The difference between the wrath of God and everyday trials—tribulation in the life of a believer.
[1 Thessalonians 1:10]
[10] and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
[1 Thessalonians 5:9]
[9] For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
[1 Thessalonians 3:2-4]
[2] We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, [3] so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. [4] In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know.
The Scripture promises us two things regarding the Christian persecutions…
- We will not go through the wrath of God
- We will go through trials and persecutions
What is the wrath of God?
[Romans 1:18]
[18] The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness
Those going through the Great Tribulation
[Revelation 6:15-17]
[15] Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and everyone else, both slave and free, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. [16] They called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! [17] For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can withstand it?”
The things that those people will experience from the first six Seals will be recognized as the wrath of God and of Christ coming upon them.
What is everyday trials and tribulations?
[James 1:2-4]
[2] Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. [4] Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Everyday trials for Christians are a great thing because it builds up the faith and makes us grow into the image of Jesus Christ. But, the Great Tribulation is for punishment (Romans 1:18) and to bring people into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ (Revelation 7:9-14).
If you want to escape the coming wrath, repent of your sinful lifestyle, your misconception of who Jesus is, and believe that Jesus died for your sins, rose from the grave on the third day. If you ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins, He will. Ask Jesus to give you the Holy Spirit and He will. Jesus is the only way to heaven.
Spiritual Minefield 