Is prophecy important? What is going to happen to you because you did not recognize what time it was?
Luke 19:44 and they will level you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, BECAUSE YOU DID NOT RECOGNIZE THE TIME of your visitation.”
I hope this message helps you understand what time it is.
Summary
The sermon “Will the Church Go Through the Tribulation?, Part 3” discusses the theological question of whether the church will experience the tribulation, a period of divine judgment prophesied in the Bible. The speaker argues that the church will not go through the tribulation based on three main points: the nature of the church, the nature of the tribulation, and the nature of Christ’s second coming. The sermon references biblical passages, particularly from 2 Peter and Zephaniah, to illustrate God’s historical judgments against sin and to emphasize that the tribulation is specifically for Israel as a consequence of their rejection of Christ. The speaker also highlights that the church is distinct from Israel and is characterized by its own unique relationship with God, implying that it will be raptured before the tribulation begins.
Test Your Knowledge
Scrolling down slowly will hide the answer until you can make your choice.
1.What does the preacher argue about the Church’s experience during the tribulation?
A) The Church will go through the tribulation.
B) The Church will not go through the tribulation.
C) The Church will experience partial tribulation.
D) The Church’s experience is not mentioned.
Answer: B
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2.According to the sermon, how long is the period referred to as the 70 weeks?
A) 70 days
B) 70 months
C) 490 years
D) 70 years
Answer: C
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3.What historical event does the preacher reference as a warning of God’s judgment?
A) The Exodus
B) The Battle of Armageddon
C) The Flood during Noah’s time
D) The Babylonian Exile
Answer: C
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4.What is a key characteristic of the rapture, according to the preacher?
A) It is preceded by specific signs.
B) It involves the judgment of the world.
C) It concerns only the saved.
D) It occurs after the second coming.
Answer: C
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5.What does the preacher suggest about the nature of the second coming?
A) It is imminent and has no signs.
B) It is a time of judgment and involves all people.
C) It is the same event as the rapture.
D) It is only for the Church.
Answer: B
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6.What is one reason given for why the church will not go through the tribulation?
A) The church has already faced enough trials.
B) The nature of the church does not belong in tribulation.
C) The rapture is a myth.
D) All believers will be punished equally.
Answer: B
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7.According to Zephaniah, what characterizes “the Day of the Lord”?
A) A day of peace and prosperity.
B) A day of wrath and distress.
C) A day when all nations will unite.
D) A day without judgment.
Answer: B
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8.Which event does Peter reference to illustrate God’s judgment against sin?
A) The Exodus from Egypt.
B) The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
C) The resurrection of Jesus.
D) The creation story.
Answer: B
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9.Who does Jesus say will not see Him again until they acknowledge Him as Messiah?
A) Gentiles
B) His disciples
C) The people of Israel
D) Angels
Answer: C
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10.What term is used to describe the period when Jerusalem will be under gentile control until certain prophecies are fulfilled?
A) The Great Commission
B) The Times of Gentiles
C) The Age of Grace
D) The Last Judgment
Answer: B
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I had a couple of objections to what I learned in this lesson:
First, I believe much of today’s tolerance of Jewish supremacy and Israel’s sin over other nations comes from small insertions and side notes added to the Word of God. A repetitive and persistence downplaying of Israel’s sin with a counter call for unconditional love and acceptance from the congregation is not exactly Biblical. Never should a people who embrace sin and rebellion be given a pass. There should be no partiality. Not only is this wrong and evil, it has proven to be unhealthy for everyone involved, both Jew and Gentile. God holds Israel to a very high standard because He entrusted much to them; we should do no other. The part in question is this…
Now, [the Jews] were guilty of the death of their King. And you know you can try to pacify your conscience on that and try to be nice and loving to Jewish people, and indeed we ought to be. If any Christian has anything but love for Israel, there’s something wrong, because that’s all God has for them. That’s all Jesus ever had for them. That’s all Paul, Peter or anybody else ever had for them. Anti-Semitism of any kind is absolutely intolerable. But we cannot at the same token excuse Israel from the death of Christ. The Pope may do that; we can’t do that Biblically. The reason we can’t do that is because we have Peter’s words. Peter says, “You did it,” not once but several times. And that’s why he kept getting into trouble obviously; Jerusalem was not the safest place to make that kind of pronouncement…In Luke 21:24, he said, “Jerusalem shall be trodden down by the gentiles until the times of the gentiles be fulfilled.” Israel is being punished century after century for the rejection of Christ.
