The tribulation period lasts seven years and occurs just prior to the Second Coming of Christ and the establishment of the Millennial Kingdom. During the tribulation period the world will suffer seven years of unhindered manipulation and deception by Satan. More specifically, it is actually divided into two halves of three-and-one-half years each. This period will be the high point of Satan’s career and destiny. With the Holy Spirit and the believers of the church age removed (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17), Satan is allowed to deceive almost all the people who are left (2 Thessalonians 2:7-12). There will be a remnant of Jews, 144,000, who will recognize the work of the Lord and the fulfillment of prophecy and turn to God in belief (Revelation 7:4). From that testimony, some individuals from every tribe, language, people and nation will also repent and believe (Revelation 5:9). Many of these believers will be put to death for their faith (Revelation 12:11). The majority of the world’s population will fall under the highest deception Satan will ever achieve. Through a coordinated effort by Satan and his minions, the Antichrist will gain a position of leadership over the entire earth (Revelation 13:2). The False Prophet will support the Antichrist (Revelation 19:20). The Antichrist will be a man, chosen and indwelled by Satan. He will appear to be trustworthy, charismatic and attractive. Though the details are not revealed in the Bible, apparently freedom of religion, a spirit of global cooperation, and the desire for world peace and prosperity will be the alluring elements of Satan’s great deception.
For the first half of the seven-year period, freedom of religion for all will be allowed to coexist equally. However, as the second half of the seven-year tribulation commences, the Antichrist will use his power and influence to dominate commerce and religion. Ultimately, he will demand worship of himself only and control commerce with the mark of the beast. This will continue for the duration of the three-and-one-half years until Christ returns. The vast majority of the inhabitants of the earth will not repent (Revelation 16:9-11). They will continue in sinful practices, false worship and lawlessness. The Tribulation Period will fulfill Isaiah’s Prophecy regarding Satan, ‘I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ (Isaiah 14:14).”
Next Section: Satan in the Church Age
Table of Contents: The Fate of Satan
Text for this post has been borrowed from my Kindle eBook The Fate of Satan (Book 3 of the Grace and Knowledge Series) by Brother Woody Brohm. Copyright 2016.
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
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