Just got home and did some reading real quick. But the rapture comes before tribulation, and only those that are not called home at that time will be here for the tribulation of 7 years. It is also my understanding that during those 7 years there is no death, that death will turn away from you. But it is also my understanding that during the tribulation you can except god? I will have to find the link I was just reading a few minutes ago but it referenced everything.. be back
From my understanding... The Rapture will occur before the Tribulation begins, and before the Antichrist is revealed. Gentiles who have heard the Gospel may or may not (?) be able to receive salvation after the Rapture. Some pastors say they will, some say they won't, that "the door will have closed." I know the Bible talks about the "fullness of the Gentiles" so I tend to side with the pastors who say that once the church is Raptured, the door closes on unbelieving gentiles, even though I hope I'm wrong! God will turn back to the Jewish people (he turned his back on them after they rejected Jesus as Messiah and started "the church age" which is now and will end at the Rapture) and will witness to them during the Tribulation period. Jews can and will accept Christ during the Tribulation, but they will be hunted down and slaughtered by Antichrist and his minions for not taking "the mark of the beast." There will be death from natural disasters, etc. during the Tribulation, but there will be a time during the latter part where people will wish for death due to God's wrath being poured out on them, but they will not be able to die or kill themselves. I've gotta run but I did look at the link you provided and it looks like a good place to do some studying. Have a good evening... I may be back on later.
If you get some time over the weekend or in the evenings and you want to hear more about the Rapture, the Tribulation period, and the Antichrist, here are some excellent teaching sermons by Dr. Rogers. The Golden Key to the Book of the Revelation -- http://www.lightsource.com/Ministry/love_worth_finding/20080406/ The Midnight Cry and the Rapture of the Church -- http://www.lightsource.com/Ministry/love_worth_finding/20080420/ The Biography of the Beast -- http://www.lightsource.com/Ministry/love_worth_finding/20080427/ Have a great weekend!
