We Are Not Saved From Tribulation

Photo by Chitto Cancio

“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one” (John 17:15 NIV).

Jesus understood well that those who would choose to follow him would invariably face trouble and suffering—otherwise known as “tribulation.” In fact, he plainly told his disciples that the world will present them with tribulation (John 16:33). Indeed, when describing the circumstances that are sure to take place before his final appearing and gathering of his people, tribulation is at the center (see especially Mark 13:1–27; Mathew 24:1–31; and Luke 21:5–28).

“Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God," say the characters of Paul and Barnabas in Luke’s account of their gospel mission in the book of Acts (14:22 NASB). In keeping with this characterization, Paul indicates in his own letters that the experience of trouble and suffering is a hallmark of Christ’s true followers (see, for example, Philippians 1:27–30 and 1 Thessalonians 2:13–14).

Similarly, the book of 1 Peter tells its audience: “do not be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering” (4:12–13 NLT).

Finally, the book of Revelation portrays a vision in which a vast multitude, clothed in white robes, are worshipping before God’s throne. When asked by John the seer who they are and from where have they come, it is explained that “these are the ones who have come out of the Great Tribulation” (Revelation 7:14 NIV) As scholars on the book agree, this multitude represents the faithful who endured persecution for the sake of Jesus Christ.  

In all, the New Testament uniformly emphasizes the reality of tribulation as being the rightful expectation of Christians. And this expectation has proven itself to be warranted throughout the centuries. In today’s world, for example, Christians in many regions of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa experience extreme levels of persecution for their faith.

Both the teaching of the New Testament and the experience of many Christians throughout the world stand in stark contrast to the fascination had among some Christian groups concerning a bizarre doctrine commonly known as “the Rapture.” According to this teaching, the return of Jesus Christ occurs in two phases. Jesus will first come to secretly snatch away Christians so that they may escape the tribulation that will directly precede his subsequent public return.

The doctrine of the Rapture was originally popularized by a 19th century British minister named John Nelson Darby. Though some elements of it may be traced to a slightly earlier period, the doctrine as it has come to be known is unheard of in the Christian tradition prior to Darby’s time.

To be clear, not only is this teaching not found in a careful reading of the Bible (as all mainstream biblical scholars confirm), it is also absent from all the early Christian creeds that define Christian orthodoxy, as well as any other surviving Christian writing up until that period. Instead, only a single, universally recognized return of Jesus Christ to rescue and vindicate his people and fully establish his kingdom on earth is essentially envisioned.

Why, then, has this historically (and academically) fringe view been so thoroughly embraced among a good number of especially American Christians?

It would not, in my view, be mistaken to conclude that the lack of significant tribulation for most Christians in the modern Western world has provided a welcome home for an idea in which they could escape it altogether. As appealing as such an idea is, we must remember that things are not true simply because we want them to be so.

The thought of trouble and suffering on account of my commitment to Jesus is as unattractive to me as it may be for anyone else. Indeed, Scripture does not idealize suffering, as if it were something that should be sought out or desired for its own sake.  

Nevertheless, the Bible does warn of tribulation as a very real prospect for which those attempting to live in obedience to God—and thus often against the grain of a fallen world—must be prepared.

God help me that I will be able to faithfully endure any tribulation I might encounter. If you haven’t already, I recommend that you pray likewise.