The God-Man: Rapture, Wrath, and Reign

By Bruce Biller

The world is astonished by the resurrection of the brilliant Antichrist, the murdered tyrant who ruled the global community with an iron fist. Now empowered by Lucifer, once the guardian of Gods throne, the vengeful dictator and his miracle-working prophet begin the systematic destruction of their enemies.

In this chaotic maelstrom, the God-fearers bravely refuse to give allegiance to a new world order that is diametrically opposed to their beliefs. The ageless battle for the hearts and souls of mankind is waged in every nation on earth, and a multitude of God-fearers are punished for their mutinous stand by imprisonment, torture, and death.

Cosmic disturbance dramatically announces the coming day of the Lord. Suddenly, millions vanish in the twinkling of an eye, prompting the Antichrist to boast of victory over his enemies. Ironically, the sudden disappearance enrages earths inhabitants, already maddened by events that are beyond their control. Simultaneously, God begins to pour out his wrath upon the earth in a series of judgments that devastate the planet.

But before the disappearance, the torch is passed to a chosen number of Jews. They, along with a new generation of believers, boldly proclaim the message of Jesus until he gloriously returns to the land of his birth. There, in the sands of the Middle East, Christ defeats the evil Antichrist and his followers as he prepares to reign over his temporal kingdom on earth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Oct 4, 2013
• ISBN: 9781490806136

Bruce Biller

Bruce Biller is a lifetime student of Scripture, a Bible teacher in the local church and related ministries, and a board member of an international outreach that helps nationals plant churches, establish orphanages, and train pastors. Biller is the cofounder of an information technology firm and lives in Southern California with his wife, Kay.

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PROLOGUE

Born Christmas Day in post-World War II Baselga di Piné, a small village in the mountainous Trentino-Alto Adige region of northern Italy, Italy’s ambitious ambassador to the United Nations brilliantly and cold-bloodedly manages his political career as he sets his sights on the world stage.

Steeped in the occult, Romiti skillfully employs deceit, intrigue, and murder to achieve his unholy ambitions. Like a spider that has spun its deadly web, Romiti patiently awaits his prey, a world that will soon be reeling from the affects of the catastrophic convergence of economic, environmental, geo-political, and religious turmoil.

When the Islamic terrorist organization ‘Abd al-Mumit, led by Romiti’s boyhood friend Mahmoud Aliaabaadi, successfully detonates a nuclear weapon in the United States, America and the nations of the world are thrown into economic chaos. The madness opens the door for Russia and its allies to launch a land and sea invasion of Israel. Exacerbated by its economic disaster, the timid US government does nothing to protect its long-time ally, but God supernaturally intervenes on Israel’s behalf and the Kremlin’s heinous plot fails. Russia’s destruction and a weakened, directionless America pave the way for the reconstitution of the UN into a one-world government. Romiti is rightly positioned and soon, he ruthlessly rules the world, aided by an evil prophet and a cadre of dedicated followers.

Tall and lanky Larry Phelps, called Sticks by his friends and followers, possesses a passion to prepare the church for a rapture that he believes will occur inside the seven-year period popularly called the Tribulation. He teaches the chronology of end-time events but more importantly, encourages his followers to fearlessly proclaim their faith to a global community that is vociferously opposed to their message.

After Sticks exposes Romiti as the Antichrist to his congregation, their conflicting worldviews collide as both men work tirelessly to achieve their lives’ work. Sticks’ small church has an international impact as it teams up with messianic congregations in Israel. Together, countless thousands of new converts join a triumphant church, comprised of believers who are willing to sacrifice everything, even their lives, to follow the Jewish carpenter.

Romiti’s inaugural achievement, the Treaty of Babylon, promises seven years of peace to the Middle East. But a shocking abomination takes place in the newly constructed Third Temple, the pride of Israel, precipitating the breaking of the treaty at its midpoint.

The inhabitants of earth are shaken by the abomination that portends darkness and evil for earth’s inhabitants, but hope for those who live in the light.

