FromNowUntilForeverBook8.5x5.5 REV.indd

controversy and confusion, these catastrophic events must be addressed because they will usher in Christ’s millennial reign and eventual New Heaven and the New Earth. Let’s begin with a definition of the tribulation. It is a seven year period prior to the Second Coming of Christ when humanity will reach its greatest point of decadence, destruc- tion, and death. During this time, under the direction of the unholy three, God will first finish His discipline of the nation of Israel (Daniel 9:24) and secondly carry out His wrath (Revela- tion 14:8) on the godless pagans inhabiting the earth. Depend- ing on whether one views the Rapture as being a separate event from the Second Coming, this will also be a time in which be- lievers will experience great suffering (Matthew 24:22, Revela- tion 6:9-11, 7:14). Although the thought of this troubles some, understand the huge difference between the wrath of God and the suffering saints will be subjected to. “It is important at this time to emphasize that the tribu- lation and great tribulation are not synonymous terms.Within eschatology (the study of future things), the tribulation refers to the full seven-year period while the great tribulation refers to the second half of the tribulation.” 26 It was Christ Himself who first used the term “great tribulation,” which the following verse includes: “For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will” (Matthew 24:21). In order to allow a more detailed explanation, this chap- ter will be limited to the tribulation, with the next one being devoted to the great tribulation. With that said, let’s explore the inception of the tribulation, going all the way back to the Old Testament books of the Law. “When you are in distress and all these things have come upon you, in the latter days you will return to the Lord your God and listen to His voice” (Deuteronomy 4:30). A

44