The concept of God’s wrath during the great tribulation is a topic of much debate among Christians. Many wonder how a loving God could pour out wrath on the world, and what this means for believers. Let’s explore this issue and address some common objections.
What is the Great Tribulation?
The great tribulation refers to a future period of intense trouble and divine judgment on the earth. Jesus spoke about this time in Matthew 24:21:
“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.”
This period is described in detail in the book of Revelation chapters 6-19. It involves a series of judgments poured out on the earth, including:
- Wars and conflicts
- Famines and plagues
- Cosmic disturbances
- The rise of the Antichrist
- Widespread persecution of believers
The tribulation is understood to last for 7 years, based on Daniel’s prophecy of the 70 weeks in Daniel 9:24-27.
God’s Wrath During the Tribulation
A key aspect of the tribulation is that it involves the outpouring of God’s wrath on a rebellious world. We see this described in passages like Revelation 6:16-17:
“Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”
The judgments in Revelation are explicitly called the “wrath of God” (Rev 15:1,7; 16:1). This wrath is not just human or satanic persecution, but divine judgment from God Himself.
Are Believers Appointed to Wrath?
A common objection is that 1 Thessalonians 5:9 only refers to eternal wrath, not tribulation on earth. The verse states:
“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
However, there are several reasons to understand this as referring to the tribulation wrath:
- The context is about the “day of the Lord” (v.2), which refers to the tribulation period.
- Paul contrasts this wrath with “salvation”, indicating physical deliverance.
- Other passages promise deliverance from the “hour of trial” (Rev 3:10) and the “wrath to come” (1 Thess 1:10).
- The wrath in Revelation affects the whole earth (Rev 3:10), not just eternal judgment.
While God can protect people through judgment (like Noah or Israel), the promise is to keep believers “from the hour of trial” (Rev 3:10), indicating removal from that time period entirely.
The Nature of Tribulation Wrath
It’s important to understand the scope and intensity of God’s wrath during the tribulation:
- It affects the entire world (Rev 3:10)
- It includes both natural and supernatural judgments
- Over half the world’s population dies (Rev 6:8; 9:15)
- The judgments increase in severity over time
- It culminates in the battle of Armageddon
This goes far beyond normal trials or persecution. Jesus said it will be worse than anything before or after (Matt 24:21). The purpose is to judge sin and rebellion against God.
God’s Protection of His People
Some argue that God could protect believers during this time without removing them, citing examples like Noah during the flood. However, there are important differences:
- The tribulation judgments are worldwide, not localized.
- Millions of believers are martyred during this time (Rev 7:9-14).
- Jesus said the days will be cut short or no one would survive (Matt 24:22).
- The promise is to keep believers from the “hour of trial” (Rev 3:10), not just the effects.
While God certainly can protect people supernaturally, the biblical promises seem to indicate removal from this time of wrath entirely.
The Purpose of the Tribulation
To understand God’s wrath, we need to look at the purpose of the tribulation period:
- To punish sin and rebellion against God (Isa 13:11)
- To bring Israel to repentance (Jer 30:7; Zech 12:10)
- To judge the nations (Joel 3:2; Matt 25:31-46)
- To defeat Satan and evil (Rev 20:1-3)
The tribulation is not about testing or purifying the church, but judging a Christ-rejecting world. This explains why God’s people would be removed before it begins.
Hope for Believers
While the tribulation will be a terrible time of judgment, believers have a blessed hope:
“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.” (1 Thess 5:9-10)
Jesus promised to keep His people from this time of testing (Rev 3:10). We can look forward to His return with joy and anticipation, not fear of coming wrath.
Conclusion
God’s wrath during the tribulation will be a terrible outpouring of judgment on a rebellious world. However, believers are promised deliverance from this time of wrath. While God can certainly protect people through judgment, the biblical promises seem to indicate complete removal from this period.
Understanding the purpose and nature of the tribulation helps us see why God would remove His people before pouring out His wrath. This gives believers hope and motivation to live godly lives as we await Christ’s return.
As we study these topics, may we be filled with gratitude for God’s salvation and a desire to share the gospel while there is still time. The reality of coming judgment should motivate us to live with eternal perspective and urgency in our mission.
