In answer to Pastor Bob regarding: we, as Ambassadors of Christ, will be called home before the tribulation begins.1 Cor. 15:52-53 “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. [53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” What day is the Book of Remembrance opened ? Is that the Book of Life ? Is your name listed in that book ? Do you remember what day that is ? Is this the year ?--> So when did the apostasy begin? Almost from the very beginning after the Resurrection.Remember Simon Magus the Sorcerer who went to Rome with his wife Helen? He was the Ptr (teacher): Peter”? Even though he had been baptized, Simon appears to have not confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, as usually when people believe in Christ as their Savior, they immediately receive the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:13-14). However, "the Holy Spirit had not yet come" (Acts 8:16) into Simon by the laying of hands. When Simon witnessed this act by visiting apostles Peter and John, he sinfully "offered them money and said, ‘Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit’" (Acts 8:19-20). At this point, Peter strongly reprimands Simon for his greed and states that he needs to "repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart" (Acts 8:22). Fearful of the apostle's words, Simon pleads with Peter to pray to the Lord on his behalf that he may be a part of the ministry, that his heart be right with God, and that he may not be a captive to his sin.
Dr. Ernest Martin says he’s the one that went to Rome. He was a “so-called” Christian and wanted to be the one to impart the Holy Spirit on new converts.2 Thessalonians 2:3 “Let no one deceive or beguile you in any way, for that day will not come except the apostasy comes first – that is, unless the [predicted] great falling away of those who have professed to be Christians has come – and the man of lawlessness (sin) is revealed, who is the son of doom (of perdition),
Was this one man or many antichrists ? John said many antichrists had already risen.
1 Tim. 4:1
Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
Actually, we were already in the latter times after Christ came. 2,000 years + since Christ was born in Bethlehem.
Daniel 7:25
And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
That has already happened. We don’t use God’s calendar of years...we have many: One in particular the Gregorian calendar in use world wide since 1752.
Daniel 8:25
And through his policy also he [Antichrist] shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes [Jesus]; but he shall be broken without hand.
The antichrist is one who is against Christ. One who does not believe that Jesus is the son of God and God himself and the Holy Spirit. My bible says God is a spirit and Jesus said: If you have seen me you have seen the Father. WOW ! This gospel has gone to every nation and tribe: first to the Jew and then to the gentile. I think we are on the EDGE of time. How ‘bout you ?Blessings, jfh