G-G; you make a great point, we must be prepared for persecution but the world has also seen numerous saints live the balance of a normal life (save for personal crisis, i.e., sickness, divorce, etc.) affect others for Christ then one day they died. They didn’t go through any great persecution, they weren’t denied life and limb for their faith, they lived by faith then they died. Why is it so hard to believe that God would spare the church from the worst form of wrath?
My only point is that I think it is naïve to believe that God is going to ignore the cries of all the martyrs that have gone before. When the tribulation comes all Christians will be tested. Its not farfetched that very soon you may have to decide whether you will take the Mark of the Beast. What if you have to decide to take a chip if you want to be able to buy food? Millions will do it.
Matt: 24: 10-13
10 And then shall many be offended , and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise , and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound , the love of many shall wax cold . 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved .