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Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Category: Tribulation (Page 2 of 3)

Blog posts about tribulation.

Trials and the Coronavirus – Lessons We Need to Learn

April 3, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #164 ~

The coronavirus is very small, and yet has resulted in a very big trial that’s affecting millions of people around the world. God wants to use this trial, or any trial for that matter, to train His children. Now that we live in the end-times, we will encounter “birth pain” trials, like this coronavirus plague, and for many Christians in the future, the trial of “great tribulation.” That’s why you need to understand the nature and purpose of trials, for they are one of God’s means to help you be a growing, mature, and fruitful Christian.

What is a trial? It’s a difficulty, a pressure, a problem, an affliction, a test from God (James 1:3), a humbling circumstance (James 1:9). It can be internal or external in nature. It can be physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, or any combination of these. Trials are hard, painful, unpleasant and distressing. The Bible passage that best explains what God wants you to learn about trials, in my opinion, is 1 Peter 1:3-9. Starting at verse 6, let’s see what it says:

1. God says you have trials “now” which means you only go through trials during your life on earth. Jesus told the disciples, “In this world you have tribulation” (John 16:33). Paul said, “We must go through many tribulations to enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Being saved doesn’t mean you will have no problems, that life is a bed of roses. All of you can testify to the fact that you have had trials. And when you leave this earth and are in heaven, then all your trials will be over, forever gone. Amen!!! Rev. 7:15-17, 21:3-4

2. God says trials last only “a little while.” Some trials, humanly speaking, are very short, lasting an hour or two, or a month or two. Some are longer, lasting for many years. But what you need to know is that your entire life, in view of all eternity, is very short, for “You are just a vapor that appears for a little while” (James 4:14). Therefore, your earthly trials will not last very long, are only “momentary troubles.” 2 Cor. 4:17

3. God says trials are “necessary.” God is not careless, unthinking or unloving. He is all-loving, all-wise and knows exactly what He is doing in your life. Indeed, the trials you go through are personally planned and designed by God for you, and are necessary, are some of His primary tools to help you spiritually grow up and become a mature Christian.

4. God says we are “distressed” by trials and, as other translations say, result in grief or sorrow. Trials are hard, painful, and can be extremely wearing on your body and soul. In 2 Cor. 1:8-9, Paul describes how he and Timothy felt when they were going through a trial – “We were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed we had the sentence of death within ourselves.” Have you ever felt this way? Some of your trials will be the most difficult and distressing experiences you will ever go through.

5. God says there are “various” trials, which means there are all kinds of trials. There are job trials, financial trials, family trials, marriage trials, school trials, relational trials, church trials, health trials, weather trials, car trials, etc. There are personal trials, trials unique to you. In the Bible we read about Joseph being sold by his brothers, Job physically suffering, Moses leading the unruly Jews, David being chased by Saul, Jesus being punished for our sins, and Paul being in jail. Then there’s this unique coronavirus trial, unlike anything we have ever experienced, designed by our Father to teach us lessons we need to learn.

But why do we have trials? Because your Father knows best, knows that trials are necessary for your Christian life. Here are some of the main reasons why you go through trials:

1. It’s for your faith (1 Peter 1:7). Having faith, which means you are trusting God and His word, is more valuable than all the money in the world. God gives you trials so your faith, your reliance on Him, grows and gets stronger. When you continue to trust God as you go through a trial, then you are persevering, are patiently enduring. Rom. 5:3-4, James 1:2-3

2. It’s so you grow in your love for God (1 Peter 1:8, James 1:12, Deut. 13:4). As a Christian, you love God, which is the most important thing you are to do. But the trials you go through will test your love for God, and will result in you loving Him all the more. 

3. It’s so you grow in hope. 1 Peter 1:3-4 gives you the big picture of your salvation, that you were born again in the past, have a living hope in the present, and will realize this hope in the future. You need hope, you need to see the light at the end of the tunnel when you have no trials, when everything will be perfect, and you will be blessed in heaven. Fix your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus is revealed (1 Pet. 1:13) for then you will see Him, your salvation will be complete, and you will receive a brand-new body. 1 John 3:2

4. It’s for the salvation of your soul, for your spiritual growth (1 Pet. 1:9). Besides faith, hope and love, God tells us other essential ingredients that we need to be mature and fruitful:
– You need God’s grace. Going through trials reveals your spiritual weakness and your need for God’s grace and power so you can, in a Christ-like way, persevere and get through them. “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” 2 Cor. 12:9
– You need to obey God. Trials are designed to teach you to obey God, to keep His word. “Before I was afflicted, I went astray but now I keep Your word.” Ps. 119:67, 71
– You need to be holy. God gives you trials to teach you not to sin, to do what is right, to be holy. “He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness.” Heb. 12:4-11
– You need to be comforted. Our lives are about others, and the comfort you receive from God when you go through trials is to be shared with others who are going through trials. “… who comforts us in all our affliction so we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Cor. 1:3-11
– You are to rejoice. Twice you are told to greatly rejoice (1 Pet. 1:6, 8), which means it’s very important. As you understand the past, present and future of your Christian life, as you see how your trials are an important part of God’s work in you, then you will greatly rejoice – you will be a glad-hearted, spiritually-happy Christian. James 1:2, Rom. 5:3-5

5. It is so Christ lives in you. As a Christian, your life is not about you, but about Jesus Christ living in you. God gives trials so you turn to Him and trust Him. When you do this, then the Holy Spirit works in you, and Christ is revealed in and through your life. “We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves… we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh” (2 Cor. 4:7, 11). When you encounter a trial, remember that it’s not about you, but about Christ being manifested through your life. Gal. 2:20, Phil. 1:21

God is your teacher, and you are His student. Be a good student and a fast learner, and grow from the trials God so lovingly and wisely gives you. At this present time, might God help you go through this coronavirus trial gracefully, obediently, lovingly, hope-fully, and joyfully. And for many of us, our Father is training us for the future, for the tough times we will face in the last years leading up to Christ’s return to rapture the church. “Blessed be the Lord, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer.” Psalm 144:1-2

P.S. Trials are such an important part of our lives, and we must see God behind the trial, in that He is sovereign and wants to teach us through them. Here is a helpful post on trials – “Christians Will Go Through Great Tribulation.” Here is a comprehensive article on this subject – “A Biblical Perspective on the Trials of Life.”

