The Daily Word of Righteousness

Preparing for the Battle of Armageddon, #11

No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. (I John 3:6,7—NIV)

If you are not a fervent, faithful Christian you will not be raised from the dead and ascend to meet the Lord in the air when He returns. Do not let anyone deceive you. It shall not happen. It is not too late for you to change. But tomorrow may be too late.

What We Are Learning Now

The subject of the present article is preparation for the Battle of Armageddon.

What are some of the virtues that must be present in our personality if we are to be qualified and competent to ride behind Christ in the Day of the Lord?

Several required characteristics may be found in the second chapter of the Book of Joel.

First, we must be courageous with the courage of Christ, and strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Joel's army is no place for fearful, weak believers. The Lord is teaching us courage and giving us strength today as we wrestle against the powers of darkness.

Many believers become fearful at the thought of spiritual battle. The Lord will help us overcome such fear if we ask Him. But there is no place for the fearful in the army of the Lord.

A day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like dawn spreading across the mountains a large and mighty army comes, such as never was of old nor ever will be in ages to come. (Joel 2:2—NIV)

They will attack the wicked nations with the speed and fury of a cavalry charge. Whether their glorified bodies are able to take on the appearance of a horse (which is entirely possible) or whether they will actually ride horses remains to be seen. The horse in the Scripture is a symbol of speed and strength, especially in war.

They have the appearance of horses; they gallop along like cavalry. (Joel 2:4—NIV)

With a noise like that of chariots they leap over the mountaintops, like a crackling fire consuming stubble, like a mighty army drawn up for battle. (Joel 2:5—NIV)

These are not a weak, timorous people who are easily cowed. They are not spiritually sluggish as so many are today. They are not "fools and slow of heart to believe." They are warriors, a mighty army. They are drawn up for battle.

The Lord Jesus must create such characteristics in us today, and also in the saints who are in the spirit realm, for we are all one army. There will not be opportunity later. We are approaching the end of the age and the return of the Lord. The time to prepare yourself for the Battle of Armageddon is now—today. Tomorrow may be too late for you.

At the sight of them, nations are in anguish; every face turns pale. (Joel 2:6—NIV)

The unscriptural teaching of the "rapture" declares that God will carry us up to Heaven so we do not have to face Antichrist and the great tribulation. Do such teachers have no idea of the terrifying appearance of the resurrected and glorified sons of God? Do they not realize the wicked will be stricken with horror when they see Divine light as a thousand-watt bulb streaming from the saints, realizing that such cannot be harmed?

To be continued.