CHAPTER ONE

Jackson, Mississippi

Headlines screamed the news of Romiti’s assassination. Earth’s inhabitants were in shock, shaken by the appalling act. There had to be a mistake. He was to be their savior, their deliverer, their restorer of all that had been lost.

Earth dwellers agreed the world’s future was bleak, far more perilous than the day Romiti took office. No one argued that life was good. But few held the secretary responsible for the dreadful state of affairs—not even the Christians placed all the blame on a single figure, despised though he was by this segment of Earth’s population.

No one expected the secretary-general to resolve all the world’s problems—it would take a god to do that—but at least he had been willing to take on the Sisyphean chore. He was their ever ebullient, charismatic leader, always encouraging his followers to believe that life would somehow return to normal.

With his life snuffed out by a berserk priest, on whom would his mantle fall? Who would become their savior? What would be the next catastrophe, and was it already lurking in the shadows?

*     *     *

The astonishing story went viral and soon small groups of traumatized citizens clustered on neglected, weed infested sidewalks, in dispirited houses of worship, and in struggling places of commerce, as if their collective will would conjure up the spirit of their slain leader. Bewildered members of Sticks’ congregation—certainly not fans of the despot—were also staggered by the news and were drawn to Jackson Community Park, once a popular spot for rallies, religious and otherwise.

Sticks was told of the gathering and promptly joined the anxious throng. He carefully sought out folks whom he had never met and was surprised, even disappointed, by the number who assumed the world scene would suddenly improve with Romiti’s passing. Still, his violent death was unexpected to many who were paralyzed with fear and desperate for answers.

Several people asked Sticks to share his perspective on the assassination, knowing that on more than one occasion he had described the future man of lawlessness. Troubled by their lack of understanding, Sticks readily agreed to their requests. He jumped onto the makeshift stage, quietly asking God for wisdom.

A mic was not available, so Sticks put his loud and commanding voice to use.

Some of you are ignorant of what the Bible says about ‘end times,’ the period in which we now live. The world’s in an uproar over Romiti’s death. Maybe some of you were caught off guard by his murder and wonder how it will affect your future. If you have questions, form a line to my left and I’ll do my best to answer them, one at a time.

The gatherers murmured in agreement with Sticks’ directive, and several of the bolder men and women began to elbow their way to the front.

Before I take the first question, let me clarify a point about Romiti, he continued. Most of you woke up to the news that the UN secretary-general was assassinated late yesterday afternoon in Jerusalem. Many of us call this man the Antichrist. But whether we call him Romiti, the secretary-general, or the Antichrist, we’re talking about the same person, okay? Just want to make that point clear, or things might get a little confusing! I also believe that Francois Laroque, Romiti’s spooky sidekick, is the character the Bible describes as a beast with two horns like a lamb, who speaks like a dragon. He’s usually called the False Prophet.

A middle-aged man was first in line. I’m one of those who were really shocked by Romiti’s assassination. Do you believe he’s actually dead? And if so, how does this line up with everything else we’ve heard about the man? His death will obviously end speculation that he’s gonna make things right on earth!

Yes, it was shocking news, Sticks agreed, "but not a surprise. Several weeks ago, we studied the prophecies of an Old Testament prophet named Daniel. Were you there when we discussed the term, abomination that causes desolation?"

Yeah, I was there.

Remember that Daniel also wrote that the Antichrist would wage war against the nations of the world, eventually setting up his military headquarters between the ‘sea and the beautiful holy mountain.’ Well, we’ve seen the Antichrist wage war against the nations, haven’t we?

Yep, you sure nailed that one!

Sticks smiled at the compliment. "In Daniel 7, we read of the ten horns, which I’ve previously taught are synonymous with the UN’s ten regional zones. Daniel writes that a ‘little horn’ will come up among the ten, uprooting three of them. We’ve seen this happen too as the Antichrist, the little horn, orchestrated the recent assassinations of the presidents of the regional zones of Africa, the Middle East, and Mesopotamia.

