Who are the tribulation saints?

TL;DR:

Tribulation saints are those who come to faith in Jesus during the seven-year tribulation, though many will face martyrdom at that time. No one needs to wait until the tribulation to come to faith; salvation is available now for anyone who will believe in Christ. The best time to prepare for the future is not in the future; it is today.

what does the bible say?

Tribulation saints are the people who will come to faith in Jesus Christ during the tribulation period. According to the premillennial view of the end times, after the rapture will be a seven-year tribulation during which many judgments will come upon the earth. The tribulation will end with the second coming of Jesus to begin the 1,000-year millennial kingdom (Revelation 19:11–16; 20:1–6). Tribulation saints are those who come to faith in Christ during the seven-year tribulation period, following the rapture. During this time, Jews and Gentiles will come to salvation (Revelation 7:1–14; 11:3–12), but many tribulation saints will face martyrdom (Revelation 20:4). The tribulation serves as a period of both judgment and redemption, as God desires that all people come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). However, salvation is available now, and God calls everyone to turn to Christ today for eternal security, not waiting until the tribulation (Acts 16:31; 2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2).

from the old testament

The tribulation saints are not mentioned in the Old Testament.

from the new testament

During this seven-year period of tribulation, 144,000 Jewish evangelists will share the good news of Jesus around the world (Revelation 7:1–8).
Many additional people will turn to faith in Christ during the tribulation. Revelation 6:9–11 speaks of martyred believers and the reality that more will be martyred during the tribulation. Revelation 7:9 says, "After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb." Revelation 7:14 affirms, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
Revelation also speaks of two witnesses during the tribulation who preach Christ, work miracles, and reach many with His message. These two witnesses will also be martyred, but their resurrection takes place three and a half days later, and they are taken to heaven (Revelation 11:3–12). These powerful witnesses will succeed in turning some people to Christ, increasing the number of tribulation saints.
Many of the tribulation saints will be martyred: "Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years" (Revelation 20:4). The martyrs of the tribulation will be resurrected at the commencement of the millennium.

implications for today

Both Jews and non-Jews will come to faith in Christ during the last days. While the tribulation will bring severe judgments upon the earth, God's ultimate purpose is not just judgment but also redemption. Many will recognize Jesus as the Messiah and Lord during this time, with a great multitude from every nation, tribe, and language coming to salvation, as described in Revelation 7:9–10. Though the tribulation serves as a wake-up call, urging people to turn to Christ, God’s desire is that none should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). His judgment is meant to draw people to Himself, offering them the opportunity to repent and be saved even amidst the suffering (Revelation 9:20–21).

However, no one needs to wait until the tribulation to come to Christ. The opportunity for salvation is available now. When the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas about salvation, they replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31). Eternal security in Christ is available today (John 3:16–18; Ephesians 2:1–10). If you are unsure about your eternal future, now is the time to turn to Him. The best time to prepare for the future is not in the future; it is today. Embracing Jesus as Lord and Savior now ensures a place in His eternal kingdom, allowing you to have peace and hope no matter what lies ahead (John 10:28–30; Romans 8; Jude 1:24–25).

understand

Tribulation saints are those who come to faith during the seven-year tribulation.
Many tribulation saints will be martyred for their faith at that time.
No one needs to wait until the tribulation to be saved; everyone is urged to turn to Christ today.

reflect

How does the reality of tribulation saints and their martyrdom challenge your view of living faithfully for Christ today?
How does knowing that salvation is available now impact your approach to your faith and evangelism?
What steps can you take today to be ready for Christ’s return, regardless of when it happens?

engage

What can we learn about salvation and God’s plan for us from the tribulation saints?
What do the roles of the 144,000 Jewish evangelists and the two witnesses reveal about God's methods and heart of reaching people during the tribulation?
How can we encourage others to turn to Christ now, emphasizing the urgency of salvation before the tribulation begins?