The book of Revelation describes a period of intense tribulation on earth before Christ’s return. During this time, we see references to “saints” or believers who are present and enduring great hardship. How do we explain their presence, especially if the church has already been raptured? Let’s explore this question by examining what Revelation tells us about these tribulation saints.
Who Are the Tribulation Saints?
Revelation mentions saints multiple times during the tribulation period:
- In Revelation 13:7, the beast “was given power to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them.”
- Revelation 14:12 speaks of “God’s holy people who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.”
- Revelation 16:6 says the wicked “have shed the blood of your holy people and your prophets.”
- In Revelation 17:6, John sees the woman drunk “with the blood of God’s holy people.”
These passages indicate that believers in Jesus are present on earth during the tribulation. But who exactly are they?
New Believers After the Rapture
The most likely explanation is that these saints are new believers who come to faith in Christ after the church’s rapture. Even though the church has been removed from earth, God continues drawing people to salvation.
Several factors support this view:
- The gospel continues to be proclaimed during the tribulation. Revelation 14:6-7 describes an angel preaching “the eternal gospel” to all inhabitants of earth.
- God sends 144,000 Jewish witnesses to evangelize during this time (Revelation 7:1-8).
- Two powerful prophets also preach in Jerusalem for 3.5 years (Revelation 11:3-13).
- Revelation 7:9-17 depicts “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language” who have “come out of the great tribulation.”
So while the church is absent, many people still turn to Christ during this tumultuous period, becoming the tribulation saints we see referenced.
Distinguishing Tribulation Saints from the Church
It’s important to note that these tribulation believers are distinct from the church. Several key differences set them apart:
- Timing: They come to faith after the rapture of the church.
- Experience: Unlike the church, they must endure the full fury of the tribulation period.
- Promises: The church is promised deliverance from the “hour of trial” (Revelation 3:10), while tribulation saints are not.
- Terminology: The word “church” (ekklesia in Greek) is notably absent from Revelation 4-19, which describes tribulation events.
- Location: The church is seen in heaven (Revelation 4-5) while tribulation saints are on earth.
These distinctions help explain how saints can be present during the tribulation without contradicting the promise of the church’s rapture before this period begins.
The Fate of Tribulation Saints
Sadly, Revelation indicates that many of these new believers will face intense persecution and martyrdom:
- The beast is given power to “wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them” (Revelation 13:7).
- John sees the souls of those “who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained” (Revelation 6:9).
- The woman (representing Babylon) is drunk with “the blood of God’s holy people” (Revelation 17:6).
However, their suffering is not in vain. God promises special blessings and rewards for those who remain faithful during this time:
- They will receive white robes and rest until God’s judgment is complete (Revelation 6:11).
- They will stand before the throne of God and “serve him day and night in his temple” (Revelation 7:15).
- God “will wipe every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:17).
- Those who die for their faith will be resurrected to reign with Christ for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:4-6).
God’s Purposes in the Tribulation
The presence of saints during the tribulation serves several important purposes in God’s plan:
- It demonstrates God’s continued work of salvation, even in earth’s darkest hour.
- It fulfills prophecies about a great harvest of souls before Christ’s return (Matthew 24:14).
- It witnesses God’s power and the truth of His Word.
- It allows for the completion of God’s plan for Israel, as many Jews turn to Christ during this time (Romans 11:25-27).
- It showcases the power of faith in overcoming even the most severe persecution.
Conclusion
The presence of saints during the tribulation period in Revelation can be explained by understanding them as new believers who come to faith after the church’s rapture. While they face intense hardship, their faithfulness serves as a powerful testimony to God’s saving work.
This perspective aligns with a pre-tribulation rapture view and helps us make sense of the seemingly contradictory ideas of the church’s deliverance and the presence of believers during the tribulation. It reminds us that God’s plan of salvation continues even in the darkest times, offering hope to all who will believe. This perspective also provides a framework for understanding the concept of God’s wrath explained, as believers are not appointed to suffer His wrath but to be saved through Jesus Christ. It underscores the idea that God is sovereign and in control, even in the midst of chaos and turmoil. Ultimately, this perspective encourages believers to trust in God’s promises and to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that His ultimate plan for redemption will prevail.
As we study these challenging passages, may we be encouraged by the faith of these tribulation saints and inspired to stand firm in our own walk with Christ, knowing that He is faithful to His promises and will ultimately triumph over all evil.
