Revelation 13:7  And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

History is stained with the stories of martyrs and the trials of the faithful, but the Bible speaks of a coming shadow unlike any the world has ever seen. While the Church has weathered the storms of human cruelty for centuries, the Great Tribulation introduces a different kind of reckoning—not just the malice of men, but the righteous outpouring of the wrath of God. As we look at the sobering reality of Revelation 13:7, we are forced to grapple with a difficult truth: a time is coming when the Tribulation saints on earth will not find earthly deliverance, but will instead be overcome. This reality serves as both a solemn warning and a powerful catalyst for us to cherish the “blessed hope” of the Rapture.

While every era of history has seen the Church endure seasons of persecution, these trials pale in comparison to the coming Tribulation. The difference lies in the source: past persecutions stemmed from the malice of evil men influenced by the devil, but the Tribulation is defined by the righteous wrath of God poured out upon an unbelieving Israel and a defiant world.

Revelation 6:16-17  And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? 

Revelation 14:10  The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

There is a common view that the Church must endure the Tribulation, finding safety within the storm rather than escape from it. However, Scripture warns that the saints on earth at that time will be surrendered to the power of the Antichrist. This confirms that the Church Age ends at the Rapture, and those saved afterward constitute a different group who must face those terrible days. We are commanded to find encouragement in the coming of the Lord; but if we were staying for the wrath to come, would that truly be an encouraging message?

Revelation 13:7  And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

Let’s be honest: the only thing truly ‘encouraging’ about a world-ending Tribulation is the promise of not being here for it. Our comfort is the Rapture—the exit strategy God provided to bring us home before the Antichrist even takes the stage.

Luke 21:35-36  For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.  (36)  Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Does this excite you, reader? It surely does me! But to the one who is not saved, it is a different story. Friend, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!