Sermon Central
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The Great Tribulation Series
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 4, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: The Great Tribulation is a period of intense suffering, but it is also a time of divine purpose. It will mark the final outpouring of God’s wrath upon a rebellious world while simultaneously serving as a means to bring Israel to repentance.
THE GREAT TRIBULATION: A TIME OF JUDGMENT
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Matthew 24:21
Supporting Texts: Daniel 12:1, Revelation 7:14, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12, Revelation 13:16-18
INTRODUCTION
The Bible speaks of a future period known as the Great Tribulation, a time of unparalleled distress and divine judgment upon the earth. Jesus Himself describes it in Matthew 24:21 as a time "such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be." This period is not only a time of suffering but also a time of divine intervention, leading up to Christ’s Second Coming.
The Great Tribulation is a period of seven years, divided into two halves, with the latter half being referred to as the "Great" Tribulation due to the intensity of the judgments. This period is marked by the rise of the Antichrist, severe persecution of believers, cosmic disturbances, and the outpouring of God’s wrath on the ungodly. The Scriptures give us clear warnings about this time, urging believers to be watchful and prepared.
Understanding the Great Tribulation is crucial because it highlights God’s righteousness, justice, and ultimate plan for redemption. While it will be a time of great suffering, it will also serve as a means to bring Israel to repentance and to judge the wicked. It is imperative that we take heed to the signs of the times and prepare our hearts for what is to come.
1. THE BEGINNING OF THE TRIBULATION
The Great Tribulation will begin after the Rapture of the Church when God’s restraining hand is removed from the earth, allowing evil to manifest fully.
a) The Rapture as the Precursor (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) – The removal of the Church will set the stage for the rise of the Antichrist.
b) The Covenant with Israel (Daniel 9:27) – The Antichrist will make a seven-year peace treaty with Israel, marking the beginning of the Tribulation.
c) The Rise of Deception (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10) – Many will be deceived by false signs and wonders.
d) The Opening of the Seals (Revelation 6:1-8) – The first set of judgments will be released upon the earth.
e) Biblical Example: The Days of Noah (Matthew 24:37-39) – Just as judgment came upon the earth suddenly in Noah’s time, so will the Great Tribulation come upon the unsuspecting world.
2. THE REIGN OF THE ANTICHRIST
The Great Tribulation will witness the rise of the Antichrist, a world leader who will demand worship and seek to control the world.
a) The Man of Sin Revealed (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4) – The Antichrist will present himself as a savior but will oppose God.
b) The Mark of the Beast (Revelation 13:16-18) – Economic control will be established through a mark.
c) Persecution of Believers (Revelation 13:7) – Those who refuse to worship him will face execution.
d) Great Deception (Revelation 13:13-14) – Miraculous signs will deceive many.
e) Biblical Example: Nebuchadnezzar’s Golden Image (Daniel 3:1-6) – Just as Nebuchadnezzar demanded worship, the Antichrist will do the same.
3. THE JUDGMENTS OF GOD
God’s wrath will be poured out upon the earth through various judgments.
a) The Seven Trumpets (Revelation 8:6-13) – Natural and supernatural calamities will afflict the world.
b) The Seven Bowls of Wrath (Revelation 16:1-21) – These will bring destruction upon the Antichrist’s kingdom.
c) The Fall of Babylon (Revelation 18:1-24) – The world system of evil will be judged.
d) The Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19:11-21) – Christ will return and defeat the armies of the Antichrist.
e) Biblical Example: Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24-25) – Just as God judged these cities, He will judge the earth.
4. THE REDEMPTION OF ISRAEL
During the Tribulation, Israel will come to recognize Jesus as their Messiah.
a) The 144,000 Sealed (Revelation 7:3-8) – God will preserve a remnant of Israel.
b) The Two Witnesses (Revelation 11:3-12) – Two powerful prophets will proclaim the truth.
c) Israel’s Salvation (Zechariah 12:10) – They will mourn for the One they pierced.
d) The Second Coming of Christ (Zechariah 14:4-5) – Jesus will return to rescue Israel.
e) Biblical Example: Joseph’s Reconciliation with His Brothers (Genesis 45:1-15) – Just as Joseph was revealed to his brothers, so will Jesus be revealed to Israel.
5. THE MILLENNIAL REIGN OF CHRIST
After the Great Tribulation, Christ will establish His 1,000-year reign on earth.
a) Satan Bound (Revelation 20:1-3) – The enemy will be imprisoned for a millennium.
b) Christ’s Rule of Peace (Isaiah 11:6-9) – The earth will experience true peace.
c) The Resurrection of the Saints (Revelation 20:4-6) – The faithful will reign with Christ.
d) The Final Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15) – Those who rejected Christ will face eternal punishment.
e) Biblical Example: King David’s Rule (2 Samuel 8:15) – Christ will reign in righteousness as David did.
CONCLUSION
The Great Tribulation is a period of intense suffering, but it is also a time of divine purpose. It will mark the final outpouring of God’s wrath upon a rebellious world while simultaneously serving as a means to bring Israel to repentance. However, believers who are watchful and faithful have the assurance that they will be spared from this time of judgment.
