It would be wise to understand that Satan knows what he is planning, and since he hates all true Christians, lulling his enemy to sleep has always been an effective tactic of war. We might not understand all the specific lies and strategies designed to confuse our minds, but John 10:10 clearly explains his basic agenda. We are also reminded in Matthew 24:24, “For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, the very elect would be deceived.”
This is why Jesus pleads with us to abide in his presence and develop our faith and discernment now, seeing there is coming a time when standing for God will cost us our lives. One of the devil’s most dangerous schemes is to hypnotize believers into accepting that there is nothing to worry about. Is the secret rescue of Christians from the tribulation causing a false security that leads to an attitude of apathy and lukewarmness?
We seldom hear much from those who embrace the escape doctrine about the long history of torture, suffering and martyrdom, because of how upsetting it is. I agree. Nothing is more sobering than reading “Foxe’s Book of Martyrs” by the 16th-century English Puritan preacher John Foxe. Of course, I would rather avoid suffering, but I want to know God’s truth instead of popular interpretations.
How does taking away our opportunity to prove our dedication and love for God compare with the sacrifices that have been made over the last 2,000 years? Why are we going to be removed from persecution, and why can’t God protect his elect from his wrath?
Matthew chapters 24 and 25 is one fascinating sermon and should not be chopped into separate pieces. In verse 15, Jesus talks about seeing the abomination of desolation, which is the beginning of the great tribulation, but who is he warning if Christians are not here? In verse 27, he says, as the lightning comes out of the east and shines to the west, this is the way his only return will be.