As we have said, Antichrist will likely be personified in a single individual. It is probable that Antichrist will come from the midst of Spirit-filled people because he (or she) will be someone who believes in and practices the miraculous. Satan always seeks out those who are pressing toward the Lord and joins himself with them. Remember, Judas was one of the Lord's chosen twelve!

If we do not gain victory over the antichrist spirit, which is in the world now and is seeking to consolidate its power, we never will be able to resist the antichrist spirit when it is personified in the man of sin—the man to whom God will give enormous spiritual authority, wisdom, and power. If we cannot walk with God now, when His Presence still is abundant, what will we do in the hour of spiritual darkness when God permits the forces of evil to extend their power into the heavens (Daniel 8:10)?

If the Christian people are deceived in the present hour, what will be the case when the world is governed by a man who is willing to subsidize the Christian churches in the interests of world harmony?—who is seeking the assistance of the Christian churches in obtaining security and abundance for all the peoples of the earth?—whose doctrine is "the rights of people"?

There is a glorious destiny awaiting those who gain victory over the spirit of Antichrist. They will stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. The fact that they have the "harps of God" means the ability to worship God in obedience and purity has been created in them.

As we approach the Day of Wrath we find that the sealed remnant, the firstfruits of the Wife of the Lamb, are standing on Mount Zion with the Lamb.

The great multitude now are shown as standing "on the sea of glass, having the harps of God."

And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. (Revelation 15:2)

The "glass mingled with fire" speaks to us of the transparent holiness that will be wrought in the Lord's people by the fires of the great tribulation. All the lust, pride, covetousness, malice, guile, and rebellion will be purged from those who have been chosen to stand before the Lord as His royal priesthood.

The "harps of God" refers to the song of praise that swells up within the heart of those who overcome the world and go to join the Lamb. Anyone can attend church and sing hymns. But only those who are true to the Lord have the song of God within them.

We understand, then, that neither the sealed remnant nor the great multitude of the royal priesthood will be on the earth when the bowls of wrath are poured out. The Lord Jesus will return immediately after the great tribulation but before the outpouring of Divine wrath. Those of the Lord's people who have remained alive on the earth will be caught up to meet the Lord at His coming. This is the first resurrection from the dead.

To be continued.