The Rebellion

Last updated on August 2, 2025

Understanding the Rebellion Before the Day of the Lord

In our journey of faith, we must stay alert to the warnings found in Scripture—especially those that reveal what God considers rebellion. Let me begin by highlighting a foundational verse that defines rebellion in spiritual terms:

1 Samuel 15:23 says, “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry…”
This verse makes it clear: rebellion is not merely disobedience—it mirrors the sin of witchcraft in God’s eyes. When people persist in resisting God’s Word and ways, they open the door to spiritual deception and darkness, often without realizing it.

The Rebellion and the Day of the Lord

The reason I emphasize this verse is because it connects directly to a major prophetic event: the rebellion that must come before the return of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul addressed this in his second letter to the Thessalonians. He warned believers not to be deceived by rumors or teachings claiming that the Day of the Lord had already arrived.

In 2 Thessalonians 2:1–4, Paul writes:
“Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to Him, we ask you, brothers, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by any prophecy, report or letter… that the Day of the Lord has already come. Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed…”

Paul describes this “man of lawlessness” as one who will exalt himself above all that is called God. He will set himself up in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be Christ. But before his rise, a widespread rebellion must take place—a global turning away from the truth and a mass alignment with deception.

Witchcraft and the Rise of the False Christ

If you have eyes to discern the signs of the times, then you already sense that the world is drifting deeper into rebellion. Witchcraft is no longer hidden; it has become mainstream. People indulge in it through divination, occult practices, and spiritual deception—often without knowing they are practicing rebellion against God.

According to prophecy, this rebellion will grow. Eventually, two-thirds of the world’s population will be given over to witchcraft which is the total opposite of the truth. At that time, the man of lawlessness will appear—claiming to be the Messiah, or the “light.” The Prophet Daniel foresaw this moment and spoke of it in Daniel 8:23:
“In the latter part of their reign, when rebels have become completely wicked, a fierce-looking king, a master of intrigue, will arise.”

Jesus warned about this deception in Matthew 24:23–25:
“At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There He is!’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”

Apostle Paul echoed this warning in 2 Thessalonians 2:9–12, explaining that the lawless one will come with counterfeit signs and powerful deception. People who reject the truth will fall under a strong delusion, believing the lie and embracing wickedness.

Stand Firm in the Truth and Let Your Light Shine

But as believers, we are not left in the dark. God has called us into His light. He sanctifies us through His Spirit and strengthens us to stand firm in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 encourages us:
“But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.”

Rather than falling into rebellion, we must let our light shine. That light is the truth revealed through Jesus Christ. When we live according to that truth, we please God and walk in His protection. We are not called to blend in with the darkness—we are called to expose it by being children of the light.

The Apostle Paul urges us to wake up spiritually in Romans 13:11–12:
“And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber… The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”

Conclusion: The Final Rebellion and Our Hope in Christ

In summary, the final rebellion will unfold when the world fully embraces witchcraft, idolatry, and deception—turning away from the truth of the Son of God and His kingdom. This rebellion is not a vague cultural shift; it is a spiritual movement, orchestrated by Satan and fueled by those who reject God’s Word. But as children of the light, we have been chosen to walk in truth and to resist the darkness.

Let me close with Paul’s blessing from 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17:
“May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”

Remain alert. Cling to the truth. Let the light of Christ guide your path, even in the midst of the world’s rebellion. God bless you, brethren. May the Holy Spirit guard your heart in the days ahead.

I have written another post regarding this rebellion with additional details. You can read it here!