The Rapture Won’t Happen Until …….

February 21, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #156 ~

I am concerned that millions of Christians are mistaken about the timing of the rapture. I fear they will be completely caught off guard when various prophesied events begin to happen, for they thought they’d already be gone from the earth. They are ones who believe the rapture is imminent, that no signs or prophesied events need to occur before Christ returns to take us home to heaven. In fact, they think the rapture could even happen today, this week, or this year, that Christ could suddenly speed down from heaven, and snatch us from the earth. But this is error, and must be corrected, for Christians need to know the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3

Last week, I explained why the rapture isn’t imminent, and can’t happen at any moment. We know this for two reasons: First, the Bible says the rapture takes place at His coming and not at some other distinct time (Matt. 24:27-31, 1 Cor. 15:23, 1 Thess. 4:15-17, 2 Thess. 2:1). Second, the Bible specifically points out many prophesied events that will occur before Christ’s coming and, therefore, before the rapture. An extensive list of these events is found in Matthew 24:4-31 and 2 Thess. 2:1-12 – earthquakes, wars, plagues, the coming of the Antichrist, the desolation of the temple, great tribulation, deception, apostasy, and the skies going dark. Knowing that the rapture occurs at Christ’s coming, and that prophesied events take place before His coming, is conclusive proof that the rapture is not imminent.

But I need to continue with this theme, and in particular, explain why many people believe the rapture is imminent. Here’s how they think:
1. They correctly say that Christians are rescued from God’s wrath. John 3:36, 5:24; 1 Thess. 1:10, 5:9
2. They incorrectly believe that the tribulation spoken of in Matthew 24 is God’s wrath.
3. They incorrectly say the entire 70th week of Daniel is tribulation and great tribulation, leading them to believe that this 70th week, this entire 7-year period, is God’s wrath.
4. Their correct understanding (point 1), along with their two incorrect assumptions (points 2 and 3), lead them to incorrectly conclude that the rapture takes place before this tribulation, this so-called wrath, which they believe occurs during the entire 70th week. This is called the pre-tribulation rapture view.  
5. Since many major prophesied events occur during Daniel’s 70th week, they also incorrectly conclude that the rapture happens before all these events and, therefore, is imminent, can happen at any time, and without notice.  

Let me elaborate on why points 2 and 3 are incorrect, and lead to a wrong conclusion. With regards to point 2, we know tribulation is not God’s wrath because no place in the Bible says tribulation is God’s wrath. What we do know is that this wrath is God punishing unbelievers, but tribulation is what believers experience during the church age. Jesus said, “In the world you have tribulation” (John 16:33). Paul said, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Paul said, “Momentary, light tribulation is producing for us an eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:17). These verses and others clearly communicate that Christians go through tribulation during their time on earth. Rom. 8:35, 1 Thess. 3:1-4, Rev. 7:14

Prophecy passages also talk about this tribulation. 2 Thess. 1:4-10 says Christians will suffer tribulation right up to the end of the age, when Christ is revealed and gives us relief from it by rapturing us to heaven. Then in Matt. 24:9, Jesus says, “They will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.” Notice that the “you” in these verses refers to Christians. Then in Matt. 24:21-22, Jesus talks about “great tribulation” affecting the Jews, and then greatly affecting the Christians, which we just read about in Matt. 24:9, and which is also described in Rev. 12:13-17. What you need to know is that tribulation and great tribulation refer to the persecution and suffering that Christians will go through until the end of the age, when Christ raptures the church.

Let’s now talk about point 3, that oft believed assumption that the entire 70th week of Daniel is tribulation and great tribulation. This point is easy to answer, for the Bible never says the entire 70th week of Daniel, this 7-year period, is tribulation and great tribulation, which is wrongly assumed to be wrath. What the Bible tells us is that there will be tribulation and great tribulation affecting the Christians, and wrath affecting the non-Christians.

Let me explain this further: Daniel 9:27 says the Antichrist is revealed at the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week and then desolates the temple, a point Jesus refers to in Matt. 24:15. Shortly after that, in the 2nd half of Daniel’s 70th week, great tribulation begins, starting with the Jews and then spreading to the Christians. Both Jews and Christians had been experiencing tribulation before this time, but now it intensifies becoming great tribulation. This great tribulation continues for a short while, but is suddenly cut short. The skies are darkened, then immediately lit up by Christ’s coming, and the church is raptured, Christ suddenly taking her from the earth. After the rapture, God’s wrath is poured out on an unbelieving world. This divine chain of events is also described in Rev. 6-9 – there’s persecution (Rev. 6:9-11), signs in the heavens (Rev. 6:12-14), rapture (Rev. 7:9-14), and wrath (Rev. 8-9).   

The main point of this post is to help you understand that the rapture is not imminent, that many prophesied events must happen before the rapture. In summary, Christians alive on earth during Daniel’s 70th week, having undergone tribulation and great tribulation, will be raptured, not at the beginning of that week, but sometime during the 2nd half of it, a time known only to God. Because God loves us, He gives us advance notice about the upcoming tough times, and when we see these prophesied events happen, we know we will see Him soon. Of course, we don’t know the exact day and hour, but we will know that Christ’s return and the rapture is getting closer (Hebrews 10:25). By God’s grace and with hope in our heart, we will persevere, and those alive during that time will all see Jesus, some by being martyred, and some by being raptured. Either way, it will be glorious for us, and a great glory to God.

P.S. God wants Christians to know the general timing of Christ’s return and the rapture, and that’s why I continue to write posts related to this subject. Here are three previous posts that will help you understand this: “The Timing of the Rapture”, “Christians Will Go Through Great Tribulation”, and “The Pre-Tribulation Rapture Teaching is False.”

