Christians often hear about the coming Great Tribulation described in the Bible, yet many still ask why such a dramatic period must occur. Scripture reveals that this future season of upheaval is not random chaos. It is part of God’s prophetic plan to shake the earth, judge evil and bring history to the moment when Christ returns to rule.
Evangelist Perry Stone explained that the Great Tribulation is a clearly defined period revealed throughout Scripture. He pointed to Daniel’s prophecy to describe its timeline.
“Daniel 9:27, a period of seven years divided up in the book of Revelation into 42 months for the first half and 42 months for the second half.”
Jesus warned that this time will surpass every crisis humanity has faced.
“For then shall be great tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time nor ever shall be.”
Stone said several major developments unfold during this period.
Cosmic Signs Will Shake the Earth
The Tribulation includes dramatic disturbances in the heavens.
“Revelation chapter 8 indicates an asteroid is coming to affect a third of the earth. Matthew 24 says the stars will fall from heaven. Those are going to be large meteorites and things of that nature.”
These events signal a cosmic shaking that affects the entire planet.
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Natural Disasters Will Intensify
Scripture also describes widespread disasters connected to God’s judgments.
“There is a large number of natural disasters that are linked to what the book of Revelation sees as angels pouring out vials and trumpets blowing trumpets of judgments that impact the earth.”
Stone pointed to major earthquakes volcanic eruptions and roaring seas that indicate tsunamis.
Divine Judgment Will Be Poured Out
Revelation describes the Great Tribulation as a period of direct divine judgment.
“It will be a period of time that the early part of the book of Revelation calls the wrath of the Lamb. And the latter part of the 22 chapters of the book of Revelation calls the wrath of God.”
These judgments include darkness intense heat drought and severe consequences for those who accept the mark of the beast.
The Worst Time in Human History
Jesus made clear that no period in history compares to what is coming.
“For then shall be great tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time nor ever shall be.”
Scripture also says the destruction would be so severe that life would not survive if the time were not limited.
“Except those days be shortened there would be no flesh saved but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.”
Satan Will Be Cast Down to the Earth
Another major purpose of the Great Tribulation is the removal of Satan from the heavenly realms.
“In Revelation 12 Satan has been given access to the third heaven to be an accuser of the brethren.”
That access ends when he is cast down.
“He will then have access only to the earth and he comes down to the earth with great wrath knowing that he has but a short time.”
The Great Tribulation reveals the seriousness of God’s judgment, but it also points to Christ’s ultimate victory. Prophecy shows that history is moving toward the return of Jesus and the restoration of His kingdom on the earth.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
