by Paul Benson
I have been listening to the same tired rhetoric from the Dispensationalist/Pre-trib Rapture crowd since I came to Christ 40 years ago. Over and over we are told: God would have NO REASON to subject the Body of Christ to the chaos and horrific events that will unfold during the final years before the Return of Jesus to this planet. That such a thing would be not only a time of overmuch grief for the Church, but would also actually be (in their minds) a breach of promise on the part of God.
While I have addressed at length the issue of whether or not the coming period of tribulation is the Wrath of God being poured out upon this world (it is NOT!), it is increasing evident to me that there is a lack of teaching (even among those who reject the pre-trib theory) on just what WILL be accomplished by the world (Church included) being subjected to the events and hardships of that day.
As I study and pray through on this matter, and prepare to share my conclusions, I thought I might question my readers as to their thoughts on the issue. Do YOU believe the Church will go through that time of great tribulation; and if so: What do you see as God’s purpose in bringing these dark days upon not only the world in general but also upon the Church in particular?
What will this all accomplish?
If you have thoughts you would like to share you can post a comment below or e-mail me if you prefer through the contact page. I look forward to the feedback; and also would greatly appreciate your prayers as I seek to move beyond the hindrances (spiritual as well as physical) of the health issues that have plagued me in recent times and seek to find a renewed vision of God’s current Word to his people.
I seriously believe that very few of those who are claiming to spokespersons for the Lord in this day are truly in sync with either the heart of God or the truth of his Word.; and MUCH of what is being prophesied about the coming days is contrary to the truth. GOD HELP US!
Blessings upon all who love our Christ;
Paul Benson
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Let's Get It Right! 
I just came across this recently. I don’t find that many believers that separate tribulation from wrath. The bible teaches tribulation helps try our faith and produces patience. James 1:2-4 and Rev 14:12. Wrath it seems is for judgement and vengeance. Rev 6:10,11 and Romans 12:19. The verses in Rev 6 also says the wrath comes after the number of living and dead is complete.S
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Hi Sherman;
Yes, good point. And also notice there something I like to point out (but most seem to miss) that this occurs AFTER the heavens depart like a scroll. This event, as well as the biblical narrative on the end-time wrath of God, is ALWAYS directly tied to the Second Coming of Christ and is never described as happening before that day!
Thanks for the comment. Blessings to you.
Paul Benson
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Might the tribulation be akin to God’s final “full-court press” at the end of the age? In the book of Revelation the slain martyrs under the throne asked when judgement would be completed, and they were told “not until the full number of saints have been slain”… saints still dying in witness to the Truth… Why?
Perhaps the pressure of the tribulation hurries the completion of the bride – the full number of the elect, and the faithful beauty of the matured bride… that bring glory to God while their witness (martyrdom) serves to provoke the remnant of Israel (and others) to see Christ for who He is – their Messiah. God will be glorified thru end-times events, the wicked made obvious and judged and defeated; and the body of Christ will be complete and made ready for the restoration of all things…. perhaps?
Looking forward to learning more from you and others about the “millennial reign” after His return.
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Hi everyone. I believe the saints go through the tribulation in order to glorify God. He saves us to glorify Himself by showing His mercy. He shows His faithfullness to us when He sustains us and strengtheneth us in spite of our frailty, all to His glory. He will magnify His name by giving us the strength to utter His words when we are persecuted. His rightousness will be manifest when He takes vengence on the wicked for the evil done to the people of God, and He will be glorified by all of these things. He will glorify Himself when, through His grace in us we suffer at the hands of the wicked for His sake, and in the end He will be glorified in our resurrection and the gathering together of His people unto Himself in perfect union. Oh that we might be found worthy to suffer something for the cause of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ! The whole purpose of it all is to glorify God!
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Hi John;
A very good point; and it is something the Lord has really emphasized to me personally in my studies on this issue. Thanks for the great comment ,and may the Lord bless you.
Paul Benson
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The purpose for the church to go through the tribulation is to separate the wheat from the tares so the congregation of God is purified and holy:
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I’ve been tremendously encouraged by the comments to your question as well as your blog. Thank you Paul.
John your comment is a living testimony to what I’ve personally experienced the last four years. The detail of what you’ve written is absolutely spirit led and so very true.
