Work Shop The Great Tribulation

The "rapture" teaching focuses on the undesirability of living on the earth during the "great tribulation." The great tribulation is the period of unprecedented trouble mentioned by the Lord in the twenty-fourth chapter of the Book of Matthew. The problem with this emphasis is that the sufferings of the end time are not to be feared by the saint. The Apostles taught that we must enter the Kingdom of God of God through many hardships. Tribulation produces patience in us. It is redemptive.

The real danger of the last days will be deception and the abundance of sin. Because of the increase of wickedness, not suffering, the love of the majority will grow cold.

Another point of confusion has to do with the difference between tribulation and wrath. As we have said, tribulation is redemptive. It creates the peaceable fruit of righteousness in us. Wrath is not redemptive. It serves only to destroy that which is sinful, and eventually the sinner himself if he does not repent immediately. God has appointed us to tribulation but not to wrath.

There is a purpose for the great tribulation. It is to prepare the Church for the coming of the Lord. Numerous Christians in America today are lukewarm. The coming tribulation will force the believers to become hot or cold. Each Christian will be forced out of the valley of decision. He either will press into the Lord, finding his survival and security in Him, or he will spend his time and strength attempting to save his life.

Primary Scriptures

Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, (Matthew 24:12)

For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. (Matthew 24:21)

Strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God of God," they said. (Acts 14:22-23)

I answered, "Sir, you know." And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." (Rev 7:14)

Essential Points of Emphasis

The "rapture" emphasis on escaping suffering is popular among those who are living in the adamic nature. They desire to save their life.

The true saint concentrates on pleasing the Lord. He embraces the cross and is willing to share the sufferings of Christ and be conformed to His death.

The victorious saint does not fear suffering or death. His greatest fear is that he will not please the Lord Jesus in some area of his life.

Suggested References

Enduring to the End; Problems & Pain; The Purpose of the Great Tribulation

Follow up Activities

Answer Review Questions for this topic. 26

List additional Scriptures which support this concept.

Summarize this topic in your own words in one paragraph.

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