Lesson 45 - The Great Tribulation

     Why the Tribulation? Because Jesus Christ is coming back to earth to set up His millennial kingdom and He must put down rebellion. God’s wrath will destroy the rebellion of: 1) Satan and his angels, 2) unbelieving Israel, and 3) unbelieving Gentiles. At the close of the Tribulation, Satan will be defeated and eventually bound (Rev. 12:7-9; 20:1-3), all unbelievers will be destroyed (Rev. 19:19-21), leaving only believing Jews and Gentiles to enter His kingdom on earth (Rev. 19:19-21; cf. Matt. 24:29-25:46). In spite of all the satanic rebellion in the world during the Tribulation, God remains sovereign and in complete control (Rev. 17:17; cf. Prov. 16:4). He also reveals His love and grace during the time of the Tribulation, which is extended toward:

1. The 144,000 Jews He saves and calls to service (Rev. 7:4-8).
2. The martyrs who have died for their faith in Jesus (Rev. 7:9-17).
3. His two prophetic witnesses whom He resurrects (Rev. 11:11-12).
4. The nations to whom He sends His gospel message (Rev. 14:6-7).
5. Those who enter into His kingdom after the Tribulation (Rev. 20:4-6).

     In all the judgments, God is righteous and just, whereas men are wicked and “deserve” wrath (Rev. 16:6-7; cf. 19:2).  Rather than turning to God, the rebellious will:

• Try to hide and flee from Him (Rev. 6:15-16)
• Seek a horrible death rather than conform to His will (Rev. 9:6)
• Not repent of their rebellion (Rev. 9:20-21)
• Rejoice and celebrate at the death of His servants (Rev. 11:7-10)
• Side with the Satan (Rev. 13:3-4)
• Blaspheme and curse God’s name (Rev. 16:8-9, 11, 21)
• Make war with Jesus Christ (Rev. 19:19)

The Tribulation will come to an end when Jesus returns and puts down all rebellion and establishes His millennial kingdom in Israel.