"Later, in the closing six verses of chapter 11, Daniel describes some fierce battles and predicts that while the Antichrist is waging war against the nations, he’ll ‘come to his end and no one will help him.’ That is exactly what has happened.

As we also know from past studies of the book of Revelation, the seven heads mentioned in the Apocalypse represent seven consecutive kingdoms, or empires, that will succeed one another in history. When we began our study on the seventieth week of Daniel, five of these empires had already fallen. This means they had run their course in history and were no longer present on the world scene.

Sticks looked at the crowd and cleared his throat.

The sixth head of the beast to which John is referring corresponds to the first four phases of the fourth Gentile empire described by Daniel. Remember, the third phase of this empire is characterized by a one-world government. Then this one-world government divides into ten kingdoms, or regions, as they’re now called. This becomes the fourth phase. We saw this happen too, didn’t we?

People in the crowd nodded their heads and murmured among themselves.

"Now please bear with me. It’ll sound a little confusing if you’re hearing this for the first time! The fifth phase of Daniel’s fourth Gentile empire, represented by the seventh head in John’s Apocalypse and the phase we’re living in now, corresponds to the reign of Antichrist. By the way, the John I’m referring to is the apostle John, the author of Revelation, sometimes called the Apocalypse, the last book in the New Testament. So the seventh head is personified by the Antichrist himself, a worldwide dictator. In Revelation 13, John writes that one of the seven heads of the beast ‘seemed to have a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed.’ John refers to this fatal wound later in the same chapter."

Sticks paused, letting the words sink in. Then he continued. "My friends, what has happened to Romiti should not be a surprise. The phrase that John uses in chapter 13 is the same phrase he uses in chapter 5 when writing about Jesus. The phrase is ‘looking as if it had been slain.’ By using the same expression, or idiom, in both places, I believe John is telling us that Jesus and the Antichrist will share this common experience. That is, both will experience death. We would all agree that Jesus really died; it seems to me that the Antichrist’s death must also be real. That’s today’s news! It’s the Antichrist’s very real death that has brought us together this morning.

Other verses in Revelation 11 also point to a resurrection of the Antichrist. The two witnesses who give testimony each day in Jerusalem will be attacked and killed by ‘the beast that comes up from the Abyss.’ We’ve learned that the beast is another title for the Antichrist.

The inquiring man had not left the line. He interjected, Okay, I’m following you, Sticks. But I’m not sure I understand the point you’re trying to make.

Many in the crowd nodded their agreement as he boldly questioned Sticks, determined to understand where he was going.

You’re pretty persistent, sir. Sticks beamed as he returned the earlier compliment. "I believe that John is saying the Antichrist will die and then be raised to life. He will literally ‘come up from the Abyss.’ Remember we’ve learned that the Antichrist is the second person of the counterfeit trinity, made up of Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet. For him to truly mimic Jesus, I believe John is revealing there will be another resurrection. Don’t ask me how this will be done. I have no idea. But let’s watch things carefully over the next couple of days.

If my understanding of Daniel and Revelation is correct, then soon we’re going to see a spectacular resurrection. When it happens, the world will accept the resurrection as proof of the Antichrist’s deity and will worship him as God. With the support of the world now firmly behind him, the treacherous Antichrist will break his infamous covenant with Israel, the Treaty of Babylon, and violently and mercilessly persecute Jews and Christians throughout the world, but especially in Israel.

The man who asked the question looked both confused and a little angry.

Jesus warned of the coming violence and Matthew, among others, records Jesus’ words in chapter 24 of his Gospel. Jesus said, ‘When you see standing in the holy place the abomination that causes desolation," spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand—then let those in Israel flee to the mountains.’ Jesus was referring to an event that is described in the Old Testament book of Daniel. We’ll learn more about what all this means in the coming weeks, but here’s what we’re to look for.

"In Daniel chapter 11, the author foretells an event that has multiple fulfillments. Let me read a portion of this chapter to you.

His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation. With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.

