The Great Tribulation: What It Is and How to Prepare Spiritually

 The Great Tribulation: What It Is and How to Prepare Spiritually

As believers, we're frequently cautioned about the looming Great Tribulation, a catastrophic period of unbridled judgment and wrath that will shake the very foundations of our world. This ominous event has been foretold by the prophets and apostles, and its impact will be so profound that it will leave an indelible mark on human history. But what exactly is the Great Tribulation, and how can we prepare ourselves spiritually for this pivotal event that will test our faith, resolve, and devotion to God?

Understanding the Great Tribulation: A Biblical Perspective

The Great Tribulation is a seven-year period of unimaginable turmoil and devastation described in Revelation 6-18, during which God's righteous wrath will be poured out on a rebellious and unrepentant world. This will be the most calamitous period in human history, marked by unprecedented destruction, widespread death, and unimaginable suffering. The very fabric of our society will be torn apart, and the rule of law will give way to chaos and anarchy. The Great Tribulation will be a time of unimagined horror, and its impact will be so severe that it will leave no aspect of human life untouched. So, we must be prepared. 

The Three Phases of the Tribulation

The Tribulation can be divided into three phases:

The Seven Seals (Revelation 6:1-17): Jesus opens the seven seals, releasing judgments upon the world.
The Seven Trumpets (Revelation 8:1-13, 9:1-21, 11:15-19): Angels sound the seven trumpets, unleashing further judgments.
The Seven Bowls (Revelation 16:1-21): God pours out the final judgments, culminating in the Battle of Armageddon.

Scriptural References

Here are some key scriptures that describe the Great Tribulation:

Revelation 6:15-17

Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and everyone else, both slave and free, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can withstand it?”

Matthew 24:21-22

For then there will be great distress, unequalled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.

How to Prepare Spiritually

So, how can we prepare ourselves spiritually for the Great Tribulation?

1. Develop a Deep Relationship with God

Revelation 3:10

Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.

Cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, and obedience.

2. Stay Vigilant and Alert

Matthew 24:42-44

Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Stay vigilant and alert, watching for the signs of the times and living a life of obedience.

3. Build a Strong Foundation of Faith

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Develop a strong foundation of faith, trusting in God's sovereignty and provision.

4. Be Prepared to Suffer Persecution

2 Timothy 3:12

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

Be prepared to suffer persecution, knowing that it's an opportunity to share the Gospel and glorify God.

5. Stay Focused on the Gospel

Matthew 24:14

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Stay focused on the Gospel, sharing it with others and living it out in your daily life.

6. Cultivate a Spirit of Humility and Repentance

Revelation 3:19

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.

Cultivate a spirit of humility and repentance, recognizing your need for God's mercy and forgiveness.

The Importance of Spiritual Preparation

Spiritual preparation is crucial for enduring the Great Tribulation. By developing a deep relationship with God, staying vigilant and alert, building a strong foundation of faith, being prepared to suffer persecution, staying focused on the Gospel, and cultivating a spirit of humility and repentance, we can face the Great Tribulation with confidence and hope.

Conclusion

The Great Tribulation is a pivotal event in Christian eschatology, and it's essential that we prepare ourselves spiritually for this time. By developing a deep relationship with God, staying vigilant and alert, building a strong foundation of faith, and being prepared to suffer persecution, we can face the Great Tribulation with confidence and hope.

What are your thoughts on the Great Tribulation? How are you preparing yourself spiritually for this event? Share your comments below!