The term “tribulation saints” refers to people who come to faith in Jesus Christ during the future time period known as the Tribulation. The Tribulation is a 7-year period of great suffering and turmoil on the earth, described by Jesus in Matthew 24:21 as a time of “great tribulation, such has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.” It is also referred to in Revelation 7:14, which describes the tribulation saints as “the ones coming out of the great tribulation.”
The Tribulation period is part of end times events and follows the rapture of the church. The rapture refers to the event where Jesus will return in the clouds to “catch up” or rapture living believers to meet him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). After the rapture, the Antichrist will be revealed and will make a 7-year covenant with Israel, marking the start of the 7-year Tribulation period (Daniel 9:27). The first 3.5 years will be relatively peaceful as the Antichrist rises to power, but the last 3.5 years will bring great devastation to the earth, as God pours out his wrath (Revelation 6-19).
During this distressing time on earth, many people who were left behind after the rapture will realize their need for salvation and turn to Christ. Though Christians were already raptured before the Tribulation, multitudes will still be saved during this 7-year period. Revelation 7:9,14 describes these tribulation saints as a great multitude from every nation which no one could number. Though they will undergo terrible persecution and martyrdom under the Antichrist’s rule, their souls will be redeemed and protected by God (Revelation 7:9-17).
Some key characteristics and experiences of the tribulation saints include:
- They will include both Jews and Gentiles from all nations.
- Many will be new believers in Christ who were previously non-believers left behind after the rapture.
- They will have to choose between pledging allegiance to the Antichrist or remaining faithful to Christ at the cost of their lives.
- They will undergo intense persecution, including imprisonment, physical harm, and martyrdom under the Antichrist’s regime.
- Many will be martyred for their faith in Christ and refusal to take the mark of the beast (Revelation 13:15-17).
- God will protect them from His wrath against the unbelieving world during the Tribulation judgments (Revelation 7:3).
- They will include 144,000 Jewish evangelists described in Revelation 7:4-8.
- The two witnesses of Revelation 11 who prophecy and perform miracles in Jerusalem for 3.5 years of the Tribulation period are likely tribulation saints.
An important purpose of the tribulation saints is to stand as witnesses for Christ and spread the gospel during an intensely dark time on the earth (Matthew 24:14). Though they will suffer greatly, their faithfulness even to the point of death will bring glory to God and testify to the uncompromising nature of their faith. Their example serves as an inspiration and challenge for all believers to remain steadfast in faith no matter the opposition or persecution they may face (Revelation 12:11).
God promises to redeem and reward the tribulation saints for maintaining their testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 20:4 promises them resurrection and authority to reign with Christ for their faithfulness. The tribulation saints will also be sheltered by God from His judgement during the Tribulation (Revelation 7:3). Their eternal destiny is secured with the redeemed in heaven, as described in Revelation 7:15-17.
In summary, the tribulation saints are those who come to salvation in Christ during the future 7-year Tribulation period. They will undergo intense persecution but maintain their faith despite great opposition. Their example serves as an inspiration and challenge for believers in any generation to remain faithful to Jesus Christ regardless of life circumstances or opposition. God promises to redeem and reward their faithfulness with eternal life in heaven.
Though the Tribulation will be an unprecedented time of suffering on earth, the tribulation saints stand as reminders of God’s saving power and the believer’s call to unwavering faithfulness to Christ even in the most dire of situations.
Their lives give testimony to the truth that no matter how strong the forces of evil may appear, God’s love prevails in rescuing people from sin and protecting those who trust in Him. The courageous faith of the tribulation saints continues to inspire generations of believers long after their time on earth ended.
The Bible provides some significant details about the tribulation saints and their role, but aspects of their identities and experiences during the Tribulation period remain shrouded in mystery. We cannot fully understand all that transpires on earth during those tumultuous end times events until they actually unfold according to God’s perfect plan and purpose.
But we do know for certain that intense persecution and terrible suffering will produce unwavering faith and eternal reward for those who place their trust in Christ during that fateful time. The lessons from the tribulation saints remain relevant for Christians in every age – to live with faith, courage, and hope until the day of Jesus’ return.
The tribulation saints are commonly mentioned in discussions about end times prophecy and events surrounding the second coming of Jesus Christ. Sometimes there are debates or differing views about the timing of the rapture in relation to the Tribulation period. But regardless of those details, there is agreement among Bible scholars that tribulation saints refer to people who come to faith in Jesus during that intense 7-year period of turmoil described in Revelation.
