If you are new to the study of Bible Prophecy, then you might not know the significance of determining the position of God’s wrath on the prophecy timeline. Well, I am here to tell you that it is very important to the Church. It is also one of the most controversial discussions among scholars of prophecy. However, as always, we will stick with the reality that simplicity and a fervent adherence to the rules of biblical interpretation will render to us a revelation of the mysteries of the Word.
The Day of Wrath: a time period, not just one day, when the Lord will pour out all his righteous indignation, judgments and vengeance, on all who dwell on the earth at that time.
Romans 1:18
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Take note of the fact that the dispensation or time of the ‘wrath of God’ is revealed from Heaven. That which is God’s wrath is not orchestrated by man or man’s devices. It is not the wars that men wage on each other. It is the judgments of the Lord and the exercise of His vengeance upon evil mankind.
Matthew 3:7
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Here John the Baptist, as he talks with the Pharisees, implies that the wrath of God is a thing of the future. At this point, the Church had not been established.
Luke 21:23
But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
This is a very interesting passage because it informs us that the nation of Israel will experience the ‘wrath of God.’ Scripture allows us to know that only a remnant of the nation will be preserved by the hand of God. Nevertheless, they are not alone in this. But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; (Romans 2:5). All who live ungodly are preparing themselves to experience the wrath of God.
Now the arguments are:
1. The Wrath of God and the Great Tribulation are the same.
2. The Church will be raptured before the wrath.
3. The Church will be raptured after the wrath.
To be honest, I am not sure as to why there are any arguments concerning this matter. The scriptures are quite clear.
Revelation 15:1
And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.
John makes it clear that the Wrath of God is contained in the seven last plagues. It is also noteworthy that these seven plagues begin after the one-world government of the antichrist, the Great Tribulation, and the days of the mark of the beast. Let us stop for a moment and define tribulation. The Greek word used in the New Testament refers to: affliction, distress, trouble, persecution, and anguish. As it relates to the church, tribulation has always been used to scatter the saints that the gospel message would extend to other regions of the earth. It is also a tool that is used to work patience in the people of God. We have discovered in the previous chapter that the saints will experience great tribulation before we are raptured. This tribulation has a purpose.
Revelation 13:7-10
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.
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
9 If any man have an ear, let him hear. 1
10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
The tribulation of the saints during the days of Antichrist will manifest the patience and the faith of the people of God. The faithful will wait on the Lord during hard trials and persecution, even death. It is important to note that the difference in the Great Tribulation and the Wrath of God is the fact that the tribulation is the trying of the saints through persecution and affliction; while the wrath is the vengeance of God poured out on the wicked.
But Paul is even more specific regarding the Wrath of God and the Church; For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:9). This is very comforting; the Church will not experience the Wrath of God.
