Matthew 24:21 For than shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world (age) to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Christ is quoting Daniel 12:1
Notice what Christ says after quoting Daniel... Matthew 24:22 And except those *days* (whose days? Why, Daniel's.) should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
Is salvation offer to those that return to the Maker, or is NOT salvation offered to those that are still in this flesh body?
Consider, the tribulation is something that has never been in this 'flesh' age, since the 'Garden Party'. Paul says Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
It does not take years for the 'birth' analogy...
Matthew 24:22 And except those *days* (whose days? Why, Daniel’s.) should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.
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I have always taken that as Jesus’ saying the Church, the called out ones, would not go through the Great Tribulation. But we shall see, and soon. Maranatha!