While browsing the news, I saw a news video that made me wonder if the Tribulation is near. I am aware that there are many opinions on how the last-day prophecy will be fulfilled. God does not provide a detailed view of how everything predicted in Revelation will unfold. Personally, I hold to the post-tribulation and pre-millennium return of Jesus. This is the view the early Christians held, and I believe it is the most accurate. I will admit that I cannot be 100% certain I am correct. It is a strongly held belief. Jesus will return at the appointed time God has pre-determined before the foundation of the world.
On April 8th, a total Solar Eclipse will happen. This is the same type of phenomenon that some believe transpired at the crucifixion of Jesus. The Solar Eclipse then marked the end of the old covenant and the beginning of the new covenant. Could this Solar Eclipse mark the end of this age and the beginning of God’s judgment? The world as we know it cannot continue in its current condition. Everyone agrees with this statement – believers and unbelievers alike. This planet is on a collision course with fate. There is a daily destruction of elements on our planet. To believe that the Earth can continue would be the height of stupidity. Everything has an expiration date – including the world we live in.
According to Genesis 1:14, “And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament (sky) of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them serve for signs, seasons, and days and years.” Based on this verse, it is entirely rational to believe that God marks important events in human history with the wonders of astronomy. God is faithful and determined to be partially transparent to humanity on issues that affect the entire human race. While God is not completely transparent He is transparent enough for us to understand His divine will. Ultimately, God wants all to know Him, and at times He must judge us to get our attention. The Tribulation is not to be feared – for those who know God. He has promised to shorten His judgment for the elect. During this period of human history, revival is taking place amid persecution. Like the persecution of the early church, we too will face a season of intense hatred from the world. Instead of constraining the church, it will propel it forward. The Tribulation is the church’s moment to shine for God. God draws us to his heart through persecution. When we face hatred from those around us we endeavor to shine our light brighter than the darkness of their hatred.
Persecution has begun in the USA. In the border town of San Luis, Arizona, Pastor Jose Manuel Castro of Gethsemani Baptist Church has been fined and threatened with imprisonment if he continues to demonstrate his faith – feeding the poor and needy. Helping the needy is a direct command from Jesus. Luke 14:12-14 records Jesus saying to Christians, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you will be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” The city of San Luis has demanded that Pastor Jose renounce his faith through disobedience to Jesus’ command. This is happening friends in the United States of America. A country that was founded on the principles of personal freedom and liberty.
Would it be okay if I made an assumption? I believe it is a valid assumption. This persecution is the beginning of the Tribulation. Our freedoms in the West are being silently taken away by an overzealous government prone to abusing citizens’ rights in the name of national security. It is only a matter of time before they come for us. They will threaten us with fines, imprisonment, and reputational destruction. The faith God has given us must not be abandoned. It is never acceptable to renounce your faith for personal safety. God’s Kingdom agenda must be your number one priority. No matter what the future holds we know the God who holds the future.
Official Site of Author Joseph Guy 