The question concerns the presence or absence of the Church during the tribulation period as described in the Book of Revelation. The pre-tribulation rapture theory posits that the Church will be removed from the earth before the tribulation begins. However, this view is challenged by interpreting the text of Revelation, which seems to indicate the presence of believers throughout the tribulation. The argument hinges on identifying references to saints and believers during this period.
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The claim that the Church is absent from Revelation after chapter 3 is a common assertion made by proponents of the pre-tribulation rapture. However, a closer examination of the text reveals the presence of believers throughout the tribulation period. Several passages in Revelation explicitly mention saints, martyrs, and those who remain faithful to God during this time, indicating that the Church is not removed but endures the tribulation.
The presence of believers during the tribulation is evident in several key passages within the Book of Revelation. Revelation 6:9-11 describes souls under the altar who were martyred, indicating believers suffering during the tribulation.[1] Revelation 7:13-14 further clarifies this by stating, "These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb," explicitly showing believers emerging from the tribulation.[2] Additionally, Revelation 13:7 mentions the beast making war with the saints and overcoming them, and Revelation 14:12 highlights the patience of the saints who keep God's commandments and the faith of Jesus, confirming their presence and perseverance during the tribulation.[3] These verses collectively demonstrate that the Church is present and actively involved in the events of the tribulation, rather than being removed from it.
Authoritative Sources
- Revelation 6:9-11. [Bible Gateway]↩
- Revelation 7:13-14. [Bible Gateway]↩
- Revelation 13:7, 14:12. [Bible Gateway]↩
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