"This prophecy was first fulfilled in BC 167 when Syria’s Antiochus IV suddenly attacked Jerusalem on the Sabbath, massacring many people and plundering Jerusalem. All Jewish religious practices were forbidden. On December 15, BC 167, an idol statue devoted to Zeus was erected in the temple. This desecration of the temple became known as the ‘abomination of desolation.’ A few days later, sacrifices, probably including swine, were offered on the altar. As a result, the devout abandoned the desecrated temple.

I just gave an example of a prophecy that has ‘near’ and ‘far’ fulfillment. Daniel prophesied this terrible sacrilege in the sixth century BC, and the ‘near’ fulfillment occurred in BC 167, almost four hundred years later.

Sticks quickly panned his small audience, noting expressions that suggested they were following his brief history lesson.

"But as I’ve taught many times before, we’re about to experience a second fulfillment, this time, a ‘far’ fulfillment of the same prophecy. Very soon Romiti will desecrate the new temple in Jerusalem. Many apostate Jews will be repulsed by the outrageous act that demonstrates Romiti is not the expected deliverer, and they’ll turn away from him in disgust. I can’t predict in what form the modern ‘abomination of desolation’ will take, but I promise you, it will happen. Keep your eyes on Romiti and the temple in the days ahead.

"After the abomination takes place, a sovereign God grants Romiti, the Antichrist, special authority for 42 months. During these three-and-a-half years, the Antichrist and his followers will wage war against the Jews and Christ and his church. But don’t forget what Daniel wrote in the second half of verse 32: ‘but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.’ The apostle John wrote that ‘he was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them… this calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.’

"We’re about to enter a period of great distress, a time spoken of by Jesus and by John, a time known as the Great Tribulation. Many of us will be martyred for our faith; all of us will suffer great tribulation. But the apostle Peter encourages us to live holy and godly lives as we look forward to what lies ahead, knowing that our redemption is very near!

Well I’m starting to preach, aren’t I? Remember, the assassination of the Antichrist does not alter what Jesus said will happen next. Romiti’s stunning resurrection, permitted by God, will convince the world that he is God. It will cause most of earth’s inhabitants to worship him, to voluntarily submit to his rule, and to grant to him the authority he needs to launch his campaign against the people he despises.

This is the first time I’ve heard any of this information, a first-timer said as the other gentleman stepped aside. It’s hard to believe. But let’s say the secretary-general, the Antichrist, whatever, is resurrected and then strikes out against the Jews and Christians. Will the violence be limited to the Middle East, or will it be worldwide? And if worldwide, can things get any worse than they already are?

Sticks momentarily sidestepped the question. "As you leave tonight, please pick up a pamphlet that gives the big picture. Grab a couple for your friends, too. It provides much of the background for what we’ve discussed today.

But to answer your question directly: in the days or weeks following his mysterious resurrection, the Antichrist will begin his campaign to annihilate the people he hates. First, we’ll be unable to buy or sell homes, cars, food, or clothing. We’ll be locked out of the world’s financial systems. Then in some nations, perhaps all, Jews and believers will be killed for refusing to renounce their faith. This severe persecution has been happening for years in many nations of the world, though not on the scale we’re about to experience.

A few knowledgeable people nodded in agreement, fully aware of the persecution that many were suffering.

Before I go on, let me say that some believers have decided to escape the coming persecution by fleeing to remote areas of the country. Others are determined to fight the Antichrist, forming small militias. However, it’s my belief that this is the time to stand firm, to boldly proclaim our faith to any who will listen. Like the members of the early church, some of us have been preparing for this day. A few of you have already sold your homes, pooling your equity with likeminded individuals so you can pay cash for a place you will all share. Many of you are now accomplished gardeners, growing enough vegetables to feed your family and a few others as well.

