The thrones in the air, which govern the spiritual condition of the nations of the earth, will soon be vacant. Their wicked inhabitants will be cast down to the earth as a warlike remnant of God's people overcome the accuser by the blood of the Lamb, by the word of their testimony, and by loving not their lives to the death.

The purpose of the catching away of the saints from the earth, which at that time will be inhabited by Satan and the rebellious angels as well as by people, will be to place the conquering saints on the thrones that govern the universe. Man was created to be the ruler of all the works of God's hands. When we become "man" by being created in Christ's image and by entering untroubled union with God through Christ, then we shall govern God's universe. This is our destiny.

The peoples of the earth will see the eternal witnesses of God standing on their feet and great fear will fall on the onlookers (Revelation 11:11).

The empty cave of Joseph of Arimathea is a testimony to the world. But a greater testimony is coming. It is the empty graves of the army of the Lord. The nations will see these graves and know that God has sent Christ to be the lawful and only King of kings and Lord of lords.

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. (I Corinthians 15:52-54)

And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. (Revelation 11:12)

We have seen, therefore, that the out-resurrection must be attained. We have been invited to participate in the first resurrection, and God has made complete preparations for our successful achievement of the fullness of redemption.

But we must respond to God's invitation by laying hold on the grace He has extended to us. We must call on Him constantly for guidance and power. We must overcome the numerous obstacles and enemies that strive without ceasing to prevent our escaping the sin and death with which all of Satan's followers, and Satan himself, are bound.

Satan is jealous of our inheritance as sons of God and he fervently desires our worship. He will do everything in his power to keep us from gaining access to the tree of life.

To be continued.