Disciples Digital Library

Disciples of Jesus escape God’s wrath, but they endure tribulation. And according to Paul, the church has been appointed to tribulation . The terms “ tribulation ” and “ wrath ” are NOT synonymous in Paul’s letters or in the book of Revelation . “ Tribulation ” is what disciples endure for the sake of the gospel. “ Wrath ” is the horrific fate that awaits the wicked at the final judgment when the Lord arrives in glory.

In Romans , Paul details the gospel, and declares it is the “ power of God for salvation .” Due to humanity’s sin, two forces are at work - righteousness and wrath. In his Son, God has provided the solution to mankind’s desperate plight, one that is available to all men through the “ faith of Jesus Christ .”

In Romans , Paul stresses the “ righteousness of God ” revealed in the gospel. It is the “ power of God for salvation to everyone who believes ,” and a “ righteousness ” that is being proclaimed throughout the earth to “ Jews and Greeks ” alike. And by the “ righteousness of God ,” the apostle means  HIS  “ righteousness ” - God's  faithfulness  in providing salvation for His wayward creatures. And the genitive construction of the Greek clause, the “ righteousness of God ,” must be given its full weight.

Just as sinners await the future judgment of God, so believers wait to receive their full salvation at the resurrection  –  Romans 1:16-23 .  In  Romans , Paul introduced the “ gospel ” that he was proclaiming to the Christians residing in the city of Rome. This “ glad message ” was promised centuries earlier in the Hebrew scriptures, a message concerning the Messiah, the Son of God, which has now been revealed to all the nations in Jesus Christ - both to “ Jew and Greek. ”

The Thessalonians received the gospel in tribulation but remained faithful while anticipating the arrival of Jesus – 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10. In his opening paragraph, Paul anticipates the subjects he will discuss in the letter. This includes the tribulations of believers, the basis for Christian hope, the “ coming ” of Jesus, the resurrection of the dead, and the impending “ wrath ” on unbelievers.

In four separate passages,  Revelation  refers to a coming “ GREAT EARTHQUAKE ,” each time locating it on the day of “ wrath .” Chaos in the heavens and unimaginable seismic shifts on the earth will mark the arrival of the “ Day of the Lord ,” the Great Dénouement when God vindicates His people and punishes His enemies.

The first four bowls target the economic infrastructure necessary for commerce and the economic health of the  World Empire . Since the “ Beast from the sea ” caused the followers of the “ Lamb ” economic deprivation, so, now, the “ Beast ” and the “ inhabitants of the earth ” suffer economic loss.

The sixth seal ushers in the Day of the Lord, the time of wrath upon the inhabitants of the earth and all the Lamb’s enemies  –  Revelation 6:12-17 .  The opening of the sixth seal causes celestial and terrestrial trauma as the “ day of wrath ” dawns. It is nothing less than the “ great day of the wrath of God and of the Lamb .” Men of every rank panic in terror, but their every attempt to hide from the impending “ wrath ” is in vain. There is no escape, for no one can “ stand ” before the “ Lamb and the throne. ”

In Revelation, wrath refers to the final judicial sentence of God on His enemies. Tribulation is what the church endures .  The “ wrath of God ” is  NOT  synonymous with “ tribulation ,” and it is identical with the “ plagues ” unleashed by the three series of “ seals ,” “ trumpets ,” and “ bowls of fury .” And despite the devastation of these plagues, impenitent men do not repent. “ Wrath ” refers to the sentence of God on His enemies.

Already, Jesus is rescuing his people from the coming wrath that will befall the unrighteous when he arrives. Local opposition forced Paul to leave Thessalonica before his work was finished. Because of his anxieties about the congregation, he sent Timothy to investigate matters, and his first letter is his thankful response after receiving good news from Timothy.

Disciples escape God’s wrath, but they endure tribulation. Indeed, the church has been appointed to suffer .  The terms “ tribulation ” and “ wrath ” are  NOT  synonymous in Paul’s letters. “ Tribulation ” is what disciples endure for the sake of the gospel. “ Wrath ” is the horrific fate that awaits the wicked at the final judgment when the Lord arrives in glory.