden destruction begins which I believe will be the Seal and Trumpet Judgments in the Book of Revelation being released on the earth as the Antichrist sets up the Abomination that causes desolation in the Temple…
Where does the ‘Peace and Safety’ Fit, before or after the Great Tribulation?Now it is important to note that the folks in the world cannot say ‘Peace and Safety’ as Jesus Christ is about to return after the tribulation of those days…this scripture has to fit in somewhere before the Great Tribulation which is 3.5 years, takes place. This is because during the Great Tribulation there is virtually no peace on earthy but chaos, judgments from Heaven, and war upon the saints launched by the Antichrist…
This is evidence that the Antichrist will surely and certainly come in with false peace agreements with Israel and people will not know that he is the Man of Sin especially the Jews, they will be deceived in accepting an era of Pseudo Peace and Safety until that time when The Antichrist in ‘exposed’ when he declares himself as God in the Temple in Jerusalem and thus the Abomination that causes desolation…
It is also important to note that Temple will have to be rebuilt in Jerusalem for this scripture to be fulfilled. So, it will take an agreement to have Israel rebuilt their temple in the location they want and also it will take time for that Temple to be rebuilt…
Some have erroneously taught that The Antichrist will just show up some how out of the blue and go to Jerusalem and maybe a Temple is miraculously built and then he declares himself to be God and as such cause the Abomination that causes Desolation.
This is not so brethren, there will be a signing of a peace treaty – a false covenant between Israel and the Antichrist who will still be undercover as a man of peace. This is just history repeating itself…for the Antichrist comes in peacefully…
Daniel 8:23-26
(23) And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.
(24) And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.
(25) And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.
(26) And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.
Daniel 11:21-24
(21) And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honor of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.
(22) And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant.
(23) And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people.
(24) He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches: yea, and he shall forecast his devices against the strongholds, even for a time.
Just like Antiochus Epiphanes did when he first deceived the Jews into accepting a false peace accord, then he turned around and came and took over Jerusalem and desecrated the Temple…
The Antichrist confirms a covenant with many for one week – 7 years…Daniel 9:27
And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
Many have argued that the ‘he’ in this verse is Jesus Christ and argue that the New Testament does not in any way speak about a 7 year covenant that the Antichrist makes with Israel. However, the ‘he’ here CANNOT be Jesus Christ but the Antichrist whom Jesus Christ was referring to in Matthew 24:15
Matthew 24:15
(15) When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
The fact that Jesus Christ was referring us to the book of Daniel should be of note. Jesus Christ admonishes the reader to UNDERSTAND this book of Daniel. You cannot place Daniel 9:27 out of context with the other types of Antichrists that Daniel writes about like Antiochus Epiphanes…
Secondly Jesus Christ IS NOT referring to himself here as the one who will cause the abomination of desolation… Jesus Christ is NOT the Antichrist… Some as I said earlier argue that the 7 year period of the tribulation is not found in the New Testament but that it is Jesus Christ who confirms His covenant with many for one week…
I have argued that let any one dare show me a scripture in the New Testament that says Jesus Christ will confirm His covenant with many for ONE WEEK…. No one can come up with such a scripture… The Covenant that Jesus Christ makes is EVERLASTING and NEVER TIME SPECIFIED… (I will deal with the 70 weeks of Daniel in a separate article in much more detail)
So, it is clear that the Antichrist will come with a PEACE AND SAFETY program that the whole world including the Jews will buy into and will not know the true character of the Antichrist until he is UNVEILED, EXPOSED and UNCOVERED when he stands to declare himself as God in the Temple…
So, Brethren, the Antichrist will sign a 7 year false peace covenant with Israel and in the Middle of the 7 years, he will break covenant with the Jews and declare himself to be God and then the Great Tribulation will start which will be 3.5 years full of chaos, judgments from Heaven, the forced 666 Economics, and war on the saints by the Antichrist…
So let us watch as President Bush and EU leaders are busy traveling to Israel seeking a Peace Agreement with Israel and the Arabs over Palestine State and dividing of Jerusalem… Don’t over look this, it is serious and we are to watch as The Lord commanded us to…
He that restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way…2 Thessalonians 2:5-7
(5) Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
(6) And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
(7) For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
Another contentious issue when it comes to Bible Prophecy is the issue of who is the ‘Restrainer’ in 2Thessalonians 2:6-7. Some have argued that the ‘Restrainer’ is the Church and the Holy Spirit. These are folks from the Pre Tribulation camp who claim that when the rapture takes place, then the Church and the Holy Spirit will be taken out of the way giving room to the Antichrist… However, we see the work of the Holy Spirit during the Tribulation, we also see saints present during the great tribulation, and so then that argument does not work.
Secondly if it is the Church that is resisting evil on the earth, then the church seems to be doing a very bad job as we see evil increasing and abounding in these last days. We also see evil taking place inside many Churches. So the argument does not hold up.
We must remember that the restrainer restrains the revealing of the Antichrist. The Bible is clear that the mystery of iniquity is already at work and there is one who restrains the revealing of the Antichrist and so the antichrist will not be revealed until he that restrains is taken out of the way…
Events prior to the Great Tribulation, a clue to the Restrainer…Now when we put the pieces of this puzzle together, we are led to look at what happens just before the Antichrist is revealed and the start of the Great Tribulation as detailed in scripture… In other words, what events transpire according to the Bible just before the Antichrist is revealed and right after his being revealed, including the start of the Great Tribulation.
We know that the Great Tribulation does NOT start until the Antichrist is exposed in the Temple as he declares himself to be God. So, if we can figure out the events that happen prior and around the start of the Great Tribulation, we can figure out who the ‘restrainer’ is that is taken out of the way… This will help us see who it is that is ‘taken out of the way’ so that the Antichrist is revealed…
Matthew 24:15-22
(15) When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
(16) Then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains:
(17) Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
(18) Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
(19) And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
(20) But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
(21) For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
(22) And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
We see here in this passage of scripture above that when the Antichrist causes the abomination of desolation, there is chaos and great tribulation immediately after the abomination of desolation…
When we compare this passage with Daniel chapter 12 we find out some more information about the events that transpire before and after the revealing of the Antichrist and the start of the Great Tribulation… We see that there is Great Trouble…which Jesus Christ alluded to earlier in Matthew 24 that if not being shortened, no man would be saved…
Daniel 12:1-3
(1) And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
(2) And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
(3) And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.
Now, we find something very interesting here in Daniel 12:1…we see that a time will come when Michael the archangel shall STAND UP, the great prince who stands for the children of God…
However, when Michael STANDS UP, there is an event that takes place and that is a TIME OF TROUBLE happens such as never was. The Angel communicating these events to Daniel uses the exact same language that Jesus Christ used as we saw earlier in the book of Mathew 24:21-22…
“For then shall be Great Tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be…” Matt 24:21-22
“And at that time shall Michael STAND UP, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people; and there shall be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation…” Dan 12:1
Now we know that Daniel and Jesus Christ are speaking of one event and that is the GREAT TRIBULATION… For Daniel is clear that this refers to the last days when the dead shall be resurrected and we know that he was referring to the resurrection of the Just and the unjust.
However the Resurrection of the Just takes place at the Second coming of Christ as described in Revelation 20:4-6. Now we know for certain that Michael only STANDS UP just at the eve of the Great Tribulation so that the Great time of Trouble can take place…
Interestingly is the Hebrew meaning of the phrase ‘STAND UP’ when we check it out in the Strong’s Concordance…
H5975
‛âmad
aw-mad'
A primitive root; to stand, in various relations (literally and figuratively, intransitively and transitively): - abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be [over], place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, + serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry.
We find Hebrew word for the phrase ‘STAND UP” is ‘AMAD’ with meanings of…
• Stand…, Abide…, Appoint…, Arise…
• Cease…, stop, finish, come to an end…
• Confirm…, Continue…, Dwell…, Be Employed…, Endure…, Establish…
• Leave…,
• Make…, Ordain…, Be…, Place…, Present…, Rise up…, Remain…, Stay up…
• Tarry…
So, I will use for the word “amad” to mean, ‘Cease’, ‘stop’, ‘come to an end’ in context with passage in Daniel 12:1 telling us that Michael shall ‘STAND UP’ and also the ‘Restrainer being removed’.
We shall see that this ties in well with other scriptural witnesses in regards to this matter… So, Michael the archangel ceases to restrain…he stops to restrain, he comes to an end of restraining the revealing or exposing of the Antichrist… After which a time of trouble such as has never been takes place – the great tribulation…
So, we now establish a fact that before the GREAT TRIBULATION Michael does stand up and then the Great Tribulation takes place which starts with the Antichrist unveiled in the Temple as he declares himself to be God… However, let’s look at another witness of scripture in this matter…
Revelation 12:7-13
(7) And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
(8) And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
(9) And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
(10) And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
(11) And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
(12) Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
(13) And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.
We get more details of what happens just before the Great Tribulation starts in this passage above. We see that there is war in heaven that breaks out, the Devil – Satan and his angels are cast out to the earth.
When that happens, there is a voice heard in Heaven declaring a ‘woe’ to the peoples of the earth because Satan and his angels have been cast down to the earth. The Voice in heaven also declares how the saints are to overcome the cast down Satan…and that is by the Blood of the Lamb, the word of their testimony, and not loving their lives till death…
The same voice in heaven also declares that the devil has come down to earth with great wrath KNOWING THAT HIS TIME IS SHORT… The Devil then goes on to persecute the saints…
So, now we establish facts here that…
• Michael STANDS UP…
• There is war in Heaven…
• The Devil is cast to the earth…
• There is a Time of Great Trouble never before on earth…
• This is the time of Great Tribulation never before on earth…
• Those Days are shortened otherwise no man would be saved…
• This period is 3.5 years according to Daniel 12…
• The Devil knows he has a short time…
• The Devil comes down to earth with Great Wrath…
• The Devil Persecutes the Saints…
• The Saints are told how to overcome…
Revelation 13:1-10
(1) And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
(2) And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
(3) And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
(4) And they worshiped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshiped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
(5) And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
(6) And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
(7) And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
(8) And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
(9) If any man have an ear, let him hear.
(10) He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
We see that there is a beast that arises from the sea and is given power by the dragon - Satan… Now this beast goes on to blaspheme God and blaspheme His tabernacle… Notice that the Beast does not get power until the Dragon empowers him. The Dragon is the one who was cast down, he is the Devil – Satan – The serpent of old…
So, now we know that the Dragon only empowers the Beast when he is cast down and the Antichrist or the man of sin can now go into the Temple to blaspheme God by declaring himself to be God…
This should be enough information for anyone that the restrainer is none other than Michael who STANDS UP or CEASES to RESTRAIN the Devil and once he does that, there is war in Heaven and the Devil is cast to the earth and then the Devil goes ahead to empower the Beast who then causes the Abomination of Desolation…
And then the wicked one shall be revealed – exposed – unveiled…
2 Thessalonians 2:8-10
(8) And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
(9) Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
(10) And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
So, the mystery of iniquity is already at work and only Michael the Archangel is restraining the Devil by holding him up in the Heaven until when the time shall come when the Devil will be cast out of Heaven with his angels… When that happens, the Devil will go ahead with full wrath to desecrate the Temple of God by empowering or incarnating the Antichrist and thus causing the Abomination of Desolation… what follows will be a great period of tribulation and great judgments coming upon the earth for 3.5 years. Many saints will be persecuted, beheaded, killed, and murdered for the 3.5 years…
As I have noted above, the revealing of the Antichrist will be by the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders. It is Satan that is behind the whole beast system and the Antichrist. This mystery of iniquity is already at work and was already at work even during the early church but the restrainer – Michael the archangel has restrained even to this day.
John the apostle in one of his letters tells the saints that there are many antichrists out there already in the world… However, THE Antichrist is yet to be revealed… The Mystery of iniquity throughout all the past 2000 years has been at work but restrained from revealing THE Antichrist…
1 John 2:18
(18) Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
However, soon the restrainer will CEASE to restrain and the Devil will be cast to the earth from then on he will go to empower the Antichrist who will declare himself to be God in the Temple in Jerusalem…
Paul the apostle concurs with John in the book of Revelation that the Antichrist – Beast will come with lying wonders, all power, and signs to deceive then that are to perish… Notice that Paul uses the word DECIEVE then that will perish…
The Antichrist, I believe will during his first 3.5 years of the 7 year covenant with Israel engage in deception that many people will not know they are being deceived…this will go on until when he will be ‘revealed’ – ‘exposed’ in the Temple when he declares himself to be God.
However even after, those who are to perish will continue to believe in his false signs and wonder’s movement… This false signs and wonders that accompany the Antichrist will be orchestrated by the False Prophet… So, the Antichrist and False Prophet will be folks well familiar with the signs and wonders movement in Christendom today…
Revelation 13:11-15
(11) And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
(12) And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
(13) And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
(14) And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
(15) And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
God shall send them strong delusion…2 Thessalonians 2:11-12
(11) And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
(12) That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
This is a warning to all Christians and all who profess to follow Christ Jesus yet deny His Doctrines and Teachings. The Lord will give them into the hands of the Antichrist and False Prophet and then finally into damnation.
Today Christians would rather follow after miracles and signs and yet reject the doctrine of Jesus Christ and teachings of His apostles as we have them in the New Testament. Remember that the Antichrist and False Prophets will come with lying signs, wonders, and all kinds of miracles to deceive those who reject truth and believed not the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness…
All deception today in the church in form of false doctrines is geared towards leading people to the courts and worship of the Antichrist and false prophet. Many people will not even see the Antichrist just before the Great Tribulation; they will simply think that he is a ‘good’ man who loves peace and with a global vision for peace in the world. They will freely follow after the Antichrist, and gladly work for him, including the Jews who will only have their eyes open that they were deceived when he declares himself to be God in the Temple in Jerusalem…
So, Brethren, let us stay watchful that we hold fast to the traditions given to us by Jesus Christ in the New Testament…
1 John 2:18
(18) Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
Hold fast the traditions – Doctrine of Jesus Christ…2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
(13) But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
(14) Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(15) Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
(16) Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
(17) Comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work.
Paul encourages the saints at Thessalonica after all that he has taught them concerning the revealing of the Antichrist that they should hold fast to the Doctrine of Jesus Christ or the traditions taught to us by word or epistle…
We should hold fast to the New Testament Doctrine that we have – the sayings and teachings of Jesus Christ and that of His apostles as written down in the New Testament. This is what will keep us from the spirit of deception and damnation out there in the world and presently engulfing many Christian churches today…
It is the Holy Spirit and Belief in Truth – God’s Holy Word that sanctifies us, presenting us a Bride without spot or wrinkle at the coming of Jesus Christ. Those who reject Truth – God’s Word – Doctrine of Jesus Christ reject The Holy Spirit and therefore are not sanctified by the Spirit of Truth…
John 16:13-15
(13) Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.
(14) He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.
(15) All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.
John 17:17
(17) Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Being Kept From the Evil one…2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
(1) Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
(2) And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
(3) But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and keep you from evil.
(4) And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
(5) And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
Paul’s prayer for the saints in Thessalonica was that the word of The Lord would spread forth and be glorified even as it was among the saints in Thessalonica. We need the same prayer in today’s church.
There is so much rejection of truth not just in the world but inside the church and it should be our heart’s cry before The Lord that His Word and Truth will have free course among His Elect and that The Lord will be glorified among them. I believe that in these last days, The Lord is going to answer that prayer but not as we would like it but His way… Many saints will be purified through the fires of the great tribulation.
