The present marshalling of the forces of evil are ominous signs of this world’s coming crisis. The great men, and the mighty of the earth, are viewing the scene with fear and grave apprehension that “something” is to happen that will shake all established order. What that “something” is they do not know; but we who believe the Scriptures know.
There is a power that restrains the tide of lawlessness, namely, the presence on earth of the Holy Spirit, who is taking out of it a people, the Bride of the Lamb. On the completion of His work, the Lord descends to the air to take to Himself all His own, and then all further Divine restraint of evil is removed. Picture the scene: wickedness at full tide!
The Kingdom of this world is to become the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ (Rev. 11:15, R.V.). The events that usher it in are without parallel since the world began.
First, there is the Lord’s sudden coming to the air, the resurrection and changing of the saints, and their translation to Heaven (1 Thess. 4:13-17); to be followed by the solemn Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10); then the glorious Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:9).
During these heavenly events there will be great things transpiring on earth, such as the revival of the old Roman Empire in the form of a ten-kingdom confederation (Dan. 7:23; Rev. 13:1-10; 17:8-14);.the revelation of the Antichrist in full Satanic power, with a complete apostacy from the faith (2 Thess. 2:3-12); the Jews back in their own land (Ezek. 20:33-34); the judgments of the “seals,” “trumpets,” and “vials” of Revelation 6, 8 and 16 will run their devastating course; and the “great tribulation “will try all flesh (Rev. 3:10).
At the end will Christ appear with His saints and mighty angels in flaming fire taking vengeance on Antichrist, and on all enemies of God (2 Thess. 1:7-8; 2:8-12). He will save His ancient people Israel, threatened with utter destruction (Rev. 19:11-21); will judge the nations (Matt. 25:31-46); and will set up His righteous and glorious Kingdom over all the earth, for a thousand years (Isa. 32; Rev. 20:4).
Afterward Satan is loosed from the bottomless pit and heads a great rebellion against the King Eternal; fire from God devours them, and Satan is cast for ever into-the lake of fire; the Great White Throne is set up, Heaven and earth flee away, the wicked dead are judged and damned (Rev. 20). Then will appear the New Heaven and the New Earth, which is the Eternal State (Rev. 21)—perfection for ever!