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How To Survive The Tribulation Period With Survival Tips From a Biblical Perspective
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It is unlikely that the following information regarding surviving the tribulation period will be of any value to anyone prior to the rapture of the church. This information is intended for those who have found themselves on the other side of the rapture (left behind) awaiting the beginning of the tribulation period. You should know, it is highly unlikely the tribulation period will not start immediately following the rapture of the church. It could be days, weeks, months or even years before the tribulation period begins.
The purpose of this article is to determine if it is possible for anyone to survive the tribulation period by planning ahead and to outline what those preparations should be. The Bible is clear in Zechariah 14:17-21 that there will be survivors, but in doing so, it will be by the grace of God that anyone survives.
So what are the chances of surviving the tribulation period? Nobody knows for sure, but we do know that one-quarter of the world’s population will be eliminated (Revelation 6:7, 8) when the fourth seal is broken and another one-third will die when the sixth trumpet sounds (Revelation 9:13-19). That doesn’t even include:
1. The complete destruction of Mystery Babylon (Revelation 18).
2. The devastation of a worldwide earthquake (Revelation 16:18).
3. The complete annihilation of the Russian-Islamic Alliance (Ezekiel 38 & 39).
4. Wormwood (Revelation 8:10-11).
5. The Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 9:16; 16:15, 16; 200 million will die).
6. Worldwide martyrdom of Christians (Revelation 7:13-17).
7. The Apocalypse (Revelation 6).
Certainly, this is not a complete list but you can see that any person who ends up in that final number will be fortunate.
Let’s say five billion people enter into the tribulation period. It has been estimated that as many as four billion people will die leaving one billion survivors. Following the seven-year tribulation, the Lord will rule with a “rod of iron” (Revelation 19:15) and execute judgment on the nations to determine who will enter into the millennium. The criterion is simple. Those who befriended Israel during the tribulation period will be allowed to enter into the Millennium age. Those who didn’t will be executed without mercy. In some cases, entire nations could be wiped out. Of course, if anyone takes the mark of the beast they will automatically be executed (Revelation 14:9-11). When all is said and done, only a fraction of the world’s population will be left. I will be conservative and estimate that 500 million will be allowed to enter the millennium age.
Frankly, I do not believe anyone can plan for the horrible events of the tribulation period, because it's more than just war, it will include supernatural catastrophes that will systematically destroy every resource man must have to survive. The Bible also says that except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved (Matthew 24:22 a). Here are some events that will take place during this time:
1. First trumpet-All grass burnt up; one-third of trees burnt up (Revelation 8:7).
2. Third trumpet-One-third of world's rivers and streams poisoned (Revelation 8:10-11).
3. Second bowl-Sea turns to blood all fish die (Revelation 16:3).
4. Third bowl-Rivers and fountains become blood (Revelation 16:4).
5. Fourth bowl-Heat of the sun scorches men (Revelation 16:8-9).
By the first trumpet judgment, much of what acts as a continuous natural filter to clean our air will be destroyed. The third trumpet, and second and third bowl judgments will see virtually all water sources polluted or destroyed. The fourth bowl judgment will see blazing heat scorch all of mankind while there is no drinkable water. God will systematically bring man to what looks to be the end of the world as we know it.
Couple these supernatural and systematic plagues with the above listed wars, and there looks to be very little to no hope of survival even if one does plan ahead. But if you find yourself living in the tribulation period, I certainly wouldn't rule out any option or possibility I had at my disposal. The following will give you an advance look at what some of the obstacles may be according to the Bible, how you might be able to overcome them, and options that are just out of the question.
Let's take a look at some of the general preparations and obstacles that one would face during this time period.
First off, you wouldn't necessarily need to begin your site preparation until you are sure the tribulation period has begun. The Bible has clear signs as to when that day will come. The first sign is when the Antichrist comes forward and confirms a peace treaty with Israel and many other nations (Daniel 9:27). At around the same time, the second sign will emerge when two witnesses of God begin their supernatural ministry on the streets of Jerusalem where they will preach the gospel for three and one-half years. You will certainly hear about them because they will be world-famous or infamous due to the miracles they will perform and the plagues they will send (Revelation 11:3-8). When you see these two events happening you know the tribulation period has begun. Actually, the signing of the peace accord will mark day one of the tribulation period. This is the moment when I would begin my survival preparation or at least within the first year.
First, learn what will happen once the tribulation period begins in chronological order click here.
Second, when the Antichrist introduces his mark, do not take it under any circumstance including threat of death (Revelation 14:9-11) to you and/or your family. Once you take the mark you are doomed eternally to death and the Lake of Fire.