Despite the reality of being born – again {since 1993 } as well as coming to the same conviction of a no pre trib rapture many , many years ago, it wasn’t until 2017 that the Lord took me through a severe testing of my faith to show me a side of Him not too many are privileged to know.
Only now do I understand the ” WHY OH LORD ” 🙂
I praise God for like minded believers.
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I stumbled onto your page and am tremendously blessed by the truth that’s spoken and loved here. Christ did say that He would send strong delusion to those that loved not truth.
John , I just wanted to add that your comments have been an amazing blessing and a living affirmation to
what the Lord has allowed me to witness in my own life over the last almost 4 yrs .
Your words pen every detail of how He has proven His love, His Faithfulness , His provision . His grace, His protection and not boasting in this , but how He’s dealt with those that offend one of His own.
It’s as if it every detail was purposely intended to prepare for the coming persecution during the 42 month tribulation .
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I too believe the Word teaches that the saints/body of Christ will indeed be here on this earth during the “tribulation” period before Jesus returns to destroy the antichrist & false prophet and all of God’s enemies….all those who despise His Beloved Son!! Jesus will then establish His earthly kingdom (the principles of which he spent His earthly ministry teaching about) and be enthroned as King over all the earth!
As for that period immediately prior to His literal return, which is also referred to as “birth pangs” of His Kingdom, I believe that is more for our benefit…to enable us (the bride)to cleanse our wedding garments, and be made pure (white as snow) for our Bridegroom/Lord!!
Most of the church (us) are not truly following & obeying our Master, who is to be our Head on this earth literally, as He has been figuratively for almost 2,000 years now!! The tribulation we are SOON to start going through will be His means of “cleaning our wedding garments”for that great Marriage & feast of the Lamb!
But first…the beast and then the Lion of Judah!! Revelation 19…. In Christ’s great love, Roy Peterson
On Thu, Nov 12, 2020 at 10:12 PM Let’s Get It Right! wrote:
> Hisown1 commented: “I stumbled onto your page and am tremendously blessed > by the truth that’s spoken and loved here. Christ did say that He would > send strong delusion to those that loved not truth. John , I just wanted to > add that your comments have been an amazing blessi” >
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Paul, I may be wrong, if we are still living when the end comes, we will be the last testimony, not our testimony but a testimony against them. Well I should say depending on how we face the end.
Matthew 10:18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
Mark 13: 9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.
John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
If we stand and not return a sword for a sword the judgement given to them will be in no question, there will be no defense that they were given every chance to except the truth and they said no.
Revelation 13:10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
Regardless of what torture is done and even death the truth wins out, that is what we will face. Are we willing? Is our faith strong and will not fail? Are we ready? Together as the Church the body of Jesus Christ bring it on!!!! I believe it if our faith is strong it will be as before.
Mark 13:11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
May God in the name of Jesus Christ strengthen our faith so we may stand, without spot and not be ashamed.
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I would love to see a study on “The Divine Council of God “.
Sent from my iPhone
>
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Hi Wilma;
Not sure what you mean exactly about the ‘divine counsel of God’. Are you referring to the teachings of some of the NAR crowd about a counsel comprised of angelic beings and certain departed humans that oversees the affairs of mankind and advises God on the appropriate actions he should undertake here on Earth? Some even claim to have been transported up to Heaven to watch, or even participate in, these supposed proceedings!
I must confess I find myself in doubt of the brunt of such claims. We do see in Scripture where the Lord used angels to ‘investigate’ on the activities of humanity; but I don’t think an omniscient and omnipresent God is in need of the counsel of his creation. Please feel free to clarify your comment if you like, if I misread your meaning, and I will try to better respond if need be.
Blessings to you;
Paul Benson
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Think of tribulation like boot camp. It’s a way to both discover and develop true believer warriors. What we will face is specifically geared to the lessons we personally need to learn. At the end of it all, the rewards are given out. By God’s standards, not ours!
The only pass or fail depends on whether we take the mark. Those who curse God to the end will be dealt with on the Day of the Lord.
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Hi Frances;
Good point. The dark days ahead will certainly provide a personalized ‘refinement’ to the believers and bring many of them to the ultimate test of faith in Christ. Daniel wasn’t just blowing smoke when he said: ‘Many shall be made white and purified’.
