We are already seeing the persecution of Christians, particularly in the workplace for their views on abortion, homosexuality, transgender, gay marriage, and more recently euthanasia. However, Bible prophecy reveals it will get much worse.

“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short.” Matthew 24:21-22

Jesus also told us what it will be like for unbelievers during the “last days” before His return. The unrighteous are not the ones being persecuted. We see this effect in western nations today. Although the mass slaughter of Christians is presently occurring in the Middle East and some African nations, the media and politicians in western nations ignore it.

“For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” Matthew 24:37-39

During the “last days” unbelievers will have plenty of food because they have taken the Mark of the Beast. They will have become “conditioned” or desensitized by years of murder and war to not notice the horrific events around them. Much like in Germany during The Holocaust. The news media will present Christians and Jews as enemies of freedom and safety. In Revelation 11:10-11, we learn the people of the world will rejoice and exchange gifts when the two witnesses of God are murdered.

“For three and a half days some from the peoples and tribes and languages and nations will gaze at their dead bodies and refuse to let them be placed in a tomb, and those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and make merry and exchange presents because these two prophets had been a torment to those who dwell on the earth.” Revelation 11:9-10

Jesus has told us beforehand so we need to be prepared and trust God to guide and direct our every step just as He did for Jesus, the disciples, and all the Saints since. One good reason to stand firm is that Jesus’ second coming is close and “our redemption is drawing near”.

The Coming of the Son of Man
“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:25-28

“For the Lord, himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18