Suffering for Jesus in the End Times

October 11, 2019 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #139 ~

When you study the major prophecy passages, one thing that stands out is that God talks about suffering in every single one of them. Why is that? Because God wants us to know about this suffering, this end-time’s persecution of the saints. Because Christians will be going through a lot more suffering the closer we get to Christ’s return and the rapture of the church. Because God wants us to be ready, and not be caught off guard. In this post I will summarize what these passages have to say about suffering:

Matthew 24:3-41 (Suffering – Matthew 24:9-11, 15-22, 28, 29) 
* The suffering spoken of here begins at the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week (when the Antichrist is revealed), and continues until the end of the age. Matthew 24:15-29
* This suffering starts with the Jewish people in Jerusalem, and then spreads out and affects Christians all over the world. Matthew 24:9-22, Revelation 12:13-17
* This suffering is related to great tribulation. It is great in scope in that it is worldwide, and in severity, for a great number of believers will be martyred. Matthew 24:9, 21, 29
* Our primary purpose during this time is to be preaching the gospel. Matthew 24:14
* Christians enduring to the end will be saved (raptured and glorified). Matthew 24:13, 31, 40-41

Luke 21:5-36 (Suffering – Luke 21:12-19, 20-24)
* The suffering that affects Christians starts at the beginning of the church age, and continues on until the redemption (rapture) of the church. Luke 21:12, 27-28
* The Jewish people will be greatly persecuted, starting around 70 AD and continuing on until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled at the end of the age. Luke 21:20-24, 19:43-44, 23:28-31
* The enemies of the Christians are religious and governmental in nature. Luke 21:12
* One of the most difficult aspects of this persecution is that Christians will be betrayed by their own parents, brothers, sisters, relatives and friends. Luke 21:16
* This persecution will lead to opportunities for Christians to share their testimony and proclaim the gospel. God will “give you utterance and wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute.” Luke 21:13-15
* Remember, it’s all about Jesus, and it’s for His name’s sake that you suffer. Luke 21:12

Mark 13:1-37 (Suffering – Mark 13:9-13, 14-20)
* This prophecy passage is very similar to what we read in Matthew 24, but also contains elements from the Luke 21 passage.
* The suffering focuses on the end-times, particularly that which starts at the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, and which affects both Jews and Christians. Mark 13:9-20
* A whole world of unbelievers will hate the Christians, wanting to put them to death (Mark 13:13). We learn, like in Luke 21, that believers will be betrayed by their own family members – brother against brother, parents against children, and children against parents. Mark 13:12
* “Take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance” (Mark 13:23). God tells us this ahead of time, for He doesn’t want us to be surprised that we will suffer greatly in the end-times, and that many will be martyred.

2 Thessalonians 1:3-10 (Suffering – 2 Thessalonians 1:4-7)
* This persecution, this affliction (tribulation), is what the early churches experienced and what all Christians will go through – and it will continue right up until the end of the age, when Christ is revealed and the church is raptured and glorified. 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 10; Acts 14:22
* This end-time’s persecution and suffering will last only a short time, for Jesus, your Savior and King, will return and give you relief, and eternal rest. 2 Thessalonians 1:7, Revelation 14:13
* These verses keep things in perspective, for you realize that you may suffer a little while on earth, but the unsaved will suffer forever in hell, paying “the penalty of eternal destruction.” Because of the love of God and the sacrifice of Christ, you will not receive the punishment you deserve, but instead, you will be blessed forever. Revelation 21-22

Revelation 6:1-17 (Suffering – Revelation 6:8-11)
* The fifth seal speaks about martyrdom, the climax and conclusion of suffering for some, for their suffering is over, and then they go to heaven to be with Jesus.
* End-times’ martyrs will be wondering how long it will be before those who murdered them will get justice. The sixth seal signals that this suffering is all over, and that it’s time for God’s wrath to be poured out upon the unbelievers still on earth. Revelation 6:12-17
* God is sovereign over suffering. He already knows who will be killed, who will die for Him. You need not worry, for your heavenly Father is in charge, and He knows what He is doing, for your eternal good, and for His eternal purposes and glory. Revelation 6:11

Revelation 13 (Suffering – Revelation 13:7, 10, 17)
* The beast, the Antichrist, will “make war with the saints,” and overcome many of them. This may sound sad and tragic, but it is God’s will, and in the end, God will crush the Antichrist, getting a complete and decisive victory over him. Revelation 13:7, 19:19-21
* Christians need to persevere, and trust in God, knowing that He is good and holy, and that Christ will return to rescue them, and then be greatly glorified. Revelation 13:10, 7:9-14, 19:1-7

What God tells you about this end-time’s suffering is the truth, what He wants you to know, and what you need to know. Remember Jesus’ words: “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great.” Matthew 5:10-12

P.S. As Christians, we must not sugar coat the truth. Here is what God tells us, “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps.” Here are two more must reads on suffering: “Christians Go Through Tribulation” and “Christians Will Go Through Great Tribulation.”

The Glory of Suffering for Jesus

October 4, 2019 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #138 ~

Suffering isn’t a subject most Christians want to hear about, and that’s understandable, for who wants to suffer? Who wants to be persecuted? Who wants to go through hard times? But it’s also sad, for Christians need to know what God says about suffering, for it really is a source of blessing, a means of grace, and a way to give glory to Him. To suffer for Jesus is a great privilege, as well as an opportunity to trust Him, and show Him our love.

