Dear John:

The mid-trib and post-trib folks have never (as far as I know) answered one really big question that arises if the church remains on earth during the tribulation.

What is the church's role?

The world's plan seems to be war, population reduction, and a global political posture based on the so-called "climate crisis" for which the answer is lock-downs, quarantines, a lot of restricted movement, government control of money and government control of communications.

Censorship and curfews.  Isolation.  And ANYONE found who does not worship the image of the beast is put to death.

It's suggested that (I guess) the so-called "144,000 witnesses" will either be exempt or will miraculously transcend these restrictions, but if the church is here, what will its mission be, and how will that mission be accomplished?  (Note: Click for more on post-rapture evangelism)

Do they think God is going to postpone His promised deliverance and leave His bride on earth ... just to suffer?  Our current marching orders are to go into the world and preach the gospel.  Make disciples of all the nations.  Baptize.  The gates of hell will not prevail.

I asked this question of a well-known "Prophecy expert" who has a TV program and a weekly YouTube program and all the rest.  I thought he was pre-trib, but apparently he's changed his position.  He replied:

Our job is to endure... if possible and be faithful unto death as a Martyr to show our worthiness of Christ.

Revelation 13:7 shows most believers are gonna die.

Our purpose?  Death and glory.

The idea that we must "suffer" to "show ourselves worthy" sounds noble.  But it's not Biblical.  If pain and suffering were conducive to holiness, then sadism would be a virtue and "church services" would include torture, scourgings, and maybe time on the rack in the church dungeon. 

The fact is, that as John describes the misery on earth during the trumpet and vial judgments, there is no word of guidance or encouragement to the church.  Until the rapture, the church is supposed to be "on the offensive" - moving against Satan and his minions and making the Kingdom of Christ visible in the world.  I still think the "be faithful unto death" admonition is for the Aischyno Christians - those believers who choose to remain after the rapture.

Best,

Steve