7. Tribulation & Wrath
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7. Tribulation & Wrath

Yahweh’s Presence: Heaven Rev 11:15-19

Great Tribulation & Wrath – Overview

The Dragon (Satan) gives power to the Beast (the anti-Christ).
The Beast rises to power, deceives the world, and persecutes God’s people.
When will Yahweh send His Messiah to destroy him?

The anti-Christ is given power by the dragon and deceives the world

Great Tribulation:

Tribulation (troubles/persecution) is one of God’s ways to lead His people to repentance; and to develop their character and give them hope. Rom 5:1-5 Isa 48:10 Mal 3:2-4 Great tribulation is the most intense persecution of the saints by the Beast. It starts with the abomination of desolation and ends when the Messiah returns 3½ years later. Contrary to common belief, the great Tribulation is not 7 years; it is in the second half of the Daniel’s 70th week of 7 years.

Wrath of God:

Wrath is God’s judgement on those who do not believe. Wrath ultimately means that they will not have eternal life.
Jhn 3:36 Wrath in Revelation is punishment for those who blaspheme His Holy Name, persecute His saints, worship the Beast and have taken his mark.
Rev 14:9-10 Wrath can fall on believers who became unfaithful and idolatrous.
Luk 12:45-46 Wrath is used to demonstrate that Yahweh is the only true God so that they and others might know Him, repent and be saved before the final judgement.

Judgement by God:

It is important to realise that while God’s saints are not appointed to wrath, they are not immune from judgement for their sins. Jesus taught that when He returns He will be judging both faithful and unfaithful servants.
1Th 5:9 1Pe 4:17-19 Luk 12:40-48

The start and end of the great Tribulation

Throughout history, Satan (the Adversary) has relentlessly sought to wipe out God’s people. The great Tribulation will be the most devastating attempt ever. Satan empowers the Beast to launch the Tribulation, but the Beast can only act with Yahweh’s permission. Be reassured — Yahweh has had His sovereign plans since before creation and has revealed them to us in the Bible. He will send His Messiah to bring the Tribulation to a decisive end, 3½ years after it begins.
Rev 13:4-7 2Th 2:9-12 Faith in Yahweh, God Almighty, is key to enduring this time and understanding His perfect purposes!
Mat 24:9-14 2Pe 3:17-18

The Beast’s Plan

The Beast’s plans actually begin 3½ years before the great Tribulation. He confirms a 7-year covenant with many; sacrifices and offerings are allowed in Jerusalem, but this is deception and gives Israel a false sense of security.
Dan 9:27 After 3½ years, the Beast breaks the covenant. He sets up the abomination of desolation in the holy place, triggering the most intense persecution of believers — this is the great Tribulation, which lasts for another 3½ years.

Yahweh’s Plan

In response to this great Tribulation, God pours out His wrath on a rebellious world, so that they may know Him and repent. His wrath comes in a series of 10 plagues. Some fall on the whole world and some on the rebellious wicked. This occurs alongside the great Tribulation but the Beast does not stop the persecution. At the end of this seven years, the Messiah returns in power and glory to judge and destroy the Beast and his armies.

This timeline gives the big picture. The sections below explain in more detail what happens during the 7-year covenant

Before, During and After Great Tribulation & Wrath

Before Tribulation & Wrath – The Covenant

When the Beast rises to power, he confirms a covenant with many for 7 years. This brings a period of relative peace to Israel, evidenced by sacrifices and offerings in Jerusalem.
Dan 9:27 After 3½ years, the Beast breaks the covenant. He stops the sacrifices, sets up the abomination of desolation in the holy place in Jerusalem, and blasphemes Yahweh by declaring himself to be God.
Dan 11:36

During Tribulation

When those in Judea see the abomination of desolation standing in the holy place, Jesus warns them to flee immediately.
Mat 24:15-22 Then there will be 3½ years of great Tribulation, the worst suffering the world has ever seen. The Beast will unleash intense persecution against God’s people, accompanied by false signs and wonders powered by the dragon (Satan).
Mat 24:21-22 Rev 13:4-7 Many will fall away from their faith while others will grow stronger.
2Th 2:3-4 God will hide a remnant of Israel in the wilderness and keep them safe until He brings an end to the great Tribulation.

