The Great Tribulation

The question of whether we are currently in the Great Tribulation is one that many believers ponder as they seek to understand the signs of the times. The concept of the Great Tribulation is derived from biblical prophecies found in the book of Revelation, particularly chapters 6-18.

The Great Tribulation is described as a period of intense suffering and turmoil that will occur before the second coming of Jesus Christ. It is believed to be a time of unprecedented chaos, persecution of Christians, natural disasters, and global upheaval. Many Christians look to current events and world conditions to discern whether these are indicative of the prophesied tribulation.

It is essential for believers to approach this topic with humility and discernment, as Jesus Himself warned against setting specific dates or making definitive claims about the timing of end-time events (Matthew 24:36). While it is important to be aware of the signs of the times and to be prepared for Christ’s return, we must also remember that only God knows the exact timing of these events.

In Matthew 24:6-8, Jesus spoke about some signs that would precede His return: “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.”

Looking at our world today, we can see many of these signs unfolding – wars, natural disasters, persecution of Christians, moral decay – all pointing towards a time when Christ will return. However, it is crucial not to jump to conclusions or make rash predictions about when exactly these events will culminate in the Great Tribulation.

As believers, our focus should not solely be on trying to decipher eschatological timelines but on living out our faith faithfully each day. We are called to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-39), share the Gospel with those around us (Matthew 28:19-20), and be prepared for Christ’s return at any moment (Matthew 24:44).

Ultimately, whether or not we are currently in the Great Tribulation remains uncertain. What is certain is that we should always be ready for Christ’s return by living holy lives dedicated to Him. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), trusting in His promises and remaining steadfast in our faith regardless of what may come.

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to speculate about end-time events and search for signs pointing towards the Great Tribulation, our primary focus as Christians should be on following Christ faithfully each day. Let us place our trust in Him alone and eagerly await His glorious return when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). Amen.

By: Heiko Thiede, Pastor & Evangelist.