In Revelation 7.14 John sees a great multitude of people praising God. They are standing before the Throne and they are wearing white robes. John doesn’t know their identity so an Elder tells John that they have come ‘out of the great tribulation.’
Does ‘the great tribulation’ refer to a specific period or event, or is it a general term? Theologians differ as to the meaning of this phrase. Some see it as a specific -7 year period of time that precedes the coming of Christ. Others see it as a general term that refers to the opposition that God’s followers face while on earth.
My opinion is that the great 'tribulation’ in 7.14 is a general term. This same word is found in 1.9, in 2.9 and 10, and again in 2.22. Each time the word is used in Revelations it refers generically to the sufferings that God’s people endure. The word ‘tribulation’ doesn’t appear again in the book of Revelations.
God is pouring his wrath upon the world. His wrath is seen in the Seals, the Trumpets and the Bowls. During this time the forces of this world are rising up and opposing God and his people. I believe that the phrase ‘great tribulation’ of 7.14 is referring to this period of time prior to Christ’s final return.
What about your thoughts on this phrase and its meaning?