Bruce,

I known of Christian folk that were not so perfect in this world, who've gone on to be with the Lord.  What happens to the so-called 'Laodicean' Christian who has perished BEFORE Tribulation.  Doesn't the dead in Christ rise FIRST?

 

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:" - 1Th 4:16 KJV

 

We which are alive and remain shall be harpazo or CAUGHT UP TOGETHER WITH THEM (those who went first) in the clouds to MEET the LORD.

 

"Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." - 1Th 4:17 KJV

 

How could a 'back-sliding' Christian endure the Great Tribulation if they were found it difficult to endure the trials and testing prior to Great Tribulation?

 

Doesn't 1 Thessalonians 4:14 indicate the the criteria for rapture for both the dead and the living in Christ?

 

"For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him." - 1Th 4:14 KJV

 

Would the Lord appoint His weaker children to His wrath (Great Tribulation) upon the lost, those with no hope? 

 

Shouldn't ALL we Christians comfort one another with these Words?

 

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive [and] remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." - 1Th 4:13-17 KJV

 

In Christ,

 

Kevin Heckle

 

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." - Mat 5:16 KJV