Christ is coming soon. His return will usher in the world’s most terrible time, known as the Tribulation or the Time of Jacob’s Trouble. Of this time, Jesus said: “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21).

Some believe the church will remain on earth for the Time of Jacob’s Trouble. Here are some reasons for rejecting that conclusion:

1. The return of Christ for His church is a sign less event. Even the New Testament writers expected the Lord’s return at any moment. The moment the Tribulation begins, a timetable is evident. Date setting would be conclusive. Scripture would be violated.
2. The Tribulation is related especially to Israel. In Daniel 9:24-27, the prophet shares a vision of 70 weeks of years concerning Israel. Sixty-nine of those weeks have been fulfilled. When Christ returns for His church, the prophetic clock will tick again, fulfilling the final week.
3. The church is not the recipient of God’s wrath: The Tribulation is a time when God’s wrath is poured out on the earth. Paul assures us we will not go through that awful time: “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Thessalonians 5:9).
4. The world is ready for the Antichrist: The church is not all it ought to be but the world is better because it is here. When the influence of the Holy Spirit is removed at the Rapture of the church, the world will be ready for the final world dictator (II Thessalonians 2:7-8).

Your present trouble does not compare with the coming Tribulation.

Aren’t you thankful?