Satan "is to be released for a short time" (Rv 20:3). This will probably be about the time when the Anti-Christ (see 1 Jn 2:18), "the son of perdition" (2 Thes 2:3), will also no longer be restrained (2 Thes 2:7). At this point, the Church will be severely persecuted to an unprecedented degree (Lk 21:12). There will be many heroic martyrs and many more apostates than ever before (2 Thes 2:3). The Church will be purified — "a glorious Church, holy and immaculate, without stain or wrinkle or anything of that sort" (Eph 5:27). This purified, holy Church will proclaim the gospel to every person on earth (Mt 24:14), and the Jewish people will become Christians (Rm 11:26).

While these miraculous conversions occur, "nation will rise against nation, one kingdom against another. There will be famine and pestilence and earthquakes in many places" (Mt 24:7). "False prophets will rise in great numbers to mislead many. Because of the increase of evil, the love of most will grow cold" (Mt 24:11-12). Finally, the situation will deteriorate to the point that "those times will be more distressful than any between God's work of creation and now, and for all time to come. Indeed, had the Lord not shortened the period, not a person would be saved" (Mk 13:19-20). At this point, the earth will be destroyed by fire (2 Pt 3:7), and Jesus will return in glory (see 1 Thes 4:16). He will judge the living and the dead. Some will be hurled into the pool of fire, that is, hell (Rv 20:15). Others will live forever with Jesus in perfect happiness, that is, heaven.

These events are certain. Repent and totally give your life to Jesus now. Deepen your faith in Him.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Richard L. Klug, April 10, 2002

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 18, 2002