The punishment of Israel century after century for the rejection of Christ might be the scene from heaven, but from down here the punishment has been due to their unwillingness to assimilate into host nations. They always upset the apple cart. It may seem at times that they get away with this, but the prophecy points out that two thirds of the Jews will be slaughtered in the Tribulation. It points out that the Tribulation is mainly for Israel. They will get their due; God will see to that if nobody else does.
Secondly, the sermon mentions that the regathering of Israel is happening now.
Now God says, “I’m going to regather you, Israel, and I’m going to enter into judgement.” Now have you and I seen the regathering? Believe us we have, haven’t we?
I disagree. God declares that He will bring them back and He describes how He will do this. What we see today is a manmade effort. Contrast that with the way God said He would bring them back, which I won’t elaborate here, this is exactly what this “return” is. It is a manmade effort for Israel to enter the land.
Ezekiel 20:33 “As I live,” declares the Lord God, “surely with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm and with wrath poured out, I shall be king over you.
Where is the mighty hand? Where is the outstretched arm. Greater still, where are the converted hearts? If you read Ezekiel, you will see that he compares the final return of Israel to the Exodus; he says it will be greater than what we saw regarding the Exodus. It is going to be pretty spectacular. The world has yet to witness anything like that.
But, to the preacher’s credit, and I agree with him on the following point; he does say that the Gentiles are in control.
And it has been under gentile rule ever since that time, and this is what is known as the Times of the Gentiles. Now Israel has gained back some control of its land, but not all of it…So you can’t claim that Israel is in its land in the full sense of the promise; gentiles still control it.
So, he is a bit confusing and that is unfortunate because this is where a lot of evil, passivism, and toleration for untold evil hides. The best that we can do, is preach the truth and live the truth, regardless of where it leads.
Now, let’s move on to this important study.
Listen & Read Along
See the full transcript and listen to this sermon here:
1326 Jul 22, 1973.
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Study Guide
07-Will-The-Church-Go-Through-The-Tribulation-3
In this lesson, the following questions will be addressed:
Outline
I.Introduction
A.Overview of the topic: Will the Church go through the tribulation?
II.Biblical Prophecies of Judgment
A.Zephaniah’s prophecy of the Day of the Lord
B.Historical examples of God’s judgment (Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah)
III.The 70 Weeks Prophecy
A.Explanation of the 70 weeks as a period of years
B.Significance of the decree to restore Jerusalem
IV.Distinction Between Rapture and Second Coming
A.Characteristics of the rapture
B.Characteristics of the second coming
C.Implications for the Church
V.Conclusion
B.Final thoughts on the Church’s position regarding the tribulation
Outline 2
I.Introduction
A.Overview of prophetic themes
B.The question posed: Will the church go through the tribulation?
II.Human Fear and Rebellion Against God
A.Recognition of human fear in relation to divine judgment
B.Historical context of rebellion against God
III.Biblical Basis for Judgment
A.Reference to 2 Peter regarding past judgments (angels, Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah)
B.Prophecy of future judgment as described in Zephaniah
IV.Nature of the Church
A.Definition and characteristics of the church
B.The church as a parenthesis in God’s plan for Israel
V.Nature of the Tribulation
A.Description of tribulation as primarily for Israel
B.Scriptural references supporting this view (Jeremiah, Matthew)
VI.Conclusion
A.Summary of arguments for pre-tribulation rapture
B.Final thoughts on God’s judgment and mercy
Study Questions
1.How does the preacher interpret the prophecies of Zephaniah in relation to the tribulation?
The preacher interprets the prophecies of Zephaniah as a forewarning of the impending judgment that will come upon the earth, particularly focusing on the Day of the Lord. Zephaniah’s prophecies highlight the severity of God’s judgment and the catastrophic events that will unfold during the tribulation period. The preacher emphasizes that these prophecies serve as a backdrop for understanding the nature of the tribulation, which is characterized by intense suffering and divine retribution, particularly aimed at Israel for their rebellion against God. This interpretation aligns with the broader theme of the sermon, which posits that the tribulation is primarily for Israel and not for the Church, underscoring the distinct roles and experiences of both in God’s redemptive plan.
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2.What is the significance of the 70 weeks prophecy in understanding Israel’s history and future?
The significance of the 70 weeks prophecy, as discussed by the preacher, lies in its detailed outline of Israel’s historical timeline and its implications for the future. This prophecy, found in Daniel 9, indicates that a total of 490 years (70 weeks of years) is determined upon Israel to accomplish several key objectives: to finish transgression, make an end of sins, bring reconciliation for iniquity, and usher in everlasting righteousness.
