Preparing For The Time Of Antichrist

Preparing For The Time Of Antichrist from http://www.velocity.net/~edju/Anti.htm

Preface

This Disaster Plan will hopefully encourage a much needed discussion about the possible soon coming of antichrist. The plan is the collective effort of a small group of believers who feel their anonymity will lead to a more focused consideration of the subject. Permission is granted to faithfully reproduce or publish the plan in its entirety or in part.

Disaster Plan for Antichrist

I. Definition: Antichrist can mean either “against Christ,” or “instead of Christ,” or perhaps combining the two, “one who, assuming the guise of Christ, opposes Christ” (Vine’s Dictionary, 1985, page 30).

II. Premise: It is always best to prepare for the worst.

III. Purpose: To prepare believers to expect, recognize, resist, and endure the rise and reign of antichrist.

IV. Introduction:

 

• Premise: Most believers expect to see the soon coming of the true Christ and are generally unprepared for the possible soon coming of antichrist instead. 
• Fact: There is nothing in the Bible that promises today’s believers that they will not be on earth for the rise and reign of antichrist. 
• Fact: Those who teach that there is no way today’s believers will be on earth for the rise and reign of antichrist are false teachers. 
• Assertion: Those who do not teach today’s believers that they could be on earth for the rise and reign of antichrist are not responsible teachers. 
• Assertion: Because there is an abundance of Scripture suggesting that today’s believers could be on earth for the rise and reign of antichrist, it behooves believers to be prepared for that possibility. 
• Conclusion: Believers prepared for antichrist today will be prepared for antichrist tomorrow. 
• General Statement: Not anticipating and preparing for potential problems can result in disaster. People on the Titanic lost their lives not because their ship hit an iceberg, but because there were not enough lifeboats. Flight attendants today prepare passengers not only for a pleasant trip, but also for possible disaster. Noah was prepared for the flood, Joseph for famine, Jesus for the cross. They were all warned by God of coming circumstances, and they prepared accordingly. When the test came they were ready.Antichrist, by the Bible’s definition, is a disaster waiting to happen. Yet, even with all the Bible’s warnings, believers today are largely unprepared for his promised coming. Fortunately though, God has provided in Scripture everything we need to know about this coming disaster. When we take the time to read and heed what God is telling us, we come to understand that He has, in effect, given us a perfect disaster plan for antichrist.

IV. The Disaster Plan

 

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  • Premise: There is no good reason for today’s believers not to be ready for antichrist’s appearance at any time. 
  • Fact: Scripture does not promise believers that antichrist has already come and gone. 
  • Fact: Scripture does not promise believers that they will be raptured prior to antichrist’s coming. 
  • Fact: Scripture does not promise believers that antichrist is not already in the world today and ready to appear at any moment. 
  • Assertion: It only serves the purpose of antichrist for today’s believers not to be expecting him. 
  • Conclusion: It is judicious and wise for today’s believers to be prepared for antichrist’s coming at any time. 
  • Premise: The spirit of antichrist is in the world and is preparing the world to accept antichrist’s coming as the true Christ’s coming. 
  • Fact: Antichrist does not want believers to know how to discern the difference between the genuine Christ and the counterfeit christ. 
  • Assertion: Today’s believers must be prepared to discern the difference between the true Christ and the counterfeit christ. 
  • Assertion: The necessary circumstances and conditions concerning the true Christ’s coming are clearly defined in the Bible. 
  • Assertion: Today’s believers must know what the Bible says about the true Christ and the true Christ’s coming so they can discern the counterfeit coming of antichrist. 
  • Conclusion: If today’s believers know the facts concerning the true Christ and the true Christ’s coming, then they will be prepared to recognize antichrist when he appears. 
  • The True Coming of Christ: How We Know 
    1. The True Christ Will Return in the Clouds, in the Heavens.Acts 1:11….this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.Mark 13:26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

        

       • Genuine: Just as Jesus departed into the clouds, into the heavens, he will return in the clouds, in the heavens. 
       • Counterfeit: Antichrist and his representatives may manipulate circumstances to approximate Acts 1:11 and Mark 13:26, e.g., antichrist may come from the clouds, from the heavens, as he arrives in an airplane/aircraft. 
       • Emphasis: The true Christ literally comes in the clouds, in the heavens. [ED: bodily and visibly] 
       • Warning: There are other requirements that help define the true Christ’s coming.