Sticks looked into the eyes of the people, most from his own congregation, willing them to be encouraged and not afraid. "Despite the steps we’ve taken, they’re not sufficient to insulate us from the trials that are coming our way. I really believe we’ll see many examples of God supernaturally providing for his people, perhaps as he did with the children of Israel during their flight from the land of Egypt. But more importantly, over the past three years or so, more than four thousand people have come to faith through the ministries sponsored by our church alone. Think about it! Four thousand people are now followers of Jesus because we’ve allowed God to work out his plan for our lives. Incredible, isn’t it?"

Some in the audience applauded but not all. Many were very nervous, fearful of the future. Sticks smiled. He understood their worry and their triumph at the same time. Multiplied thousands of churches around the world can make this same claim, and most are doing many of the same things we’re doing. By taking literally the warnings recorded in Scripture, we in the church, that’s you and me, are uniquely prepared to help one another and the hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of new believers who will come to faith in the weeks and months ahead.

Amen! a grandfatherly figure shouted his agreement. Pointing to the gentlemen, Sticks flashed a grin for the enthusiastic support. Then the expression on his face turned serious.

"It will be incredibly difficult for us over the next several months, maybe a year or two. There is no doubt in my mind that many of us will lose our lives. But as in the days of the early church, ‘all the believers are one in heart and mind.’ None of us should claim that any of our possessions are our own; instead, we must share everything we have. And during this severe time of persecution, even martyrdom, we will, with great power, continue to testify to the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the great hope we share that soon, we’ll see him face-to-face. What a day that will be, huh?

And speaking of, ‘what a day that will be,’ I’ve been asked to make a special announcement. Well, here it comes! Greg and Jeni—come on up! Greg Reynolds and Jeni Williams are requesting your presence at their wedding, which takes place right now!

There were cheers and whistles for the happy young couple as they made their way to the small platform, followed by their best friends, Manny and Vita Acosta. Sticks was all smiles as he began the brief ceremony.

The Psalmist wrote, ‘Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.’ Greg and Jeni, even in the closing days of history, God continues to be a giver of gifts by granting both of you the desires of your heart. Greg, you’re the son of missionaries, and Jeni, you’re a ‘PK,’ a preacher’s kid. You both know that time is very short. But even so, in front of me and all these witnesses, do you solemnly commit to faithfully serve one another, and God, all the days of your life, ’til death do you part?

The smiling couple nodded their agreement and Sticks pronounced them man and wife.

Turning to his audience, Sticks boasted, Shortest wedding I’ve ever performed! And now I present to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Greg Reynolds!

Once again, the audience cheered their approval as the newlyweds began to greet their surprised friends and family members.

CHAPTER TWO

Jerusalem, Israel

Within hours of Romiti’s assassination, Francois Laroque had produced a written directive, signed months before by the secretary-general, giving him authority to oversee ceremonies in the event of Romiti’s death.

Laroque’s first order was to commission the creation of a statue in honor of the slain leader. It was to be made of bronze, an exact representation of Romiti. Work was to begin immediately. After issuing the order, Laroque was driven to the Temple Mount.

He marched up the steps of the temple where he was greeted by a mocking Rabbi Isaac Disraeli. So you’re here on behalf of His Majesty? Didn’t live long for a god, did he?

Laroque ignored the rabbi’s biting sarcasm. The ceremony to honor the secretary-general will take place on the Temple Mount, he announced to the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.

It does not matter, the Sephardic rabbi replied. Your foolish, tyrannical leader committed blasphemy in the temple, receiving his just punishment at the hand of a priest. The priest also committed an unforgiveable sacrilege by shedding a man’s blood in the temple, in the Holy of Holies, no less! By these terrible acts, the temple has been left desolate. No God-fearing Jew will enter the temple again until it has been ceremoniously cleansed.

Laroque had a long retort in mind, but he held his tongue somewhat in check, knowing that soon he would exact his revenge on this insolent religious figure and all those like him. Rabbis are not to be seen on the Temple Mount the day of the memorial, he warned. Your religion is a relic of the past, Rabbi. Soon, you and Judaism will be erased from the pages of history!

