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According to Baha'u'llah, this tribulation, or oppression, is 'the essential feature of every Revelation' (ibid. 31). He writes: (96:3) Unless it cometh to pass, the Sun of Truth will not be made manifest. For the break of the morn of divine guidance must needs follow the darkness of the night of error. For this reason, in all chronicles and traditions reference hath been made unto these things, namely that iniquity shall cover the surface of the earth and darkness shall envelop mankind. (ibid. 31-2) (96:4) In this age it appears to many that religion has almost completely lost its moral influence. Some believe it is only a matter of time before religion and belief in God are entirely abandoned. However, Christ assures us this will not happen. He states, 'And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened' (v.24:22). That is to say, if things continued as they are, no one would be saved or find eternal life. All would abandon religion, irreligion would prevail, people would be ill-equipped to deal with what would then seem to be the meaningless hardships of life, and destruction would engulf all, inwardly and outwardly. But Christ promised He would re-manifest Himself and the power of the Word of God would be re-established in the world.
(96:5)
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