Some wonder if the tribulation saints will include only new converts to Christianity, or if people who became believers after the rapture occurs can also be considered tribulation saints. The Bible does not offer those specifics, but it provides ample descriptions of intense persecution and even martyrdom that the tribulation saints will face under the Antichrist’s regime.
The important focus is not so much on pinpointing the exact identities of the tribulation saints, but recognizing that even amidst cataclysmic end times events, God still saves people and enables astonishing faith. Believers during the Tribulation will pay a high price, but their rewards will also be great for eternity.
When studying about the end times, it can be tempting to get lost in debates about various interpretation details. However, the biblical truths about the tribulation saints can redirect attention to their extraordinary examples of living wholeheartedly for Christ when faith costs everything.
The authenticity of one’s belief always shows best under fire. For the tribulation saints, their genuine faith will be tested under fires more intense than anything experienced before. And their courageous choice to stand firm for Jesus against all opposition will resound for eternity.
As believers approach the end times, focus should not be placed on escaping potential tribulation or persecution. Rather, followers of Jesus should pray for strength and grace to walk faithfully with Him no matter what suffering they may face, whenever and however He calls them to stand for the gospel.
The tribulation saints stand as inspirations to live all-in for Christ, holding nothing back. The choices they made to undergo suffering and martyrdom for the sake of the gospel continue as exhortations centuries later to hold loosely the things of this world, and grip tightly the hope of eternity in heaven.
Life during the 7 years of Tribulation period will be characterized by intense spiritual darkness and persecution. But God will still be at work, saving people and enabling faithful witness that shines light into the darkness. The tribulation saints have a special calling to herald the kingdom of heaven to a world facing apocalyptic judgement.
As the time of Jesus’ return draws closer, there may be increasing opposition toward those who follow Him. Persecution or tribulation should never be sought out purposefully. However, if and when these difficulties come according to God’s will, believers can find courage and hope in the promises of God to sustain them.
The testimony of the tribulation saints sends a sobering reminder for all Christians to heed – sincerity of one’s faith will be revealed when tested under fire. There can be no casual followers of Jesus or compartmentalizing of belief during those intense times. Choosing Christ will mean choosing suffering and possible martyrdom.
But for those whose faith remains unshaken, even unto death, their eternity is secure with God. Their sacrifice will echo through the ages as a testimony of loyalty to Jesus above all else. God specializes in using the small and the weak to shame the proud. The tribulation saints will exemplify this truth on a grand scale, for His glory.
No matter what period of history believers find themselves in, the centrality of the gospel remains unchanged. For the tribulation saints, their steadfast faith will seal their redemption during a time of unparalleled evil and spiritual darkness on the earth.
Even amidst the judgements and wrath of God poured out during the tribulation, His merciful salvation will still be offered. Alongside the horrific events described in Revelation unfolds an equally vivid portrayal of worship, praise, and honor given to the Lamb by those purchased from every tribe and nation.
The unwavering hope held by tribulation saints – affirmed through extreme persecution unto death – will serve as an eternal testimony of the blood of Jesus which redeems people from every generation. No power of hell can withstand the purposes of heaven. God prevails over all, and His gospel endures forever.
As that final generation of believers clings to the cross through escalating trials, they will encourage and strengthen the faith of all who have gone before. Their choices to accept suffering as Christ did – for the joy set before them – illuminate the hope that lives in any who call on His name.
The realities surrounding the tribulation saints are sobering indeed. But those who walk faithfully with Jesus have no need to fear persecutions or tribulations to come. For He has overcome the world and gives peace that surpasses all understanding. No eye has seen what glories await those who love Him and suffer for righteousness.
God knows every heart and the sincerity of faith within. Any who live all-in for Christ, willing to sacrifice everything in this life for obedience to Him, will surely receive eternal reward with their Savior.
The courage of the tribulation saints through that darkest season on earth stands today as a clarion call for current believers. Choose faithfulness now, come what may. Hold fast, stand firm, finish the race – His grace is sufficient for all who trust in Him.
As the final pages of earth’s history unfold, the tribulation saints will usher in the culmination of the gospel story. From an earthly view, their road seems paved only with sorrow and death. But from heaven’s view, they march from glory unto everlasting glory in the eternal presence of their King.
All who have walked faithfully with Jesus await that day with longing – when the redeemed of the Lord return with Him in triumphant glory. No tribulation of this life compares to the joy of that coming day of redemption. May the Lord find us ready and watching for His return!