Your first concern should be to secure a safe shelter to house your family and store supplies that will sustain them for at least three and one-half years of the seven-year tribulation period. Most Bible scholars believe, for the most part, the first few years won't likely be life-threatening nor will it require the mark of the Antichrist to survive. However, midway through the tribulation, the Antichrist will desecrate the Temple in Jerusalem and declare himself to be God (Daniel 9:27). From that day forward, he will push his new world economic order and require all of mankind to take his mark in order to buy or sell. When this system is instituted worldwide, without the mark, you will be unable to function in the civilized world.
But getting back to your need to secure a safe shelter location. This will require the purchase of land. You can either build a shelter or buy land with a shelter already built. Any new building structure would require permits and government permission. In planning your location, you should get as far away from any major city as possible. Metropolitan areas will be the first targets struck in the event of nuclear war. No matter where you go, all land and property must be registered to an owner under today's (US) system. In the new world order, I have to believe the government (Antichrist) will require everyone to reregister their land, shelter, vehicles, watercraft, planes, etc., under each persons given new mark. If you do not take the mark I can't imagine that you will be able to own property, land or transportation vehicles of any kind. So it will be difficult, if not impossible, to maintain a hidden residence where you can stockpile supplies for the last half of the tribulation period (3 1/2 years).
Another location option, and probably the best, is to scout out natural shelters such as caves, rocky crevices, abandoned houses and tunnels, and large trees for a possible tree house shelter. This should be done well in advance.
Another option is large tents. Many of today's tents are light weight, yet durable, and can be assembled and taken down in a few easy steps. This would allow you to move quickly from location to location as the days become more dangerous. It could also free you up from purchasing large amounts of food staples and water, but eventually, it will probably be necessary for you to have some stored water and food. We will discuss why this will be necessary later in the article.
Of course, living out in nature will have its own dangers during this time period. The Bible says, following the breaking of the fourth seal judgment (war; Revelation 6:7-8), one-quarter of the world's population will die, and one of the means by which they will die is by the beasts of the earth. Many Bible believing scholars interpret this to mean, during this time, God will remove the natural fear of man from wild animals. Due to the lack of available food, mankind will become one of natures primary food sources.
Another danger that will come from this great world war is the effect of radioactive fallout on nature. With so many people dying in so little time, one has to believe that nuclear weapons will be the weapon of choice. This will greatly affect your ability to live off the land, plant crops, or drink water from available natural sources. However, it is simply unknown what the full extent of damage these wars will cause on the earth during this time.
In general, you can use any plant food that is ready for harvest if you can effectively decontaminate it (peel skin or scrub with water). Growing plants, however, can absorb some radioactive materials through their leaves as well as from the soil, especially if rains have occurred during or after the fallout period. Avoid using these plants for food except in an emergency. As always, it is best to boil all water (you'll need a pot, plastic bottle or tinfoil) for at least five minutes to kill all contaminants.
Now let's get to the supplies you will need in order to survive through the three and one-half year reign of the Antichrist. Remember, you can't buy, sell or hold a job for at least three and one-half years without the mark. All food and supplies will have to be paid for, transported, and stored in a safe place before this new system is put in place. Of course, it will probably take some time (weeks maybe months) before it is properly instituted and enforced worldwide, but if you wait until the revealing of the Antichrist you may run into a critical food and supply shortage. If you remember, once the Antichrist declares himself to be God and introduces the mark (Revelation 13:11-18), God will send out angels to warn the world not to take the mark of beast (Revelation 14:6, 7, 9-11). I have to believe anyone who orders or attempts to purchase large quantities of food and supplies beyond this moment will be viewed with great suspicion by the government. Even if you are permitted to purchase the needed supplies, you will most definitely run into severe shortages. Your wisest move is to plan ahead, make a list, and spread your purchases out over the early part of the first three and one-half years. There's no guarantee when the world war described in Revelation chapter six (second-fourth seal judgments) will start. Once this war commences, shortages to the point of severe starvation will be worldwide.
So let's take a look at some of the general necessities you will need. Water is one of the staples of life. Without clean drinkable water, you would not be able to survive beyond a few days. Since the Bible is clear, that at some point during the second half of the tribulation, the entire water supply will be destroyed by God, it is advisable that you store bottled water. Bottled water is estimated by experts to have a 2-4 year shelf life. The minimum daily amount you will need to store is one gallon per person. That would bring the minimum amount of water you would need to store for a family of four for one year to 1460 gallons. Multiply that number by 3.5 and the amount of water needed grows to over 5000 gallons. This is a tremendous amount of water that will be hard to transport and store. You may have to locate your shelter near a freshwater source until it is no longer available. According to the Bible, that day will come toward the end of the tribulation period. Again, always boil the water to destroy contaminants. Also, do a little research and look into a portable water purifier with a long filter life.
Food staples with a long shelf life is next on the list. Upon researching different types of food, canned juices, meats (tuna, chicken, ham), vegetables, soups, and fruits had a shelf life of two years and beyond. All canned goods should be low-sodium and stored in a cool place. Virtually all canned goods contain a significant amount of water that can be consumed. There are also many high calorie protein bars on the market that have between a 3-5 year shelf life. Two of the more notable survival bars are the Mayday 2400 and the Mainstay 3600. Of course MREs, flour, white rice, sugar, dried soybeans, and powdered milk, if stored correctly, have long shelf lives.
The caloric daily intake per person ranges from 1500-2500 calories a day depending on gender and activity level. You will also have to make certain that your diet includes essential proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. For a family of four you will need to have on hand food that will provide daily 6000-10,000 nutritional calories.
You will need basic medical supplies along with a long-term supply of any prescription drugs your family members may need over the next three and one-half plus years. You will not be able to receive life preserving prescriptions or medical attention of any kind without taking the mark under the new world order.
Based on your location and climate, you will need clothing, hats, gloves, footwear, and blankets that will sustain you over the next three and one-half years. I would suggest you purchase a -20 F thermal sleeping bag. Other supplies that should be included: A Bible (mandatory), eating utensils (can opener), a cranking radio with flashlight, gas mask, hammer axe, saw, knife, sharpener, survival staff, Leatherman multi-tool, zip ties, backpack, waterproof matches or lighters, magnesium flint stick, compass/whistle/magnifier, a map of area, reading glasses, sewing kit, par cord (1000 feet min.), fishing equipment, and a gun with ammo. Actually, you should have a couple of some of these items in case of malfunction.
It would be smart to learn wilderness survival skills such as trapping, hunting, finding bird eggs, fire starting (without matches/lighter), building a shelter, wilderness medical skills, identifying edible vegetation and insects, and water purification techniques. Any learned skills should be practiced regularly to stay sharp. Don't wait for disaster to strike before you try them out. There are plenty of books available with pictures to help you learn the skills and identify eatable items.
There may be those who believe they can live off the land and make it through this period on their survival expertise. That may be possible for some years into the tribulation period, but eventually the plagues God will bring upon the earth will destroy or pollute all known water sources. Without clean drinkable water, you will be dead within a week. So have a ready supply of water for at least several months.
In conclusion, if a person were to locate a secret wilderness location that was beyond the reach of the new world order (Antichrist kingdom), and secure in advance all the necessary food and supplies to survive the final half of the tribulation period, it would take a very large moving truck to transport it, if the truck was even able get to said location. Frankly, staying light and mobile will likely be a big factor in determining one's survivability during this time period.
The truth of the matter is, the only place of refuge the Bible says the Lord promises to protect during this horrible time period is Petra located along the southwestern Jordanian-Israeli border. During the second half of the tribulation period, a faithful remnant of Jews will be forced to flea to this ancient rock-hewn cliff city where God will protect and nourish them until He returns in the clouds of glory (Daniel 11:41, Revelation 12:14, Isaiah 63:1). All others who refuse to take the mark (Christians; Revelation 13:8) will likely spend the final three and one-half years living on the run or will face death in Christ (Revelation 15:2). But be encouraged, the Bible is clear that there will be survivors, and by the grace of God, you can be one of them.
I will leave you with advice from Jesus Himself regarding the survival of this time period found in Matthew 24:15-22:
[15] When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken
of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him
understand:)
[16] Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
[17] Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out
of his house:
[18] Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his
clothes.
[19] And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in
those days!
[20] But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the
sabbath day:
[21] For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the
beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
[22] And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be
saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
This warning from our Lord is directed more toward those in and around Jerusalem but still yields some sound advice.
For more survival tips and information, here is a website called Survivor Outdoor Skills. This survival website is loaded with great tips and information. This is not a Christian survival website and occasionally the writer does slip in a curse word or two. But if you can get past that you will learn a great deal about surviving in the outdoors.
If you have additional information, advice, and/or biblical insight that you would like to pass along please feel free to e-mail me.
I hope this information has shed some biblical light on this topic of surviving the tribulation period.
Of course, you can avoid the unspeakable horrors of the tribulation period by coming to Christ, repenting of your sins, acknowledging Him as Savior, and turning your life over to Him. It is only through Christ Jesus that we can obtain eternal life and be assured of our heavenly destination. I encourage you to make that commitment to Jesus today.
If you have made this commitment to the Lord, I would be happy to hear from you. Please feel free to e-mail me.
Are you ready to meet the Lord? If not, your time is running out!
Terry Malone
Calvary Prophecy Report
Want to know more about becoming a Christian click here.
If you haven't had a chance to take a look at my book "Revelation Revealed", I encourage you to go to my website and explore what this book has to offer. I believe it will give you a clear understanding of the end times and the order in which it may come. Pick up a copy today for yourself or a loved one who does not know the Lord. I know it will be a spiritual blessing to you and will help support this ministry. To order a copy of Revelation Revealed please click here.