Four Perspectives During the Tribulation
by Bill Rudge
There will be many conflicting events that will happen in rapid-fire succession during the tribulation period, like the events on September 11, 2001. These incidents unfolded one after another. We had no idea what would happen next — where the next strike would be. That's the way Revelation is. There will be many things happening simultaneously, and with conflicting positions, opinions, and perspectives.
The first perspective I want to share is that of Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet. They will be aligned together into what I call the satanic trinity — trying to mimic the Divine Trinity. They will attempt to attain what Satan's goal has been from the foundation of the earth — to obtain control over and to receive worship from every human being on this planet.
Revelation 13:1-8 gives a glimpse of their satanic thoughts. It says: "And I saw a beast [Antichrist] coming out of the sea. ... The whole world was astonished and followed the beast. Men worshiped the dragon [Satan] because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, 'Who is like the beast? Who can make war against him?' [There will come a time when no one on this planet can resist the power and the military force of the beast.] The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise his authority for 42 months. He opened his mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander His name and His dwelling place and those who live in heaven. He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast — all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world."
Revelation 13:11,12 says this, "Then I saw another beast [False Prophet], coming out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb [He will appear to be coming in the name and guise of Jesus Christ. However, what does the Bible say?], but he spoke like a dragon. He exercised all the authority of the first beast on his behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed."
God will actually send an angelic warning. Revelation 14:6,7 says, "I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal Gospel to proclaim to those who live on earth — to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice, 'Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come. Worship Him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.'" In other words, worship only the true Creator, not this dragon, Antichrist, and False Prophet. This is complete treachery — like someone infiltrating your house and impersonating your husband or wife and then taking over your life and your family. This is why God will unleash the judgments of Revelation.
A second angel proclaims the fall of Babylon the Great. A third angel warns that anyone who takes the mark of this beast will suffer torment forever and ever. We are talking about eternity here so God gives very strong warnings.
Second, what is the perspective of the people of the world? One word: they will be completely deceived. II Thessalonians 2:9-12 reveals it very clearly: "The coming of the lawless one [Antichrist] will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. [They refuse to worship the Creator but instead served the creation. They committed spiritual adultery and said all religions are the same and lead us to the same God. No matter what you call him — it's the same God. However, the Creator of all calls it spiritual adultery.] For this reason, God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness."
Third, what is God's perspective? While the world believes the Antichrist is humanity's savior because he comes in the guise of goodness and godliness, uniting the world for the supposed global good, God calls it like it is. He reveals Satan as a dragon — a devourer and a destroyer; the Antichrist as a beast — a devourer and a destroyer; and the False Prophet is exactly that. He is a false prophet.
Fourth, what will be the perspective of those who are true believers in Christ? Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:4, "But, you brothers [who know the Lord], are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief." What about those who come to faith in Christ during the tribulation period? Revelation 7 indicates that the greatest revival in the history of the world will be during the tribulation period. Most of these tribulation believers will be martyred for their faith.
The Two Witnesses
What about the two witnesses? They are in Jerusalem witnessing for three and a half years, until they are finally killed by the Antichrist when their testimony is fulfilled. Realize that the Antichrist cannot kill them until their testimony is fulfilled.
Then what happens? The people of the world gloat and they celebrate, sending gifts to each other. That's the world's perspective. What is God's perspective? He says, "These are My two witnesses." That's how far this world system will go in being united in apostasy and rebellion against the true God. They will be united thinking that they are serving God, but they in fact will be serving the dragon.
What about when Babylon is destroyed in Revelation 18? The world will be saying, "Woe! Woe, O great city!" They will be devastated. What does the Bible say concerning believers? "Rejoice over her, O heaven! Rejoice, saints and apostles and prophets! God has judged her for the way she treated you" (Revelation 18:20).
The preceding was excerpted from Bill's message "Revelation – Beginning to Make Sense."