Examples of believers suffering for the Lord are found throughout the Bible. In Hebrews 11:24-25, we read about Moses “choosing rather to endure ill treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.” It was no walk in the park for Moses, but rather 40 years of putting up with grumbling, rebellious Israelites in that hot, barren desert. Then there’s David, who testified time and time again about being persecuted, and how God delivered and comforted him. (Psalms 28, 31, 35, 55, 59, 142, 143). And don’t forget Jeremiah and the suffering he went through (Jeremiah 26:11, 32:2, 38:6). But it wasn’t just physical, it was also mental, emotional and spiritual suffering that Jeremiah patiently endured all those years, especially at the end, when Jerusalem was being destroyed, and fellow Jews were dying right before his eyes. Lamentations 1-5

In the New Testament, Jesus is our prime example of one who suffered, but it’s the Old Testament prophecy in Psalm 22 that best describes His extreme pain and sorrow, and how He sacrificed His life for us. None of us can comprehend how hard it was for Jesus to be persecuted by the Jewish leaders – “They spat in His face and beat Him with their fists and slapped Him” (Matthew 26:67), or by the Roman soldiers – “having Jesus scourged… they mocked Him… they spat on Him, and took the reed and began to beat Him on the head” (Matthew 27:26-31). More than that, none of us can fathom the torment brought on by His Father, who caused Him to suffer the hellish wrath we should have received – “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?” Matthew 27:46

Then there’s Paul, who willingly and joyfully suffered for the Lord. 2 Corinthians 1, 4 and 6, all talk about his sufferings, but it’s that long litany in 2 Corinthians 11:23-29 that best illustrates what he went through for God and for people – “… beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews 39 lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked…”

This subject of suffering is an untaught topic in most churches today, especially in the United States. But it needs to be taught, for many Christians are worldly and soft, not holy and strong. Many believers don’t know what the Bible teaches about suffering, and therefore, won’t be expecting it and be able to joyfully endure it when it comes – and it will come.

But what is it that God wants you to know about suffering?
* Suffering is part of God’s plan for Christians. Acts 14:22, 1 Peter 2:21
* God is sovereign over your suffering. He plans it out ahead of time, knowing it will be for your good, and for His purposes and glory. Romans 8:28-35, 1 Peter 3:17
* Suffering is momentary, lasting only a little while. 2 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Peter 1:6, 5:10
* To patiently endure suffering, God gives you both present grace and the hope of future grace. 2 Corinthians 12:9-11, 1 Peter 1:13
* “If the world hates you, you know it has hated Me before it hated you.” John 15:18
* To get through suffering, you need God’s promises. Psalm 119:50, 154; 2 Peter 1:2-4
* God wants to use your suffering for the gospel. Luke 21:12-15, Philippians 1:12-14
* Suffering is one of God’s ways for you to grow in faith and love. James 1:2-3, 12
* The more you live for Christ, the more you’ll be persecuted for Christ. 2 Timothy 3:12
* To suffer in a godly way, you need to submit and entrust yourself to God. 1 Peter 4:19
* “Consider Him who endured such suffering by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:3
* You find favor (grace) with God when you suffer. 1 Peter 2:19-20
* Never be surprised when you are faced with the fiery ordeal of suffering. 1 Peter 4:12
* When you are persecuted, your faith is being tested. 1 Thessalonians 3:1-10, James 1:3
* When you suffer, be thankful that you can share in Christ’s sufferings. 1 Peter 2:10  
* Remember, many other Christians around the world are also suffering. 1 Peter 5:9
* Those who suffer on earth will be greatly rewarded in heaven. Matthew 5:12
* To endure suffering, you need to “see” Jesus. Daniel 3:16-27, Hebrews 11:27
* The primary purpose of your suffering is to bring glory to God. 1 Peter 4:12-16

If you are going to rightly suffer for Jesus, you need to know these truths. Not only that, but we are living in the end-times, which means it won’t be long before we experience great tribulation – “they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name” (Matthew 24:9). Immediately after that, we will all be with Jesus in heaven, never to suffer again (Matthew 24:29-31). In the meantime, learn the above truths, knowing that you will need them in the years ahead. “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great.” Matthew 5:11-12

P.S. This is such an important subject to understand. Here are two other things I would encourage you to read that relate directly to this post: “The Persecution of the Church Before the Coming of Christ,” and “A Biblical Perspective on the Trials of Life.”

Earthquakes and the End Times

July 10, 2019 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #126 ~

“O my God! O my God! O my God! O my God! O my God! O my God! This is bad!” That was the initial and terrified reaction of a person who had just experienced that recent 7.1 earthquake in southern California. She was scared to death, and understandably so. When I first heard about this earthquake, I immediately thought about the end-times and Matthew 24. In verse 3, we see that the disciples asked Jesus for a sign about His coming and the end of the age. He then gives them the perfect answer, telling them about many signs and events that will take place before His coming, including earthquakes. 

Matthew 24:6-8 are the verses that speak about these earthquakes, wars and famines. For those of us living in the end-times, it’s imperative that we understand these verses, or we’ll be in error. What then do we learn about earthquakes and the end-times?
* Jesus says earthquakes will be taking place in the years leading up to His 2nd coming. Earthquakes, along with wars and famines, are events that are part of His alarm system to awaken and alert us to the fact that His return is getting closer. 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6

* These earthquakes will be great earthquakes (Luke 21:11). As Christ’s return draws near, there won’t be just baby earthquakes, these little quakes and tremors – there will be the big ones, the 7’s, 8’s, and 9’s on the Richter scale.

* These earthquakes, wars and famines are called birth pains. Those of you familiar with babies being born know that a mother has birth pains which increase in intensity and frequency the closer she gets to her child’s birth. As these birth pains continue, the mother knows she will soon see her baby. As these earthquakes get stronger and closer together, you will be able to sense in your spirit that Jesus Christ is coming soon.

* The earthquakes and famines occur in “various places” (verse 7). The vast majority of people in the world won’t be affected by these earthquakes, for they aren’t occurring in every city and country, but only in some places, in “various places.” We also read, “you will be hearing of wars,” which means most people won’t be experiencing the wars (verse 6).

* These earthquakes, wars and famines are the beginning of birth pains (verse 8). Mothers know that beginning birth pains are just the beginning. “Those things must take place, but that is not yet the end” (verse 6). That is, there are later, ending birth pains which are much more painful. And so too, Christians will experience increasingly difficult birth pains as Christ’s return gets closer. The next verse (verse 9) tells you about this: “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated…”

* Both Christians and non-Christians will experience these birth pains, as shown by the context and order of end-time events. Christians are referred to in verses 9-14, and therefore, must be on the earth for these beginning birth pains spoken of in verse 8.