Rabbi Disraeli no longer cared whether he lived or died. He had no desire to conceal his hatred for the secretary’s underling behind a pleasant mask of civility. It won’t be long before you’re rotting alongside the dead carcass of your leader. Judaism will be flourishing long after you’re in Sheol.

We’ll see, Rabbi, Laroque spat the words as he swaggered to his next meeting.

The temple courtyard was cleared of every unnecessary object to make room for the several thousand guests who would be attending the remembrance, scheduled for the third day following the assassination. The massive plaza was configured to resemble the famous Babylonian gardens of Nebuchadnezzar’s day. A large stage was assembled, facing east so the historic Mount of Olives would serve as the backdrop for those who attended the state funeral.

Laroque would officiate the ceremony, with Amsterdam’s Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra providing the music for the solemn affair. Selected heads of state were invited to give their eloquent eulogies, but specific instructions were given to each one. There was to be no mention of God or gods. To speak of an afterlife was strictly forbidden. Speakers were to honor the secretary’s accomplishments, praise his benevolence and brilliance, and exalt and magnify the memory of the man who had done so much for humanity.

Teams of exhausted recruits worked around the clock to complete the lavish preparations for the state funeral. The weather was cooperating, too, and Laroque was pleased by his decision to conduct the extravagant ceremony outdoors.

However, an hour before the ceremony began, angry black clouds barreled into Jerusalem. The freakish weather shrouded the Temple Mount in thick darkness, causing temperatures to drop into the low thirties. Soon after, an immense firestorm lit up the skies, tossing spears of lightning at the terrified mourners. Several jagged bolts struck the temple courtyard, splintering the large cobblestones and tossing bits of gravel into the air. Claps of thunder reverberated through the alleys and passageways of the ancient city as the frightened street vendors hurriedly gathered their belongings, scurrying for the safety of their homes.

Like a spring without water, the sudden storm produced no benefit for sun-parched Palestine. The awesome cosmic display vanished as suddenly as it came, allowing the blazing sun to scorch those who would mourn Romiti’s passing.

The superstitious among the mourners saw the waterless storm as an evil omen, a prelude to the darker events already looming on the horizon. Surely he was the seed of Satan, an elderly Romanian visitor whispered to her companion as they carefully made their way to the Temple Mount.

As the guests hesitantly entered the courtyard, many with strong misgivings about the unexpected lightshow, they were directed to specific sections according to their native tongue. While the ceremony would be conducted in English, the spoken words would be simultaneously translated into the respective languages represented in the audience.

An open casket containing the body of the slain leader had been placed on a small platform in front of the stage. The mortician had done a remarkable job of repairing the bullet wound that marred Romiti’s face. The bier was surrounded by hundreds of floral sprays, wreaths, and sympathy bouquets. In memory of the secretary’s Roman roots, an Italian beauty with a flawless soprano voice opened the ceremony by singing Giacomo Puccini’s Vissi d’Arte, accompanied by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.

The memorial was off to a splendid start.

Romiti was a fearless man who was guiding us through the most troubling epoch in human history. The president of the United States heaped lavish praise on the deceased despot, ignoring the fact that millions of Christians in his nation believed Romiti to be the Satan-energized Antichrist. He was a friend to all the nations of the North American Regional Zone, and we will miss him greatly.

One by one, various world leaders spoke of the man’s amazing leadership skills, his determined resolve in the face of daunting crisis, his uncanny ability to solve complex problems, and the courageous spirit that inspired his worshippers.

Laroque arranged to be the closing speaker. He ambled to the podium, savoring the moment. He, not Romiti, was now the focus of the world’s attention.

As he was winding down his lengthy and stirring eulogy, one that bestowed godlike attributes on the dead pagan, Laroque recognized the voice that had so often stirred his soul.

Approach Romiti and command him to rise.

Laroque was startled by the imposing voice and began to perspire profusely, wondering if he was going mad. His mouth could utter no words, the ending of his magnificent eulogy cut short. The confused audience waited expectantly for him to finish but grew restless and uncomfortable with the prolonged silence.

Again the order was given: Approach the casket and command Romiti to rise!

