First of all, the statement was made that the man of sin, the
antichrist, will not be revealed until the abomination of desolation
takes place.  Actually, the antichrist is revealed at the signing of the
convenient, which begins the Tribulation Period.  The abomination of
desolation does not take place until the temple is completed, which is
near the middle of the Tribulation Period.

The antichrist cannot be revealed until the restrainer is removed, and
the restrainer is the Holy Spirit present in believers.  The biggest
obstacle the antichrist has, is represented by the believers who are
empowered by the Holy Spirit.  When  the Rapture occurs, the believers,
indwelt by the Holy Spirit, are removed, and then the antichrist will
appear to do his work on earth.

To say that there is no single scripture that shows the Holy Sprit in
the role of a restrainer, is saying that God does not restrain evil in
this world, and that is incomprehensible!  The Holy Spirit is certainly
more than a gentle dove.  We only have to search the scriptures to find
evidence of that.

Yes, there will be many who will be martyred during the Tribulation
Period for their faith, however, God will be dealing with unbelievers
during this time of a new dispensation  known as Jacob's Trouble.  They
were given an opportunity to accept Christ during the dispensation of
grace, but failed to do so.  Now they must suffer the consequences.

God's law will still be in effect during the Tribulation Period.  He is
certainly not going to remove his law ever.  When Jesus reigns on earth
during the millennium, He will rule under the law, and anyone who does
not obey will be punished accordingly.

The references that were made from Matthew 24, were all directed to the
Jews, as to what they could expect during the Tribulation Period.

"Study to show thyself approved, a workman that needth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."  I certainly do not want
to be ashamed when I see God face-to-face.  Do you?

Wes K.