Caught Between Wrath: Understanding the Pre-Wrath Rapture and the Great Tribulation

Introduction

Good morning, church. Today, we are going to delve into a topic that has intrigued and challenged believers for centuries—the seven-year tribulation. This period is often depicted as a time of intense suffering and turmoil, a time that will test the very fabric of humanity. But as we examine the Scriptures, we must ask ourselves: Who is the driving force behind this tribulation? Is it the wrath of God, or is it something else? Today, I will argue that the tribulation is primarily the wrath of Satan, while God’s wrath is reserved for the end of this period.

1. The Nature of the Seven-Year Tribulation

Let’s begin by looking at what the Bible tells us about this seven-year period. In Daniel 9:24-27, the prophet Daniel speaks of a seventy-week period, with the final “week” commonly understood as seven years of tribulation. Jesus Himself references this period in Matthew 24:21-22, calling it a time of “great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.”

Why would Jesus warn His disciples about the end times and have the apostles write about it if we were not going to have to go through the tribulation period?

This tribulation is marked by chaos, deception, and suffering. But we must carefully consider the source of this turmoil. Is it God who is inflicting these hardships upon the world, or is there another force at work?

2. Satan’s Wrath Unleashed

To answer this question, let’s turn to Revelation 12:12:

Revelation 12:12 KJV 1900

12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

Here, we see a clear picture of Satan’s role in the end times. He is filled with rage, knowing that his time is limited, and he unleashes his fury upon the earth.

Satan’s Wrath During the Tribulation

• 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.”

• This verse describes the beast (often identified with the Antichrist, empowered by Satan) waging war against the saints. The persecution of believers during the tribulation is thus seen as part of Satan’s wrath against God’s people.

• Matthew 24:21-22: “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.”

• While this passage does not explicitly mention Satan, the context of the “great tribulation” includes severe persecution and suffering, which many interpret as being driven by Satanic influence, particularly through the Antichrist and false prophet.

God’s Allowance of Satan’s Wrath

• Job 1:12: “And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.”

• This passage, though not directly about the tribulation, illustrates the principle that God may permit Satan to act within certain limits. I interpret the tribulation in a similar way, where God allows Satan to exercise wrath on the earth, particularly against the saints. I believe Job is a picture of the Church.

The Role of the Antichrist and the False Prophet

In 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12, we read about the “man of lawlessness,” commonly identified as the Antichrist. This figure, empowered by Satan, will rise during the tribulation, deceiving many and leading them into rebellion against God. This is not the work of a righteous God pouring out His wrath but the malevolent actions of Satan and his agents.

• 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10: “Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.”

• These passage describes the Antichrist as operating under Satan’s power, using deception and false miracles to lead people astray during the tribulation. The actions of the Antichrist, empowered by Satan, are seen as manifestations of Satan’s wrath.

3. Distinguishing Satan’s Wrath from God’s Wrath

It is crucial to distinguish between the tribulation, which is the period of Satan’s wrath, and the subsequent outpouring of God’s wrath. The tribulation is a time when Satan is allowed a certain degree of freedom to wreak havoc, but this does not mean that God is powerless. Rather, God permits this period to unfold according to His sovereign plan.

In Revelation 6:16-17, we hear the people of the earth crying out, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” This passage suggests a distinction—God’s wrath is recognized as a specific, intense event that follows the tribulation.

4. God’s Wrath at the End of the Tribulation

So, when does God’s wrath come? It comes at the end of the tribulation, when He brings final judgment upon the world. Revelation 15:1 speaks of the seven last plagues, which are the “last, because with them God’s wrath is completed.” These plagues are part of God’s direct and righteous judgment upon a rebellious world.

In Revelation 16, the seven bowls of God’s wrath are poured out upon the earth, leading to the final destruction of the wicked. Then, in Revelation 19:11-21, we see Christ returning as the victorious King, executing judgment upon the Antichrist and his followers. This is the climax of God’s wrath, a righteous and just response to the rebellion and evil that has taken place.

5. Theological and Interpretative Considerations

Now, some of you may be familiar with the pre-wrath rapture theory, which suggests that the church will be raptured before God’s wrath is poured out but after experiencing some of the tribulation.

