Who are the “Tribulation” Saints?

Without entering fully into the “Pre-trib / Post-trib” argument, let me at least advance some givens in this discussion:

1. Both Daniel (8:24, 12:10) and John (Revelation 7: 14, 16: 14) see precious brothers and sisters suffering during the world’s most awful hour. They do exist.

2. They are not lukewarm saints being given a second chance. Nowhere does Scripture hint at this preposterous idea.The fate of the lukewarm is given to us very clearly by Jesus: to be spit out of His mouth.

3. They are called a holy people. They are not second class citizens by any means. They actually seem to be among the most blessed of all humans, as Daniel’s last message brings out in its closing breaths, 12:10-12. In fact, most are Martyrs. Suffering untold ways.

But who are they?

Were they saved during the Tribulation? Then why are they not whisked right up to Heaven for the “Marriage Supper” if indeed that Supper is going on at that time? Are we not added to the Church when we get saved? If “Old Testament” Saints are said to be at that supper, would not “Post New Testament Saints” be welcome too? Why are they left out?

It is questions like these that are left unanswered when new theories penetrate the Body of Christ and demand unquestioning loyalty (ever had a conversation about this with a pre-trib believer?)

I ask God’s people to consider this, and to let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: namely, that the humble Saviour was ready to suffer and die, and we must be also. Creating an escape where none is mentioned seems an unlikely way to advance the truth of God. The only escape promised us is from the wrath of God executed by Jesus at His coming.

Tribulation will always be around for the saints, the true saints. The Great Tribulation at the end of history is no exception to this rule. If it is, who says it is, and by what authority? If Jesus, Paul, and all the Gospel writers never told us about a “secret” coming of Jesus to be added to His final coming, why do so many believers latch on to this idea?

So they can, they think, hang on also to a comfortable life-style now and a bump-up to Heaven while the "tribulation saints" bear the worst Hell has ever offered?

May God have mercy on those of us who are so soft as to be –perhaps— ineligible for any true worth in His Kingdom. What if the startling answer to the question on this page turns out to be, “folks you and I know very well...” ? Just today's saints looking for His appearing. Given to the Scriptures. Filled with the Spirit. Holy. You do know some of these, don’t you?

These are the people, alive when antichrist begins, and some of them, when he ends, his reign, who will show the world what true allegiance to Christ really means. They are Stars in the Jesus sky. Diamonds in His crown.

There’s no “wimps for Jesus” club when antichrist takes over. Will you serve Him or protect and serve your own flesh? That will be the question then.

Matter of fact, it’s the question now.