Sign of the Times - a Study of RevelationSample

What is the Tribulation?

Tribulation. It’s a big word. In essence, "Tribulation," as referred to in Revelation, is the specific and intense seven-year period of suffering in the last days. Often known as the Great Tribulation.

This is one of those hotly debated topics some Christians like to argue over: When will it happen, and what will it be like?

Truth is, no one can know, so you get to have your own opinion.

While there are plenty of interpretations, here are a few of the most common:

Pre-Tribulation: This is the belief that Christians will be raptured (taken to heaven) before the Tribulation begins. In other words, Christians will be spared from this seven-year period of God’s wrath and judgment on earth. The others? Left behind. (This view was made popular by the books and movie Left Behind.)

Post-Tribulation: This is the belief that Christians will endure the entire Tribulation and be raptured at its conclusion, which will be the time of Jesus’ return.

Preterist View: This is the belief that the events in Revelation have already happened and were a warning to the early church.

Historicist View: This is the belief that the Tribulation represents a symbolic period of church history rather than a literal seven-year period. It may be decades or even centuries of persecution and Tribulation.

In today's reading, you’re going to encounter seven seals, seven bowls, and seven trumpets. Each one of these symbolizes God’s divine judgments on earth.

Again, you’ve heard us say this: It’s a lot.

But a few things to consider:

• Every symbol is connected to an Old Testament Scripture and prophecy, many of which would have been familiar to first-century Jewish readers.
• There are many different ways to interpret what exactly these judgments mean. Go ahead and form your opinion. But remember: In the end, God wins. And for those who don’t want God to win...well, they lose.
• Being a follower of Jesus and having faith in God does not spare one from suffering and persecution. In fact, we have put our faith in the one who willingly suffered horrifically to pay for our sin. Christians will suffer. Non-Christians will suffer. All humans will suffer.
• However, God is fair and just. There are specific and harsher judgments for those who have not turned to God. And there are specific and merciful protections for those who have turned to God.

The point is: Before the end, Satan has been and will be given even more reign on earth to cause pain, evil, and suffering. During that time, God is offering people a chance to choose the winning side again. He wants people to turn back to him—whatever it takes!

Reflection Questions:

• Which view of the Tribulation is most intriguing to you? Why?
• Is the Tribulation something to be afraid of? Why or why not? If yes, how can you move away from that fear toward hope?
• No one truly knows when the end will come. How does your heart stay anchored to Jesus when the world feels uncertain?

Prayer Prompt:
Spend some time with God today—be real with him on how these topics are making you feel, and ask him for clarity as you're learning new things. He's not afraid of your questions!