Blessings to you sister;
Paul Benson
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You are so right. Matt 13v24-51. Jesus clearly tells us that only at the harvest, the end of the age will there be separating of saved from the not saved. And also we will be joined, at that day, by the dead in Christ, coming with Him from heaven…1 Thess 4v14, with the resurrected saints John 6v39, meeting in the air.
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The best answer from scripture is 2 Thes 1v4-10. The persecutions and tribulations bestowed on the true believers will be poured back on those who trouble you even till the end of the age Don’t forget the war on the saints. My $2 worth, add inflation.
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Hi Patrick;
Yes, the wicked will certainly be heaping up wrath against themselves by expressing their hatred for righteousness in their actions against the righteous. They will get the reward for their evil deeds against the followers of Christ when the Righteous One himself makes his appearance!
Blessings;
Paul Benson
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Hi Paul,
Great subject that is not very often addressed in a serious manner. I’ve more often encountered this reaction…”what difference does it make? If you’re right you can say ‘I told you so’ when we are in Glory”.
I find this a very serious matter because correct doctrine is the difference between life and death. Admittedly, this issue may not be one that determines salvation or loss but the possibility that a believer might be deceived should be the utmost of their concern.
I find the biggest problem with most is that they think the entire tribulation is God’s judgement…period. When in reality NONE of it is in His hand. ALL of the tribulation is delivered to the godly by Satan then, God’s judgement falls at His return.
Given the fact that we will not be spared the horrors of the tribulation, God’s purpose must include the fact that His intent is to further separate the sheep from the goats, and magnify our faith just as church history from the past has taught.
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Hi Rick;
I agree wholeheartedly. One of the most prominent dynamics of that time is the separation of the Sheep/Wheat out from among the Goats/Tares.
Another crucial aspect not oft discussed is the separation of the Wheat from its own chaff.
Blessings;
Paul Benson
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God bless you Paul and I do pray that our Lord would restore your health so that you can continue to serve Him as you have for many years. I know I may not align with your views of end times completely, but we certainly agree that scripture doesn’t teach pre-trib rapture. Like you, I see too many people today in the church start from some preconceived notion and then try and smash and twist God’s word into this notion to support it. I have studies end-times for many years and I realized at one point I just had to say enough and I got on my knees and asked God… please teach me what is “Your plan” for end-times?” Below is a very very consolidated version of what I have come to believe Scripture teaches is God’s plan for end-times…
God’s Plan – Colossians 1:19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
(EDITED FOR LENGTH/OFF TOPIC TEACHING P.B.)
It is not until you see God’s plan that you can then see the proper context of what is going to happen to the church vs the nation of Israel in the end-times.
By Him and for Him and to Him,
God bless
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Hi cannvigor;
Sorry to have to edit your comment so heavily, but you got pretty lengthy with what appears to be ‘pre-wrath’ theology (Which I believe is ‘close but not quite there’ as far as eschatology goes). Mainly looking for specific purpose for the time of tribulation.
Blessings;
Paul Benson
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The primary purpose of our being here during the Tribulation is to bear witness. This is given to us in Luke 21:11-19, Mark 13:9-13 and implicitly in Matthew 24:9-14. Our Tribulation witness will help finish the Great Commission, to make disciples of all people groups. Israel will be the last people group of all to be awakened to Messiah in much greater measure than currently. Persecution was a catalyst for explosive growth in the early church. The Lord used it to catalyze the spread the gospel in Jerusalem (Acts 4:1-4, Acts 5:17-42, Acts 6:7), and to Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1, 4), and beyond (Acts 11:19), according to the Jesus’ words in Acts 1:8.
A common argument people make is, “It’s Jacob’s Trouble!” That is, there’s no point for believers to be there, and so we won’t. I wrote an article to answer this argument, and it includes a testimony of the effect of the Tribulation witnesses: https://overcomingthetribulation.com/its-jacobs-trouble/
Another popular argument is, “Why Would God Beat Up His Bride Before the Wedding?” I wrote an article to answer this (wrong question) as well: https://overcomingthetribulation.com/beat-up-his-bride/
God bless, saints. Let us prepare to overcome in the Tribulation by believing God’s Word and fearing Jesus the most (Matthew 10:28).
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Hi Annette;
Great points there. Here’s a bit of my own insight added. In this age when a Jew comes to faith in Christ and is converted by the Spirit of God they become a member of the Body of Christ and will take part in the Resurrection/catching-away at the Second Coming.
