By Maria Merola
One of the common mistakes that people make when trying to decipher the timing of the resurrection of the saints is, they confuse what the Bible describes as “The Great Tribulation,” with “The Day of Wrath.”
Part of the confusion stems from the fact that most people assume the words “wrath” and “tribulation” are the same thing. However, we will learn from this study that they are not the same thing, for they each have very different purposes.
Immediately following a three and a half year period of testing, is when the bride will be caught up to meet the bridegroom in the air. This event is commonly referred to as “The Rapture.” However, the literal Greek translation is “The Harpazo.”
This phrase “caught up,” (from the Greek word harpazo) is seen in several other places in the Briyth Chadashah (New Testament). Matthew 11:2; 13:19; John 6:15; John 10:12; John 10:28-29; Acts 8:39; 23:10; 2nd Corinthians 12:2-4; 1st Thessalonians 4:17; Jude 1:23; Revelation 12:5.
The Day of Wrath has several different descriptions by the prophets, but they are describing the same event. The scriptural references I listed below, speak of a time in the future that will take place on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur).
Where Do Theologians Get the Idea of a Seven-Year Tribulation?
Once I realized that there was nothing in the scriptures describing a seven-year tribulation, I had to ask myself “Where are people getting this idea of a seven-year tribulation?” The answer came as I conducted an internet search, and found that it stems from a misunderstanding of what is called “Daniel’s Seventieth Week.”
I highly recommend that you read my two other blogs explaining how to decipher Daniel’s Seventy-Week prophecy.
Who Confirms the Covenant of Daniel’s 70th Week?
Jacob’s Time of Trouble & Daniel’s 70th Week
The Great Tribulation Cannot Begin Until We “See” the Abomination of Desolation Standing in the Holy Place in the Temple in Jerusalem!
Matthithyahuw (Matthew) 13:21 Yet has he no root in himself, but endures for a while: for when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, by and by he is offended.
The woman who is giving birth at the end of this tribulation is described in Revelation 12:1. Who is this woman? In Galatians 4:26, the Apostle Sha’ul (Paul) tells us that Jerusalem is “The mother of us all,” and she has a crown of twelve stars for the twelve tribes of Yisra’el.
The womb is a “narrow” and a “tight place” where the woman (Jerusalem) gives birth to a man-child, also called the “one new man” (Ephesians 2:12-15). Who is this “one new man?” Sha’ul (Paul) explained that they are “Jews & Gentiles,” who follow the Messiah Yahuwshuwa. To break it down even further, these two groups consist of the following:
as follows:
If the way to life is narrow, and the word narrow also means tribulation, then we can say that tribulation is the narrow way which leads to life!
*Note: The meaning of this word also means “female rivalry,” which is a hint about two sisters, (Leah & Rachel) who competed for the affection of their husband, Jacob. These two sisters were in tribulation with each other. Leah felt slighted because Jacob loved Rachel more than her. Rachel felt slighted because YaHuWaH compensated Leah with more children because she was unloved.
These two sisters represent The Two Houses of Yisra’el (Ephrayim & Judah). For it is during these last 3.5 years of the remaining 490 years of Daniel’s prophecy (Daniel 9:24-27), that these two houses stop being rivals, and they become one bride, or one new man. Since the days after the death of King Solomon, these two kingdoms have been in rivalry (enmity) with each other, as described in Ephesians 2:15. Our Messiah came to tear down that wall of partition that divides these two people groups.
However, there will be a climax at the end of the tribulation, when both sisters will be married to the same bridegroom all in the same week. Once we understand the prophetic purpose for this “tight and narrow place,” we can never accept the false notion that the tribulation serves no purpose for the bride of Messiah.
Romans 6:
3 Know you not, that so many of us as were immersed (baptized) into Yahuwshuwa Mashiyach were immersed (baptized) into his death?
Yahuwchanon (John) 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it dies, it brings forth much fruit.
Thus, the purpose of the Great Tribulation is to purify us, and to make us like our Messiah.
