God will give Antichrist authority and power to overcome the saints who have borne the Kingdom testimony of the last days.

Let us turn now to the Book of Daniel.

I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; 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. (Daniel 7:21,22)

The issue is one of judgment. Because we saints often do the works of Satan, because we are lawless and love the world, sin, and our own will, God is not free to judge Satan. The saints must be chastised severely until the sin and rebellion have been driven from them. Only then will God be justified in casting down Satan from the heavens. The saints must overcome the accuser by the blood of the Lamb, by the testimony wrought in them by the Spirit, and by their obedience to the point of death.

And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. (II Corinthians 10:6)

In the last days a remnant, a Gideon's army, will be drawn from the churches. These will obey God to the point of death. Through them Satan will be thrown down, and the remainder of God's Israel (all the elect of God) will be enabled to join in the defeat and spoiling of the enemy.

The following passage reveals that the Antichrist's master plan for the end-time is to destroy the saints by making them feel secure. The Christian witness already, in our day, has been ruined in the wealthy democracies because the saints are involved in the materialistic culture and the world seems to be their friend.

And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. 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 [ease; security] shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. (Daniel 8:24,25)

Bible scholars have not always recognized that the "holy people" being addressed in Daniel are God's elect, whether Jewish or Gentile by natural birth.

At one time the Jewish people, or a remnant of them, were the only members of the holy olive tree. Since the resurrection of the Lord some Gentiles have been added to the olive tree. In the last days a multitude of Jews will be grafted on their own olive tree.

Paul consistently addressed the believers as saints —holy ones.

To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:7)

The nation of Israel as such is not holy today. Only those who are part of Christ are holy to the Lord, are saints.

To be continued.