The Great Ribulation

~ THE GREAT TRIBULATION
tempted to “draw back” to apostate Judaism that
apostasy would only bring them “a certain fearful expectation
of judgment, and fiery indignation which
will devour the adversaries” (Hebrews 10:27).
For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is
Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” And again,
‘The Lord will judge His people.” It is a fearful
thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
. . . For you have need of endurance, so that
after you have done the will of God, you may
receive the promise: ‘Tor yet a little while, and
He who is coming will come, and will not tarry.
Now the just ~hall live by faith; but if anyone
draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.”
But we are not of those who drawback to perdition,
but of those who believe to the saving of
the soul (Hebrews 10:30-31, 36-39).
The other New Testament authors wrote in similar
terms. After St. James warned the wealthy unbelievers
who oppressed the Christians of the miseries
about to descend upon them, charging that they had
fraudulently “heaped up treasure in the last days”
(James 5:1-6), he encouraged the suffering Christians:
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the cornirzg
of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the
precious fkuit of the earth, waiting patiently for
it until it receives the early and latter rain. You
also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the
coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble