Glossary
Tribulation
When the Antichrist breaks the covenant and establishes the worship of his image, a time of tribulation is initiated. That final period preceding the Second Coming will be the most difficult period in world history. Jesus Himself said, “Then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21). Many people will refuse to accept the Mark of the Beast, obey him, or bow down to his image, and as a result many shall “fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity and by plunder” (Daniel 11:33). All religions will be forbidden, banned, and persecuted. The world government will set up a one-world economic system in which no one can buy or sell without a mark in their foreheads or right hands (Revelation 13:15–18). The Antichrist will demand that the world worship him as God and will persecute and war against all who refuse (2 Thessalonians 2:4; Daniel 11:36–37; Revelation 13:5–7).