Rev. Richard Wurmbrand, author of "Tortured For Christ," tells of the many believers suffering in Communist countries who feel the tribulation has arrived for them. Yet their suffering is child's play compared to the misery soon to be poured out on this unbelieving world. With the swift approach of that evil day, many are asking.....

"Will the church go through the tribulation, or will we be raptured out to escape the ordeal?"

The apostle John doesn't see any escape from tribulation until the Lord returns in power and glory. That will surely put an end to all tribulation for God's people.

 What about the believers who refuse to worship the beast? John speaks of them too. Listen: He who has an ear, let him hear:

"If anyone is to go into captivity,
       Into captivity he will go.
 If anyone is to be killed with the sword,
       With the sword he will be killed" (Rev.13:10).

"This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints. . . who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus" (Rev. 14:12).

As we approach the end of this age it is very clear every person on earth will be involved with the antichrist/ beast  in some way .The saints will either be killed or pressed into slavery.

If I teach God's people that they will NOT have to go through the tribulation (not God's wrath) and I turn out to be wrong, not only will their faith be shaken, but they will be wholly unprepared for the ordeal. What's worse, they'll wonder what other convictions based on God's Word could be wrong! The faith of many could be shattered. Woe to me in that case, and all who followed my teaching.

The Word of God says remarkable things about suffering and tribulation.

 "For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe on Him, but to SUFFER for His sake" (Phil. 1:29).

Suffering for Jesus is a privilege, a GIFT.

Again we read: "If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him" (2 Tim. 2:12).

Wonder how that can be?

Listen to this: ". . .we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22).

Suffering, you see, is NORMAL for the Christian. But you hear little about it today. Rather, we hear plenty about healings and prosperity.

"Because Christ also suffered, leaving us an example that we should follow in His steps!" (1 Pet. 2:21).

All through history God has refined His people with suffering. It would be wrong for me to try and please those who "have no root in themselves, but are offended when tribulation or persecution arises" (Matt. 13:21).

These people joyously embrace the doctrine of escape. When has God ever failed those who trust in Him? And what  situation could arise where His grace would not be sufficient? If we are called upon to face the ultimate test for His sake, let's do it with confidence in His  promise. . .

"The Lord is my Helper, I shall not fear what man will do to me" (Heb. 13:6).

Signs are mounting that the TRIBULATION is rushing toward us. It is obvious that if the Lord delays much longer, we're in for rough going. We ought to cease our debating Bible passages and focus on what is coming. We need to get ready for it. It'll be too late once the hour strikes. It's at a point now, if Jesus doesn't come quickly, we're in for SOME KIND of tribulation anyway.

Here at Personal Christianity we feel God is using us to help His people in advance of that awful hour. Our Online Bookstore features LATEST WORD ON THE LAST DAYS, the end time scenario,  and  LOVETT'S LIGHTS ON REVELATION, the biblical account of the tribulation as distinct from the out pouring of God's wrath.

We believe the possibility of satanic invasion is real and probably so close, that we're asking God to install the antisatan defense system of DEALING WITH THE DEVIL in every Christian home. Used in Jesus' precious name, this four step plan can absolutely make Satan or any demonic power "flee from you" (James 4:7).

This article is Copyright 2000 by Dr. C. S. Lovett and is found on www.cslovettbooks.com