The Daily Word of Righteousness

Things To Come, #11

And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them. Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. (Daniel 8:10,11)

It is not clear to what extent Antichrist will be able to reach into the heavens. Think about the above:

It is likely that Antichrist will be able to interfere with the prayers of the saints, hindering them, oppressing them, deceiving them.

In time past we would test the spirits by asking them if Jesus is Lord, or if Christ has come in the flesh. The writer believes that these tests no longer are sufficient, for Antichrist is reaching into the heavens and exalting himself as Christ.

We cannot trust any simple formula. We must pray diligently and consistently in the name of the Lord Jesus, and then watch carefully the fruit of what we say and do. We must be especially careful concerning prophecy and personal "words." It is our opinion that numerous Christians, even experienced saints, are uncritically accepting personal prophecies and "words" under the mistaken assumption that because they believe in Jesus, or say the name of Jesus, or speak in tongues, they cannot be deceived.

It may have been true in time past that the sincere Christian could not be deceived. This no longer is the case. The spirit of deception is here. God has given great authority to Antichrist.

Why would God empower evil?

The same reason a doctor vaccinates an individual. The introduction of disease into us by vaccination causes the antibodies in our system to create immunity to the disease.

God is vaccinating humanity with evil. God's purpose is to cause Christ to act as an antibody, creating immunity in the sons of God. If we were not vaccinated with evil we would remain innocent. Like the child who never has been sick, we would be extremely vulnerable to the sickness of evil.

God deliberately is exposing us to every facet of Satan's personality so through the greatest of all Antibodies, Christ, we can become eternally immune to iniquity—to all that is in Satan.

And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. (Revelation 13:7)

God is giving Antichrist the ability to wage a successful war against the saints as well as authority over the nations of the earth.

Why would God enable Antichrist to overcome the saints? Because this is one of the means God will use to bring forth the Bride without spot or wrinkle. We grow in Christ both from our blessings and our sufferings. Some of our most valuable transforming experiences come about through our sufferings and humiliations.

We are to follow the cloud of blessing when we can see and understand, and the fire of God's judgment, His unchanging Word, when He guides us through the darkness.

If any man have an ear, let him hear. (Revelation 13:9)

Some are hearing from the Lord today. The majority are not, it seems. Let us beseech God for deliverance from the deceptions with which Satan is filling the earth.

To be continued.