How can we prepare to be among those "coming out of the great tribulation"? Setting the Scene “Then one of the elders addressed me: ‘These in white robes—who are they, and where have they come from?’ I answered, ‘Sir, you know.’ So he replied, ‘These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.’” Who Will Stand? • The “great tribulation” is a real, future period of unprecedented distress (Matthew 24:21). • Those emerging victorious are clearly identified: they are cleansed by Christ’s blood and clothed in His righteousness. • Their place before God’s throne (Revelation 7:15-17) shows they have finished the race and are eternally secure. Core Preparations for Us Today 1. Embrace the Lamb’s Cleansing Now • Salvation is not earned; it is received by faith in Jesus’ finished work. • “The blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). • Genuine conversion secures our standing before the coming storm. 2. Cultivate Enduring Faith • “The one who perseveres to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13). • Daily habit of Scripture intake—“Man shall not live on bread alone” (Matthew 4:4). • Consistent fellowship (Hebrews 10:25) strengthens resolve when pressure mounts. 3. Remain Watchful and Sober-Minded • Jesus urges vigilance: “Keep watch, because you do not know the day” (Matthew 24:42). • Examine your life regularly; forsake hidden sin (2 Corinthians 13:5). • Pray alertly (Ephesians 6:18) to recognize deception (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10). 4. Armor Up for Spiritual Conflict • Put on “the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11-18): – Belt of truth—cling to biblical accuracy. – Breastplate of righteousness—live in integrity. – Gospel footwear—stay ready to witness. – Shield of faith—quench fiery darts of doubt. – Helmet of salvation—guard your mind with assurance. – Sword of the Spirit—wield Scripture offensively. 5. Expect Opposition but Hold Hope • “All who desire to live godly…will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). • Tribulation refines faith (1 Peter 1:6-7). • Jesus promises, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). 6. Encourage One Another with the Coming Gathering • “The Lord Himself will descend… and we will be caught up… to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). • This blessed hope fuels endurance and joyful anticipation (Titus 2:13). Daily Habits That Shape Overcomers • Start and end each day with God’s Word—aim for whole-Bible familiarity. • Memorize key promises about endurance (James 1:12; Revelation 3:10-11). • Fast periodically to train the will and heighten spiritual focus. • Practice generosity; loosen attachment to earthly security (Matthew 6:19-21). • Share the gospel—faith grows when exercised (Philemon 6). Assurance Amidst Future Shaking Because Scripture is sure and literal, the great tribulation will arrive exactly as foretold. Yet God also guarantees the faithfulness of His keeping power: • “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6). • “You are kept by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:5). Those truths turn preparation from anxious striving into confident obedience. Living Today with Eyes on Tomorrow • Hold loosely to this world; tighten your grip on Christ. • Let every hardship remind you that a kingdom without pain is near. • Keep looking for that crowd in white robes—because by grace, you can be among them. |
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