from Gary Hamrick
... Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Chapel

... God’s promise is not that we will understand every event, but that He will faithfully keep His own

Revelation 3:10 NKJV (devotion translation)

The question of whether believers will witness the rise of the Antichrist leads us to consider not speculation, but what Scripture clearly reveals about God’s care for His people. In Revelation 3:10, Jesus speaks to a faithful church and gives a promise: those who have kept His word will be kept from a coming global hour of trial. This is not merely protection within the trial, but a keeping from it.

Throughout Scripture, we see a consistent pattern of God distinguishing between the righteous and the wicked in times of judgment. His character is both just and merciful. He does not pour out His wrath indiscriminately, but makes a way for His people to be spared. This reflects His covenant faithfulness and His intimate knowledge of those who belong to Him.

For the believer, this truth is not meant to stir fear or curiosity about future events, but to produce steady confidence in Christ. Our security is not in our understanding of timelines, but in our relationship with the Lord who holds all things in His hands. The emphasis of Scripture is not on identifying the Antichrist, but on remaining faithful to Jesus.

Therefore, the call for us today is clear: persevere in obedience, remain rooted in truth, and walk closely with Christ. God’s promises are not given to satisfy our questions about the future, but to anchor our hearts in His faithfulness. Whatever unfolds in the world, the Lord knows how to keep His people.

Lord, help me to remain faithful to You and to trust in Your promise to keep those who belong to You. Amen.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 - Believers are not appointed to wrath but to salvation through Christ, reinforcing deliverance from coming judgment.
• John 17:15 - Jesus prays for His followers to be kept from the evil one while still in the world.
• Luke 21:36 - A call to watch and pray to be accounted worthy to escape what is coming and stand before the Son of Man.
• 2 Peter 2:9 - The Lord knows how to rescue the godly while holding the unrighteous for judgment.
• Exodus 9:4-6 - God distinguishes between His people and Egypt during judgment events.
• Daniel 12:1 - Assurance of deliverance for God’s people during a time of unprecedented trouble.
• Revelation 3:10-11 - Reinforces the promise of preservation for those who persevere in faithfulness.
• Titus 2:13 - Encourages believers to live in hope of Christ’s appearing, anchoring focus on Him rather than fear of events.