During Wrath

In response to the great Tribulation, God pours out His wrath on those who are persecuting His people and those who hate Him. This judgment comes in the form of 10 plagues, which gives people many opportunities to realise who Yahweh is — and then repent.
Rev 16:9-11 Ezk 38:16

After Tribulation & Wrath

When Israel finally cries out to Yahweh for their Messiah, He will return in great power and glory and save the world from the Beasts’ tyranny.
Isa 59:20-21 The Messiah will destroy the Beast and his armies ridding the world of this evil.
Isa 59:14-19 Rev 19:19-21

Takeaways

Beliefs:

However, Jesus warns believers:

Many will be deceived and lose their faith. It is essential they hold on to the hope before them – Eternal Life in the family of God, dwelling with God.
2Th 2:3-4 Psa 27:12-14 Dan 11:30-32

Believers who understand

Some believers are expected to study the bible so they can instruct many about what is happening and going to happen.
Dan 11:33-36

Actions:

Be ready and watch

The above events and what will follow are prophetic patterns. Believers are encouraged to anticipate the fulfilment of these prophecies and to understand them. For example, look for a ruler who:
  • does according to his own will
  • exalts and magnifies himself above every god
  • speaks blasphemies against the God of gods
  • persecutes the saints
  • controls the buying and selling of goods
  • prospers until the wrath of God comes

Details – Sacrifice and Offerings then Tribulation & Wrath

Sacrifices and Offerings (Before Tribulation)

7 year covenant, Great Tribulation begins, anti-Christ, Abomination of desolation, Beast

  • The Beast (anti-Christ) and his 7-Year Covenant

    The Beast confirms a covenant with many and Israel for 7 years. (We know it is with Israel because the prophecy is given to Daniel about his people, Israel, and Jerusalem.)

    However, it is not clear who the ‘many’ are. Some think it is Russia / Rome / EU / USA; others think it is the surrounding Islamic nations; others think it is global institutions. Whoever it is will be identified by fulfilling the prophetic signs.
    Dan 9:24

  • Prophetic Covenant Signs

    During the covenant, sacrifice and offerings are conducted in the holy place, but they are abruptly stopped after 3½ years.
    Dan 9:27

  • The middle of 7-Year Covenant
    The Beast desecrates the Holy Place in Jerusalem by placing the abomination of desolation in it. He then sets himself up as god and blasphemes Yahweh.
    Mat 24:15 2Th 2:3-4
  • The Covenant is Broken
    The Beast’s actions therefore break the covenant and he begins the greatest ever Tribulation (persecution) against the Jews and saints.
    Mat 24:21-22 Mat 24:9-14

Tribulation (The Beast’s Persecution of Believers)

7 year covenant, Great Tribulation begins, anti-Christ, Abomination of desolation, Beast

3½ years of great Tribulation against believers – Mat 24:15-22

The greatest Tribulation – Summary

During the Tribulation, the Beast will persecute everyone who stays faithful to God. This will last for 3½ years. But it will not last forever. When the Messiah returns, He will destroy the Beast and rescue the world from his tyranny.
Rev 13:7 Rev 12:17 Dan 7:21-22 Rev 17:14

Tribulation starts with the abomination of desolation

The appearance of the abomination of desolation in Jerusalem marks the beginning of 3½ years of great Tribulation. Jesus warned those in Judea to flee immediately when they see this.
Mat 24:15-16 Those who flee will become the remnant of Israel. Yahweh will keep them safe in Bozrah/Petra for the full 3½ years.
Zec 14:1-5 Rev 12:6 Rev 12:14-17 Mic 2:12

3½ years of the greatest Tribulation

During this time, both Jewish and Gentile believers will be heavily persecuted. Those who refuse to worship the Beast will be killed. The Beast will control all buying and selling through a mark on the right hand or forehead.
Dan 7:25 Dan 12:7 Rev 13:5-7 Rev 13:15-17 Jesus and Paul both warned that there will be a great falling away among believers during this most terrible Tribulation.
Mat 24:9-14 2Th 2:3-4