* These earthquakes, wars and famines are not part of the “day of the Lord”, that part of God’s wrath that begins after the rapture of the church. That’s because we know God’s wrath is not poured out upon the Christians. We also know this because earthquakes, famines and wars are spoken of in verses 6-8, and God’s wrath does not begin until after the heavenly signs, which are described in verse 29. The same order of events is described in Revelation 6. Seals 1-4 describe these birth pains, and they occur before seal 6, the heavenly signs that signal God’s wrath is imminent (Revelation 6:1-8, 12-17). The rapture is described in Revelation 7:9-14, which makes it evident that it takes place between the seals (birth pains) of Revelation 6, and the trumpets (wrath) of Revelation 8-9.  

* These birth pains start before the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week, that 7-year time-frame. Some people believe these birth pains start at the beginning of this 70th week, but that means you would have to cram these wars and famines, all these elongated events, along with these quick-strike earthquakes, into one 3½ year time period. I don’t believe it’s possible for all these beginning birth pains to fit into those few years. I also think these earthquakes, wars and famines, have already started, and will continue to increase in intensity and frequency the closer we get to the coming of Christ.

* We live in that stage of the end-times called the beginning of birth pains (Matthew 24:8). Matthew 24:9-14 goes on to describe the role and experience of Christians before the end of the age and the rapture of the church. Matthew 24:15-27 tells us about the experience of the Jews before the coming of the Lord. Matthew 24:28 talks about corpses, which means many people will die during this time. Then Matthew 24:29-31 gives us more information about the end of the age, Christ’s return, and the rapture.

* I believe there are still many years to go before Christ’s coming and the rapture of the church, which takes place sometime during the last half of Daniel’s 70th week. There will be many more wars, famines, earthquakes, along with plagues (Luke 21:11), and financial problems (Revelation 6:5-6). And yes, there will be one last great earthquake before the end of the age (Revelation 6:12). It’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better, before Christ comes back. But God is sovereign and good, and you can trust Him.

On this subject of earthquakes and the end-times, it’s very instructive and encouraging to read Psalm 46. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea…though the mountains quake at its swelling pride… Come, behold the works of the Lord… He makes wars cease to the end of the earth… Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us…” Don’t ever be afraid. Just remember that God is with you and will take care of you, and that ultimately, it’s about His purposes and glory.

P.S. Here are two instructive posts related to this subject about the end-times and Christ’s return: When Is Christ Coming Back? and When Does the Rapture Take Place?

The Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church

January 18, 2019 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #103 ~

Jesus Christ is coming to judge the world (Psalm 98:9), and you don’t want to be here when it happens, for it will be a fierce and fiery world-wide devastation. This is the great and holy wrath of God, often called the day of the Lord, and it will be directed at unbelievers who are on earth at the return of Christ. But Christians living on earth at that time will be supernaturally rescued from this wrath to come.

Now that we are in end-times, we can see this day of the Lord drawing near (Hebrews 10:25). It won’t be long before “there will be signs on the earth below, blood and fire and vapor of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before the great and glorious day of the Lord” (Acts 2:19-20). These dramatic signs will get everyone’s attention! With a huge exclamation point, they mark the end of this age, letting us know that God’s wrath will soon be poured out upon this sin-infected planet.

But the good news of salvation means Jesus will rescue all Christians from this coming world-wide wrath. “To wait for His Son from heaven, …, Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10). The means of this miraculous rescue is the rapture, for Jesus will return in the clouds, and Christians will suddenly and safely be taken from this earth to be with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). This rapture is also the means of relief, of being delivered from great tribulation. Some of you may not believe what I am saying, or want to hear what I am saying, but it’s true. Christians alive in the end-times, specifically during the rule of the Antichrist, will go through great tribulation for awhile, and then it will be cut short by the signs on earth and in the heavens. Matthew 24:21-22, 29-30

This teaching that Christians won’t be here when the Antichrist is dictator of the world, and are therefore exempt from great tribulation, is wrong, is error, and actually very harmful. You see, many Christians have heard that great tribulation is God’s wrath, but that’s not true. You see, tribulation can’t be God’s wrath, for tribulation is defined as pressure, distress, suffering or persecution, and is what the Bible says all Christians go through. Jesus said, “In the world you have tribulation” (John 16:33), and Paul said, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Now great tribulation just means great pressure, great distress, great suffering, great persecution, and will affect Christians still on earth in that last couple of years or so before Christ’s coming.

This great tribulation is great because of its severity, for Christians will be killed for their faith, and because of its scope, for it will occur all over the world. “They will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name” (Matthew 24:9). But who of us should not be willing to suffer and die for Jesus in view of the fact that He suffered and died for us? This great tribulation is nothing compared to the eternal life and love that God has given us, and which we will forever experience and enjoy with Jesus and other believers. “Momentary, light tribulation is producing for us an eternal weight of glory, far beyond all comparison.” 2 Corinthians 4:17

What does Revelation 6-9 say about all this? Revelation 6 talks about great tribulation (verse 9), and signs on earth and in the heavens telling us that it’s the end of the age (verses 12-14). Unbelievers are scared to death, for they know God’s wrath is coming, that they are damned and doomed, and that there’s no escape (verses 15-17). Revelation 7 then tells us about a great multitude suddenly appearing in heaven, and worshiping God and Christ (verses 9-10). The angel says these believers “are the ones who come out of great tribulation” (verse 14), that is, were just raptured from the earth. Finally, Revelation 8-9 describes God’s punishing wrath on earth. This is the sequence of coming events: great tribulation, end of the age, rapture, and wrath. It’s can’t be any clearer.

This means the rapture of the church is after the great tribulation, persecution brought on by the Antichrist, but before the wrath, punishment brought on by Jesus Christ. Again we see that believers will be rescued from this cataclysmic, torturing and deadly wrath. But woe to those who reject Christ and the gospel, who don’t get saved, who are left behind on earth, and who are justly tormented by this, the righteous wrath of God.

