We live in unparalleled times. Not since the first century have more scriptures been fulfilled in a single generation. Each unfolding word brings down another mountain; it lifts another valley. In truth, the way is being prepared for our King's return into this world.

The Great Revolt

The Lord forewarned that, during the end-time, "many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase" (Dan 12:4). Contrast our time with any other in history: Not only are we traveling farther and more frequently, but we do so in a world inundated with increasing knowledge. It has been our privilege to behold the prophetic return of Israel to its land (Jer 16:14-15), and our misfortune to live when "the earth is...polluted by its inhabitants..." (Is 24:5).

As though Jesus were reading a news summary of recent years, His prophecies of two thousand years ago clearly describe our times. Thus, we are compelled to discern accurately the significant times in which we live. Indeed, of all the prophetic fulfillments of our day, one prophecy in particular rises with immediate implications. It concerns the "apostasy."

Paul warned, "Let no one in any way deceive you, for [the day of the Lord] will not come unless the apostasy comes first..." (2 Thess 2:3).

The apostasy has traditionally been described as a time when many quietly slip into a "great falling away" from true faith in Christ. Depending upon your specific view, sometime before or after the apostasy the rapture of the church will occur. However, the concept of apostasy as merely "a falling away" is incomplete. The original Greek word for apostasy, "apostasia," when used in classical Greek literature, meant "a political revolt." From this we understand that the end-time apostasy is not just a time of expanded moral compromise; it is a time of open defiance and warlike aggression, a political insurrection, against the laws of God.

This interpretation of the apostasy is not an isolated view. The NIV, RSV, Today's English Version, Phillip's Translation and the New English Bible all render "apostasia" as "the rebellion." The Living Bible interprets the "apostasy" as the "great rebellion," while the Jerusalem Bible assigns a proper name: "The Great Revolt."

As we gaze in awe at the fulfillment of so many other prophecies, let us carefully observe: Mankind has entered an era of open revolt and outright rebellion-an apostasy-against the moral standards of God.

Today, we are witnessing a large-scale rebellion against godliness and moral values. Indeed, this brazen attitude has had a name for itself since the 1960s: the sexual revolution. And "revolution" is exactly what it is. Our moral standards have not only been challenged, they have been replaced by a "non-standard," one which seeks to promote every sin from obscenity to homosexuality and witchcraft!

Those caught up in this mutiny against morality boldly defy the sway of God in our nation. They argue the only standard Americans have is the standard of individual freedom. In their view, Freedom itself is the "god" ruling America with Self-indulgence sitting at Freedom's right hand.

Yet, Jesus still wants this nation. Though the apostasy will certainly intensify, we must remember it is only one of many prophecies unfolding in our day. The same Divine Word which warned of the Great Rebellion also purposed that God's kingdom shall crush and put an end to all nations (Dan 2:44).

Yes, evil shall mature into full rebellion, but good is also ripening into full Christlikeness! (Matt 13:40-43; Jn 17:22-23) Yes, the apostasy shall reveal the nature of Satan, but the true church shall manifest the nature of Christ! Jesus is not only coming in the skies, He is coming "to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed..." (2 Thess 1:10). What seems to be Satan's hour, full of darkness and rebellion, is simply the opportunity for grace to abound to the glory of God in the church!