According to the pre-wrath position, the end-times events unfold in the following sequence:

The Beginning of Sorrows: This period includes wars, famines, and earthquakes, described in Matthew 24:4-8. It is the initial phase of the tribulation.

The Great Tribulation: This is a time of intense persecution, particularly under the reign of the Antichrist. Believers are present on earth during this period (Matthew 24:9-28).

The Cosmic Disturbances: As mentioned in Revelation 6:12-17, these disturbances precede the “Day of the Lord” and signal the imminent outpouring of God’s wrath.

The Rapture: Before God pours out His wrath, the Church is raptured. This event occurs in conjunction with the cosmic signs and just before the seventh seal is opened (Revelation 7).

The Day of the Lord: Following the rapture, God’s wrath is poured out on the earth in the form of the trumpet and bowl judgments (Revelation 8-16).

The Second Coming of Christ: This occurs at the end of the tribulation when Christ returns with His saints to establish His millennial kingdom (Revelation 19-20).

This view aligns with our understanding that the tribulation is primarily Satan’s wrath. Historic premillennialism also supports this perspective, seeing the tribulation as a time of satanic oppression that precedes God’s intervention.

I believe in the truth of Gods word and you can call it any “ism” you would like! If the bible says it, that settles it weather we believe it or not! So what does the bible say?

The wrath of Satan during the Tribulation period is generally understood to be revealed in the second half of the Tribulation, often referred to as the “Great Tribulation.” This period is characterized by intense persecution and suffering, particularly targeting the people of God, whether Israel or the believers in Christ.

Scriptural Basis:

1. Revelation 12:12-17 (KJV): Gives a vivid description of Satan’s wrath during the Tribulation:

• Revelation 12:12: “Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.”

• Revelation 12:13: “And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.”

• Revelation 12:17: “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

In this passage, the “woman” is often interpreted as Israel, and “the remnant of her seed” refers to those who follow Christ. Satan’s wrath is unleashed particularly after he is cast down to the earth, knowing that his time is short. This event is usually placed in the middle of the seven-year Tribulation period, leading into the Great Tribulation.

2. Revelation 13:5-7 (KJV): The rise of the Antichrist and his persecution of the saints is also a manifestation of Satan’s wrath:

• Revelation 13:5: “And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.”

• 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.”

The 42 months mentioned here correspond to the second half of the Tribulation period. During this time, the Antichrist, empowered by Satan, will wage war against the saints, which aligns with the unleashing of Satan’s wrath.

Timing:

• Mid-Tribulation: The wrath of Satan begins to intensify at the midpoint of the Tribulation, when Satan is cast out of heaven and down to the earth (Revelation 12:7-9). This is believed to mark the beginning of the Great Tribulation, where Satan’s fury is fully unleashed against Israel and believers.

• Great Tribulation: The final 3.5 years of the Tribulation (42 months) are when Satan’s wrath is most severely experienced on earth, especially through the actions of the Antichrist and the false prophet. During this time as we read, “it was given unto him to make war with the Saints” is a clear statement of the Saints enduring until the end.

6. Practical Implications

So what does this mean for us today? First, it should encourage us in our suffering. While the tribulation will be a time of intense hardship, we can take comfort in knowing that it is ultimately under God’s control. Satan’s wrath, though fierce, is temporary. God’s ultimate victory is assured.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 “3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.”

Second, this understanding calls us to readiness. We must be prepared for the trials that may come, knowing that God’s wrath is not something we need to fear if we are in Christ. Instead, we should look forward to the day when God will bring justice and make all things new.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the seven-year tribulation is best understood as a period dominated by the wrath of Satan. He will unleash his fury upon the world, deceiving and destroying. But we must remember that God’s wrath is reserved for the end, when He will bring final judgment and justice.

Let us hold fast to our faith, knowing that Christ will return, and that His victory over evil is certain. The tribulation may be a time of great trial, but it is also a reminder that our hope is in the One who has already overcome the world.

May we be found faithful, ready to stand firm in the face of tribulation, and ever confident in the promise of our Lord’s return. Amen.

“The prince of darkness may rage, but he is a defeated foe. His wrath is but the throes of his inevitable demise, for the victory belongs to the Lord.”