was not since the beginning of the world … and except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved …” (Matt. 24:21–22). There is a similar prophecy in Daniel 12. This terrible period ends with the return of Christ in power and great glory as described in Matthew 24:30 (cf. 2 Thess 1:7–10). At this time occurs the battle of Armageddon, when Christ crushes and slaughters the raging nations as described in Psalm 2 and Revelation 19:11–21. This final destruction of mankind means a fearful