Laroque was petrified, understanding Lucifer’s instructions but terrified of the personal consequences of a botched resurrection attempt.

He walked nervously toward the bier, forcing himself to look at the corpse. He stared at the cold and motionless face of his superior, drained of its color and absent the breath of life. He observed the badly damaged right eye, the entry point of the assassin’s bullet. He noticed the little horn, now clutched by the lifeless hand of the secretary. His mind was racing, unsure of his next move.

Then Laroque began to speak, empowered by the first member of the counterfeit trinity. Like the other mourners, the translators were transfixed by the scene unfolding before them, forgetting to translate Laroque’s words. Amazingly, the audience perfectly understood his message, as if he were speaking to each one in his native tongue.

Have the gates of death been shown to you? Have you seen the gates of the shadow of death? Where does darkness reside? Can you take us to their places? Do you know the paths to their dwellings?

Then Laroque turned to the lifeless form, speaking to it directly.

A mortal does not have this knowledge, but you, our lord, are not a mere mortal. You have seen the gates of death. Even so, soon you will be adorned with glory and splendor; you will be clothed with honor and majesty. Then unleash the fury of your wrath. Find every Jew and Christian and bring them low. A Jew plotted your murder, and a priest, a vile Christian, carried it out! Bury them all in the dust together. Cover their faces in the grave!

Laroque concluded his flowery homily, unaware that many of his phrases had been plagiarized by his young speechwriter from the ancient book of Job.

Then in a hoarse and halting voice, Laroque issued a command to the dead man: May life return to your body. By your resurrection, demonstrate that you are God and worthy of our worship!

The grieving mourners were hushed and motionless, like statues carved from stone. The dramatic silence was finally broken by the distant sounds of a barking dog and the faint rustling of leaves suddenly stirred by an unnatural breeze. The crowd remained mum, frightened by the meaning of Laroque’s words and unsure of what would happen next.

There was movement in the coffin as the corpse began to stir. The dead man sat up, observing his surroundings with amazement. Laroque wildly motioned for the security detail to join him and together, they carefully removed the secretary from his casket. Imposing and very much alive, Romiti stood to his feet. Those closest to the resurrected leader were terrified as they gazed upon his countenance, realizing this man was now empowered by Satan himself.

Laroque dropped to his knees in reverence, worshiping Romiti. Then he jumped to his feet, commanding the astonished audience to bow in reverence before the risen dictator. The incredulous crowd obediently fell to their knees, worshiping and giving honor to their leader. It started as a whisper and grew to a crowd-wide declaration: Truly he is not a man, but a god!

Romiti was in his glory, smiling at his sudden good fortune and imagining the form his revenge would take on the one who had taken his life.

He watched as thousands on the Temple Mount stood to their feet, joined by millions of electronic viewers worldwide, shouting, Romiti is Lord! Romiti is God! We praise you, our God!

Romiti smiled in triumph, exulting in the praise and worship of his subjects.

The transformed mourners left the ceremony in awe of the miraculous event, convinced that Romiti was surely a god in human form—the god-man. They knew the god-man would now reverse their terrible string of bad luck, restoring stability and order to their chaotic world.

As the merry mourners spoke of the good days to come, the voices of the despised witnesses echoed throughout the temple courtyard.

Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve! Romiti is opposed to the one true God and has been resurrected through the power of Satan himself. Reject this man, this twisted tool of Satan!

The mourners-turned-worshippers caught sight of the two men who were speaking against their risen leader. As usual, the barefoot men were attired in awful sackcloth. Their unkempt beards needed trimming and their long, coarse hair hung below their shoulders. Ashes clung to their faces and hair, reinforcing the notion they were filthy creatures who had forfeited their right to be on the Temple Mount.

"The end! The end has come upon the four corners of the land. The end is now upon you. God will unleash his anger against you, and will judge you according to your conduct and repay you for your detestable practices!

Disaster! Disaster after disaster is coming. The end has come! It has roused itself against you. It has come! Doom has come upon you—you who dwell in the land. God is about to pour out his wrath on you and spend his anger against you.

