What is “the tribulation?” Are we living in the time of tribulation now, or is it yet to come?
The tribulation time period spoken of in the Bible is a terrible time of trouble that will occur at the end of this world, immediately preceding the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
“At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book.” Daniel 12:1
Like many of the plagues that fell upon Egypt, God will pour out judgment upon the lost souls who have made their final decision to reject His loving salvation in the form of the seven last plagues. You can read about these plagues in the order that they will be unleashed in Revelation 16. This is indeed the final tribulation time period.
To be clear, we are not living in the time of tribulation now; but this great time of trouble will come in the near future. The good news is that while we will not be saved from this time of trouble, God will indeed save us through this tribulation period. Much like Noah and his family during the Flood, the children of Israel during the plagues in Egypt, the three Hebrew men in Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace, and Daniel in the lion’s den, God will deliver us through the great tribulation in the Last Days.
“A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:7–11 (emphasis supplied)