7. Tribulation & Wrath

Overview – Great Tribulation & Wrath

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

The start and end of the great Tribulation

Throughout history, Satan (the Adversary) has relentlessly sought to wipe out God’s people. The will be the most devastating attempt ever. Satan empowers the Beast to launch great 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.
Faith in Yahweh, God Almighty, is key to enduring this time and understanding His perfect purposes!

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.
After 3½ years, the Beast breaks the covenant. He sets up the in the holy place, triggering the most intense persecution of — 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.

Before, During and After Great Tribulation & Wrath

Before Great Tribulation & Wrath – The Covenant

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

During Great Tribulation

When those in Judea see the standing in the holy place, Jesus warns them to flee immediately.
Then there will be 3½ years of , 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).
Many will fall away from their faith while others will grow stronger.
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.

After Great 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.
The Messiah will destroy the Beast and his armies, ridding the world of this evil.

Takeaways – Great Tribulation and Wrath

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.

Believers who understand

Some are expected to study the bible so they can instruct many about what is happening and going to happen.
It is a time of purification and strengthening for God’s people.

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 – Tribulation & Wrath

Details – 7 Year Covenant, Tribulation & Wrath

7 Year Covenant of the Beast

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 for 7 years. (We know it includes 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 when the prophetic signs are fulfilled.
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)

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

Details – Tribulation

The Great Tribulation – Summary

During the great Tribulation, the Beast will persecute people who stay faithful to God. This will be brought to an end when the Messiah returns 3½ years later. He will destroy the Beast and rescue the world from his tyranny.

Great Tribulation starts with the abomination of desolation

The appearance of the in Jerusalem marks the beginning of 3½ years of great Tribulation. Jesus warned those in Judea to flee immediately when they see this.
Those who flee will become the remnant of Israel. Yahweh will keep them safe in Bozrah (modern day Petra) until His Messiah returns.

3½ years of the greatest Tribulation

During this time, both Jewish and Gentile will be heavily persecuted. Those who refuse to worship the Beast will be killed.
The Beast will control people by controlling buying and selling through a mark on the right hand or forehead. (Perhaps similar to Digital ID and Digital Currency in China.)
Jesus and Paul both warned that there will be a great falling away among during this most terrible Tribulation.

Great Tribulation produces Good Fruit

There is a well established pattern of God’s people turning back to Him during times of great troubles.
During the great Tribulation many shall be purified and refined and the wise will understand what the wicked don’t. This will lead to God’s people repenting and crying out for Him.
There is no greater blessing than that which follows faith and obedience during this great Tribulation. Even death, instead of being a threat to God’s people, is simply their door to eternal life.

God’s wrath falls during great Tribulation

At the same time as the Beast is carrying out his evil persecution, God begins to pour out His wrath upon the wicked. Seeing Yahweh’s authority and power, gives them cause to repent. However, many do not.

The Messiah brings an end to Tribulation

The Beast and his followers continue to persecute God’s people, blaspheming Yahweh. After 3½ years of great Tribulation the Messiah returns to judge and destroy the Beast and all his followers.

God’s Wrath falls on the Wicked

The wrath of God - Earthquakes and Hailstorms

Wrath: Last chances to repent before Judgement

Before His wrath falls, God calls Everyone to Repent

As the Beast pours out on God’s people, an angel proclaims the eternal gospel of the Kingdom of God to every nation on earth. With a loud voice he cries out, “Fear God and give Him glory, for the hour of His judgment has come!”
Because the persecution does not end, God pours out His plagues of wrath on all who still worship the Beast. He does this not only to give people opportunity to repent, but also to demonstrate His power and sovereignty. This is so that all people may know who He is and put their faith in Him for salvation and eternal life, before final judgment comes.

God’s Wrath

God pours out His wrath through 10 plagues in two stages:

Three woes (plagues) kill a third of mankind.
Rev 9:18-21
Seven bowls of wrath are poured out on those still persecuting God’s people.
Rev 15:1 Rev 16:1-21 Nah 1:2-3

This follows the same pattern seen in Egypt, three plagues affected everyone, followed by seven plagues that fell specifically on the Egyptians (Exodus 7-10). In the same way, Yahweh’s wrath falls on those who refuse to repent, while He can protect His people. His desire is that all may know He is the Most High and put their trust in Him for salvation.
Through His wrath, Yahweh’s desire is that all may know He is the Most High and put their trust in Him for salvation.
As in Egypt, the wicked reject Yahweh’s mercy despite witnessing God’s power. They still refuse to repent.

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 in all the nations for 1,000 years with His saints

Finally, Yahweh will return to dwell with His perfected people on a perfected earth, as He did in Eden, when He said it was ‘very good’.

Take Heart

During any times of great trouble, remember these truths:

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

Extra Study

Characteristics:

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

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