Judgment is coming for unbelievers, except for those Jews and some others who are protected by God. But the rapture, the greatest rescue operation this world has ever seen, is coming for believers. God only knows, but you might be alive on earth when Christ returns to rapture the church. Be thankful that you will be rescued, not only from this earthly wrath, but also from the eternal wrath, that very painful, everlasting lake of fire. “God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:9). As a Christian, be glad that Jesus Christ, through His death and resurrection, saved your soul and, at the rapture, will give you a new body. Now is your time to live for Him, share His gospel with the lost, and use your gifts for the good of the church and the glory of God.

P.S. Here are three other posts that go along with this post, giving you more understanding about the tribulation Christians experience, and the wrath of God that unbelievers will go through. The Day of the Lord: The Wrath of God on Earth, Christians Will Go Through Great Tribulation, The Pre-Tribulation Rapture Teaching is False.

The Mark of the Beast

August 10, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #80 ~

In this day and age, the mark of the beast is a popular subject. It’s talked about in movies and YouTube videos, and written about in prophecy publications. Sad to say, there’s a lot of confusion and error on this topic, but the Bible tells us the truth. The Antichrist will soon rule over the entire earth, his goal being a one-world order, a one-world religion, a one-world government, a one-world military, a one-world economy, and this “mark” will be one of the primary means by which he will control the world. Revelation 13:16-17 tells us, “He (the Antichrist) causes all, the small and the great, the rich and the poor, and the free and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, so that no one will be able to buy or sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name.” Here are a number of things you need to know about the mark of the beast:

1. Having the mark of the beast is the only way a person will be able to openly and publicly buy, sell and do business when the Antichrist is ruling this earth. Revelation 13:16-17
2. This mark could be a stamp, a seal, an image, a microchip or a transponder. It will be specifically related to the name or number (666) of the beast, the Antichrist. Revelation 13:18
3. People will be receiving this mark of the beast after the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, when this beast, the Antichrist, and a second beast, are in power. Revelation 13:5, 11
4. A Christian cannot and will not take the mark of the beast, for he or she is a child of God, and the Holy Spirit will not let any believer take this mark of the devil. Ephesians 1:13-14
5. Only unbelievers will take the mark of this beast. Revelation 14:9-11
6. Not all unbelievers will receive the mark of the beast, for some of them will be saved during what is called the great tribulation. There will also be a remnant of Jews who will be saved at the end of Daniel’s 70th week. Matthew 24:9-27, Revelation 12:13-17
7. People taking the mark of the beast won’t be making some naïve, unintended or careless decision. Though deceived, these unbelievers will know what they are doing, and will be agreeing with the Antichrist, his beliefs, his rule, and his purpose for this mark. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11
8. Taking the mark of the beast is not just a financial decision, but is also a spiritual one. The person receiving the mark is pledging allegiance to the Antichrist, and is putting his faith in this evil, despicable and devilish man. “They worshiped the beast.” Revelation 13:4
9. Unbelievers taking the mark of the beast cannot reverse their decision. Once marked, their future is set, for they will forever be punished in the lake of fire. “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wrath of God… and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.” Revelation 14:9-11

We now live in the end-times, and when you look at the state of the world, you realize that we are rapidly moving towards that time when this mark of the beast will be a reality. For 100 years we have heard that leaders and countries are pushing for a one-world order and this global economy. You see it with the United Nations, the World Bank, the World Trade Organization, and the International Money Fund. This desire for globalism, that the desires of the world supersede the desires of the nations, is only going to increase in the years ahead. There will be more open borders, less autonomy, and more interdependence with regards to the countries of the world. And on a personal level, people want their bank accounts to be more secure, and their financial transactions to be simpler and safer.

What in the world is going to happen? A sophisticated system will soon be in place for the Antichrist and his partner to manage this global economy, utilizing the mark of the beast. Governing the whole world, having a universal monetary system, and overseeing billions of financial transactions, will require an ingenious and complex technology. We now live in an electronic information age, with smart phones, supercomputers, massive servers, microchips, the internet, and the ability to store, process and transfer mega amounts of data. We are beginning to see how this mark of the beast will be a key component in tomorrow’s world. In fact, it is routine for pets to get implanted microchips, and now it’s beginning to happen with people. In Sweden, many individuals receive surgically inserted microchips for their business dealings and other activities (Washington Post – 4/4/2017). In the near future we will be a cashless and checkless society, our credit and debit cards will be gone, and the technology to implement the mark of the beast will be fully developed and operational.

Now is the time to tell unbelievers the truth about the mark of the beast, and more importantly, about salvation and forgiveness in Jesus Christ. As for you and your family, know that the Lord will take care of you. Be seeking His kingdom, and be praying, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:10-11). “This calls for perseverance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Him.” Revelation 14:12

P.S. There is no doubt that living during the time when the Antichrist is ruling the world will be extremely difficult. I encourage you to read this article, The Father’s Love For His Children, for this is what you will need to know and remember more than anything else.

P.P.S. Just a reminder ~ if you would like to be notified, via email, of the latest blog post, just go to the top of the home page and put your email address in the “subscribe” area and click on the subscribe button!

The Pre-Tribulation Rapture Teaching is False

March 16, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #59 ~

Through the years, I have talked to many people who believe Christians are raptured at the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week, before great tribulation – but they are in error. Not only is their thinking wrong, but they don’t see how believing this error will have a harmful effect on their own life, family and church. But why don’t people see that the Pre-tribulation rapture idea is wrong? Why don’t people understand the truth? It’s because they have not properly studied and understood Bible passages that speak about great tribulation and the rapture of the church. It may also be that they have been deceived and affected by false teaching on these subjects. “See to it that no one misleads you.” Matthew 24:4. “Let no one in any way deceive you.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3

In particular, they don’t understand what Daniel 9:24-27, Matthew 24:3-36, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-10, and Revelation 6-17 say about Daniel’s 70th week, this most important seven-year time frame. Clearly they don’t know what end-time events take place during this period, where they fit, and when they will occur. 1 Chronicles 12:32
– They mistakenly believe tribulation and/or great tribulation lasts a full seven years, the entirety of Daniel’s 70th week. They don’t know what it means when the Bible says this tribulation time is cut short for the sake of the elect. Matthew 24:21-22
– They wrongly think the rapture takes place at the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week. But the Bible says it takes place at the coming of Christ, which occurs after the Antichrist is revealed, after the midpoint of this week, and therefore sometime during the last 3½ years of this seven-year period. No one but God knows the day or hour of Christ’s return. Matthew 24:15-36, 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-9