The preacher highlights that this prophecy is crucial for understanding the chronological framework of Israel’s history, beginning from the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, which is historically dated to March 14, 445 BC. The prophecy delineates the periods leading up to the coming of the Messiah and ultimately points to the establishment of God’s kingdom.
Moreover, the preacher argues that the 70 weeks prophecy underscores the gap between the 69th and 70th weeks, suggesting that the Church exists in this parenthetical period. This gap indicates that the final week, which is associated with the tribulation, is specifically for Israel’s judgment and restoration, reinforcing the idea that the tribulation serves a distinct purpose in God’s plan for Israel rather than for the Church.
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3.In what ways does the preacher differentiate between the rapture and the second coming of Christ?
The preacher differentiates between the rapture and the second coming of Christ in several key ways:
1.Nature of the Events: The rapture is described as an event where Christ comes to gather His Church, involving the translation of living saints to meet Him in the air. In contrast, the second coming involves Christ returning to earth to establish His kingdom and execute judgment.
2.Location: During the rapture, the Bible indicates that believers will meet Christ in the air, while the second coming involves Christ setting His feet on the Mount of Olives, signifying His physical return to earth.
3.Participants: The rapture concerns only the saved, specifically the Church, while the second coming involves both the saved and the lost, as it is a time of judgment for all humanity.
4.Judgment: The rapture occurs without any judgment on the world, and sin continues to increase. Conversely, the second coming is preceded by specific signs and is characterized by God’s judgment on sin and the establishment of righteousness.
5.Imminence and Signs: The rapture is described as an imminent event that requires no signs or warnings, while the second coming is preceded by detailed prophetic signs that indicate its approach.
6.Timing: The preacher emphasizes that the rapture is a distinct event that occurs before the tribulation, whereas the second coming takes place after the tribulation period, marking the culmination of God’s plan for Israel and the world.
These distinctions highlight the theological understanding that the Church will not experience the tribulation, as it is a separate event from the second coming of Christ.
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4.How does the sermon address the concept of God’s judgment throughout biblical history?
The sermon addresses the concept of God’s judgment throughout biblical history by emphasizing several key points:
1.Historical Precedents: The preacher references past instances of God’s judgment, such as the Flood, to illustrate that God has a history of judging sin. The Flood serves as a monumental example of divine judgment, where God destroyed the earth due to widespread wickedness, sparing only Noah and his family. This historical event is used to remind readers that God’s judgment is both real and inevitable .
2.The Day of the Lord: The sermon discusses the “Day of the Lord,” a term used in the Bible to describe a future time of divine judgment. This concept is linked to the tribulation, which is portrayed as a period of intense suffering and judgment upon the ungodly. The preacher cites prophecies from the Old Testament, including those from Zephaniah, to underscore the seriousness and certainty of this coming judgment .
3.Distinction Between the Righteous and the Unrighteous: The preacher makes a clear distinction between the righteous (the godly) and the unrighteous (the ungodly) in the context of judgment. It is emphasized that God knows how to deliver the godly from judgment, as seen in the example of Lot being rescued from Sodom and Gomorrah. This principle suggests that the faithful will be spared from the tribulation, which is intended for the ungodly .
4.Future Judgment: The sermon asserts that the coming tribulation is part of God’s plan to deal with sin and rebellion, particularly focusing on Israel. The preacher argues that this period of judgment is necessary for the ultimate restoration of Israel and the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people , .
Overall, the sermon presents God’s judgment as a consistent theme throughout biblical history, serving both as a warning and a means of purification for His people, while also affirming the hope of deliverance for the righteous.
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5.What implications does the preacher suggest regarding the Church’s experience during the tribulation?
The preacher suggests several implications regarding the Church’s experience during the tribulation:
1.Absence from the Tribulation: The primary implication is that the Church will not go through the tribulation. The preacher argues that the tribulation is specifically a time of judgment for the ungodly and is primarily focused on Israel. Therefore, the Church, being distinct from Israel, is not included in this period of suffering and judgment.
2.Pre-Tribulation Rapture: The preacher advocates for a pre-tribulation rapture, meaning that believers will be taken up to meet Christ before the tribulation begins. This belief is based on the nature of the Church and the nature of the tribulation itself, which the preacher describes as a time designated for Israel and the ungodly.
3.God’s Deliverance: The preacher emphasizes that God knows how to deliver the godly from times of judgment. This is illustrated through biblical examples, such as the rescue of Lot from Sodom and Gomorrah. The implication here is that the Church, as the body of Christ, will be spared from the tribulation, reinforcing the idea that believers will be protected from God’s wrath .
