Monday, July 23, 2007

And the 7 Year Tribulation

A zero-word doctrine is the “seven year tribulation”. This doctrine is a common among Christians, but it is not found in the New Testament. It is not even found in the Old Testament, except for a dyslexic interpretation of Daniel’ vision of weeks. A “great tribulation” is mentioned in the New Testament (Matt 24:20-22) but this prophecy by Jesus was filled by the Destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.

The thing that is often missed is that trials and tribulations are normal for Christians who follow Jesus seriously.

In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (NASB)
Tribulation will be a normal experience for Christians in every age. Lack of tribulation is a generally a sign of compromise with the world.

The sad thing about the seven-year tribulation doctrine is its popularity among western Christians, who also believe that they will be raptured out before the so-called tribulation arrives. I suppose that it is not surprising that the tribulation escape doctrine is most popular in the home of "Comfort Christianity". This raises an interesting question. Why would God rescue millions of American Christians, when he did not rescue the Christians who have been through terrible persecution in China.

Actually, the scriptures do not promise and easy way out.
We must go through many tribulations to enter the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:22)
I am not looking toward to escaping. I want see the Kingdom of God come closer to its fullness before I leave this earth.

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