Unless the man-child is first purified in the fire (like gold) and made white, he cannot be BIRTHED into his ADOPTION---THE REDEMPTION OF THE BODY! (Romans 8:23).
This will be just like the twins that Tamar bore to Judah in Genesis 38. Tamar had been barren, but when her kinsman redeemer impregnated her with twins, she was redeemed. Our Messiah is the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5), and he is also the kinsman redeemer for mother Jerusalem. The twins that she will bear will be the resurrected two witnesses that become one new man!
1st Timothy 2:15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
© Copyright Double Portion Inheritance, August 2009
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Imagine for a moment, a talented High School Football player that has the potential to become a professional. The coach sees his potential and puts him through rigorous training, more than the other players. To the outsider looking in, it seems like this coach has singled him out for destruction. But in reality, he wants to make him an even better player than he already is. This is why he puts his skills to the test. One might say that this player is going through “great tribulation.” This is what our Messiah will do for the bride. He will put her to the test to see if she will be a faithful bride.
Now, imagine a serial killer that has been given the death penalty, and he is in jail awaiting his day of execution. This man’s destiny has been sealed. One could say that this man is destined for “A day of wrath” or “A day of vengeance and punishment.” Those who have taken the “mark of the beast” will be given the same kind of death sentence. The “Great Day of Wrath” awaits these people when our Messiah returns.
Thus, we can see that the event called “The Great Tribulation” is for a specific purpose, which is to purify the bride and to make her “white” (Daniel 12:10). Conversely, the period which is termed as “The Day of Vengeance” is a day of punishment and annihilation for those wicked people who persecuted the bride.
Immediately following a three and a half year period of testing, is when the bride will be caught up to meet the bridegroom in the air. This event is commonly referred to as “The Rapture.” However, the literal Greek translation is “The Harpazo.”
This phrase “caught up,” (from the Greek word harpazo) is seen in several other places in the Briyth Chadashah (New Testament). Matthew 11:2; 13:19; John 6:15; John 10:12; John 10:28-29; Acts 8:39; 23:10; 2nd Corinthians 12:2-4; 1st Thessalonians 4:17; Jude 1:23; Revelation 12:5.
The Day of Wrath has several different descriptions by the prophets, but they are describing the same event. The scriptural references I listed below, speak of a time in the future that will take place on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur).
The Day of Vengeance: Proverbs 6:34, Isaiah 34:8, 61:2, 63:4, Jeremiah 46:10, Luke 21:22; Revelation 19:2.
The Great & Terrible Day of YHWH: Joel 2:11-31.
The Great Day of Wrath: Revelation 6:17.
The Great Day of Wrath: Revelation 6:17.
The Day of YHWH: 2nd Peter 3:10, 1st Thessalonians 5:2, 2nd Corinthians 1:14, 1st Corinthians 5:5, Acts 2:20; Malachi 4:5, Zechariah 14:1, Zephaniah 1:14, Zephaniah 1:7, Obadiah 1:15; Amos 5:18 &20, Joel 1:15, 2:1,2:11, 2:31,3:14; Ezekiel 13:5, 30:3; Jeremiah 46:10; Isaiah 2:12, 13:6 & 9.
The Day of Wrath: Job 21:30, Proverbs 11:4, Zephaniah 1:15, Romans 2:5.
Below, are scripture references describing the period known as the tribulation or time of trouble.
Great Tribulation: Matthew 24:21, Revelation 2:22, Revelation 7:14
Jacob’s Trouble: Jeremiah 30:7
Time of Trouble: Job 38:23, Psalms 27:5, Psalms 37:39, 41:1, Proverbs 25:19, Isaiah 33:2, Jeremiah 14:8, Daniel 12:1.
Where Does the Bible Talk about a Seven-Year Tribulation?
Actually, nowhere! I remember back in 2002 (after the events of September 11th 2001), I had begun to embark on a season of intense study into the end-times. During this season, I had eight prophetic dreams that year, and I began writing down my dreams in a journal.
