The Saints and the Tribulation
In Revelation 3:10, the apostle John wrote that the saints will go through the tribulation. He said, “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I will also keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” Many sincere prophecy students interpret these words as referring to a rapture, the sudden removal of Christ’s followers from this earth prior to the final great tribulation.
Jesus spoke these words to the “church in Philadelphia” (Revelation 3:7) which was sixth out of the seven churches receiving messages in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. It is obvious that Christ’s words do not apply only to the literal church of Philadelphia which existed almost 2000 years ago in Asia minor. But it, also, applies to the second before last church ever as most scholars understand that those “seven churches” represent seven periods in the history of Christianity.
The Bible is clear that only the seventh and last church that will go through the great final tribulation. The truth is Revelation 3:10 does not speak of a rapture. It simply says the faithful in the church of Philadelphia, who have “kept the word,” will be kept from the hour of trial.
The Saints Going Through the Tribulation
For the final days of history when the seventh church would exist, the scriptures say, “At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, every one who is found written in the book” (Daniel 12:1). This text says that God’s saints will endure the period of tribulation but not that they will be untouched by it; they would be delivered.
Jesus said that a terrible time of trouble would come upon the world just before His return and that it would be more intense than any other in the history of this world. “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved” (Matthew 24:21, 22).
Also, John affirmed that God’s end time people “came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 7:14). They did not escape from it, but endured through it to be purified.
“I Am With You Always”
The good news is that God’s children will survive the final tribulation. Jesus assured His faithful children, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20). Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, Jesus would be closer to His children throughout the earth and will impart His grace, power, and wisdom to overcome all trials (John 16:7).
And if Jesus is with His children, who can stand against them? (Romans 8:31). God has planned and is actively busy in saving and perfecting His children, all their enemies are also His enemies (Psalm 27:1; 118:6). The same God who did not spare His own Son (John 3:16) will certainly give them everything they need. When God gave His Son, He also gave Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19), and thus, He showed how far He was willing to go to redeem repentant sinners.
For more on the tribulation, check: Is the rapture pre-tribulation or a post-tribulation?
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team