God’s wrath falls during the Tribulation

While the Beast is carrying out his evil persecution, God begins to pour out His wrath in the form of plagues upon the wicked. This happens towards the end of Tribulation in two stages:

  1. 3 Plagues fall upon the whole world and kill a third of mankind. These primarily strike the wicked followers of the Beast, but they also fall upon the wicked servants of God who purposefully followed the Beast.
    (There is a clear precedent for this when the first 3 Egyptian plagues fell on the whole land of Egypt, including the Israelites – see Exodus 7 & 8)
    Rev 9:18-21 Luk 12:45-46 Ezk 20:6-8 Rev 13:8

  2. 7 Plagues (the bowls of wrath) follow later.
    Rev 16:1-21
Even in judgment, God gives repeated opportunities to repent. However, many will continue to persecute God’s people and refuse to turn to Him.
Rev 9:20-21 Rev 16:9-11 At the end of the 3½ years, Yahweh will send His Messiah to bring an end to all Tribulation.
Rev 19:19-21

God’s Wrath falls on the Wicked

The wrath of God - Earthquakes and Hailstorms

Last chances to repent

Why God pours out His Wrath

Yahweh’s desire is that all mankind would come to know Him by believing, repenting, and receiving eternal life through His Son. Those who refuse will face eternal death.
Jhn 3:17 Jhn 3:36 God does not pour out His wrath in one final judgment. Instead, He pours it out in stages, giving people repeated opportunities to repent. God’s purpose in sending wrath is clear:

  • So that His enemies may know He is Yahweh
    Exo 7:4-5
  • So that His enemies will know His sovereignty and power.
    Psa 83:12-18
  • So that His own people will know there is no other God higher.
    Exo 8:8-10 Isa 45:4-7
  • So that His own people will know and trust Him.
    Exo 10:1-2

God calls Everyone to Repent

Before God’s wrath begins, an angel preaches the eternal Gospel to all nations, calling people to repentance.
Rev 14:6-7 Mat 24:14 Rev 14:9-11

The Wrath of God

During the Tribulation, God sends 10 plagues of wrath:
  • First, three woes (plagues) that kill over one third of mankind.
    Rev 9:18-21
  • Then, seven bowls of wrath are poured out on those persecuting God’s people.
    Rev 15:1 Rev 16:1-21 1Th 5:9 Nah 1:2-3
Despite witnessing God’s power, the wicked refuse to repent. This follows the same pattern seen in Egypt (three plagues on everyone, followed by seven plagues on the Egyptians only). God protects His people during His wrath, just as He protected Israel in Egypt and Noah during the flood.

Take Heart

  • Since the cross, the Messiah has been interceding at His Father’s right hand for the salvation of the elect. He continues to pray for His people, even now.
    Heb 7:24-25
  • In the coming days of great pressure, the saints are called to encourage one another, so that no one loses heart or falls away.
    Act 14:22 Heb 10:23-25
  • We are also to keep bringing as many as possible into the Kingdom while there is still time, before God’s wrath and judgment come.
    Mat 24:14 Rom 11:25-27
  • Remember — the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, has not forgotten His people.
    1Pe 1:3-9

After Tribulation & Wrath

The Messiah returns to:

  • Destroy the Beast and his armies
  • Gather Israel from the nations and restore them to their land
  • Establish the Kingdom of God on earth for 1,000 years with His saints

Finally, Yahweh will return to dwell with His people on earth, as He did in Eden.