Where Does the Bible Talk about a Seven-Year Tribulation?
Actually, nowhere! I remember back in 2002 (after the events of September 11th 2001), I had begun to embark on a season of intense study into the end-times. During this season, I had eight prophetic dreams that year, and I began writing down my dreams in a journal.
As I was typing out a thesis on my computer, I wrote “There will be a seven-year tribulation....” Suddenly, I was stopped in my tracks by the Holy Spirit as he said to me “Where does the Bible say there will be seven years of tribulation?” I stopped typing, and I did a keyword search in the King James Version online for the word “seven years,” and “tribulation.”
To my bewilderment, there was nothing in the scriptures describing a seven year tribulation!
What I discovered were several scriptural references to a tribulation lasting for only “42 months” (Revelation 11:2; Revelation 13:5); “1,260 days” (Revelation 11:3; Revelation 12:6), or “1,290 days” (Daniel 12:11).
To my bewilderment, there was nothing in the scriptures describing a seven year tribulation!
What I discovered were several scriptural references to a tribulation lasting for only “42 months” (Revelation 11:2; Revelation 13:5); “1,260 days” (Revelation 11:3; Revelation 12:6), or “1,290 days” (Daniel 12:11).
In other words, 3.5 years. Scripture also describes the tribulation as lasting for “a time, times, and a half” (Daniel 12:7); “a time, times, and a half time” (Revelation 12:14); or “a time, and times, and the dividing of time” (Daniel 7:25).
The Hebrew word for “time,” (mowed) literally means “one year,” as it describes an annual cycle of seven festivals. Hence, the plural word “times,” is interpreted to mean “two years,” and “a half time” or “dividing of time,” is interpreted as “six months.” Thus, the total of “a time, times and a half time” equals three and a half years or 42 months.
Where Do Theologians Get the Idea of a Seven-Year Tribulation?
Once I realized that there was nothing in the scriptures describing a seven-year tribulation, I had to ask myself “Where are people getting this idea of a seven-year tribulation?” The answer came as I conducted an internet search, and found that it stems from a misunderstanding of what is called “Daniel’s Seventieth Week.”
I highly recommend that you read my two other blogs explaining how to decipher Daniel’s Seventy-Week prophecy.
Who Confirms the Covenant of Daniel’s 70th Week?
Jacob’s Time of Trouble & Daniel’s 70th Week
A careful study of the scriptures, and the original meaning of the words tribulation and wrath reveal they are different and distinct. Our Messiah, Yahuwshuwa gave us the precise timing of when “The great tribulation” will actually begin:
Matthithyahuw (Matthew) 13:21 Yet has he no root in himself, but endures for a while: for when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, by and by he is offended.
The word tribulation = persecution.
They are TOTALLY DIFFERENT!
The Hebrew word “tribulation” literally means “a tight and narrow place.” Where or what is the tightest place on earth? It is a birth canal! This means that the tribulation is a prophetic picture of a baby coming forth out of the womb!
The Hebrew word “tribulation” literally means “a tight and narrow place.” Where or what is the tightest place on earth? It is a birth canal! This means that the tribulation is a prophetic picture of a baby coming forth out of the womb!
The woman who is giving birth at the end of this tribulation is described in Revelation 12:1. Who is this woman? In Galatians 4:26, the Apostle Sha’ul (Paul) tells us that Jerusalem is “The mother of us all,” and she has a crown of twelve stars for the twelve tribes of Yisra’el.
The womb is a “narrow” and a “tight place” where the woman (Jerusalem) gives birth to a man-child, also called the “one new man” (Ephesians 2:12-15). Who is this “one new man?” Sha’ul (Paul) explained that they are “Jews & Gentiles,” who follow the Messiah Yahuwshuwa. To break it down even further, these two groups consist of the following:
1.) Those who are redeemed from the Southern Kingdom of the House of Judah (Jews). The House of Judah include two tribes (Benjamin & Judah).
