Also Paul in Thessolonians said, comfort one another with these words. How could going through the tribulation be a comfort?
Those that cannot see a pretrib rapture are making the same mistake the Israelites made in the first century. They only saw one coming of the Messiah, not two. Christ’s first coming as the Suffering Servant is very different than His coming in glory to rule the nations. Because they did not see the two comings, they missed the arrival of the Messiah - they were looking for the coming in Glory and missed out altogether, and were judged for it
The Church will also be wrong if they do not see 2 more comings of Christ. One in the air for His people, and the other to earth on the Mount of Olives to establish His rule of the nations. There will be a lot of surprised saints in the rapture. Fortunately this is not a salvation issue, but if one is not looking for the rapture, I think they are missing out on a lot of joy and anticipation that God wants us to have, and instead replacing it with the dread of the tribulation.
Maranatha
I’m very satisfied in heart, mind and soul regarding the rapture...that assurance does not come from men as you likely know. His assurance always brings “comfort” when seeking His truth on a matter.
Some very large church organizations are convinced they will indeed go thru the Tribulation...many even stash food banks etc. for that time.....others aren’t concerned for the false assurances they have that God will provide....they cannot see their doom.
As you say it is not a salvation issue....some will be indeed be surprised to go...others who thought they’d be going will find themselves left behind....the assurance of our salvation only comes from God IMO....it cannot be found in church membership or a Pastor or teacher.
Straw!
Paul was not saying that the trib would be comforting. Paul had already told them that because they kept his appointed times, they need not fear Yeshua coming as a thief to them.
1Thessalonians 5
[1] But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
[2] For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
[3] For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
[4] But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
[5] Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
[6] Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
The Thessalonians, being fully Torah compliant, would be taken to the place in the desert during the trib. Only those that were not so aware would be caught unprepared.
There will be only one return of Christ, His second coming, that is it.