The eleventh chapter of the Book of Revelation may be portraying the events of the seventieth week of Daniel. If this is so, the first half of the seventieth week is the period of the unprecedented latter-rain revival in which the saints will be filled with the double portion of the Holy Spirit of God. They will perform works of power such as the world has never seen as they proclaim the soon coming of the Kingdom of God to the earth.

The second half of Daniel's seventieth week is the time of the government of Antichrist, and as a result, the great tribulation.

If we are correct, we now are in a time of preparation for the latter-rain revival. After the witness has been given to God's satisfaction, God will withdraw the special dispensation of power and permit Antichrist to wage war against the saints and overcome them. The restraining power will be removed from the ambitions of Antichrist and he will rule the nations for a brief period.

It is difficult for us to realize God ever would permit His saints to be overcome for a season. However, this temporary oppression is taught in the Scriptures. If we would participate successfully in the latter-rain witness, and then escape being destroyed spiritually by tribulation, we must put on the whole armor of God and prepare ourselves to stand in the evil day.

Let us turn back to the Book of Daniel. There are several passages that mention the war between Antichrist and the saints.

I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; (Daniel 7:21)

The "horn" is Antichrist. The saints are God's holy people. The holy people of the days of Antichrist are those who are in Christ whether they are Jews or Gentiles by physical birth. Paul refers to the believers in Jesus as saints, never as Christians.

Antichrist will make war with the saints and prevail against them.

And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished. (Daniel 12:7)

It is our understanding that the "time, times, and an half" of the above is referring to the three and one-half years of the last half of the seventieth week. The power of the saints will be scattered during this period, the time of the great tribulation.

We find the same concept in the New Testament:

And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. (Revelation 11:7)

Again:

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. (Revelation 13:7)

God will accomplish many things by permitting Antichrist, the "horn," to wage war against the saints and overcome them.

To be continued.