2.) Those who are redeemed from the Northern Kingdom of the House of Ephrayim. The House of Ephrayim consists of the other ten tribes that were divorced and scattered to the gentile nations (Jeremiah 3:8). These divorced and exiled tribes are known as “The Lost Sheep of the House of Yisra’el.”
These Two Houses of Yisra’el will become “one stick” in the hand of YaHuWaH in the last days, when our Messiah returns (Ezekiel 37:16-17). These two groups will become a “corporate” body of believers called “The man-child” or “one new man” when they are born of the woman (Jerusalem).
In the Greek Strong’s Concordance, the word for wrath is as follows:
#3709. orge or-gay’ from 3713; properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e. (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implication punishment:--anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath.
#3709. orge or-gay’ from 3713; properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e. (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implication punishment:--anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath.
as follows:
If the way to life is narrow, and the word narrow also means tribulation, then we can say that tribulation is the narrow way which leads to life!
Matthithyahuw (Matthew) 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and NARROW is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it.
*Note: The meaning of this word also means “female rivalry,” which is a hint about two sisters, (Leah & Rachel) who competed for the affection of their husband, Jacob. These two sisters were in tribulation with each other. Leah felt slighted because Jacob loved Rachel more than her. Rachel felt slighted because YaHuWaH compensated Leah with more children because she was unloved.
These two sisters represent The Two Houses of Yisra’el (Ephrayim & Judah). For it is during these last 3.5 years of the remaining 490 years of Daniel’s prophecy (Daniel 9:24-27), that these two houses stop being rivals, and they become one bride, or one new man. Since the days after the death of King Solomon, these two kingdoms have been in rivalry (enmity) with each other, as described in Ephesians 2:15. Our Messiah came to tear down that wall of partition that divides these two people groups.
However, there will be a climax at the end of the tribulation, when both sisters will be married to the same bridegroom all in the same week. Once we understand the prophetic purpose for this “tight and narrow place,” we can never accept the false notion that the tribulation serves no purpose for the bride of Messiah.
These two sisters must reach a pinnacle in their rivalry by the time the bridegroom returns. Once they reach this pinnacle, they will be united as one bride, and no longer two. Therefore it is absolutely necessary that the bride must go through tribulation in order to be birthed into her new immortal body.
What is the Purpose of Tribulation?
Daniel 12:10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
Some have rationalized that the bridegroom is not going to allow the bride to suffer and be killed just before the wedding. I have heard people say “Why would the bridegroom beat up on the bride before he comes to marry her?”
Well, the answer is quite simple. Colossians 2:11 tells us that the bride is going to have a “full body circumcision” at the resurrection, because, she will “Put off the body of sins in the flesh.” The entire purpose of the resurrection is to “Put on the new man,” which means that she becomes one body with her bridegroom---in other words, one flesh!
The bride must remove her filthy garments (the old body of sins), and she must put on her new wedding garments, which is the renewed man, her new resurrected body!
So, forget about this crazy notion that the bridegroom beats up the bride! The tribulation is meant to test the loyalty of the bride to see what she is made of. It is during the tribulation that the bride must go through the fires of affliction so that she can be purified, and tested as gold and silver are tested for authenticity:
Malachi 3:1-3 “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and YHWH, whom you seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom you delight in: behold, he shall come, says YHWH of hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto YHWH an offering in righteousness.”
I find it ironic that many who adhere to the Pre-Tribulation Rapture idea sing the song in church “Refiner’s fire, my heart’s one desire, is to be holy...”
So, forget about this crazy notion that the bridegroom beats up the bride! The tribulation is meant to test the loyalty of the bride to see what she is made of. It is during the tribulation that the bride must go through the fires of affliction so that she can be purified, and tested as gold and silver are tested for authenticity:
Malachi 3:1-3 “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and YHWH, whom you seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom you delight in: behold, he shall come, says YHWH of hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto YHWH an offering in righteousness.”
