Friday, August 22, 2003 (59)THE SPIRIT OF REBELLION HAD ITS START IN HEAVEN. Most amazing is the situating of this creature who was afforded such an extremely high position. In the infinite wisdom of the Lord, it is He who gave him this status. This establishes a precedent which is continued throughout the Word of the Lord. The enemy is not an outsider but one who dwells within the inner circle and is in a position of leadership. Do not expect the antichrist to be someone from outside the church. Lets take a look at an example of one who was one of the twelve disciples of the Lord Jesus, a man called Judas Iscariot. He is a type of the antichrist, one of the inner circle. Jesus in choosing the twelve said, One of you is a devil. John 6:70 We could not ask for a more specific statement. Jesus also made known the fact that one of them did not believe. Jesus knew who he was and what he would do. John 6:64 Lest we think that it would be very obvious who it was that would betray Jesus, consider the words of Peter in his initial sermon, on the day of Pentecost. He [Judas], was numbered with us. One who associated with the Lord Jesus and the other disciples, and was acknowledged by them as one of the brethren. Then he, obtained a part in this ministry. When Jesus sent them out two by two, he was a definite, positive part of all that took place. Miracles and healings do not always verify the veracity of an individual. Acts 1:17 Jesus warned us concerning false Christs and prophets, manifesting great signs and wonders. Mt. 24:24The church needs to be on constant alert and discern that which is of the true Spirit and that which is not. The antichrist will originate from the midst of the greatest church of this dispensation, a perfect church. He and his will work great deception and havoc up to a certain point and then they will be separated from the true body of Christ.
N AN AGE OF WAR, THERE WILL EVEN BE WAR IN HEAVEN. Michael (Who is like God), and certainly He is, for Michael is the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. This skirmish, will be a full fledged war resulting in the complete eradication of the great dragon, the devil, from the kingdom of the Lord. This action is triggered by the birth of the manchild, who immediately is caught up to the Lord, in heaven. Rev. 12:7-9There is a special warning of that which is about to transpire on the earth now that the devil has been so solidly defeated, uprooted from his high position and cast down to the earth. He will be manifest in the person of the antichrist and the ungodly trio of the dragon, the false prophet and the antichrist will dominate the inhabitants of the earth. His spirit will be that of great wrath, for he knows the brevity of his time to rule on earth. His first attack will be against the woman of Revelation twelve. But she will be wondrously delivered from his attack. He will then turn against those who are Christians but did not measure up to the requirements necessary to be a part of the Bride and make war with them. Rev. 12:17 They are the tribulation saints who are seen before the throne.Rev. 7:14.