For 3 1/2 years, the church will undergo the worst persecution ever experienced. The Antichrist will war against the saints and will kill many (Rev. 13). But as I learned in my Hebrews class today, Persecution is not about killing you, but wearing you down unto denying the faith. The message of the book of Hebrews is written to a group of believers (hebrews/pilgrims/sojourners) who are facing trials and are tempted to forfeit their eternal inheritance, which ultimately is God Himself, dwelling on the earth in perfect union with man (Eph. 1:9-10, Rev. 21-22). The book culminates in the call to persevere/endure until the end, having full assurance that Christ Jesus has gone ahead and prepared the way for us to inherit the glories of the age to come. The only way to overcome in the days of great persecution is the same way Christ overcame, looking to “the joy set before Him.” Eschatology is central to the gospel in all ages and in all places. This is the fullness of God’s will, heaven on earth (Mt. 6:6, Eph. 1:9-10). May we be utterly transformed and renewed in our minds so as to prove and display God’s glorious will in our lives of faith and hope and love.