Remember, the promises of the Old Testament (except for those dealing specifically with the physical people and land of Israel) are directed toward Christ and those who are part of Christ.

Some saints of today are behaving wickedly toward the new covenant. They are turning the grace of God into immorality. They are claiming that the Divine salvation operates independently of our behavior, and while we ought to try to please Jesus we shall be brought to Paradise by the forgiveness of God alone. "Faith alone" may have been the cry of some of the Protestant reformers. But the Scriptures proclaim: "faith if it does not include works is dead, being alone."

Salvation does not come through a dead faith, a faith without works!

It will be extremely easy for Antichrist to remove such deceived believers from their weak position in Jesus.

And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. (Daniel 11:32)

We see this happening today as pastors acquire large congregations by telling people how wonderful they are and how God is willing to give them everything they ask without making any inconvenient demands on them. It is the spirit of Antichrist speaking through these "ministers of the Gospel."

Even today, with all of the wicked perversions of the Divine Gospel, there are saints who are walking victoriously in the Lord Jesus. They shall prevail throughout the darkness to come if they keep on seeking the Lord diligently, obeying God in every detail.

Another means of tearing down some of the saints from their heavenly position in Christ is by intimidation, terror, torture, death. Throughout the Christian Era numerous saints have stood victoriously in the face of the executioner, but others have denied Christ.

And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. (Daniel 11:33)

At the time of intense persecution the saints will receive some assistance, and people will join their ranks who are hypocrites.

Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. (Daniel 11:34)

The hypocrites are not part of the army of God. They are a "mixed multitude" in the churches. The sooner they leave the assemblies, the stronger the godly remnant will be. The Glory of God will increase in the midst of the true army as insincere people are removed from their midst.

Some of the true saints will fall because of moral sin.

And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed. (Daniel 11:35)

To be continued.