The prophets’ defiant voices loudly proclaimed their calamitous message as passersby quickened their pace, vainly attempting to flee the despised messengers.

"The day is here! It has come! Doom has burst forth, the rod has budded, arrogance has blossomed. Violence has grown into a rod to punish wickedness!

Worship and serve this evil imposter, this Antichrist, and the God of Israel will bring disaster on you and make an end of you. Yield your hearts to the Lord, and follow Yeshua, his only begotten Son. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved!

The mostly Gentile crowd was provoked by the witnesses’ message, incredulous that the two shaggy haired men questioned Romiti’s deity. Many began to shout a chorus of obscenities in various languages, telling the two men the world would be better served by their deaths.

We’ve chosen this day whom we will serve! they taunted. We choose Romiti. He’s the god we worship!

As Romiti and Laroque left the Temple Mount, they could not help but hear the deep voices of the two witnesses. Laroque was embarrassed the men were still alive, preaching repentance and judgment to all who would listen.

We’ve tried to kill them several times, but each time, they’ve narrowly eluded death, he stammered.

They will die soon, Romiti promised. They will not escape out of my hands!

*     *     *

Uri and Rachel Katz, messianic believers who lived and pastored in Jerusalem, were deeply troubled by the day’s events. They kept replaying the clip of the resurrection, unable to suppress their revulsion of the Antichrist and False Prophet, realizing the satanic resurrection would deceive multiplied millions into believing this false Christ and his prophet were of God.

As was their habit, they closed their day together in prayer. Oh Father, thank you for your Son, Yeshua, whose death and resurrection made possible our salvation, Uri began. He prayed for his nation, God’s chosen people, pleading for the eyes of their hearts to be opened to the truth of the gospel.

Rachel followed, requesting wisdom and strength for the days ahead. My heavenly Father, I too thank you for sending your Son to die for my sins. I pray that I will stand firm to the end. Grant me wisdom and discernment. Show me when to speak and when to remain silent. Let me be a faithful witness to the ones you have chosen before the foundation of the world but who have not yet committed their lives to you.

With heavy hearts, they turned out the bedroom lights, apprehensive of what lay ahead but confident in the God they served.

Within moments of closing his eyes, Uri was caught up in the throes of a harrowing dream. A fierce battle between good and evil was being waged on earth. An immense gladiator was standing on one side of a shallow stream. He was strong, powerful, and handsome. His auburn hair and ruddy appearance stoked Uri’s imagination—perhaps this is a colossal King David. The warrior held a long sword in one hand and a shield in the other. He marched toward the dragon, smiling and unafraid. The gargantuan dragon’s appearance was repulsive. His strength was awesome. What power was in the muscles of his belly! His tail swayed like a giant cedar, and his limbs were like rods of iron. The dragon’s teeth were fearsome, and firebrands streamed from his mouth. Even in his dream, Uri knew this monster was like Job’s leviathan, a description he had read many times.

Then the scene shifted, and he saw a serpent slithering toward a glorious figure.

In his sleep, Uri closed his eyes because of the dazzling light that surrounded the Ancient of Days. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was the color of wool. His throne was aflame, and coming out before him was a flowing river of fire. Uri was astonished by the magnificent image, a wonderful picture that would never be forgotten. He was struck by the absurdity of a lowly serpent confronting God himself.

Today I have raised from the grave the one I have chosen, the Serpent hissed. I am the lord of the earth. It is my kingdom and soon, all that is in it will worship me! You cursed me and expelled me from the garden, my rightful domain. You cursed my angels, those who chose me over you. Today, we make our claim on the earth and all that is in it! You have no authority over me!

Uri was repelled by the scene, and he cried a prayer for victory. Come on, God. Destroy Satan! End evil once and for all!

Then he observed Michael and his angels being summoned to the side of God himself. At God’s command, Michael and his angels fought against Satan, and Satan and his demons fought back. But Satan and his demons were not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled