END-TIMES PROPHECIES: THE IMMINENT RETURN OF CHRIST (Pt. V)

END-TIMES PROPHECIES: THE IMMINENT RETURN OF CHRIST (Pt. V)

THE HOLY SPIRIT continues to proclaim the extremely urgent message that JESUS CHRIST will soon. Today, we commence our discussion of The Tribulation Period, highlighting the Global Economic System, the One World Government, the One World Church and The Unholy Trinity, which consists of Satan, the Antichrist and the False Prophet.  Please exercise patience since these events will not necessarily be presented in chronological order, and we will require a minimum of three lessons to complete this segment of the series.

First, let’s take a quick snapshot of the end-times condition of the institutional church (as opposed to the invisible church) and its significance.  The scriptures state emphatically that the “spirit of antichrist” is “already…in the world.” (I John 4:3)  This spirit is clearly exemplified by our society’s growing disdain for Christianity, Christians and Christ.  Jesus warned that true believers would be “hated of all men for my name’s sake.” (Luke 21:17) 

Exhibit A:  In certain nations, the Bible is totally banned, as is public assembly for Christian worship.  In the USA, we have witnessed a radical erosion of the ‘faith of our fathers.’  For example, the Constitution has been misconstrued and misapplied to ban praying and reading the Bible in public schools altogether, along with displaying nativity scenes in civic squares or posting The Ten Commandments in courthouses.  Even more tragic is this little known fact: More Christians have been martyred during the past century than in all previous centuries combined.  This vicious reaction against persons of faith will only grow worse.

Exhibit B:  False teachers have surfaced within the institutional church, misleading many with fleshly promises of ‘Bigger-and-Better’ in this present world, with little regard for the world to come. (II Peter 2:1-2)  Whenever churches emphasize individual prosperity vis-à-vis global evangelism and mission, they have lost focus on the Kingdom of God, as taught by Jesus Christ, “the author and finisher of our faith.” (Colossians 3:1 and Hebrews 12:2)  Peter counsels that such false teachers will seek to “exploit” us due to their greedy and covetous spirits. (II Peter 2:3)  Not only will there be false leaders and prophets in the end-times, false messiahs will also be revealed, confusing many with deceptive signs and wonders. (Matthew 7:22-23 and Matthew 24:5;24)  Caution: Never pursue signs and the wonders; always hunger and thirst for Christ. (Matthew 5:6)

Exhibit C:  Since 2008, the world has experienced a momentous financial meltdown and recession, which yet threatens to devolve into global depression.  Many economists believe this trend is likely to continue, causing many of the so-called ‘first-world’ industrialized nations to lose their financial footing.  Why is this relevant?  It is likely that shaky fiscal conditions are the precursor to the coming takeover of the global economy by the Antichrist (the beast), in conjunction with ten kingdoms (ten regional powers) that will support him financially, politically and militarily.  The apocalyptic writer, John, foresaw a global economic system that will be controlled exclusively by the Antichrist.  This end-times fiscal coup d'état is highly plausible due to 1) the development of global banking technologies, 2) the presence of central banks in most nations, and 3) the existence of international banking agencies such as The World Bank Group and the United Nations Development Group.  In the words of John:

Revelation 13:16-18 (NKJV)

¹⁶ He [the Antichrist] causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, ¹⁷ and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.  ¹⁸ Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.

The Antichrist’s global financial control will be the foundation of his power over individual people.  During the latter half of the 7-year Tribulation Period (known as The Great Tribulation), the Antichrist will assert absolute financial, political and religious authority over the planet with the assistance of The False Prophet.  Without one’s personal assent to the rule of the Antichrist (demonstrated via the decision to accept the mark and to publically worship him), there will be absolutely NO participation in the global economy.  That is, there will be no ability (NONE) to sell or purchase anything of value, such as groceries, toiletry items, clothing, or any personal property whatsoever.  Consider this.  Even access to individual bank accounts and investment funds will be closed to those who have not taken the mark of the beast.  Without the mark, it will be impossible to access one’s personal funds, IRA, 401k, pension checks, social security checks, or any other valuables stored in a banking institution.

However, please be aware that the decision to accept the mark of the beast is a one-way ticket to hell:

Revelation 14:9-11 (NKJV)

⁹ Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, ¹⁰ he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. ¹¹ And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”

A future lesson in this series (two days hence) will explore the Antichrist and the mark of the beast in much more detail.  However, tomorrow we will examine the Rapture of the Church, which should prove to be an intriguing study for all of us.  Sisters and brothers, stay prayerfully attentive as our end-times series progresses, and be continually blessed!