Interestingly Paul prays for the saints that The Lord would keep them from evil. Jesus Christ did pray for us in the same way that we would be kept from the evil one. When the disciples asked The Lord to teach them to pray, one of the things The Lord taught the disciples was to pray that they be led not into temptation and be delivered from evil. That is a very important prayer for us in these last days that are filled with so much evil.
It should be our prayer that The Lord keeps us from all kinds of evil, especially evil that comes through false doctrines - deception, causing spiritual defilement. We should pray that The Holy Spirit will give us discernment based on God’s word to be kept away from the great deception going on in Christendom today...
Matthew 6:13
(13) And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
John 17:11
(11) And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
John 17:15
(15) I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
John 17:16-17
(16) They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
(17) Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Philippians 4:7
(7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 1:12
(12) For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
2 Timothy 4:18
(18) And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 1:4-5
(4) To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
(5) Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Jude 1:24
(24) Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Revelation 3:10
(10) Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Revelation 2:22
(22) Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
Continuity of Life even during the Tribulation…2 Thessalonians 3:6-18
(6) Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
(7) For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
(8) Neither did we eat any man's bread for naught; but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargable to any of you:
(9) Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an example unto you to follow us.
(10) For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
(11) For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
(12) Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
(13) But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
(14) And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
(15) Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
(16) Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
(17) The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.
(18) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Interestingly Paul the apostle ends his letter with these verses exhorting the saints in Thessalonica to continue with their business and to work and not be idle, doing nothing.
It seems that if one reads this passage in context of the first two chapters in the letter, that some folks might have been idle because they had false teachers who came telling them that the Rapture was Imminent. Therefore they could have seen no point of working and engaging in business but awaited the imminent rapture.
Paul exhorted the saints to work and not be idle as it would cause a bad testimony among those who believe not. This is a clear message even to our generation, that we should not cease working even in persecution; we should work and not be idle and lazy. Otherwise we bring reproach to the Name of Jesus Christ.
Now, some will say, what about those who are persecuted and thrown out of the city… Well, Paul experienced such but he had attained skills were he could survive even in another city… perhaps we should pray that The Lord give us skills that we can use anywhere like Paul used to make tents for a living.
Yet Paul was persecuted almost everywhere he went but he speaks of how he labored with his hands so as not to be a burden to the saints. Let us ask The Lord for wisdom in this matter. This will also help us finance and support the weak and also the preaching of the gospel. Ministers should and must work, there is no reason why they should not…
Acts 20:33-35
(33) I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
(34) Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
(35) I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
1 Thessalonians 2:9-10
(9) For ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail: for laboring night and day, because we would not be chargable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
(10) Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblamably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
The Prosperity gospel is a result of preachers who hate to work but become burdens on others through extortion and empty ‘seed faith’ promises they air on TV and Christian Radio. Brethren, it ought not to be so…
I know during the Great Tribulation no man will be able to buy or sell except they have the Number of the Beast…and that will go on for 3.5 years were it will forcefully be placed on all except the Saints of The Lord who will reject it.
During that time The Lord will provide for his people and still I believe that there will be ways to transact business outside the world economic system…perhaps exchange of good for goods and services without any use of the electronic monetary system…
However, that is just my speculation but the point I am making is that we won’t be sitting idle and lazy waiting for our heads to be chopped off! No way! We shall have to be involved in some kind of work even then, outside the Beast 666 Economic system… So, brethren, End Time Bible Prophecy studies is not excuse for us not to work, we must work and help the weak and needy…
Even when our fellow saints get persecuted and killed for their faith in Christ Jesus(which will happen to many saints ), those left behind should continue with a strong work ethic, both in secular work and ministry, and not be idle…
We should pray to God to give us business ideas that we be self employed if possible, especially we ministers and in such a way, you can control your time and work schedules so as to spend more time in God’s Word, Prayer and Ministry…
In Christ Jesus
Kato Mivule
Uganda, Africa
6 - Not cut off in her iniquity 
6 - Vengeance See on