TRIBULATION, TWO GROUPS, ONE PROMISE

 

Some believe we are close to the start of the tribulation. We are told in scripture that some of Yahweh's people will be protected from the tribulation while some will have to go through it. Even be killed during it. Then comes the return of Yeshua when ALL of Yahweh's people will be resurrected and changed into spirit beings to rule with Yeshua on earth for 1000 years. 

Let’s learn who are protected, why they are protected, how they are protected. Who will go into the tribulation and why.

Yahweh Has Two Different Purposes

Scripture shows two groups among His people during the end times:

1. Those whom Yahweh protects from the worst of the tribulation.
2. Those who remain in the world and endure persecution, with some becoming martyrs.

Neither group is more "saved" than the other. Both belong to Yahweh. Both are ultimately resurrected or changed at Yeshua's return.

Who Is Protected?

We are pointed to the faithful believers pictured in Revelation 12.

"And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness... where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent." (Revelation 12:14)

This "woman" symbolizes Yahweh's faithful people.

Why are they protected?

Because Yahweh has chosen to preserve a remnant to continue His work and because they have demonstrated faithful obedience.

Several scriptures are connected with this.

Revelation 3:10

"Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial..."

This is a promise of physical protection during the coming worldwide testing.

Isaiah 26:20-21

"Come, My people, enter your chambers... hide yourself... until the indignation is past."

This shows Yahweh sheltering His people while judgment falls.

Psalm 91

This psalm describes Yahweh's protection during times of great danger.

How Are They Protected?

The Bible never gives every detail.

Several possibilities appear in Scripture.

• They may be taken to a wilderness place prepared by Yahweh (Revelation 12:6,14).
• Angels may protect them (Psalm 91:11).
• Yahweh may provide food and necessities just as He did for Israel in the wilderness and Elijah during the famine.
• Their protection is entirely by Yahweh's power—not by human preparation.

Notice Revelation says:

"A place prepared by God."

The emphasis is on His preparation, not ours.

Who Goes Through the Tribulation?

Revelation clearly shows faithful believers still on earth.

Revelation 13:7

The beast

"was granted to make war with the saints."

These are called saints, not unbelievers.

Revelation 14:12

"Here is the patience of the saints: here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Yeshua."

These believers are enduring tremendous persecution.

Revelation 20:4

John saw

"the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Yeshua and for the word of God..."

These faithful servants refused to worship the Beast and paid with their lives.

Why Do Some Go Through It?

Scripture does not state one simple answer, but several reasons are suggested.

1. To bear witness

Some believers are called to give their testimony before rulers and nations.

Yeshua said:

"It will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony." (Luke 21:13)

2. To refine faith

Daniel 11:35 says

"Some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white."

Likewise:

"The testing of your faith produces endurance." (James 1:3)

3. Because not everyone is spiritually ready

Many connect the letters to the seven congregations with different spiritual conditions among believers.

For example:

• The faithful congregation in Philadelphia receives the promise of protection (Revelation 3:10).
• The congregation in Laodicea is warned to repent because it is spiritually lukewarm (Revelation 3:14-22).

Faithful obedience is connected with receiving protection. 

Protection Is Not the Same as Salvation

This is very important.

Those protected are not "more saved."

Those who are martyred have not failed.

Many of Yahweh's greatest servants died faithfully.

• Stephen
• James
• Nearly all the apostles

Their deaths were victories, not defeats.

Revelation repeatedly calls martyrs overcomers.

At Yeshua's Return

When Yeshua returns, the distinction between the two groups ends.

Paul writes:

"The dead in Messiah shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them... to meet the Master in the air." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

And:

"We shall all be changed." (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)

Whether someone was:

• protected in the wilderness,
• endured persecution,
• imprisoned,
• or martyred,

they all receive the same glorious reward.

The 1,000-Year Reign

After Yeshua's return:

• The saints are resurrected or changed into immortal spirit beings.
• They reign with Yeshua for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:4-6).
• Yahweh's Kingdom is established over the earth.
• The nations are taught His ways.
• Peace and righteousness replace the rule of human governments.

The Main Lesson

The Bible never tells believers to focus on where they will be during the tribulation. Instead, it repeatedly emphasizes who they should be before it begins.

Yeshua's instruction was:

• Watch.
• Pray.
• Keep His commandments.
• Endure faithfully.
• Do not fear.
• Trust Yahweh completely.

Whether Yahweh chooses to protect someone physically or calls them to witness through suffering, the promise is the same:

"Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." (Revelation 2:10)

The ultimate hope of every faithful servant is not merely escaping the tribulation, but hearing Yeshua's voice at His return, rising in the first resurrection, and reigning with Him in His Kingdom forever.