Your Bible question was:
> I,m assuming that the powers of darkness are held back by the Holy
> Spirit from doing what they would like to do to Gods people...As I
read
> Revelations, there is the persucution toward all Christians...is the
> Holy Spirit removed from the earth so that those who refused to follow
> Jesus will be allowed to do what they will toward all Christians?  I
> guess what I,m leading up to is that something happens so that there
is
> this sudden persucuetion toward all Christians....I know its going to
> happen but will it be sudden or will it happen gradually? Can you show
> me any scriptures to my question? Thank You...

The force of Holy Spirit-inspired truth, the gospel, restrains evil in this
world (cf. Matt. 5:13-16).  Where ever truth goes, evil is rebuked and souls
are brought out of darkness to the light of life (Acts 26:18-20). Only when
men's minds are blinded so that the light of the gospel will not shine on
them, does the power of darkness prevail.

You ask whether the Holy Spirit is "removed from the earth so that those who
refused to follow Jesus will be allowed to do what they will toward all
Christians?"  No, because even during the first century the opponents of
Christ persecuted Christians (Acts 8:1; 14:3-7; 19-20; 17:1-15; 1 Cor.
4:11-13; 1 Thess. 2:14-16).  Did this mean the Holy Spirit was not at work
in this world?  No, not at all (Jno. 16:8-15; Acts 5:32; et al.).

Who has the power to remove the Holy Spirit from the earth?  One could just
as soon try to put the Holy Spirit in a bottle as to remove Him from the
earth.  The Holy Spirit is deity - God (Acts 5:3-4).  Man will not remove
the Spirit of God from the earth.  But any man, who rejects the gospel of
truth which the Holy Spirit revealed and inspired, can reject His blessings
(1 Tim. 4:1-3; Eph. 4:30; Heb. 10:29).

My friend, do not expect some sudden persecution as a sign of the end of the
world.  Persecution has always happened to God's people.  Jesus warned,
"Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do
not expect" (Lk. 12:40).  Please read 1 Thess. 5:1-11.  We cannot tell when
He will return, but we can be certain He will do so!  Therefore, we must
live holy lives of faith, obeying Jesus in all things (2 Pet. 3:8-13).

Thank you for your Bible question.  May the Lord bless you as you study and
obey His word.

Sincerely,
Joe Price

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Joe R Price
joe@bibleanswer.com

Bible Answers
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Mt. Baker church of Christ
http://www.bibleanswer.com/mtbaker
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