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.”
Introduction
The Tribulation is one of the most serious and misunderstood periods in biblical prophecy. Scripture presents it as a real, future time of unprecedented distress upon the earth. It is not random chaos, nor is it merely symbolic. It is a divinely appointed period in which God judges a rebellious world, refines Israel, and brings human history to its appointed end. The Tribulation reveals both the justice and the mercy of God and prepares the way for the visible return of Jesus Christ.
What the Tribulation Is
The Tribulation is a defined period of intense judgment and testing that will come upon the whole world. The Bible describes it as lasting seven years, divided into two halves of three and a half years each (Daniel 9:27; Revelation 11:2–3).
Jesus referred to it as a time unlike anything the world has ever known (Matthew 24:21). Revelation chapters 6 through 19 describe its events in detail, including seals, trumpets, and bowl judgments poured out by God.
This is not merely human suffering caused by war or natural disaster. It is God actively intervening in history to judge sin and bring His redemptive plan to completion.
The Purpose of the Tribulation
The Tribulation has several clear biblical purposes.
To judge a Christ-rejecting world
Humanity has repeatedly rejected God’s truth. The Tribulation is the time when God’s righteous judgment falls openly upon sin, unbelief, and rebellion (Revelation 6:15–17).
To bring Israel to repentance
The Tribulation is often called “the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7). God uses this period to turn Israel back to Himself. Many will finally recognize Jesus as the Messiah they once rejected (Zechariah 12:10; Romans 11:26).
To reveal the true nature of evil
The Antichrist will rise to power during this time, showing the full extent of human rebellion when God’s restraining hand is partially removed (2 Thessalonians 2:3–10).
To demonstrate God’s mercy even in judgment
Even during the Tribulation, God offers salvation. Multitudes will come to faith in Christ, though many will be martyred for their testimony (Revelation 7:9–14).
When the Tribulation Will Occur
The Tribulation is future. It has not yet happened and cannot be confused with past wars or persecutions.
Scripture places the Tribulation after the removal of the church and before the visible return of Christ. While faithful believers differ on the exact timing of the rapture, Scripture is clear that the Tribulation precedes Christ’s return in glory (Matthew 24:29–30).
No one knows the exact day or hour it will begin (Matthew 24:36). However, the Bible tells believers to watch, discern the times, and live in readiness. The growing increase in lawlessness, deception, and hostility toward biblical truth points toward the approaching fulfillment of these events.
Life During the Tribulation
The Tribulation will be marked by:
- Global deception and false peace
- Severe judgments affecting the earth, seas, and skies
- Economic control and persecution through the mark of the beast (Revelation 13:16–17)
- Widespread martyrdom of believers
- Increasing hardness of heart among many who still refuse to repent
Despite these horrors, God remains sovereign. Nothing occurs outside His authority or control.
The Final Result of the Tribulation
The Tribulation does not end in defeat, but in victory.
The return of Jesus Christ
At the climax of the Tribulation, Jesus Christ will return visibly and bodily to the earth (Revelation 19:11–16). He will destroy the Antichrist and his armies and bring an end to human rebellion.
The judgment of the wicked
Those who persist in unbelief will face final judgment (Revelation 20:11–15). God’s justice will be fully satisfied.
The establishment of Christ’s kingdom
Christ will establish His righteous rule over the earth, fulfilling God’s promises and ushering in a time of peace and restoration (Revelation 20:1–6).
The vindication of God’s holiness
The Tribulation proves that God is righteous in all His ways and faithful to every promise He has made.
Conclusion
The Tribulation is a solemn but necessary part of God’s redemptive plan. It reveals the seriousness of sin, the certainty of judgment, and the depth of God’s mercy. Most importantly, it points to the ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords.
For believers today, the message is clear: now is the time to repent, believe the gospel, live faithfully, and proclaim Christ while there is still opportunity. The Tribulation is coming, but for those who belong to Christ, our hope is not judgment—it is His glorious return.