Throughout history, Christians have faced persecution and suffering for their faith. From the early church martyrs to modern-day believers in hostile nations, following Christ has often come at a great cost. So why do some Christians believe they will be spared from the coming Tribulation period? Let’s examine this question and address some common objections.
The Nature of the Tribulation
To understand why believers may be spared from the Tribulation, we need to first clarify what this period entails. The Tribulation refers to a future seven-year period of unprecedented trouble on the earth. It is described in detail in Revelation chapters 6-19 and corresponds to Daniel’s 70th week prophecy (Daniel 9:24-27).
Key characteristics of the Tribulation include:
- God’s wrath poured out on a rebellious world
- The rise of the Antichrist to global power
- Catastrophic natural disasters and judgments
- Widespread death and suffering
This is not simply a time of difficulty, but a specific period when God’s judgment falls on the earth in a way never before seen in history.
The Purpose of the Tribulation
Understanding God’s purposes for the Tribulation helps explain why the Church may be removed beforehand. The main purposes include:
- To punish the wicked and bring judgment on a Christ-rejecting world
- To bring about the national repentance and salvation of Israel
- To defeat the Antichrist and his kingdom
- To set the stage for Christ’s return and millennial kingdom
Notably absent from this list is any purpose related to the Church. The focus is on God’s dealings with unbelieving Israel and the Gentile nations.
God’s Promise of Deliverance
A key reason many believe in a pre-Tribulation rapture is God’s promise to deliver believers from the coming wrath. Consider these verses:
“For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:9)
“Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.” (Revelation 3:10)
These passages indicate that God intends to spare believers from His wrath that will be poured out during the Tribulation period.
Addressing the Objection of Historical Suffering
Some argue that since Christians have always faced persecution, there’s no reason to expect the last generation to be spared from the Tribulation. However, this objection fails to recognize key distinctions:
1. Tribulation vs. tribulations
The Bible differentiates between general tribulations believers face and the specific period known as The Tribulation. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). But He also spoke of the Tribulation as a unique time of unparalleled distress (Matthew 24:21).
2. Man’s wrath vs. God’s wrath
Much of the suffering Christians have faced historically comes from the hands of evil men. The Tribulation, however, is characterized by the direct outpouring of God’s wrath (Revelation 6:16-17). Believers are not appointed to suffer God’s wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9).
3. Refining vs. judgment
Trials in this age often serve to refine and strengthen believers’ faith (1 Peter 1:6-7). The Tribulation judgments are punitive in nature, designed to judge a Christ-rejecting world.
4. Presence vs. absence of the Church
The book of Revelation frequently mentions believers on earth during the Tribulation. However, these appear to be new converts rather than the Church. The word “church” appears 19 times in Revelation 1-3, then disappears until after the Tribulation events.
The Nature of the Rapture
The concept of the rapture – Christ’s coming to suddenly remove believers from the earth – is taught in passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-52. This event is distinct from Christ’s Second Coming at the end of the Tribulation.
Key aspects of the rapture include:
- It happens in an instant (“in the twinkling of an eye”)
- Living believers are transformed and given glorified bodies
- Deceased believers are resurrected
- All are caught up to meet Christ in the air
This sudden removal of believers is consistent with God’s past pattern of delivering His people before judgment falls (e.g. Noah, Lot).
Imminency: Christ Could Come at Any Time
Another reason to expect a pre-Tribulation rapture is the New Testament teaching that Christ could return at any moment. Believers are exhorted to be ready and watchful, with no intervening events necessary before the rapture can occur.
If the Church had to endure part or all of the Tribulation, Christ’s return would not be imminent. We would instead be looking for the Antichrist and other prophesied events.
Conclusion
While Christians throughout history have indeed faced much suffering and persecution, the Bible gives us reason to believe the Church will be delivered from the coming Tribulation period. This is not because believers are worthy in themselves, but because of God’s grace and His distinct purposes for this unprecedented time of judgment on the earth.
The promise of deliverance from the Tribulation should not make us complacent. Rather, it should spur us on to greater evangelism and holy living as we await Christ’s return. As Jesus said, “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28).
