The Bible warns us that a powerful world government will arise in the final days of man's dominion on Earth, led by a demonic dictator—the Antichrist. The last three and a half years of his rule will be a time that the Bible calls the "Great Tribulation" (Matthew 24:21; Revelation 7:14). This Antichrist government will use a universal electronic monetary system to try to cause everybody to come under the control of the Antichrist, because no one will be able to buy or sell without a personal account number, which the Bible calls the "mark of the Beast" (Revelation 13:16-18), on his hand or forehead. An image (idol) of the Antichrist will also be set up, and those who refuse to worship the image will be killed (Revelation 13:14-15).

But God's people will refuse to worship the Antichrist or receive his mark, and God will take care of them (Revelation 12:6,14). Although some Christians will die as martyrs, the Antichrist will not be able to overcome them spiritually. The Lord says, "And they"—the Christians—"overcame him [the Antichrist] by the blood of the Lamb [Jesus] and by the word of their testimony; and they did not love their lives to the death" (Revelation 12:11).

God's Word also promises that during this time "the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits," and that "those of the people who understand shall instruct many" (Daniel 11:32-33). In those days many will be seeking the truth and a way out of their desperate situations, and those who know the Lord and understand His Word will be able to explain to them what's happening. Those in the know will lead others to God till the very end.

The Lord has also promised to come to His people's defense. Revelation chapters 8 and 9 talk about horrific plagues that God will send to punish the wicked and thwart most of their attempts to hurt His people. The Lord is also going to give some of those who believe in Him miraculous powers to defend themselves, survive, proclaim the truth, and lead others to Him right up till His return (Revelation 11:3-6).

So don't worry about the Great Tribulation! It's not going to be some kind of a lopsided, rampaging victory for the Antichrist and his followers. God and His people will triumph in the end. The Bible tells us that Jesus will personally return "in great power and glory" to establish the Kingdom of God on earth. The exploitive and exclusive regimes of man will be no more when "the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord" (Revelation 11:15), and the peace-loving people of the world will unite in true harmony.

"All people, nations, and languages shall serve the Lord in an everlasting dominion. … And nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more" (Daniel 7:14; Isaiah 2:4).