The Time of Trouble and Seven Last Plagues Explained

Yes, the great time of trouble and the seven last plagues are inseparably connected, as the outpouring of these plagues constitutes the very essence of that unprecedented period of anguishGP 92.3+2. While they occur in the same general timeframe following the close of human probation, the "time of trouble" is a broader term that encompasses the plagues, the national calamities, and the specific spiritual struggle known as the time of Jacob's troubleGP 92.3+2.

The Relationship Between the Trouble and the Plagues

• A Unified Event: The seven last plagues are the literal manifestation of the wrath of God and are the primary cause of the "time of trouble such as never was"BEARF 21.3+2.

• The Trigger: This period begins exactly when Jesus finishes His mediation in the heavenly sanctuary, lays off His priestly attire, and puts on the garments of vengeance Isaiah 59:17ExV 19.1+1.

• The Duration: Evidence suggests that this period of the wrath of God, during which the plagues fall, will last for one year Revelation 18:8SLH 104.2+1.

Distinguishing Phases of Trouble

It is helpful to understand that there are distinct phases and types of trouble described in sacred history:

• The Commencement: There is a "short period" just before the plagues are poured out, while Christ is still in the sanctuary, known as the commencement of the time of trouble, during which the "latter rain" prepares the saintsHOMI August 1893, page 4.6+2.

• The Great Time of Trouble: This is a time of national calamity and the outpouring of God's unmingled wrath upon the wicked, rather than just religious persecution Revelation 16:1DAR1909 322.3+1.

• The Time of Jacob’s Trouble: This specific phase occurs during the outpouring of the plagues, especially after a decree is issued to slay the saints, leading them to cry out for deliverance in deep anguish of spirit Jeremiah 30:7GP 92.3+2.

• Great Tribulation vs. Time of Trouble: The "great tribulation" mentioned by Christ often refers to the historical persecution of the church (such as during the 1260 years), whereas the "time of trouble" in Daniel 12:1 is the final crisis of the world Matthew 24:21DAR1909 322.3+2.

Protection During the Plagues

During this terrible time when the seven last plagues are falling, the people of God are not removed from the earth but are shielded by divine powerJEO 93.2+1. Just as Israel was preserved during the plagues of Egypt, the sealed followers of God will be protected so that no plague comes nigh their dwelling Psalms 91:10JEO 93.2+2. Their bread and water will be sure, and they will be hidden in the "secret place of the Most High" while the wicked suffer the rewards of their choices Isaiah 33:16+1Broadside2 January 31, 1849, par. 9+2.

The sequence of final events leads from the purification of the church to the glorious deliverance of a specific company and a vast multitude of the redeemed.

The Preparation: Shaking and the Latter Rain

The shaking in the church is a necessary process to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement before the final crisisCCh 334.1+1. This preparation allows for the reception of the latter rain, which is a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit designed to ripen the harvest of God's grace in the soulLDE 183.2+1. This spiritual refreshing provides the essential strength and power needed for the people of God to give the loud cry and eventually stand through the time of troubleLDE 201.1+2. Without obtaining victory over every pride, selfishness, and wrong word now, no one will be able to share in this refreshing or stand in the battle of the day of the LordExV 58.3.

The Sealing and the 144,000

The sealing is a professional mark in the intellect, signifying that a person is fully settled into the truth and sanctified by itSLG 40.12+1.

• Character Requirements: Not one will receive the seal of the living God while their character has even one spot or stain upon itCCh 334.1+1. Those who make up the 144,000 are characterized by their complete integrity; in their mouth is found no guile, and they are without fault before the throne of God Revelation 14:5Hvn 51.1+1.

• A Living Company: The 144,000 are specifically those who are redeemed from among the living at the coming of Christ, having been translated without tasting deathMPC 77.1+2.

• The Seal as Protection: This seal serves as their divine protection during the outpouring of the seven last plagues, ensuring that while the wicked are destroyed, no plague shall come nigh the dwelling of the righteous Psalms 91:7-10JEO 93.2+2.

The Great Time of Trouble and the Seven Last Plagues

When Jesus ceases His intercession in the sanctuary, the decree of Revelation 22:11 is issued, and the great time of trouble beginsGP 89.4+2.

• The Outpouring of Wrath: This period involves the seven last plagues, which are the unmingled wrath of God poured out upon those who have received the mark of the beast Revelation 16:1-2TMR 115+1.

• Jacob's Trouble: During this time, the saints experience "Jacob's trouble," a period of intense mental anguish and a deep sense of unworthinessGP 92.3+2. Like Jacob wrestling with the angel, they plead for deliverance while surrounded by a world intent on their destruction Genesis 32:24-28LS 117.1+1.

• Divine Deliverance: Although a death decree is issued against them, holy angels station themselves as guardians, and the weapons raised against God's people fall powerless as strawLDE 257.3+3.

The Redeemed Multitudes

In the heavenly courts, distinct groups of the saved are identified based on their specific experiences.

• The 144,000: This company stands nearest the throne, following the Lamb wherever He goes and singing a "new song" of their unique experience that no other group can learn Revelation 14:1-4Hvn 51.1+2. They have the privilege of entering the holy temple on Mount Zion and visiting all the worlds of God's creation1T 68.2+1.

• The Martyrs: Another specific group consists of those who were slain for their faith, distinguished by a red border on their garments1T 68.2+1.

• The Great Multitude: Beyond these is an innumerable company from all nations, kindreds, and tongues Revelation 7:9DD 54.3+2. These are the millions who have perfected Christian characters throughout all ages and have now reached the prize of eternal lifeDD 54.3+2. All together, they raise a triumphant shout of "Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb" Revelation 7:10GC88 665.2+1.