Extra Study Topics

Characteristics:

  1. Devious – 2Th 2:9-10 Dan 8:23-25
  2. False Prophet – Mat 24:24 Rev 13:13-14
  3. Fake Leader – Act 20:28-31
  4. Does not follow God’s ways – 2Ti 3:13 Dan 7:25
  5. Hates God’s people – Rev 12:17
  6. Declares himself to be God – 2Th 2:4
  7. Deception – Mat 24:24
  8. Perverts God’s Ways – Isa 5:20 Pro 17:15
  9. Wicked – Jer 17:9
  10. Signs and Wonders – 2Th 2:9-10
  11. Controls buying and selling – Rev 13:15-17
  12. Exalts himself – Dan 11:36
  13. Love of money – Rev 13:17 1Ti 6:9-10

End Times Prophecies by Daniel

. In 539 BC the Prophet Daniel was given a prophecy which was partially fulfilled by the Greek General Antiochus IV in 175 BC when he desecrated the temple. (Documents in the book of Maccabees.)
Dan 11:30-32 Dan 11:33-36 It is also similar to the destruction of the temple in AD70 (documented by Josephas), as well as the Beast’s 7 year covenant before the Messiah returns to reign on earth. These are example of multiple fulfillments in scripture which provide insights into the final fulfilment when the Messiah returns.

Do you worry about your present or future circumstances?

In Egypt, the Israelites focussed on their immediate personal circumstances of oppressive slavery and complained about Yahweh’s instructions.

Yahweh’s response to the children of Israel was:

  • I am Yahweh;
  • I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians,
  • I will rescue you from your bondage,
  • I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments.
  • I will take you as My people, and I will be your God.
  • Then you shall know that I am Yahweh your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
  • I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob;
  • and I will give it to you as a heritage:
  • I am Yahweh

Be Prepared

  • When you read the Word of God, take note of what will happen in the last days before the Messiah returns — especially in the Prophets.
  • Understand that trials, tribulations and death are not necessarily a sign of failure in God’s book – Jesus’ death on the cross was the greatest victory over sin and death.

  • Chronology of the End Time Events

    • End Times Chronology

    • Dominion of the Ages Chart

  • Further Tribulation Details

    • Background to great Tribulation

      • From the time of Jesus, the Gospel of the Kingdom of God has been preached to Jews and then to the nations. This is in addition to the Gospel of the Cross which is in the past. The Gospel of the Kingdom of God is about the good news to come.
        Mat 6:33 Luk 9:1-2 Act 19:8

        Despite this, mankind (including believers) continue to sin and false-prophets continue to deceive. Jesus declared that at the end of this age, many believers will be deceived and their love will grow cold! Wars and natural disasters result in sorrows that lead up to the end.
        Mat 24:4-8 Mat 24:10-12 Mat 24:14

        Satan uses tribulation

        to destroy God’s people.

        Yahweh uses tribulation

        to discipline His people and to bring them to repentance.

        Yahweh’s wrath is judgement

        on the wicked and not for the saints whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. However, some saints become unfaithful and idolatrous; their names may not be in the Book of Life.
        1Th 5:9 Rev 3:5

        Israel’s slavery in Egypt is an example of God using tribulation on His people. For their refusal to stop their idolatry, Yahweh’s wrath began to fall on them through three plagues. Ezk 20:6-8. The children of Israel were punished but not destroyed, unlike the Pharaoh and his army.

        The 10 plagues on Egypt are examples of God’s wrath, culminating in the total destruction of Pharaoh and his army because they refused to let His people go.

        The End Times follow a similar pattern of Tribulation for God’s people and Wrath for His enemies who refuse to repent. As in Egypt, God’s people can be protected from Wrath by the blood of the Passover Lamb; their names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

    • The anti-Christ

      • At the beginning of the end times (before the coming of the Messiah), the anti-Christ (the Beast) rises to power and makes a 7 year covenant with Israel.

        True to his nature, the anti-christ has no intention of keeping the covenant; it gives him time to rally his forces against Israel. This fake peace tactic has been used for centuries; eg the enemy within: the Greek horse gifted to Troy, which brings desolation from within the walls.
        Dan 9:27

    • 3½ Years of Great Tribulation

      • 3½ years after the covenant is made, the anti-Christ desecrates the holy place with the abomination of desolation. He initiates the worst Tribulation ever seen against Israel and also against Gentile believers. There is great deception, lawlessness, persecution and killing of God’s people.
        Dan 7:19 & 25 Rev 12:17

        Denying Christ and worshipping the Beast is the only way to avoid being persecuted. This great Tribulation results in many believers falling away and very many being killed.
        2Th 2:3-4 Rev 13:15-17 Mat 24:21-22

