Very Interesting
Very interesting, perhaps you are right about that. That's new to me. Will keep it in mind, but as of yet will still not form a definate opinion on the matter.
I assume you beleive we will be raptured prior to the tribulation. Where in scripture does it specifically say this? I've always thought rapture prior to tribulation was too easy. Plus if the whole world witnessed millions of people floating up to heaven or just dissappearing, wouldn't that make the world repent then and there? I am fearful to say I totally disagree with it because I simply don't know.
But how does it make the average christian feel and view the tribulation? I think it would stop christians from preparing for what will be the most terrible time in history. Seems to take the sting out of the tribulation for all christians and almost take any urgency out of what's about to come on the world. Seems to almost be a possible stumbling block for many who just don't want to face the reality. "Hey, don't worry you will be raptured and won't have to suffer because you're a believer", I would be careful to accept this so easily, it could be the reason for the 10 virgins parable, five of whom were not wise and didn't bother preparing, they took no extra oil, and missed the return of christ. I never like to accept anything that sounds like an easy way to heaven. For me I believe we will all go through and have to endure the tribulation, and the surpirise factor in the return of christ will be exactly the day or hour we don't know, but we can know the year/season.
Some things about surviving through the tribulation:
The Anti-Christ Leader will have power to force nearly all to receive the mark - but he couldn't have absolute power, he wouldn't have eyes to see every square meter of this planet. He will force a lot of us to suffer but some of us (smart and alert ones) will evade him, as I plan trying to do. If we do get overcome as the Bible states, although I don't believe all of us will, then so be it, the bible says it will happen to many of us, I will do all I can to be one that escapes this. I mean think about it, do you think the Anti-Christ Leader is going to care about all the thousands of little islands spread over the globe? What about the Artic or Antartica? I believe God can and will save many of his people and help them to evade the Anti-Christ Leader. He did it during WorldWar 2.
This is taken from Matthew 25 and comes in the same area when talking about the End Times.
At that time the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridgegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: "Here's the bridegroom!, Come out to meet Him!". Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed thier lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, "give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out". "No" they replied, "there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves". But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with Him to the wedding banquet . And the door was shut. Later the others also came. "Sir! Sir!", they said "Open the door for us". But He replied, "I tell you the truth, I don't know you". Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
There is an obviuos reference here to being prepared for the long journey, while waiting for Christ to return. I take this meaning there will not be a rapture , but we will have to prepare ourselves for the tribulation period.
Note everything I've written is my own opinion and since I am human I may be wrong. I am willing and always ready to change my opinion should it be shown incorrect.