4.Focus on Israel: The preacher points out that the tribulation is fundamentally about God’s dealings with Israel, often referred to as “Jacob’s trouble.” This indicates that the Church’s experience is separate from the events that will unfold during the tribulation, which are intended to bring Israel to repentance and restoration .
5.Hope and Assurance: The implication of the Church’s absence from the tribulation provides hope and assurance to believers. The preacher suggests that this belief encourages Christians to live in anticipation of Christ’s return and to remain faithful, knowing that they will be with Him during the time of judgment on the ungodly.
Overall, the preacher presents a view that emphasizes the Church’s deliverance and distinct identity in relation to the tribulation, highlighting a future hope for believers.
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6.What biblical passages does the speaker reference to support the argument that God judges sin?
The speaker references several biblical passages to support the argument that God judges sin, emphasizing God’s historical judgments and prophecies of future judgment. Key passages include:
• 2 Peter 2:4-6 – This passage illustrates God’s judgment on angels who sinned, the ancient world during Noah’s time, and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, highlighting that God does not spare those who rebel against Him.
• 2 Peter 3:10 – The speaker cites this verse to indicate that the Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, resulting in the destruction of the heavens and earth by fire, reinforcing the certainty of divine judgment.
• Zephaniah 1:14-17 – The speaker uses this prophecy to describe the coming “Day of the Lord” as a day of wrath, trouble, and distress, specifically aimed at those who have sinned against God.
• Matthew 23:38-39 – Here, Jesus states that Jerusalem will be left desolate until the people acknowledge Him as their Messiah, indicating a judgment for their rejection of Him.
• Luke 21:24 – This passage mentions that Jerusalem will be trodden down by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled, further emphasizing Israel’s punishment for rejecting Christ.
• Ezekiel 20:33 – The speaker refers to this verse to show God’s promise to judge Israel face-to-face as part of His plan for their restoration after judgment.
These passages collectively underscore the theme that God has consistently judged sin throughout history and will continue to do so in future prophetic events.
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7.How does the speaker differentiate between the church and Israel in terms of their relationship with God?
The speaker differentiates between the church and Israel in several key ways regarding their relationship with God:
1.Distinct Roles in God’s Plan: The speaker emphasizes that the church and Israel have different roles within God’s overarching plan. The church is viewed as a “parenthesis” in God’s dealings with Israel, meaning that the church’s existence and mission are separate from God’s covenant promises to Israel.
2.Nature of the Covenant: The speaker highlights that Israel operates under the Old Covenant, which includes specific promises and laws given to them by God. In contrast, the church is established under the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, characterized by grace and faith rather than adherence to the law.
3.Relationship with Christ: The church is described as having a unique relationship with Christ, being referred to as the “Body of Christ.” This signifies a close, intimate connection where believers are united with Christ in a way that is distinct from Israel’s relationship with God.
4.Judgment and Restoration: The speaker argues that while Israel will face judgment for its rejection of Christ, the church is promised deliverance from this tribulation period through the rapture. This distinction underscores that the tribulation is primarily intended for Israel as part of their restoration process rather than for the church.
5.Prophetic Fulfillment: The speaker points out that many biblical prophecies concerning judgment and restoration are directed specifically at Israel. The church is seen as not being subject to these prophetic fulfillments, which further differentiates its relationship with God from that of Israel.
Overall, these distinctions illustrate a theological framework where the church and Israel are viewed as separate entities with unique identities and destinies in God’s divine plan.
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8.What are the implications of viewing the tribulation as primarily a time for Israel?
Viewing the tribulation primarily as a time for Israel carries several significant implications:
1.Focus on God’s Judgment: The tribulation is seen as a period of divine judgment specifically aimed at Israel for its historical rejection of Christ. This interpretation emphasizes that the suffering and trials during this time are not random but are a direct consequence of Israel’s disobedience and rebellion against God.
2.Fulfillment of Prophecy: This perspective aligns with various Old Testament prophecies that predict a time of trouble for Israel, often referred to as “Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7). It suggests that the tribulation is a fulfillment of these prophecies, reinforcing the idea that God is actively involved in the history and destiny of Israel.
3.Distinction Between Israel and the Church: By viewing the tribulation as primarily for Israel, it reinforces the theological distinction between the church and Israel. The church is perceived as having a different role and relationship with God, particularly in terms of salvation and eschatological events. This distinction supports the belief in a pre-tribulation rapture for the church, suggesting that believers will be spared from this time of judgment.
