To Mercer: regarding Revelation 5's "proof" of a pre-trib rapture

I think you're forgetting that there's already been one resurrection of saints. The 24 Elders could very well be from this resurrection:

Matt 27:51-53 'And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.'

YBIC,

Bill Griese