FromNowUntilForeverBook8.5x5.5 REV.indd

culture in which we live.

And though some might contend that the tribulation is already underway, I don’t believe that to be the case for at least two reasons: 1) There’s nothing to indicate that any such treaty has been established and 2) The identity of the Antichrist remains a mystery. Certainly, numerous lesser Antichrists have emerged off and on since biblical times (1 John 2:18), yet none compares to the one coming in the last days. Not surprisingly, this seven year span of hell on earth will involve intense and deadly destruction . Daniel said that this “will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then” (Daniel 12:1). The main reason such destruction is not currently taking place in the world is due to the restraining power of the Holy Spirit. That said, once the Antichrist is revealed, such restric- tion will be removed, unleashing the beast to wreak havoc (2 Thessalonians 2:7-8). Think of an angry dog breaking free from its chain or a caged lion escaping captivity. The most detailed explanation of the tribulation appears in the book of Revelation in chapters 4-19. Revelation is a difficult book for many because of the unusual content and use of symbolism. It has been subject to a wide variety of inter- pretations over the centuries, which adds to the conflict and confusion. Yet, don’t let that keep you from studying what it hasto say. A major part of the tribulation explanation involves an unveiling of the seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments, each featuring seven separate events.The first four seals, character- ized by riders on white, red, black, and pale horses, describe an upcoming time of war, famine, and death (Zachariah 6:1 and Revelation 6:1-7). One might think these seals are already being lived out, until you get to number four, which tells of

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