23 Such an environment will weaken all but the most determined saints.

Satan’s strategy for the last days is to "love" the saints out of the Kingdom of God.

And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace [ease; security] shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. (Daniel 8:24,25)

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. (I Thessalonians 5:3)

Antichrist will lead the nations of the world in welfare programs that demonstrate concern for all human needs. He will be allowed by the Lord to bring about world peace and cradle-to-grave security. In this manner he will win over the churchgoers who are not able to distinguish between the kindness of God and the treacheries of Satan.

. . . and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. (Revelation 11:9)

Here is the ultimate in spiritual wickedness and perversity. Antichrist will not destroy the Christian institutions. He will support them and encourage them in every way. He will help the Laodicean "Christians" build their buildings and sing their hymns. This is why the Laodiceans will be "rich, and increased with goods" (Revelation 3:17).

The Christian people will not be aware that anything is wrong. They never have been taught what it means to be a Christian, a saint, a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, of the need for total separation from the world.

People of today are "being saved" apart from godly repentance. They are receiving Christ as Saviour but not as Lord. They are being taught by their "pastors" that being a Christian means they can expect material prosperity, that they never will be called on to suffer for the Gospel’s sake.

God never will allow them to suffer (they imagine) but will carry them up to Heaven so a Jewish remnant can suffer for the testimony of the Kingdom of God—without the Holy Spirit to support them (the Jews) in their tribulations.

What do you think of such a doctrine? Are you in agreement with it? Is it apostolic? Is it even reasonable or sensible? The industrial complexes of today have learned that if they will be considerate of their employees and provide for their needs and desires they will make more profit because of the support and willingness to work of those to whom they are being so kind.

Put together a salvation that requires neither repentance nor cross-carrying obedience, a doctrine of the Lord’s coming that carries lukewarm believers to Heaven so they can view the tribulation of the Jews from a grandstand seat (much as one would be entertained in the centre seat in a motion picture theatre), and a daily job that, although it leaves little time or energy for prayer and assembly with the saints, is filled with the milk of human kindness and concern. Here you have a diabolical strategy for destroying the churches of Christ.

The Christians are as wise as doves and as harmless as serpents.

Antichrist will support and encourage the Spirit-less Laodicean Christian endeavours. He will "not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves."

Why are the Laodicean Christians dead? Why was the church in Sardis an animated corpse—a dead body propped up and moved about by human talents, human will, human energy?

The church in Sardis was dead, and the church in Laodicea will be wretched, blind, and naked, for the same reason: neither church enjoys the Presence of the Holy Spirit of God.

Why do these churches not have the Spirit of God? Because they are not willing to allow Christ to be the Lord of the church. They are not willing to be pressed into the death of Christ so they may live by His Life.

How has Satan been able to guide them into maintaining their Christian beliefs and "testimony" apart from being pressed into the cross of Christ? By exhibiting kindness and concern for their feelings and welfare.

Many—perhaps most—believers already have been robbed of their crowns, of the rewards that go only to the conquering saints. The testimony of their lives has been killed. Their lamp stand has been removed.

Why will Antichrist support and encourage Christian works without having any fear of the teachings and activities of the believers? Because such teachings and activities are only an irritation to him. He plans on dealing with those secondary issues later.

Back to The Two Witnesses