Question:
Could you help me to identify the time when this Scripture will take place: “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth”(Rev. 3:10). What is the hour of temptation?
Answer:
Newer translations of this verse make the meaning clearer. The New International Version translates it: “Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.” “The hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world” to test the inhabitants may describe the battle of Armageddon that will engage the nations of the world when they rise up against Christ at His coming. It will surely be a test for those who live on the earth at that time, because it will decide the fate of all mortals. All who submit to the new rule will be shielded from harm; those who do not submit but rebel will be destroyed. The prophet Isaiah graphically describes the scene: “See, the day of the Lord is coming–a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger–to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it…I will punish the world for its evil the wicked for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless” (Isa. 13:9, 11 NIV). Those who have kept His commands and have been judged faithful need not fear, for they have the assurance that they will be protected from harm during this worldwide struggle, the Judgments of God Almighty (Dan. 12:1; Joel 2:32).