They are in error when they think tribulation and great tribulation, spoken of in Matthew 24, are God’s wrath. The truth is that Christians will experience tribulation and great tribulation, but they won’t go through God’s wrath. Matthew 24:9, 21-22, 29; Revelation 7:14
– They wrongly state that the rapture is imminent, that it can happen at any moment. They don’t realize that many prophesied events need to occur before Christ’s return and the rapture of the church. Matthew 24:4-14, 25, 32-35. (I plan to address this next week.)
– They wrongly believe the “birth pains” described in Matthew 24:4-8 are part of the “Day of the Lord” wrath. They incorrectly think Christians will be raptured before these birth pain events – famines, wars, earthquakes and plagues. But these events only occur in “various places” around the world, and are to awaken and alert both believers and unbelievers about Christ’s coming and the “Day of the Lord” wrath. Revelation 6:1-17

They fail to understand the overall chronology, the order of end-time events repeatedly stated in prophecy passages. For example, they fail to see the flow of events in Matthew 24, that there are beginning birth pains (4-8), then great tribulation affecting Jews and Christians (9, 21), signs in the heavens (29), followed by the rapture at Christ’s coming (31), and finally, the Day of the Lord, God’s wrath upon the earth (Acts 2:19-20). Mark 13:14-27 tells us there’s tribulation, rapture and wrath. 2 Thessalonians 1:4-10 tells us there’s tribulation, rapture and wrath. And Revelation 6-9 tells us there’s tribulation, rapture and wrath. This is what the Bible says, and this is the way it will be.

There are other reasons why people, particularly in the United States, don’t believe we will go through great tribulation. This country has been greatly blessed, and in general, people are happy and satisfied with the way things are. Many people are worldly, complacent, and taking it easy (Amos 6:1-6, Luke 12:19, 1 John 2:15-17), and sadly, some Christians are like this. They don’t want to even think that life could get hard and there could be great tribulation. Many Christians can’t fathom that they, and their families and friends, could go through tough times. They don’t believe there will be great tribulation because they don’t want to believe it! Acts 14:22, Romans 8:35, 2 Corinthians 4:17, Revelation 7:14

It’s also true that many Christians in this country don’t know what it means to really suffer for the Lord. The U.S. has been a relatively peaceful country, blessed with freedom of speech and religion, and for the most part, freedom from persecution. The very thought of going through great tribulation is far from the minds of most people. Yet, when Jesus taught on prophecy, He almost always spoke on suffering. (Matthew 24:9, Mark 13:9-13, Luke 21:12-19, Revelation 6:9-11). The night before Jesus suffered and died, He instructed His disciples, “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). Jesus goes on to say, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Finally, Paul encourages us, “Fix your hope completely on the grace to be given to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:13

P.S. In times of tribulation or great tribulation, it is important to set your heart and affections on Jesus Christ, our Lord, Savior and King.  I encourage you to read this article that speaks about this: Thinking of Jesus Christ.

Christians Will Go Through Great Tribulation

March 9, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #58 ~

My journey as a Christian takes me back to the early 1970’s, a time when there was a lot of talk about the rapture. It was being taught that the church would not go through great tribulation, for that was God’s wrath, and was reserved for the unbelievers. Fast forward to the early 1990’s and, for the first time, I began to really study end-times’ prophecy. I soon learned from God’s word that great tribulation is not God’s wrath.

Last week, I shared a number of verses illustrating how Christians go through tribulation. Paul summed it up by saying, “Through many tribulations you will enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). This word tribulation, from the Greek “thlipsis,” is also translated as distress, affliction, trouble or pressure. Therefore, we could say that great tribulation is great distress, great affliction, great trouble or great pressure. It’s not Biblical or logical to say a Christian goes through tribulation, but won’t go through great tribulation. Yes, a Christian is exempt from God’s wrath, but not from tribulation or great tribulation.

What does Matthew 24 say about this? Verse 9 says, “They will deliver you to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.” This is clearly referring to Christians being persecuted and martyred for their faith. Now the adjective “great” is not used in this verse to describe tribulation, but we have to admit that being hated and killed by all nations, is great tribulation. Therefore, we can conclude that the tribulation spoken of in verse 9, is actually great tribulation.

We read on and see that the focus of Matthew 24:9-14 is the Christian. Then we see that Matthew 24:15-26 is a parenthetical to verses 9-14, describing what is happening to the Jews during this time. First, there’s verse 15, speaking of the abomination of desolation, a desecration of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem, occurring at the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, and instigated by the Antichrist (Daniel 9:27, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-5). Then the Jews are instructed to head for the hills (verses 16-20), for that murdering Antichrist and his forces are going after them. The Antichrist’s pursuit and persecution of the Jews, and of the Christians, as we will soon see, is what Jesus calls great tribulation in verse 21.

We discover Revelation 12:16-17 saying the same thing, “The dragon (working with the Antichrist) was enraged with the woman (Jews), and went off to make war with the rest of her children (Christians) who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” This passage describes this devilish Antichrist chasing after the Jews, and making war with the Christians. Isn’t this what Matthew 24 said? Great tribulation starts out against Jews in Jerusalem, and then expands, being experienced by Christians all over the world. Great tribulation talked about in verses 15-21, leads to, and is directly related to great tribulation that is affecting the Christians, spoken of in verse 9.

Matthew 24:22 says this great tribulation is cut short for the sake of the elect. That is, only the elect are experiencing great tribulation. And who are the elect? They are the saved, and those who will be saved. The context of Matthew 24 makes it clear that great tribulation is what both Christians and Jews will experience. It’s critical to see this, that great tribulation is not the Day of the Lord wrath being poured out upon unbelievers. These are two separate events occurring at two different times. If Jesus meant great tribulation (Greek “thlipsis”) to be God’s wrath, then why didn’t He use the word wrath (Greek “orge” and “thumos”)? Because great tribulation isn’t God’s wrath, that’s why.