4.Restoration of Israel: The tribulation is also seen as a necessary precursor to the eventual restoration of Israel. This period of suffering is viewed as a means through which God will bring about repentance among the Jewish people, leading to their recognition of Jesus as the Messiah. Thus, it serves both as judgment and as a catalyst for spiritual renewal.
5.Implications for Christian Attitudes: Understanding the tribulation in this context may influence Christian attitudes toward Israel today. It can foster a sense of urgency regarding evangelism and support for Jewish people, recognizing their unique place in God’s plan while also affirming the need for reconciliation with Christ.
In summary, viewing the tribulation as primarily a time for Israel underscores themes of divine judgment, prophetic fulfillment, distinct roles within God’s plan, restoration, and influences on contemporary Christian perspectives regarding Israel.
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9.In what ways does the speaker argue that historical judgments foreshadow future events?
The speaker argues that historical judgments foreshadow future events in several ways:
1.Historical Precedents of Judgment: The speaker references biblical examples of God’s judgment throughout history, such as the punishment of angels who sinned, the Flood during Noah’s time, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. These events serve as precedents that illustrate God’s consistent response to sin and rebellion. The speaker emphasizes that if God judged these groups, it is foolish to believe He will not judge humanity again in the future.
2.Prophetic Warnings: The speaker cites 2 Peter 3:10, which warns that the Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, resulting in a fiery judgment of the earth. This serves as a reminder that past judgments are not isolated incidents but part of a larger pattern of divine justice that will culminate in future events.
3.Zephaniah’s Prophecy: The speaker discusses the prophecy from Zephaniah, which describes a coming “Day of the Lord” characterized by wrath, trouble, and distress. This prophecy is presented as a foreshadowing of the tribulation period, indicating that just as God has judged in the past, He will do so again during this future time of reckoning. The vivid imagery used in Zephaniah’s description aligns with the catastrophic events expected during the tribulation.
4.Judgment as a Response to Rebellion: The speaker highlights that historical judgments serve to remind humanity of God’s holiness and justice. By drawing parallels between past judgments and future tribulation, the speaker argues that God’s judgment is a direct response to rebellion against Him, reinforcing the idea that those who reject God will face consequences.
5.Inevitability of Future Judgment: The speaker concludes that God’s historical actions demonstrate His commitment to justice and foreshadow inevitable future judgments. This perspective encourages believers to recognize the seriousness of sin and the certainty of divine accountability, particularly for Israel during the tribulation period.
Overall, these arguments illustrate how historical judgments are seen as both warnings and confirmations of God’s unchanging nature regarding sin and judgment, setting the stage for future prophetic fulfillments.
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10.How does understanding the nature of the church influence beliefs about its role during the tribulation?
Understanding the nature of the church significantly influences beliefs about its role during the tribulation in several ways:
1.Distinct Identity: The speaker emphasizes that the church is a distinct entity from Israel, characterized by its unique relationship with Christ. This distinction implies that the church does not belong in the tribulation, which is viewed as a time specifically designated for Israel’s judgment and restoration. The church’s identity as the “Body of Christ” suggests it has a different purpose and destiny compared to Israel.
2.Pre-Tribulation Rapture: The belief in a pre-tribulation rapture is supported by the church’s nature. The speaker argues that because the church is seen as a “parenthesis” in God’s plan for Israel, it will be removed from the earth before the tribulation begins. This understanding fosters confidence among believers that they will be spared from the trials and judgments associated with this period.
3.Historical Context: The speaker discusses how the church began at Pentecost and has its own timeline separate from Israel’s prophetic history. This historical context reinforces the idea that the church’s role is not to endure the tribulation but rather to fulfill its mission of evangelism and discipleship until it is taken up to heaven.
4.Nature of God’s Judgment: Viewing the tribulation as primarily for Israel aligns with the understanding that God’s judgment during this time is a response to Israel’s rejection of Christ. Since the church consists of those who have accepted Christ, it is seen as exempt from this judgment, further solidifying its role as separate from Israel during this critical period.
5.Eschatological Implications: The nature of the church influences eschatological beliefs, including views on end-time events. By understanding that the church will not experience tribulation, believers can focus on hope and anticipation for Christ’s return rather than fear of impending judgment. This perspective encourages a proactive faith, emphasizing readiness for Christ’s coming rather than anxiety over tribulation.
In summary, understanding the nature of the church shapes beliefs about its role during the tribulation by highlighting its distinct identity, supporting pre-tribulation rapture theology, providing historical context, clarifying God’s judgment focus, and influencing eschatological outlooks.
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To see all the lessons in this series click on the 1973 Prophecy tag below.
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