Great Tribulation, The

The Other Great Tribulation

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

We have anticipated the coming of the end-time Great Tribulation. However, there was a historical great tribulation, similar to what has happened in the U.S.

Are These the Last Days? (Part 1)

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Great Tribulation is a critical sign of the last days, as highlighted in Matthew 24:22, where it is stated that unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake, those days will be shortened. This period of intense suffering and turmoil is a key indicator of the nearing return of Jesus Christ, marking a time when world events will shift dramatically and suddenly. As God's children, we must be prepared for these terrible changes that will occur when His time comes, despite the apparent normalcy of global affairs leading up to this event. The Great Tribulation underscores the urgency of remaining vigilant and steadfast in the face of deception and apostasy that characterize the last days.

Will God Shorten the Day of the Tribulation?

Sermonette by Clyde Finklea

Zephaniah suggests that 'elect' may refer to a remnant called around the time of Christ's return, which God will give His Spirit and hide from the holocaust.

The Great Flood (Part Four)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Great Flood serves as a profound type of the coming Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord, illustrating a future judgment that will surpass the destruction of the Flood. The catastrophic deluge of the past, which inundated the entire world and transformed the planet, is a lesser shadow of the reality to come, indicating that the impending Great Tribulation will be far more severe. The immense destruction and death during the Flood pale in comparison to the horrors of the future judgment, underscoring the importance of aligning oneself with God. Despite the overwhelming forces unleashed during the Flood, God preserved Noah, his family, and the animals in the ark, demonstrating His mercy and providence for those who fear Him. This example assures that, even in the face of the great bloodletting foretold for the end times, those who remain faithful need not fear, as He will provide help in times of need, just as He did during the Great Flood.

Why the Last Great Day?

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The concept of the Great Tribulation, as it relates to the overarching narrative of God's plan, emerges in the discussion of vast multitudes and transformative periods of trial and salvation. In Revelation 7, there is mention of a great multitude who come out of "the tribulation, the great," a phrase distinct from other references, suggesting ongoing trials rather than a singular event. This construction implies the normal, yet terrible, trials of human life under the influence of satan, from which these people are finally liberated to live great, wonderful lives during the Great White Throne period. This time is depicted as larger than life, a magnificent and awesome event at the culmination of God's plan, where billions may be added to His family. It marks a period of unprecedented magnitude, where humanity's struggles are transformed into a glorious opportunity for salvation, reflecting the immense scale and wonder of God's ultimate purpose.

The Olivet Prophecy Paradox

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

The Great Tribulation, as described by Jesus in the Olivet Prophecy, represents a time of unprecedented pressure and persecution, unlike any period in history. It is foretold as the very worst of times, so severe that unless God had placed a limit on the duration, no flesh would be saved. For the sake of the elect, however, those days will be shortened. This time of great tribulation is linked to maximal language found in prophecies, indicating a period of intense suffering and danger. Jesus also presents an apparent paradox by likening this time to the days of Noah and Lot, where people engaged in normal activities such as eating, drinking, marrying, buying, selling, planting, and building, seemingly unaware of impending destruction. The emphasis is on the unexpected nature of God's judgment, which will fall suddenly, just as it did in those earlier times. The reference to these days does not contradict the warning of intense trouble but underscores that the return of Christ will be unforeseen, even amidst the worst of times. This period is also described as the days of vengeance, a time when God's wrath will be fulfilled as prophesied. It is not arbitrary but a culmination of divine warnings previously given. God's vengeance will target both His own people for their rebellion and other nations for their wickedness, particularly in oppressing His people. The intensity of this vengeance is such that without divine intervention to limit the days, no flesh, whether Israelite or Gentile, would survive. Jerusalem and its environs will be the epicenter of this turmoil, with the city trampled by Gentiles until the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled.

The Duality of Prophecy

'Prophecy Watch' by Earl L. Henn

The Great Tribulation is a significant aspect of biblical prophecy, embodying the principle of duality where a historical event serves as a type for a future, greater fulfillment known as the antitype. In the Olivet Prophecy, recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 acts as the type, prefiguring the Great Tribulation that will occur in the time immediately preceding Christ's second coming. This end-time event represents the antitype, a period of immense trial and suffering that will surpass the historical destruction in scope and impact. Understanding this duality is crucial, as many early Christians failed to grasp it, leading to disappointment and disillusionment when Christ did not return after Jerusalem's fall, contributing to apostasy in the early church. The principle of duality underscores the importance of recognizing both the historical and future fulfillments of prophecy, particularly in relation to the Great Tribulation, as a key to comprehending the unfolding of God's plan.

Great Tribulation, The

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