Where’s the rapture in Matthew 24? First we see it in verse 13, for those enduring to the end are believers who will be saved, that is, raptured. Then we see it in verse 31, for it says all believers, those on earth, and those already in heaven, will be gathered to Christ. Do you see that the rapture is spoken of in verses 13 and 31? Do you also see that the rapture occurs after great tribulation, spoken of in verses 9 and 21? This is exactly what Matthew 24:29-31 says, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened… the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky… and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to another.” Do you see what God says, that first there’s great tribulation and then the rapture? You can’t miss it, Christians will go through great tribulation, then be raptured into heaven, and rescued from wrath.

All believers go through tribulation, and some will even go through great tribulation in that time just before Christ’s return. Don’t be surprised, dismayed or worried, but consider it a high honor and privilege to serve the Lord and suffer for Him, “for you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example to follow in His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21, Mark 13:9-13, Luke 21:12-19, John 15:18-25

P.S. When we talk about the future and tough times that will be coming, we have to have hope. It is not an option – it is what God knows will strengthen and encourage you. A comprehensive article that I have written about hope will be of great benefit to you.

Christians Go Through Tribulation

March 2, 2018 /

By Steven J.  Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #57 ~

I know you may not want to hear this, but it’s the truth, all Christians go through tribulation. Some health-and-wealth false teachers may try to deny it, but you can’t deny what God has repeatedly told us in His word. And you can’t deny that a countless number of Christians have experienced tribulation throughout church history. How about your own life? Haven’t you gone through tribulation? Of course you have.

How is tribulation defined? It’s from the Greek word “thlipsis.” Vines Dictionary defines the verb form as “to suffer affliction, to be troubled, has reference to sufferings due to the pressure of circumstances, or the antagonism of persons.” Austin Precept says, “thlipsis pictures one being crushed by intense pressure, difficult circumstances, suffering or trouble pressing upon them from without. Thus persecution, affliction, distress, opposition or tribulations all press hard on one’s soul. Thlipsis does not refer to mild discomfort, but to great difficulty… most often used of outward difficulties…”  

What does God’s word say? The underlined words in the following verses are translated from the Greek word “thlipsis.” John 16:33 – “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation,…” Acts 11:19 – “… those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen…” Romans 5:3 – “… we exult in our tribulations.” Romans 8:35 – “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril or sword?” 2 Corinthians 1:4 – “Blessed be God… who comforts us in all our affliction.” Ephesians 3:13 – “I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations…” Revelation 1:9 – “… your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and persecutions which are in Jesus…” Here are even more verses speaking about “thlipsis”: Matthew 24:9, 21; Mark 13:19; Acts 7:9-10; Romans 12:12; 1 Corinthians 7:28; Colossians 1:24; 1 Thessalonians 3:4; 2 Thessalonians 1:4, 6; Revelation 2:10, 7:14.

These verses make it very clear that believers experience “thilipsis”, this tribulation, persecution, affliction, this trouble, distress and pressure. Every Christian goes through tribulation, though some go through it more than others. The point I am making is that you shouldn’t be surprised by “thlipsis”, for it is a normal Christian experience. Paul said, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22). But why does God want you to go through it? Because it’s a means by which He works in your life, uses you for His purposes, and then blesses you forever. “For momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.” 2 Corinthians 4:17

What about great tribulation? Will some Christians go through this in the future? Yes. But many Christians say they won’t, that they will be raptured before great tribulation, particularly what is spoken of in Matthew 24:21-22. Let me explain why that’s not true.
1. There are many, many verses about Christians going through tribulation, and that includes great tribulation. You just can’t say great tribulation isn’t a part of tribulation. Your own experience tells you that sometimes life is hard, and sometimes life is extremely hard.
2. The English language tells us that great tribulation is tribulation, only greater. By definition, the only difference between great tribulation and tribulation is that great tribulation is greater, more intense, more severe than tribulation. You can’t say a Christian goes through tribulation, but does not or will not, go through great tribulation.
3. The Bible never says Christians are excused from great tribulation. We are exempt from God’s wrath, but not from tribulation or great tribulation. 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 5:9
4. Many Christians say the great tribulation, spoken of in Matthew 24:21, is part of God’s wrath. But how can you have all these verses on tribulation referring to believers, and then get to Matthew 24:21 and redefine it as God’s wrath? You can’t do that. Great tribulation affecting believers, is separate and different from God’s wrath affecting unbelievers. For example, Revelation 6:9-11 is speaking about great tribulation and Revelation 8, 9, 16 is speaking about God’s wrath.
5. Matthew 24:9 says, “They will deliver you to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.” In this verse, who’s being killed and hated? It’s the Christians. This verse says future believers will be going through tribulation, and you could even say this is great tribulation because of its deadly severity and global scope.
6. The Bible tells us that great tribulation, initiated by the Antichrist, starts at the midpoint of the 70th week, and sometime after that, is when Christians are raptured. (Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:15-31). Therefore, Christians will go through great tribulation.

This subject is heavy on my heart, for I fear many Christians are ill-informed, mistaken, or in error, regarding the truth that believers will go through great tribulation before the return of Christ. I am warning you, great tribulation is coming, and so be ready, be serving, and be willing to suffer (Revelation 2:10). But remember 2 Thessalonians 1:7, that God will “give relief to you who are afflicted … when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven” – this relief from tribulation happening when Jesus Christ is revealed, and you are raptured and taken to be with Him.

P.S. I encourage you to read the article, A Biblical Perspective on the Trials of Life, for it will most definitely help you as you go through tribulation, understanding what God is doing in your life, being strengthened by His Spirit, and being encouraged by His grace.

P.P.S. The Charts tab was changed to be a drop down so that you can find the charts by number or by subject. This will make it much easier for you to find and look at all the charts on one particular prophecy subject.

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