I find it ironic that many who adhere to the Pre-Tribulation Rapture idea sing the song in church “Refiner’s fire, my heart’s one desire, is to be holy...”
Yet, when confronted with the reality of the Scriptures, (showing a Post-Tribulation Rapture), they are suddenly thrown into a place of despair and panic. Some even display outrage at the mere suggestion that they may have to suffer at all (before being presented to the bridegroom). Modern Christendom has failed to present the concept of suffering as a means to holiness in the life of the believer. Yet, the Apostle Sha’ul (Paul) stated that it is through suffering that we are created into the likeness of our Messiah:
Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.
In order to be made into the image and likeness of Yahuwshuwa our Messiah, we must suffer in the same way that he did. The Apostle Sha’ul (Paul) explained it perfectly:
Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.
In order to be made into the image and likeness of Yahuwshuwa our Messiah, we must suffer in the same way that he did. The Apostle Sha’ul (Paul) explained it perfectly:
3 Know you not, that so many of us as were immersed (baptized) into Yahuwshuwa Mashiyach were immersed (baptized) into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by immersion (baptism) into death: that like as Mashiyach was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Do you see this? If we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection. This means that we must go through the same suffering and persecution as our Messiah did, before we can be resurrected. A seed must fall to the ground and die, before it can bear much fruit. If we are going to be fruitful for the Kingdom of Elohiym, we must die to the old body of sins.
Thus, the purpose of the Great Tribulation is to purify us, and to make us like our Messiah.
Now, I don’t means to suggest that every believer in Messiah will have to die during the Great Tribulation. Sha’ul (Paul) prophesied in 1st Thessalonians 4:17, that some believers will be alive when the harpazo takes place:
1st Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet YHWH in the air: and so shall we ever be with YHWH.
Nevertheless, it is important that we prepare ourselves for the worst case scenario in the event that we should have to die for our faith.
Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given
unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Yahuwshuwa, and for the word of Elohiym, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither
his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their
hands; and they lived and reigned with Messiah a thousand years.
Revelation 20:5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years
were finished. This is the first resurrection.
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: on
such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of Elohiym and of Messiah, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
What is the Purpose of Wrath?
It is important to understand that the bride of Messiah will not be the object of his wrath, although she will be here to witness his wrath poured out upon the wicked people of the earth. Not only that, but the bride will be in her new resurrected body, and therefore, she will serve as a great army whose bodies are indestructible! (see Ezekiel 37:10; Revelation 19:14).
Revelation 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he does judge and make war.
Revelation 19:14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
Revelation 19:15 And out of his mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treads the wine-press of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty Elohiym.
The bride will return with Messiah as his army on the The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) also referred to as “The Day of Vengeance,” or “The Great & Terrible Day of YaHuWaH,” or “The Day of Wrath.”
Revelation 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he does judge and make war.
Revelation 19:14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
Revelation 19:15 And out of his mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treads the wine-press of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty Elohiym.
The bride will return with Messiah as his army on the The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) also referred to as “The Day of Vengeance,” or “The Great & Terrible Day of YaHuWaH,” or “The Day of Wrath.”
Revelation 11:18 And the nations were angry, and your wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that you should give reward unto your servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear your name, small and great; and should destroy them which destroy the earth.
Unless the man-child is first purified in the fire (like gold) and made white, he cannot be BIRTHED into his ADOPTION---THE REDEMPTION OF THE BODY! (Romans 8:23).
These are the resurrected sons of Ephrayim & Judah (Jews & Gentiles). These are the ones that “Follow the Lamb wherever he goes” (Revelation 14:4).
This will be just like the twins that Tamar bore to Judah in Genesis 38. Tamar had been barren, but when her kinsman redeemer impregnated her with twins, she was redeemed. Our Messiah is the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5), and he is also the kinsman redeemer for mother Jerusalem. The twins that she will bear will be the resurrected two witnesses that become one new man!
1st Timothy 2:15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
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