        

    2. The True Christ Will Return in the Clouds, in the Heavens, with Flames of Fire.2 Thessalonians l:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels: In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…Revelation 13: 13,14 And he [the false prophet] doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men: And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had the power to do in the sight of the beast…

        

       • Genuine: The true Christ returns in the clouds, in the heavens, with flames of fire. 
       • Counterfeit: In Revelation, Jesus warns of antichrist’s spectacularly deceptive false prophet who performs “great wonders” in the name of God. We are told that in the future this false prophet will call down fire from heaven much as Elijah did in 1 Kings 18:37-39. In the Old Testament account this fire from heaven was a sign that Elijah’s God was the true God. Jesus warns that the false prophet’s fire from heaven is deceptive and not from God. 
       • Emphasis: Jesus warns us to beware of this false prophet who will call down fire from heaven to impress and deceive the world. 
       • Warning: The Bible warns us not to follow “prophets” or “dreamers” whose prophecies, predictions, signs or wonders come true, if at the same time, they urge people to follow after another god:”If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder: And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 13:1-3). 
       • Note: Pharaoh’s magicians performed signs and wonders that sometimes approximated those of Moses. So it will be, and even more so, with antichrist and his false prophets, as they try to approximate and counterfeit the signs and wonders of the true Christ’s coming. 
    3. Every Eye Shall See the True Christ as He Returns in the Clouds, in the Heavens, with Flames of Fire.Revelation l:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him…Matthew 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

        

       • Genuine: Every eye will see the true Christ as he arrives in the clouds, in the heavens, with flames of fire. 
       • Counterfeit: Antichrist and his representatives may manipulate circumstances to approximate Revelation 1:7, e.g., everyone may see him on television as he arrives in an airplane/aircraft from the heavens on a cloudy day, perhaps in conjunction with the false prophet’s calling down fire from heaven. 
       • Emphasis: Every eye sees the true Christ up in the clouds, up in the heavens, with flames of fire as he lights up the sky from east to west. 
       • Warning: The true Christ’s return is an absolutely spectacular event that takes place in the heavens. 
    4. When Believers See the True Christ as He Returns in the Clouds, in the Heavens, With Flames of Fire, They Will be like Him.1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.1 Corinthians 15:51,52 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

        

       • Genuine: When believers see the true Christ they will be mysteriously transformed into his likeness [ED: physically, bodily]. 
       • Counterfeit: Antichrist and his representatives may try to imitate 1 John 3:2 and 1 Corinthians 15:51,52. Those who do not recognize and resist antichrist when he comes may find themselves suddenly transformed and empowered by his presence. The experiencing of new powers and supernatural abilities may be so intoxicating that it will deceive people into believing that antichrist is the true Christ. 
       • Emphasis: The true transformation (believers being changed into Christ’s likeness) happens only when the true Christ returns. 
       • Warning: Before Jesus continues his descent from the clouds after everyone sees him, he must first meet with all believers in the air.

        

    5. After Believers See the True Christ Coming in the Clouds, in the Heavens, with Flames of Fire, They Will be like Him, and They Will be Caught up to Meet Him in the Air,1 Thessalonians 4: 15-18 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 
       • Genuine: After everyone sees Jesus returning in the clouds, believers will literally be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. 
       • Counterfeit: Antichrist and his representatives may try to imitate this literal meeting of Christ and his believers in the air, e.g., antichrist may claim that through the medium of television he gathers everyone together to see him and to meet him “on the air”; e.g., he may claim that because his image is being transmitted via satellite, that he is technically “in” the clouds, “in” the heavens, and meeting everyone “in” the air. 
       • Emphasis: Believers must meet with the true Christ up in the clouds, in the heavens, in the air. It is a literal and personal encounter in the sky. It is not symbolic. It is not electronic. It is not a vision. It does not take place in a dream. It does not happen on television or on the internet. 
       • Warning: If believers see a christ figure standing on earth, and they have not already met with him in the clouds, in the heavens, in the air, then this christ figure is not the true Christ.”Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo here is Christ, or there; believe it not.” (Matthew 24:23).”Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth, behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.” (Matthew 24:26)

          

    6. The Name of the One and Only Christ is Jesus.Philippians 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.Acts 10:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

       1 John 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

        

       • Genuine: Jesus is the one true Christ. 
       • Counterfeit: Antichrist and his representatives may seek to redefine the office of Christ to exclude Jesus as the one and only office holder, e.g., Jesus may be described as “a” christ; e.g., Buddha may be described as “a” christ, Mohammed “a” christ; e.g., each member of humanity may be described as “a” christ, and as such, a part of a counterfeit “body of christ”, of which antichrist, as Christ/God will be the head. 
       • Emphasis: The Bible underlines the exclusivity of the name and person of Jesus as the one and only Christ. 
       • Warning: In their attempt to reinvent and transform the person of Jesus into “another Jesus” (2 Corinthians 11:4), antichrist and his representatives will contradict the Bible’s description of Jesus.

