HAVE WE ENTERED THE LAST DAYS? (And, The Purpose of the Biblical Tribulation Period).

 

THE PURPOSE OF THE BIBLICAL TRIBULATION

Originally written September 21, 2023 — Michael Young, Sr.

(This is an introduction to that article)

Introduction

Have we entered a time described in the Bible as The Last Days? A time of global distress and tribulations? We are hearing and seeing, as the Bible says of the Last Days, great deceptions, false and distorted teachings about Christ; wars and rumors of war, rising episodes of famines, earthquakes, persecutions, new and terrible diseases.

2 Timothy 3:1-7 says, “But understand this, that in The Last Days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.”

The purpose, duration, and ultimate outcome of the Tribulation

The purpose, duration, and ultimate outcome of the Tribulation are clearly revealed in Scripture, especially in Daniel chapter 12. This passage provides a prophetic framework that helps us understand not only the severity of what is to come, but also God’s intention behind it.

Daniel describes a future time of unparalleled distress—greater than anything humanity has ever experienced. Yet even within this sobering prophecy, there is hope: deliverance for those whose names are written in the book of life, resurrection unto eternal life for the righteous, and everlasting glory for those who lead others to righteousness.

At the same time, we are told that these truths would remain sealed until the end, when understanding would increase and God’s purposes would become clearer to those with spiritual insight.

The Nature and Timing of the Tribulation

Daniel’s vision introduces a defined period of suffering described as “a time, times, and half a time,” along with additional markers of 1,290 and 1,335 days. These timeframes point to a structured and purposeful season—not random chaos, but divinely measured judgment.

This period includes:

• The breaking of worldly power opposing God’s people
• A final separation between the righteous and the wicked
• A refining process for those who belong to God

The Tribulation is not merely destruction—it is both judgment and preparation.

The Book of Revelation and the Progression of Events

The unfolding of these end-time events is further revealed in the New Testament, particularly in the opening chapters of Revelation. These events correspond closely with Jesus’ teaching about the end of the age.

The early stages of the Tribulation include:

• Global conquest and political upheaval
• Wars and escalating conflict
• Famines, natural disasters, and disease
• Widespread death
• Persecution and martyrdom of believers

These are not isolated events but interconnected signs pointing toward the culmination of God’s redemptive plan.

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

One of the most common and difficult questions people ask is: If God is loving, why does He allow suffering?

Scripture offers several important insights:

1. The Influence of a Fallen World
   The world is under the temporary influence of evil. Human sin and spiritual rebellion have introduced suffering into creation.
2. The Reality of a Broken Creation
   God allows both good and evil to exist in this present age. Blessings and hardships fall on all people, reflecting the fallen condition of the world.
3. The Purpose of Divine Judgment and Preparation
   God uses suffering not only as judgment against evil but also as a means of preparing His people for eternity.

This last point is crucial: suffering is not meaningless. It serves a redemptive purpose.

Divine Deliverance: More Than Rescue

God promises deliverance—but not always in the way we expect.

Scripture teaches that:

• The righteous will face affliction
• God is near to the brokenhearted
• Deliverance is ultimately spiritual, not merely physical

This is not simply rescue from hardship—it is the redemption of the soul.

True deliverance is eternal.

The Purpose of the Tribulation for Believers

Daniel makes it clear: many will be “purged, purified, and refined.”

The Tribulation serves to:

• Strengthen faith
• Expose true allegiance
• Prepare believers as the Bride of Christ

The early church understood this well. They taught that entering the kingdom of God requires perseverance through hardship. Trials are not obstacles to faith—they are instruments that shape and prove it.

Faith refined through suffering becomes more precious than gold.

The Call to Endurance

The consistent message of Scripture is this: believers are called to endure.

Endurance means:

• Remaining faithful under pressure
• Holding firmly to hope in Christ
• Trusting in the promise of eternal glory

The sufferings of this present time, as Scripture reminds us, are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed.

Conclusion

The Tribulation is not an accident of history. It is a divinely appointed season with a clear purpose:

• To judge evil
• To refine God’s people
• To prepare believers for eternity
• To bring about final redemption

While our natural instinct is to avoid suffering, God’s Word teaches that He uses it for our ultimate good and His eternal purposes.

The message is clear:

Be ready.
Stay ready.
Endure faithfully.
Overcome through Christ.

And in the end, those who remain steadfast will share in eternal life.

Your brother and friend,
Mike Young.

(Click the following link For the original and complete article of “The Purpose of The Biblical Tribulation”)