God's judgment works on us until our personality is acceptable to Him. We have been predestined to be changed into the image of Jesus and such transformation requires processes that often are distressing to us. We are to endure with patience and joy, as God enables, the race that has been set before us.

Do the Scriptures promise us protection throughout the great tribulation? Indeed they do! This does not mean that no Christian will be persecuted or slain during the great persecution that is coming. It does mean, however, that the faithful saint will not be harmed spiritually, and in many cases may be delivered physically.

It is our spiritual well-being that is of supreme importance. Today the spiritual safety of the saints is in danger from deceiving spirits, and we notice that many are in deception and living in the soul and flesh.

God has promised the purified remnant of His people protection during the great tribulation.

And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence [covering]. (Isaiah 4:5)

On each dwelling place of the saints, and over the gathering of the saints, will be a covering. The Glory of God will be wonderful in that hour, as always is true when God's elect are in danger or trouble. A Satan-inspired Antichrist will rage against God, but the true believers will be protected spiritually, and sometimes physically, against his attacks.

We of today do not understand the intensity of the spiritual oppression that is at hand. During the dark hour just ahead, the age of moral horrors, only the overcomers will be able to pray with effect. It will be difficult—nearly impossible—for the majority of believers to resist temptation. Those who today are careless in their attitude toward Christ will be tossed about helplessly in the spiritual currents that will be flowing. Only the Christians who know their God will be able to stand and help others.

Antichrist will be given the power to overcome the saints.

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

And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: . . . . (Revelation 13:7)

God will keep us, even in that terrible time, if we have kept the word of Christ's patience. Woe to the lukewarm in the years of darkness on the horizon!

And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain. (Isaiah 4:6)

The spiritual environment will be oppressive as man seeks to make himself God. Truly, man-centeredness is an abomination that always creates desolation on the earth. Both the Christians and the non-Christians will be afraid, seeking for some kind of security. Antichrist, being possessed by Satan, will go forth to torment the Jews and the Christians, for they are the people of God.

To be continued.