Wrath in Tribulation?

Wrath in Tribulation?

Wrath: Function: noun 1 : strong vengeful anger or indignation 2 : retributory punishment for an offense or a crime : divine chastisement synonym see ANGER

Tribulation: Function: noun : distress or suffering resulting from oppression or persecution; also : a trying experience

There is a myth that has been floating around for quite some time amongst believers that we must now address. This pharisaic myth along with other myths has succeeded in creating an exaggerated sense of self worth and a deluded world view for Christians. The myth states that the tribulation period is not part of God's wrath. This is a total fallacy which has been concocted by those who would love to keep Christians in the grasp of ignorance and keep the truth of God concealed.

Before we continue let me first reiterate some key points. We must remember that God does not and will not change. His immutability is one of his most noticeable traits (Malachi 3:6 ). If you are trying to ascertain what God will do in the present then you must reference the past. Everything that we are witnessing and will witness in these last days is a representative type of something or someone that has existed in the past (Eccl. 1:9-10).

Now we must understand that the tribulation of believers during these last days is not new. God's people have been subjected to periods of tribulation on numerous occasions as a means of punishment and refinement. I know that while your pharisaic teachers were adamant about teaching you all about the love and grace of God they have conveniently forgot to teach you all about his fiery wrath. This has unconsciously duped many of you into believing that you can live and behave however you will without expecting any retribution. Because after all as you all were taught "God is all about love, forgiveness, and grace. He doesn't get angry anymore, he doesn't bring storms anymore, He doesn't destroy cities anymore, and he doesn't bring tribulation on his people. These have a form of God which denies his power. Well let us then find out if this is all really true. Let us see if the tribulation period is God's wrath.

If you will search and study the books of Deuteronomy and Leviticus you will see that God has set before us moral statutes and commandments which we are to follow (Deut 4:1-40, 6:1-25, 7:11, 10:12-22). If you will continue to study these books you will also see that the obedience and disobedience of these commandments and statutes generate either blessings or penalties (Deut 7:12-26, 28:1-68, Lev. 26: 1-46). Well in case you are not aware of it, the tribulation period is the implementation of the penalties for the disobedience of these statutes and commandments Let us study and see.

In Deut 28:15 you will see that Moses warns the people about the penalties or curses which would overtake them if they disobeyed God's moral statutes and commandments. Now if you will study verses 29, 33, 53, 55, and 57 you will also see that one of the curses or penalties for this disobedience is distress and oppression by your enemies. Remember now that tribulation means distress or suffering from oppression and persecution or a trying experience. Now ask yourself , who is able to carry out your oppressions and persecutions better than your enemy.

Let us take a look at earlier examples of Israel's disobedience, God's subsequent wrath, and the tribulation period which followed. Starting in Judg. 2:10 we see that after the death of Joshua and his generation, the succeeding generation forsook God and provoked him to wrath (Judg. 2:11-13). In his wrath the Lord God delivers Israel into the hands of their enemies who proceed to spoil and distress them (Judg. 2:14-15). In Judg. 3:7 we see another example of Israel's apostasy, God's subsequent wrath (Judg. 3:8) and Israel's deliverance into the hands of their enemies for 8 years. (Judg. 3:8). And Israel again did evil in the sight of God (Judg. 4:1), and God in his anger sells them to their enemies who this time proceed to oppress them 20 yrs (Judg. 4:2-3).

And yet again Israel does evil in the sight of the Lord (Judg 6:1), and God in his anger delivers them into the hand of Midian who oppresses them 7yrs (Judg. 6:3-6). And still having not learned anything from their predecessors Israel again did evil in the sight of God (Judg. 10:6), and God in his anger sells them into the hands of the Philistines and the children of Ammon (Judg. 10:7). The children of Israel are vexed and oppressed 18 yrs. And as they have always done in the past, they cry out unto the Lord to save them (Judg. 10:11).

Now I want you to pay special attention to the Lord's response in (Judg. 10:14). This is where God informs us plainly that these periods of oppression, impoverishment, and distress that He has subjected the children of Israel to are their times of tribulation. (Judges 10:14 Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.)

If you are following and paying close attention you will have noticed a recurring pattern that consists of disobedience, God's anger or wrath, then tribulation. This pattern then tells us that the tribulation is brought on by God's anger or wrath, and God's anger or wrath is brought on by Israel's disobedience or falling away. So the tribulation period is God's anger or wrath visited upon an ungodly and sinful world. It is his vehicle of judgement for the unbelievers and refinement for the believers.

Finally for those of you who have continually asserted that God's wrath and tribulation is only reserved for Israel and the "world," I would advise you to think and study again. (1Peter 4:12) God's wrath does not discriminate. Whether you claim to be Christian, Muslim or Jewish, his wrath is reserved for any and all who are unrighteous. (Rom. 1:18) Contrary to popular beliefs, your claims and your appellations do not prevent you or excuse you from God's judgments.

Mans Disobedience + God's Wrath = Tribulation or Judgement

"You have the right to remain ignorant and refuse to gain knowledge.
Anything that you don't know can and will be used against you in the court of Life"

"The two books are one"

Romans 11:21 For if God spared not the natural branches, [take heed] lest he also spare not thee.

Revelation 6:17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

Revelation 18:7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.