BUT… I don’t see the repentance of national Israel (the 1/3 remaining at the end) as a ‘pre-resurrection’ revival. I believe they will not repent until they actually SEE Jesus (look upon him whom they have pierced) at his Second Coming when he destroys Antichrist. The resurrection/catching-away will have already had taken place when Jesus appeared in the clouds; and THEN he descends to Earth and the battle of Armageddon and destruction of Antichrist happens.
I honestly do think the remnant of Israel that turns to Christ at his appearing will enter the millennium as mortals and not be part of the glorified Body of Christ. This is my opinion and one I could be wrong on as it is an area where we don’t have a lot of info on in the Scriptures.
As to the battered bride excuse of the pre-tribbers it always cracks me up that they can’t see they are calling the Father a ‘bride-beater’ with that claim. Dispensational theory (falsely) claims that there are actually TWO brides: the Church for Jesus and Israel for the Father. One Bride gets ‘beaten’ and the other doesn’t according to their theology. Which gets even more goofy when they picture the Church flying off to live in Heaven forever (something the Bible doesn’t teach). They have Jesus’ Bride living in Heaven with the Father and the Father’s Bride living on Earth where Jesus is prophesied to rule and reign. Pre-trib ‘pretzel logic’ at it’s finest!
Blessings;
Paul Benson
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Hi Paul,
For some reason, I cannot hit reply to your comment. Though many of Israel will come to faith when they see Him, Hosea 5:14-6:3, particularly verse 15, indicates that a decent remnants’ faith will actually precede Jesus’ return. Also, remember His words, “For I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!'” (Matthew 23:39). And Romans 11:15 also indicates Israel’s (partial) revival precedes the resurrection of the dead, which is at His coming (1 Cor 15:22-23).
I am post-wrath, ever since the day I stopped being post-Trib. I saw how Matthew 24:28 is a sign to the elect of the real coming of Christ… and it is literally the bodies of the slain being eaten by birds, as it is described in Revelation 19:17-18, 21; and Ezekiel 39:4, 17-20 (my testimony explains how I reached this conviction… https://overcomingthetribulation.com/carcasses-eagles-and-taken/ and https://overcomingthetribulation.com/timing-gathering/). Psalm 91 speaks about people being shielded from God’s wrath but with their eyes befalling the reward of the wicked. In the parable of the wheat and tares, Jesus teaches that the tares will be gathered first (Matthew 13:30)–which is being removed (Matthew 13:41-42) [from the land of the living]. Jesus can make war against the wicked with His words (the double-edged sword coming from His mouth… compare Hebrews 4:12-13) even before His feet split the Mount of Olives. He created with His words (Genesis 1) and He can destroy with them, too.
I agree that the Israelites and those from the other nations (e.g., Zechariah 14:16-19) who survive His coming but aren’t born again beforehand will stay mortals and be capable of bearing children in the millennium (e.g., Isaiah 11:8; Isaiah 65:20, 23).
I really hate replacement theology in all its forms, and I consider dispensationalism one of its forms because of how it divides the one body into two. I wrote this article about it a few months ago: https://overcomingthetribulation.com/mystery-olive-tree/
God bless.
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I believe you personally have addressed this slant before, but others certainly have, and I agree totally that the “great tribulation” that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24 is going to be the final call for repentance in man’s rebellion against God and His Christ (Ps.2), and will also serve to help call the Church back to her “1st love” for Christ, and to “wash her robes white” from the pollution and sin of this world…
You have failed to address my comment about Ms. Tillin’s out of hand dismissal of a “deep state conspiracy” towards a Biblically warned about One World Order, calling it mythical…?
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Hi Roy;
I didn’t address your comment because it carried an untoward tenor towards her without any clear indication what it was you were actually in disagreement with. I would prefer my readers did not call each other unpleasant names (a ditzoid?) in my comment section.
When I see someone shooting the messenger instead of the message it always gives me pause. I get plenty of that myself and do not see it as fruit producing or edifying.
I would suggest going to Tricia’s site and communicating with her personally. I find her to be quite open to listen; even to views she does not agree with.
Blessings brother;
Paul Benson
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I believe the tribulation is to purify the church. It’s difficult to decent the church from the world. Jesus is coming back for a bride that is Pure and holy set apart from the world.
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