        

    7. The True Christ, Jesus Christ, Assumes a New Name For his Millennial Reign.
       He Writes This New Name Upon his Followers at the Beginning of his Reign.Revelation 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and 1 will write upon him my new name. 
       • Genuine: The true Christ assumes a new name after his true coming and after all the events in Revelation have taken place. He writes this new name upon his faithful followers to reward them for their proven loyalty. 
       • Counterfeit: Antichrist and his representatives may seek to manipulate circumstances to make it appear that antichrist’s name is the new name of Christ as described in Revelation 3: 12, e.g., counterfeiting the return of the true Christ, antichrist could use Revelation 3:12 to justify his eliminating the name of Jesus as he initiates the “new age” of his “millennial reign” under his assumed “new name”, e.g., antichrist, by counterfeiting the true coming and manipulating Scripture to seemingly describe himself, could cleverly reinvent himself as Christ under his assumed new name. In the twinkling of an eye the world could be suddenly following a new age christ who comes in his own name. Jesus warned that something like this would happen. “I am come in my Father’s name, and ye received me not: if another shall come in his own name him ye will receive.” (John 5:43), e.g., perhaps citing Revelation 3:12, antichrist will seek to write his “new name” upon all humanity. The Bible warns that the number of his name is 666. “And he [agent of antichrist] causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred three score and six.” (Revelation 13:16,17) 
       • Emphasis: The new name that the true Christ assumes for his millennial reign does not take anything away from his lordship as Jesus throughout the previous age. And his new name does not change his person or character in any way. Most likely Jesus’ new name simply adds to the definition of who he already is. It may reflect his new relationship of living and dwelling with his people. 
       • Warning: Jesus is born Jesus; he is Lord and Savior Jesus; he dies as Jesus; he is resurrected as Jesus; and the Bible makes it clear that he returns as Jesus.” Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (2 Thessalonians 2:1)”This same Jesus, which is taken from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven…” (Acts 1:11)

         “…until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords…”(l Timothy 6:14-15)

        

    8. When the True Christ Comes, Those Who Have Opposed Him Will be Judged.2 Thessalonians 1:7,8 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels: In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…2 Timothv 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom…

        

       • Genuine: When the true Christ comes he will judge unbelievers, dispensing vengeance to those who oppose him. 
       • Counterfeit: When antichrist comes he will judge unbelievers, dispensing vengeance to all who oppose him, e.g., believers in the true Christ who refuse to follow antichrist and take his mark will likely be labeled as antichrist to the rest of the world. 
       • Emphasis: Christ comes in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who disobey his gospel. 
       • Warning: True believers should not be surprised at the fiery trials that will come with antichrist as he counterfeits the true Christ’s judgement by seeking vengeance on all those who oppose him. 
    9. Revelation is a Prophecy Given to Us by the True Christ. It Can Not be Changed. It Will Come True.Revelation l:l The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John…Revelation 22:6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

       Revelation 22:18,19–For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

        

       • Genuine: Jesus Christ revealed to the apostle John events that must take place in the future. The events described cannot be stopped, cut short, or changed in any way. Revelation is not a possibility or a probability. It is a sure prophecy. 
       • Counterfeit: Antichrist and his representatives seek to change or even do away with the Book of Revelation, e.g., antichrist may reward the world’s faith in him by declaring Revelation null and void. By following him, and taking his mark, the world would believe they were receiving apparent peace and safety instead of the horrible events of Revelation. 
       • Emphasis: All the events in Revelation will happen. 
       • Warning: Beware of those who seek to reinterpret, change, or downplay Revelation in any way. God promises severe consequences to those who try to alter the words and meaning of this prophecy. 
    10. The True Christ and the True Christ’s Coming Will Always Agree with Scripture.2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

        Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.

