Let me start by saying, yes
there is a tribulation period. It is a period that takes place after the
rapture. There is many an argument concerning pre-tribulation,
mid-tribulation, and post tribulation rapture. Let me assure you that God
has instructed me that the rapture occurs before what is know as the “Great
Tribulation Period”. The question is asked “if this is true, why is
there suffering going on before the rapture as recorded in Revelations 15”.
It is true that this suffering takes place before the rapture and would
appear to support a middle or post tribulation rapture, but this suffering
is in no way the Great Tribulation period. God however has instructed me
that the suffering and persecution during this time will be so intense that
many will think that they have missed the rapture. This time is know as the
Harvest time when God separates the wheat from the tares. (I would suggest
that the section on “Christian Sufferings” is read in conjunction with
this answer.) This is only a short period of suffering and was told to us by
Jesus when he said “In this life ye shall have tribulation”. John
alluded to this period in John 6:15-23 where he shows that the rapture
occurs and end this Christian suffering. In the great tribulation there will
be no Christians left on earth to suffer. The bible clearly points out the
fact that Christians will suffer, however according to Rev 14:13 those who
die in the Lord are blessed. Two important words in this verse is “from
henceforth”.
14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven
saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from
henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours;
and their works do follow them.
It is easier to understand this
information when you realize that since there are no Christians in the great
tribulation, then this verse can only refer to a time before the great
tribulation period.
Many are even expecting a seven (7)
year tribulation period with the Anti-Christ breaking a treaty in the middle
of the seven (7) years. This period which is spoken of in Daniel 9:25-27
however, is not what most think it is. The verses speak of a covenant being
confirmed for one week. The first problem here is that the Anti-Christ
cannot confirm a covenant since he is a liar. However Jesus can confirm this
covenant. Secondly, if Jesus confirms the covenant then He must be the one
who causes the sacrifice and oblations to cease. You must remember that
Jesus earthly ministry was over a period of three and a half years. He
confirmed the covenant for seven years but was crucified in the middle of
week. Once He was crucified there was no longer any need for sacrifices
because he WAS the sacrifice. Therefore in the middle of the week (after a
three and a half year ministry) the sacrifices ceased. The final half of the
week is still to be completed because the Gentile Age, the Age of Grace was
placed in the middle. The final three and a half years will be completed
soon as the period of grace will end and the rapture will occur. The angel
of Revelations 10:6 declares that there shall be “time no longer”.
When that time ends the rapture will occur. Now if this seven (7) year
period refers to a time when Jesus walked the earth with the last there and
a half years to occur before the rapture, how long is the tribulation
period. Well Jesus said that he was going away to prepare a place for us
(which He has done). He will return to take us to that place and we will be
there with Him for one thousand (1000) years. We will not be here on earth
at that time. Many have erroneously concluded that there is to be a
Millennial reign of Jesus ON EARTH, however there is no place in the bible
where it mentions that there is any reign of Jesus on earth until at the
very end. You see God does not half do a job. When He brings peace on earth,
it will be forever. Many are not aware the message of Isaiah 65:25 is
referring to the very end when there is a new heaven and a new earth. Satan
will be bound for one thousand years with no control over the fallen angels
and we will be with the Lord for that same thousand years period. Of course
this goes against the grain of traditional Christianity and to explain this
will cause “no small stir”, but the scripture has said in Romans 3:4,
“let God be true, but every man a liar”. The Great tribulation as God
has instructed me will be ONE THOUSAND YEARS.
