Isn’t the great tribulation yet to come?

Yes. It is to take place just before Jesus returns. The “great tribulation” corresponds with the time of the seven last plagues mentioned in Revelation 16. “Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete” (Revelation 15:1). God’s wrath will be directed against those who disobey His law, distort His truth, and oppress His people. “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18).

The great tribulation also coincides with the battle of Armageddon. Both take place immediately before Christ’s second coming. “And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon. Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, ‘It is done!’ ” (Revelation 16:16, 17).

I believe the great time of trouble will last only a month or two. Here are a few Scriptures that show it will be a short period of time: Revelation 18:8 tells us, “Her plagues will come in one day.” A “day” in Bible prophecy represents one literal year (Ezekiel 4:6, Numbers 14:34, Luke 13:32). So when Revelation says that “her plagues come in one day,” it means within, or less than, one year’s time.

The very nature of the seven last plagues—the rivers and seas turning to blood and the planet being scorched with great heat—would render it impossible for the human race to survive more than a month or two. This is why Jesus said, “Unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened” (Matthew 24:22).

Key Bible Texts

And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. (Daniel 12:1 KJV)