Most definitely Christians in parts of the world are enduring tribulations and persecution. This is distinct, however, from the 7-year period described in the Revelation of Jesus Christ, given to the Apostle John. Most scholars I have read agree the period of Tribulation will begin with the signing of a peace treaty between Israel and the AntiChrist, a treaty that the AntiChrist will break halfway through the 7-year period, when the AntiChrist sets himself up in the Temple as a god.
Now, I have heard many arguments for pre-trib, mid-trib and post-trib rapture. I have also heard arguments that the rapture will not occur until after the Millenial Reign of Christ on earth. I tend to believe in the pre-trib rapture, for the same reason other have stated. We are never promised that we will be shielded from persecution, trials and tribulations; but the Great Tribulation is the wrath of God being poured out on mankind, and as Christians, we are not subject to His wrath, having been saved from it by His blood.
But I do not claim to have the definitive answer to this question (neither does anyone else have the definitive answer, regardless of the certainty of their claims). And so while I pray for a pre-Trib rapture, I intend to live as though we will be here for the entire time.
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>> “ the Great Tribulation is the wrath of God being poured out on mankind” <<
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No, it is not!
It is the wrath of Satan being poured out on the saints.
The wrath of God comes at the end of the trib, in the bowl judgements. We are to be gathered at the Last Trump, the event that ends Satan’s tribulation.
The bowls will be poured out on Antichrist and his followers who have his mark.
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Sage words. I agree.