Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth
. Revelation 3:10.
One: An
hour of temptation is coming
. It is an
hour
in comparison to the
ages
of general tribulation that have fallen on parts of the earth. It is an
, only a short time, yet an exceedingly intense time. It contains more tribulation than that of all the previous ages combined.
Two: It will be
upon all the earth
. It will not be in only the "trouble spots" of the earth; the entire earth will feel the full weight of its fury.
Three: Those who
kept the word of his patience
during times of
general
tribulation will be
kept
from
the time of
great
tribulation. During these times of general tribulation, faith is exercised to wait in
patience
for His Return:
Be
patient
therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath
long patience
for it, until he receive the early and latter rain
(Jms 5:7).
Four: Believers will be
kept from
(Gr.
ek
) the terrible hour. They will not go
through
it, but will be kept
it. This is a key passage demonstrating that the Rapture of believers will take place before the terrible time of trouble. The coming Tribulation is one unit composed of Seven Seals containing Seven Trumpets and Seven Vials. We will not go through any part of it.