A Narrative on The Tribulation According to the Amplified Bible (AMP)

Introduction

The Tribulation is a significant period described in the Bible, characterized by severe trials, judgments, and unprecedented events that will affect the entire world. This period is often associated with the end times and the return of Jesus Christ. Understanding the Tribulation and what believers should do before, during, and after this period is essential for Christian faith and preparedness. Using the Amplified Bible (AMP), this narrative will explore the nature of the Tribulation, its timing, the events that will unfold, and the appropriate responses for believers.

Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!

The Tribulation: Timing and Nature

Definition and Timing

The Tribulation is typically understood as a seven-year period of great suffering and divine judgment. This period is divided into two halves, each lasting three and a half years, with the latter half known as the Great Tribulation.

Daniel 9:27 (AMP): "And he will enter into a binding and irrevocable covenant with the many for one week [seven years]. But in the middle of the week he will stop the sacrifice and grain offering; for the remaining three and one-half years, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desolation, until the complete destruction, that is determined, is poured out on the desolator.”

Key Events and Characters

The Tribulation will feature significant events and key figures, including the rise of the Antichrist, widespread deception, natural disasters, and divine judgments.

Revelation 6:1-2 (AMP): "Then I saw as the Lamb (Christ) broke one of the seven seals [of the scroll initiating the judgments], and I heard one of the four living creatures call out as with a voice of thunder, 'Come.' I looked, and behold, a white horse [of victory] whose rider carried a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he rode forth conquering and to conquer.”

Revelation 13:1-2 (AMP): "And the dragon (Satan) stood on the sandy shore of the sea. Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea [with ten horns and seven heads], and on his horns were ten royal crowns (diadems), and on his heads were blasphemous names. And the beast that I saw resembled a leopard, but his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth was like that of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power and his throne and great authority.”

Before the Tribulation: Believers' Preparation

Watchfulness and Prayer

Believers are encouraged to remain watchful and prayerful, discerning the signs of the times and preparing their hearts for the return of Christ.

Matthew 24:42-44 (AMP): "So be alert [give strict attention, be cautious and active in faith], for you do not know which day [whether near or far] your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the head of the house had known what [time of night] the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore, you [who follow Me] must also be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not expect Him."

Spiritual Readiness

Believers are to live holy and godly lives, ensuring their spiritual readiness by staying close to God and His Word.

1 Peter 1:13-16 (AMP): "So prepare your minds for action, be completely sober [in spirit—steadfast, self-disciplined, spiritually and morally alert], fix your hope completely on the grace [of God] that is coming to you when Jesus Christ is revealed. Live as obedient children of God; do not be conformed to the evil desires which governed you in your ignorance [before you knew the requirements and transforming power of the good news regarding salvation]. But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves in all your conduct [be set apart from the world by your godly character and moral courage]; because it is written, 'You shall be holy (set apart), for I am holy.'"

Sharing the Gospel

Believers are called to share the gospel and make disciples, fulfilling the Great Commission and preparing others for the return of Christ.

Matthew 28:19-20 (AMP): "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age."

During the Tribulation: Believers' Conduct

Perseverance and Faithfulness

Believers are encouraged to persevere and remain faithful despite the severe trials and persecution they may face during the Tribulation.

Revelation 14:12 (AMP): "Here is [encouragement for] the steadfast endurance of the saints (God’s people), those who habitually keep God’s commandments and their faith in Jesus."

Seeking God's Protection

Believers are to seek God's protection and trust in His provision during this challenging time.

Psalm 91:1-4 (AMP): "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no enemy can withstand]. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust [with great confidence, and on whom I rely]!' For He will save you from the trap of the fowler, And from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you and completely protect you with His pinions, And under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and a wall."

Witness and Evangelism

Even during the Tribulation, believers are called to witness to the truth of the gospel, helping others come to faith.

Revelation 7:9-10 (AMP): "After these things I looked, and this is what I saw: a vast multitude which no one could count, [gathered] from every nation and from all the tribes and peoples and languages of the earth, standing before the throne and before the Lamb (Christ), dressed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands; and in a loud voice they cried out, saying, 'Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb [our salvation is the Trinity’s to give, and to God the Trinity we owe our deliverance]!'"

After the Tribulation: Believers' Hope

The Return of Christ

Believers look forward to the return of Christ, who will come in glory to establish His kingdom and bring final justice.

Matthew 24:29-31 (AMP): "Immediately after the tribulation of those days [of intense affliction] the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not provide its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And at that time the sign of the Son of Man coming in His glory will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth [and especially Israel] will mourn [regretting their rebellion and rejection of the Messiah], and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory [in brilliance and splendor]. And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather together His elect (God’s chosen ones) from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other."

The Establishment of God's Kingdom

Christ will establish His millennial kingdom, a period of peace and righteousness where believers will reign with Him.

Revelation 20:4 (AMP): "Then I saw thrones, and sitting on them were those to whom judgment [that is, the authority to act as judges] was given. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had refused to worship the beast or his image and had not accepted his mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years."

Eternal Life with God

Believers will enjoy eternal life with God in the new heaven and new earth, free from pain, suffering, and death.

Revelation 21:1-4 (AMP): "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away [vanished], and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, arrayed like a bride adorned for her husband; and then I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, 'See! The tabernacle of God is among men, and He will live among them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them [as their God,] and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be death; there will no longer be sorrow and anguish, or crying, or pain; for the former order of things has passed away.'"

Summary

The Tribulation is a significant and challenging period marked by severe trials, divine judgments, and the rise of the Antichrist. According to the Amplified Bible (AMP), believers are encouraged to prepare by being watchful, prayerful, living holy lives, and sharing the gospel. During the Tribulation, they are called to persevere, seek God's protection, and continue witnessing to others. After the Tribulation, believers look forward to the return of Christ, the establishment of His millennial kingdom, and eternal life with God in the new heaven and new earth. Understanding and applying these principles helps believers navigate the end times with faith, hope, and confidence in God's sovereign plan.

If You Have Ears To Hear, Then Hear It!