The Christ had predicted that the whole of humanity will be submitted, before His Return, to a great trial, the most painful of all times. Its aim is to probe the hearts, to test the secret intentions. He asks everyone to stay awake in order that this difficult and subtle trial does not overtake them by surprise:
“Then there will be a great distress such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, nor ever shall be… (Matthew 24,21) … Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with debauchery, drunkenness and worries of this life, and so that day come upon you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come down on all those living on the face of the earth…” (Luke 21,34-35)
In spite of the multiple warnings of the Messiah, men have gone astray in debauchery, drunkenness, drugs, worries of life and all sorts of impiety. Paul predicted it:
“In the last days there will be difficult times. People will be selfish, avaricious, boastful, arrogant and rude, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, intractable, slanderers, profligates, savages and enemies of everything that is good, treacherous, reckless and demented by pride, preferring their own pleasure to God, having the appearance of religion but rejecting the inner power of it…” (2 Timothy 3,1-5)
Jesus promised to protect those who will remain faithful during this deceitful and pitiless trial:
“… If that time had not been shortened, no human being would have survived; but that time shall be shortened for the sake of those who are chosen.” (Matthew 24,22)
“Because you have kept my commandment to endure trials, I will keep you safe in the time of trial which is going to come for the whole world, to test the people of the world.” (Revelation 3,10)
Paul confirms that Jesus will save those who are His, those who wait for Him with love and fidelity during this trial:
“… Christ will manifest Himself a second time to those who are waiting for Him to bring them salvation.” (Hebrews 9,28)
This elect is chosen one by one, man and woman. Jesus says:
“I tell you, on that night (of trial) when two are in one bed, one will be taken, the other left; when two women are grinding corn together, one will be taken, the other left.” (Luke 17,34-35)
The signs of this Universal Trial are here. This trial in itself, is a sign that the Return of Jesus is near:
“When you will see all these things happening, know that I am near, right at the door… (Matthew 24,33) … Look I am standing at the door, knocking…” (Revelation 3,20)
The most evident sign is the apparition of the Antichrist in Jerusalem.
The Universal Trial is followed by a Universal Restoration. Blessed are those who take part.
(See texts “The Universal Restoration”, “The Signs of Christ’s Return”, “The Key of the Apocalypse”).