Bruce, you wrote:
 
The 'Bride of Christ' also known as the 'firstfruits' of His Church are the 'dead in Christ' who rise first, and then the 'living in Christ' who are gathered up together with them to meet the Lord in the air...The 'balance' of the Church enters into the "Great Tribulation" on earth to gain sanctification (ie. they wash their robes) before entering Heaven...
 
I think it is an interesting supposition but I just wonder why if this were so Apostle Paul would have put himself in the "we which are alive and remain" group and not in the "dead in Christ" group? He certainly considered himself to be dead in Christ when he said I am crucified with Christ nevertheless I live...
 
Just looking at it from all angles.
 
Barry Amundsen