Every member of the godly remnant, the victorious saints, will be tested to the core. Utter, total, faithful, consistent obedience to the Father must be demonstrated beyond all doubt if we are to ride with the Lord Jesus in the Day of the Lord. It is suffering that creates rulers. The crown is produced by the cross.

Until every vestige of disobedience has been removed from us we still are part of the rebellion against the Father no matter how close to Jesus we think we may be.

It is only as we suffer greatly that we cease from sin. It is only after very severe Divine chastening that God is able to comfort and establish us.

God wounds us by the hands of the enemy. The thorn in the flesh is a messenger of Satan. It is Satan whom the Lord uses to cast us into prison, who sifts our personality. If we accept our pain prayerfully and patiently the end is a peaceful, holy personality that trusts in the Lord and delights to do the will of God—and only the will of God. A meek, obedient personality is a treasure far, far exceeding the wealth of the world. Blessed indeed is the individual who accepts fully the dealings of God in his life.

A Historic Change

It is difficult for us to conceive of a time when sinners can no longer reach up to God through Christ for salvation, but the hour is at hand. Antichrist will be able to reach into the heavenlies and block their prayers. Even today, in some localities, the spiritual pressure is felt and it is becoming difficult to pray.

However, there will be opportunity through the godly remnant for the peoples of the earth to approach God.

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call. (Joel 2:32)

Joel 2:32 refers to an epochal change in the Kingdom of God. At this time the keys of the Kingdom will be given to the godly remnant who have fled from the cities of the earth. They will have had Christ formed in them. Through the Holy Spirit they will be able to release people from sin and present them before God, even though in the cities people no longer will be able to receive salvation or the Spirit of God through their own efforts and faith.

And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation [grain offering] to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate [on the wing of abominations—or a pinnacle of the Temple—will come one who causes desolation], even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate [upon the desolator]. (Daniel 9:27)

To be continued.