For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Grant Abbott
The reference in Thessalonians 5:9 that God did not appoint us to suffer wrath does not mean we will necessarily be raptured before the Seven Year tribulation Period begins. A careful reading of the book of Revelation offers some alternative time frames to consider.
Revelation 7:9-17 indicates that believers in Jesus arrive in heaven "sometime during" the great tribulation.
Revelation 8:13 announces the Three Woes - referring to Trumpets 5, 6 and 7 (the last trumpet heralds the Seven Bowl Judgments). The word Woe is a common Old Testament word indicating God's wrath. Therefore God's wrath may begin with the blowing of trumpet #5. That would mean the church of Jesus Christ may not be raptured until the end of Trumpet 4.
Rev 10:7 says that in the days before the 7th trumpet that the mystery of God will be accomplished. Is this who belongs to the church of Jesus Christ.
When the Seventh Trumpet sounds, several important events happen:
Rev 11:15 the kingdom of our world becomes the kingdom of God
Rev 11:17 God has begun to reign and his wrath has come
Rev 12:19 Satan and his angels have been hurled to the earth. Salvation, power and God`s kingdom have come.
Rev 15:7 Seven angels are given seven bowls filled with the wrath of God.
Therefore, God`s wrath may not begin until the 7th trumpet blows, so the church may not be raptured until then.
But the good news is: We have been sealed with the Holy Spirit, guaranteeing our salvation and inheritance in the new heaven and earth.
Darenstafford0923@gmail com Stafford
Matthew 24 If God had not shorten the time no flesh would be saved but for the elect sake he has shortened it.. So why would he rapture all Christians and leave his elect to suffer the tribulation?