         

        • Genuine: The true Christ not only honors and abides by Scripture, he also fulfills it. 
        • Counterfeit: Antichrist and his representatives do not honor and abide by Scripture. Instead, they selectively distort, redefine, and contradict Scripture for their own purposes. Antichrist though, no matter how clever, will never meet the Bible’s literal requirements for the true coming of Christ. 
        • Emphasis: The true Christ fulfills Scripture as it is written. 
        • Warning: Beware of those who come in the name of God, Christ, Holy Spirit, etc., to undermine rather than underline the truth of literal Scripture. 
  • Premise: The antichrist spirit is in the world.1 John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 
  • Assertion: The antichrist spirit is on the move.1 Peter 5:8,9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 
  • Assertion: Antichrist and his representatives come in the name of light and love and Christ.2 Corinthians 11:13, 14 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 
  • Assertion: Antichrist and his representatives come with signs, wonders and miracles that pretend to be from God.2 Thessalonians 2:9 Even him [antichrist], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders… 
  • Assertion: The antichrist spirit with it’s many temptations must be resisted.James 4:7–Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 
  • Exhortation: Resist antichrist and his temptations by being spiritually alert.Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. 
  • Exhortation: Resist antichrist and his temptations by not being ignorant of his schemes and devices.1 Corinthians 2:ll Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. 
  • Exhortation: Resist antichrist and his temptations by exposing his schemes and devices.Ephesians 5:ll And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 
  • Exhortation: Resist antichrist and his temptations by testing the spirits.1 John 4:1-3 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 
  • Exhortation: Resist antichrist and his temptations by standing fast on the truth of God’s word.1 Peter 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever… 
  • Exhortation: Resist antichrist and his temptations by contending for the faith.Jude 1:3 …ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 
  • Exhortation: Resist antichrist and his temptations by standing fast in the strength of the Lord.Ephesians 6: 10,ll Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.l Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 
  • Exhortation: Resist antichrist and his temptations by holding fast to the truth.Revelation 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 
  • Premise: Countless numbers of people will be deceived into believing antichrist is Christ.Revelation 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 
  • Assertion: Those who mistake antichrist for the true Christ will hate those who hold to the name of Jesus.Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 
  • Assertion: Believers in the true Christ need to be prepared for persecution, punishment, and death at the hands of antichrist and his followers.2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.Revelation 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held…

     

  • Exhortation: Believers should not be surprised they are persecuted.1 Peter 4:12,13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 
  • Exhortation: Believers should not be afraid or troubled when they are persecuted.1 Peter 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled…Philippians 1:28–And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

     

  • Exhortation: Believers should consider themselves blessed when they are persecuted.Matthew 5:ll Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.James 5:ll Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

     

  • Exhortation: Experiencing tribulation is part of the faith.Acts 14:22 …and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 
  • Exhortation: Tribulation works patience.Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience… 
  • Assertion: Enduring persecution and tribulation, believers are to wait patiently for the return of the true Christ.2 Thessalonians 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.Luke 21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls.

    Revelation 2:25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.

     

  • Assertion: God gives strength to believers through his promises. (2 Peter 1:4)Hebrews 13:5 …for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that Love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

    2 Corinthians 12:9 …My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

    Matthew 28:20 … and, to, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

     

A. Expecting Antichrist: Believers Must Be Ready.2 Thessalonians 2:1-5 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

 

B. Recognizing Antichrist: Know The Genuine Christ.Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

2 Corinthians 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

 

C. Resisting Antichrist: Standing Fast 

D. Enduring Antichrist: Persevering. 

V. Conclusion: When asked by his disciples what would be the sign of his coming and of the end of the world, Jesus answered, “Take heed that no man deceive you” (Matthew 24:4). Having been warned repeatedly by the Lord about deception, and in particular antichrist, it is important that believers today not be deceived into thinking that they cannot be deceived. This disaster plan is a small attempt to better prepare believers for the possible soon coming of antichrist. Not to prepare for that possibility seems naive and dangerous. There are too many lives at stake for everyone to just “hope for the best.” Thus it has been the purpose of this disaster plan to help people “prepare for the worst.”The Bible tells us that we are in a race, and that we are to run so as to win the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24). We are told that the race goes not to the swift (Ecclesiastes 9:11), but to those who run with patience (Hebrews 12:l) and are able to endure (Matthew 24:13).

In preparing for a race of unknown distance and duration, the serious runner will prepare for the most extreme possibility. The committed runner will not train for less than a marathon if he knows he may have to run a marathon to win the prize.

Believers today must be ready not only to recognize antichrist, but also to resist his powerful temptations, and ultimately to endure his wrath. We must be prepared for the worst…to go the distance…to run the race set before us…to win the prize.

“Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” (1 thessalonians 5:6)