October 13: A TIME OF TROUBLE

And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. Daniel 12:1b

Once Michael stands up, probation for the world is closed. This coming storm is described in other parts of Scripture. We are told by the Lord, “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21). We are living in the days just beforehand… before the sounding of the seventh trumpet of Revelation, when he is about to sound (10:7). It is evident that storm clouds are gathering, but the winds of strife from the four corners of the earth are still being held in check (Revelation 7:1) for the purpose of sealing God’s people on their foreheads (v.3) before the coming time of trouble.

There is a popular, but false, teaching that originally emanated from a Catholic (Jesuit) source claiming that Jesus will “rapture” His people before this time of trouble, but this is not consistent with Scripture. The ten plagues fell upon Egypt while the Israelites were still in Egypt. The first three of the ten were experienced by the Israelites, but the last seven affected only the Egyptians, as God’s people were protected. The time of trouble mentioned in today’s verse corresponds with the seven last plagues (15:1 – and described in detail in chapter 16). Another example: Noah and his family were saved through the flood, not out of it. During the seven last plagues, God’s people on the earth will be protected. Though it will test and try their faith (it certainly will not be “a walk in the park”) the people of God will come through it with faith fully intact (see Psalm 91; Isaiah 33:16,22). Jesus added, “And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened” (Matthew 24;22 – see also Romans 9:28).

The seven last plagues will fall heavily upon the unrepentant. These judgments will cause the unrepentant to see the false system of worship into which they had been duped – for lack of discernment – for what it is: impotent and empty, counterfeit and powerless to save. The rest of the support for the great harlot of Babylon will be dried up (Revelation 16:12, 17:16). The apostle John was shown these things ahead of time, just as Daniel was, in order that God’s people can recognize the mixed wine that is being served up to the world: a deceptive blend of true and false doctrines and respond—before it’s too late—to the call to come out of Babylon (18:4).

Just as the divine closing of the door on Noah’s Ark sealed the destiny of the antediluvian world (Genesis 7:16), the end of Christ’s high priestly ministry in heaven will close the door, so to speak, on human probation (see Revelation 22:11). As KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS (19:16), He will execute judgment upon the wicked by giving the command to pour out the seven last plagues, the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth (Revelation 16:1).

Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, the Most High, your dwelling place. No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling. Psalm 91:8-10