        • What happens during 3½ years of great Tribulation:

        1. Great Tribulation Mat 24:21 Jer 30:4-9
        2. Two witnesses prophecy against rebellion and idolatry Rev 11:3-6
        3. God’s wrath falls on the world; 6th Trumpet 3 plagues Rev 9:18-21
        4. The Gospel is preached to the world again Rev 14:6-7
        5. God’s Wrath falls on the Kingdom of the Beast – 7 bowls Rev 16:1
        6. Israel repents and calls for their Messiah Hos 5:15-6:3
        7. The World then belongs to Yahweh and Messiah – 7th Trumpet Rev 11:15
    • The Gospel is preached

      • The everlasting Gospel is preached by an Angel warning all those who dwell on the earth – to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people. They are without excuse when the Messiah returns to judge His enemies.
        Rev 14:6-11

    • God’s 7 Bowls of Wrath

      • People are warned

        Seven bowls of wrath (also called the seven plagues) fall on God’s enemies as punishment. This happens towards the end of Tribulation.

        People are warned of their fate and given the opportunity to repent, which many fail to do. (Very similar to the 10 plagues which fell primarily on the Egyptians.)
        Rev 14:9-11 Rev 15:1

        The wrath of God is poured out

        The 7 bowls of Wrath fall on God’s enemies.
        Rev 16:1-21

        After the 7th Bowl, the remaining followers of the Beast have been gathered at Armageddon and are still blaspheming God. Then the Messiah returns with His armies of Angels and resurrected Saints. They then complete God’s Judgement at Armageddon.
        Rev 14:18-20

    • Israel’s Repentance

      • After 3½ years of tribulation, Israel’s repentance finally triggers the return of their Messiah, just as Christ had prophesied. The pattern of Israel’s Sin followed by Persecution, followed by Repentance, followed by Deliverance is consistent with Yahweh’s relationship with Israel since the Exodus from Egypt.

        As shown in these scriptures:
        1) God forgives their Sin,
        2) heals their Land
        3) and sends a Deliverer
        who judges Israel and goes to war against their enemies.
        Mat 23:37-39 2Ch 7:14 Jdg 3:7-11 Rev 19:11-16

    • What Happens After Tribulation?

      • The Messiah establishes His Kingdom on Earth

        Then the Kingdom of God is established on earth by the Messiah, the King, and reigns with His incorruptible immortal saints on earth for 1,000 years. It fulfils the original command in the Garden of Eden for Man to be fruitful and multiply and to fill the earth and subdue it. It is all fulfilled in Christ.
        Gen 1:27-28 Mat 28:18-20 Rom 8:19-21

        Yahweh God Almighty dwells on Earth

        At the end, the Messiah delivers His Kingdom to God the Father who then descends from heaven and reigns on earth with righteous mankind forever and ever.
        1Co 15:23-26 Rev 21:2-3

        • What happens when the Messiah, Israel’s Saviour, returns:

        1. The Messiah returns with all the saints (immortal and incorruptible)
        2. The Beast and his armies are defeated at Armageddon
        3. The Marriage Supper of the Lamb
        4. The Messiah establishes the Kingdom of God on earth
        5. He reigns with His immortal saints for a 1,000 years
        6. The earth become abundant and is filled with new believers
        7. Yahweh descends from Heaven and dwells with mankind forever.

    • The anti-Christ (Beast) and Tribulation

      • How to recognise the anti-Christ

        • There are numerous Bible references to anti-Christ characters which give us distinctive patterns of behaviour that we can recognise. (The anti-Christ might claim to be a follower of Christ or even to be the Messiah, Himself. The anti-Christ could also work through institutions which secretly support the agenda of the anti-Christ).

          There will be moments when believers recognise anti-Christ patterns in churches/organisations and will have a decision to make – leave, stay and object or stay and support?
          Rev 18:3-4 Mrk 13:14

          In the end times, there is one final anti-Christ, the Beast, who initially will be popular and come into power, through deception. There will be various organisations and institutions that support him eg financial control. Rev 13:17 and continue to support him, even after he brings the worst tribulation against Israel that they have ever known!

