When will the great tribulation take place?

The concept of the Great Tribulation is a significant part of Christian eschatology and has been the subject of much debate and speculation. The phrase is used in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Matthew and the book of Revelation, to refer to a period of intense suffering, persecution, and trial that will occur before the return of Jesus Christ. This period is often associated with the final plagues and the climactic battle of Armageddon.

In this article, we will explore when the Great Tribulation will take place, its relationship with the seven final plagues, the events of Armageddon, and the role of the saints during this time. We will focus on the belief that the saints will go through the tribulation, rather than being raptured from it, and explore the implications of this belief in light of biblical teaching as presented in the Word of God.

What Is the Great Tribulation?

Biblical Definition and Significance

The Great Tribulation refers to a period of unprecedented distress and persecution that will occur near the end of human history. The term is used specifically in Matthew 24:21 and in the book of Revelation. It describes a time when the forces of evil will be unleashed upon the earth, and believers in Christ will face intense persecution. This period is often linked with the Day of the Lord, a time of divine judgment and the ultimate triumph of God over the forces of darkness.

In Matthew 24:21, Jesus Himself speaks of the Great Tribulation as a time of unparalleled distress:

“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.” (Matthew 24:21, NKJV)

This statement underscores the severity and unparalleled nature of the tribulation. The context of this verse is part of Jesus’ Olivet Discourse, where He outlines the events that will precede His second coming, including wars, famines, earthquakes, false prophets, and the rise of the Antichrist. The Great Tribulation is described as a time of great suffering for those living on earth, particularly for Christians.

The book of Revelation further elaborates on the Time of Trouble, particularly in the context of the seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls of wrath. These judgments culminate in the battle of Armageddon, where the forces of good and evil will clash in a final confrontation.

The Seven Final Plagues and the Great Time of Trouble

The Seven Bowls of Wrath

In Revelation 16, the apostle John describes the seven bowls of wrath, which are the final plagues to be poured out upon the earth after the close of probation. These bowls represent God’s judgment on the earth, and they are directly associated with the Great Time of Trouble. Each of the seven bowls brings a specific judgment, and their severity increases as they unfold:

First Bowl: Sores on those who have the mark of the beast (Revelation 16:2).
Second Bowl: The sea turns to blood (Revelation 16:3).
Third Bowl: The rivers and springs turn to blood (Revelation 16:4-7).
Fourth Bowl: Intense heat from the sun (Revelation 16:8-9).
Fifth Bowl: Darkness and pain upon the kingdom of the beast (Revelation 16:10-11).
Sixth Bowl: The Euphrates River dries up to prepare the way for the kings of the east (Revelation 16:12-16).
Seventh Bowl: The final judgment, including a great earthquake, hail, and the destruction of Babylon (Revelation 16:17-21).

These seven plagues are the final outpouring of God’s wrath upon a world that has rejected Him and is following the Antichrist, who appeard in the Little Time of Trouble to deceive the world.

The Role of the Saints During the Tribulation

Before the close of probation and during the Little Time of Trouble, the saints, who have rejected the Mark of the Beast and the Antichrist, will face tremendous persecution. Some will be imprisoned and others will lose their lives; their death will be a witness for the truth and will lead many to God. After the close of probation and during the Great Time of Trouble, the remaining saints will be protected from the the Seven Last Plagues, for there is no purpose in their death as the door of salvation will be shut. The saints will be protected just as the Hebrews were protected during the Ten Plagues on Egypt.

While some believe in a pre-tribulation rapture (the idea that the church will be taken up to heaven before the tribulation begins), the biblical evidence points to the idea that the saints will go through the tribulation, enduring trials and suffering, but will not be abandoned by God.

The concept of a pre-tribulation rapture is based on the belief that Christians will be taken out of the world before the Time of Trouble begins, leaving the world to suffer the plagues and judgment. However, this idea is not explicitly taught in the Bible. In fact, there are several passages that suggest that the saints will experience the tribulation and will be present on earth during the time of suffering.

In Matthew 24:29-31, Jesus says:

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days… they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” (Matthew 24:29-31, NKJV)

This passage suggests that the gathering of the elect (the saints) will take place after the tribulation, not before it. Jesus will return in glory to gather His people, but they will experience the tribulation before His return.

The Perseverance of the Saints

During the Great Tribulation, the saints will be called to persevere in their faith. In Revelation 13:10, it is written:

“He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.” (Revelation 13:10, NKJV)

This passage teaches that the saints must hold fast to their faith, even in the face of great trials.

The Reward of the Saints

Though the saints will face persecution, they are promised victory in the end. In Revelation 7:9-14, John sees a great multitude of saints standing before the throne of God, having come out of the Great Tribulation:

“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'” (Revelation 7:9-10, NKJV)

This passage shows that, though the saints will go through the tribulation, they will ultimately be victorious and receive their reward. They will be clothed in white robes, a symbol of Christ’s righteousness, and they will stand before the throne of God, worshiping Him for their salvation.

Armageddon and the Final Battle

The Battle of Armageddon

After the close of probation (the Great Time of Trouble), this period culminates in the final battle known as Armageddon. This battle is described in Revelation 16:16:

“And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.” (Revelation 16:16, NKJV)

Armageddon is a final confrontation between the forces of good and evil. The Antichrist and his forces will gather against the saints and the armies of God, but ultimately, Christ will return in glory and defeat the forces of evil.

In Revelation 19:11-21, the return of Christ is described in vivid imagery:

“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.” (Revelation 19:11-12, NKJV)

Jesus Christ will return as the conquering King, and He will defeat the beast (the Antichrist) and the false prophet, casting them into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20). The forces of evil will be destroyed, and Christ’s reign will be established.

The Victory of the Saints

The saints will be victorious in the battle of Armageddon, but not through their own power. They will triumph because they are joined with Christ, the true King, who defeats His enemies. In Revelation 17:14, it is written:

“These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” (Revelation 17:14, NKJV)

The saints are called, chosen, and faithful, and they will share in the victory of Christ. Though they endure the Great Tribulation, they will be rewarded for their faithfulness.

Conclusion

The Great Tribulation will take place just before the return of Jesus Christ, and it will be a time of unparalleled suffering and persecution. The seven final plagues will be poured out on the earth, and the saints will face intense trials. However, the saints will not be raptured before the tribulation, but rather will go through it, enduring suffering with faith and perseverance.

Ultimately, the victory of Christ at Armageddon will result in the defeat of evil, and the saints will share in His triumph. The Great Tribulation serves as a reminder that Christians are called to remain faithful, even in the face of hardship, and to look forward to the return of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.