At the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, those whose true faith has proven steadfast under all the tribulations and persecutions they have had to endure from enemies of God, will be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God for which they have indeed suffered. (2 Thess 1:4,5 NEB).

But while bringing relief to his just servants, Christ will repay tribulation to all those who made tribulation for them, exacting vengeance on these enemies who warred against servants of God and the birth of His Kingdom on earth. (2 Thess 1:6,7). These enemies, to be everlastingly cut-off, fall into three distinct groups. (2 Thess 1:8,9 NEB).

(1) THOSE WHO REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE GOD: These "set up their own empty ideas, and planned deceit and wickedness; they have even denied the existence of the Most High and have not acknowledged His ways". (2 Esdras 7:23 NEB).

(2) THOSE WHO REFUSED TO OBEY THE "GOOD NEWS" ABOUT OUR LORD JESUS:
These ignored the testimony of the "good news" of salvation that was proclaimed throughout the earth, and "dismissed the thought of penitence while the way was still open". They refused the way of salvation offered to them through the exercise of faith in The Christ, while the opportunity still existed. (2 Esdras 9:11 NEB) (Matt 24:14. Rev 10:7 NWT).

(3) THE FINAL REBELLION AGAINST GOD:
This rebellion was brought about by the composite "man of lawlessness", made up of many, who were used by satan to usurp the authority of God's anointed sons in the congregations. They spiritually "trampled" on them, cast them out, and stood in authority in their place. (2 Thess 2:1-12 NWT NEB. See Mark 13:14. Rev 11:2).

WHAT IS THE "HOUR OF TEST"?
To his servants, Christ said: "Because you have kept my command and stood fast, I will also keep you from the ordeal (hour of test. NWT) that is to fall upon the whole world and test its inhabitants. I am coming soon." (Rev 3:10 NEB).

This ordeal, or great tribulation, will be a severe trial of the spirit of every inhabitant on earth. It will be a time of such great distress that "unless those days were cut short, no flesh would be saved; but on account of the chosen ones those days will be cut short." (Matt 24:21,22 NWT. See Rev 7:14 NEB NWT).

Jehovah God reserved the world of Noah's day for judgement by a deluge of water, sweeping away the Godless men of that time; but the present heavens and earth are reserved for judgement by a spirit "fire". "The Lord will judge by fire, with fire He will test all living men, and many will be slain by the Lord". (Isaiah 66:16 NEB) (2 Peter 3:5-7).

Almighty God is about to flood the earth with the spirit of His justice. Every unGodly inhabitant will receive this Spirit from Him. This Spirit as a "fire" will burn relentlessly within their own rebellious spirit, and will eat them up. It will even cause a wasting disease within their flesh. They will be "wasting with sickness, yet overflowing with righteousness"! (Isaiah 33:11,12. See Isaiah 10:16-23 NWT NEB & Footnote).

Michael, the Son of God, will "taunt them with their evil plottings and the tortures they are soon to endure. This corresponds to the flame. And he will destroy them without effort by means of the law -- and that is like the fire." (2 Esdras 13:38 NEB). The Christ will expose all the unGodly works of mankind to them. They will feel totally "naked and ashamed for all to see", and will look aghast at each other as their sinful rebellion against the Spirit of God's justice causes their faces to burn with shame. They will be covered with confusion as their wicked deeds are brought out into the open to accuse them. They will not be able to hide from God's fearful judgement, for He has come to exterminate the earth's wicked inhabitants. (2 Peter 3:10 NWT. Rev 16:15 NWT) (2 Esdras 16:54,63-67 NEB. Isaiah 13:7-9 NEB).

For those who usurped the authority of God's chosen anointed sons and falsely claimed to be spiritual "Jews" themselves --even changing the "times and law of God" to do so-- it is written: "In Zion the sinners have come to be in dread; shivering has grabbed hold of the apostates: 'Who of us can reside for any time with a devouring fire? Who of us can live for any time with long-lasting conflagrations?'" (Isaiah 33:14. Dan 7:25 NWT). For Christ said: "Those who have misused my law will be taken by surprise; their contempt for it will bring them continual torment." (2 Esdras 9:9 NEB).

WHO WILL ESCAPE THE "HOUR OF TEST"?
Those who have "works and fidelity" laid up to their credit with the Most High, and who have faithfully endured the "great tribulation" until the end, will escape the "hour of test". The Christ will protect them in danger so that no further "weapon" made to harm them by God's enemies will prevail. Thanks to their good deeds and the faith they have shown, they will escape the destruction of their Godless enemies, and will be worthy citizens of God's Kingdom. (2 Esdras 13:22,23. 9:7,8. Rev 7:14 NEB NWT).

C. B. Thomas.