We are not certain of the meaning of these statements but we know by experience some of the implications. Antichrist will be given enough spiritual power to interfere with our prayers and prophecies, deceiving us in a manner not possible in time past.

We always have been able to trust the spirits that confessed that Jesus is Lord and that Christ has come in the flesh. This no longer is possible. Antichrist will speak to us, appearing to claim that Jesus is Lord and that Christ has come in the flesh.

How, then, can we be sure we are hearing from the Lord? Only by continual alertness, returning again and again to the Lord—many times each day. We must keep asking for truth in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then we must watch carefully that the fruit of our behavior is in line with the Scriptures.

Numerous saints will be deceived because they will not take the steps required to make certain they are hearing from the Lord. Such delusion already is taking place.

Many of the true saints may suffer deception because of the increased power given to Antichrist to interfere with their prayers. The Spirit of God will work with them (if they keep their hearts right) until they come out of the deception.

Those who have major problems in their personality, such as a desire for preeminence and power, a lust for money, or a strong romantic spirit, may stumble to the point of losing their crown if they do not repent.

God is in the process of bringing forth "a great people and a strong" (Joel 2:2). They will be the first reaping of the earth—a firstfruits who follow the Lord wherever He goes.

Many Christians who have made progress in the realm of spiritual activity will not be in the final remnant because deep-seated iniquity in their personality will deceive them. If the reader feels himself to be one of these, let us urge you to purge yourself of sin and become a vessel of honor. You can do this through the Virtue and power of Christ if you become desperate enough! Determine to fight your way into God's Presence and the Holy Spirit will bring you to total victory and rest.

As we move past the Pentecostal experience, as typified by the Lampstand of the Tabernacle of the Congregation, we come to the Altar of Incense. The Altar of Incense is the place of the cup. Twice each twenty-four hour period the holy incense was poured from a cup upon the coals of the Altar of Incense.

The cup represents the death of the soul. Jesus' soul was sorrowful to the point of death. He prayed He would not be required to drink the cup of the sins of the world.

Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. (Matthew 26:38,39)

To be continued.