          • Anti-Christ supporters in churches first might appear as believers and then draw others to themselves; eventually, their fruit will become apparent to those who understand.
            1Jn 2:18-19 Mat 7:15-16 Act 20:28-31 Dan 12:10
          • The anti-Christ goes by other names:
            the Beast Dan 7:19 & 25
            the Lawless One 2Th 2:9-10
            Man of Sin & Son of Perdition 2Th 2:3
            the Little Horn Dan 8:9
            the Prince who is to come Dan 9:26
            Abomination of Desolation Mat 24:15

          • The anti-Christ is called the Little Horn in Dan 7:7-8
            The “little horn” in Dan 8:9-12 is commonly understood to be a prophecy fulfilled by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid Greek king who persecuted Jews and desecrated the temple (c. 175-164 BC). These details are remarkably similar to other descriptions of the Beast. Antiochus is recognised as a type of anti-Christ. Historical records of this event give specific meaning to words used in Daniel, for example, He sacrificed a pig in the temple, defiling it – an ‘abomination’.
            Dan 11:31

          • The consistent pattern of any anti-Christ, is ‘Deception’.
            Mat 24:4-6 Mat 24:11 Mat 24:24 2Co 11:3-4 2Ti 3:13
            2Th 2:9-11 Rev 13:13-14

      • God lifts Restraint to reveal the anti-Christ

        • When God lifts what is restraining, the lawless one (anti-Christ / Beast) is revealed.
          2Th 2:6-12

          Without the one who restrains, the balance of power is changed. Satan gives the Beast power. The world is deceived and worships the Beast (anti-Christ) and the Dragon (Satan).
          Rev 13:1-5 Rev 17:12-13,17

          The Beast (anti-Christ) comes to power and makes a seven year covenant with Israel, but this only lasts for 42 months (1,260 days, 3½ years) when he turns on Israel. The abomination of desolation is put in the Holy place (Jerusalem? Temple Mount? A Temple, yet to be build?)

          The Tribulation that follows, lasts until the power of the holy people has been shattered, 3½ years later.
          Dan 9:27 Dan 12:7

      • Abomination of Desolation

        • Great Tribulation starts when the Beast breaks his 7 year covenant with Israel, 3½ years after He made it. The Beast’s (anti-Christ) true motives are revealed when he:
          a) sets up an ‘abomination of desolation’ in the holy place,
          b) speaks pompous words against the Most High
          c) and wants to change God’s times and law.
          Mat 24:15-22 Dan 7:23-25

          Satan’s objective is to destroy Israel, but Yahweh keeps a remnant safe through the 3½ years of tribulation that follows, and this frustrates the Beast’s (anti-Christ) plan.
          Rev 12:1-6 Rev 12:13-17 Mat 24:9-14

      • Great Tribulation

        • God will use this great Tribulation to discipline Israel in the same way that Yahweh sent troubles on Israel throughout their past.
          Deu 31:17 Dan 12:1 Rev 3:19
          Mat 24:21-22 Rev 12:17

          Some of the Elect (particularly Israel) do earnestly seek Him.
          Mat 23:38-39 Eze 36:23-24 Isa 25:8-9 Zec 13:8-9 Zec 14:2-3

          Despite God’s warnings about the Beast’s (anti-Christ) deception, lawlessness and persecution, many saints will fall away during this time and worship the Beast.
          Rev 13:15-17 2Th 2:3-4

          God uses this tribulation to purify and refine the saints when they are given into the Beast’s hand for a time and times and half a time.
          (3½ years, 42 months, 1,260 days)
          Dan 12:10-13 Zec 13:8-9 1Pe 1:3-9

      • The Elect Repent; Tribulation is shortened

        • Israel in particular, because of the intense persecution against them, do repent and worship Yahweh. This heralds in the return of their Messiah as King of Israel as prophesied.
          Mat 23:37-39 Hos 5:14-15

          Unless the days of Tribulation were shortened, no one would survive.
          Mat 24:21-22


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