Dear Doves,
 
Matthew 24:22
'If those days (of great tribulation) had not been cut short (by the rapture), no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect (the Church) those days (of great tribulation) will be shortened (in duration)."
 
Therefore, the Church IS IN the early part of the great tribulation. Now we can understand the meaning following Scripture:
 
Revelation 7:13-14
"...who are they and where did they come from? These are THEY (the Church) WHO HAVE COME OUT OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."
 
The raptured Church is now the great multitude in heaven standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. Now we can understand the meaning of the next Scripture:
 
Revelation 2:10
"DO NOT BE AFRAID OF WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO SUFFER, I tell you, the devil will put SOME of you in prison to test you, and YOU WILL SUFFER TRIBULATION FOR TEN DAYS. Be faithful even to the point of death, and I WILL GIVE YOU THE CROWN OF LIFE (at the rapture)."
 
The duration of the "shortened" great tribulation is "ten days" at which time the great tribulation is "cut short" for only "the elect" by the rapture.
 
According to Your Word, Come Lord Jesus!
 
Bruce Warner