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There is common teaching that a seven year
tribulation will follow a secret rapture of the Christians from
the earth. The truth is that there
is no place in either the Old or New Testament where a seven year
tribulation is explicitly mentioned. Although this idea is
popular, it has no basis in the scriptures.
The "greatest
tribulation" has already occurred, when Jerusalem was besieged
and destroyed by the Roman armies in AD 70. When
prophesying this event, Jesus said,
How dreadful it will be in
those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers..... For there
will be a great tribulation, unequalled from the beginning of
the world until now - and never to be equalled again.
If those days had not been cut short, no one would
survive
(Matt 24:20-22).
The destruction of Jerusalem was
an absolutely terrible event. Anyone who does not
believe this should read the account by the Jewish historian
Josephus. This means that the greatest tribulation
which will ever take place on earth has already
occurred.
Tribulation Normal
Tribulation is actually a normal
part of the Christian life. We are taught in the Bible that we
should always expect tribulation.
In the world you have
tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world. John
16:33 (NASB)
We must go through many
tribulations to enter the kingdom of God. Acts 14:22
Tribulation will be a normal
experience for Christians in every age. When they are true to
Christ, they will be a threat to the world, and this will always
bring opposition. The Greek word "thlipsis", which is
translated as tribulation, affliction or trouble, literally means
pressure. Our word tribulation comes from the Latin word for
threshing sledge. It often refers to trouble in a spiritual sense,
and describes the pressure that all Christians will experience if
they live in obedience to Jesus.
Calling of
the Jews
The calling of the Jews will take place
during a period of tumult on the earth. There will be wars, famines,
plagues, false religions, and death on a scale that has not been
known before. The whole earth will be thrown into chaos. During this
time there will be a tremendous consolidation of political power in
order to hold back that chaos. It may end with one mighty political
power ruling over a large part of the earth. It will be given
enormous powers, because it promises to bring back peace order and
prosperity. However, because it is opposing God, it will fail and
the situation will deteriorate even more.
This time of chaos and trouble will also be
a time of persecution for Christians. They will not be able to
accept the consolidation of political power and will make a stand
against it. The state will use its power to annihilate any
opposition. This will be very painful for God’s people, but it
will be a time when the Church is purified. Those who are not fully
devoted to the Lord will fall away. Those who are true will be
strengthened by the refining process. They will be made ready for
the times that lie ahead.
The chaotic events which take
place are all part of the sovereign work of God. He allows them
primarily to seal his people. He wants to prepare a church that
can be victorious and bring in the Kingdom. This time of testing
will purify and strengthen the church so that it will be ready to
go out and take the Kingdom. Those who overcome, in this time of
chaos will rule the nations with the authority of Christ (Rev
2:26,27).
This time should not be called "The
Tribulation". The time of chaos that brings in the
calling of the Jews will be a time of tribulation for many
Christians, but this will be no different from the experience of
many Christians down through the ages. It will be just one more
period of tribulation. Describing it as something unique is
incorrect and unfair to Christians from earlier ages who have
often suffered terribly for the Lord. Being under pressure is
normal for Christians.
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