Persecution from man is not the same as wrath from God.
Jesus promised, “In this world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33).
But Paul said, “God has not destined us for wrath” (1 Thess 5:9).
These are two very different things.
Christian martyrs—past and present—face satanic hatred and human violence. But the Tribulation (Revelation 6–19) is God’s judgment on a rebellious world. It includes cosmic upheaval, demonic plagues, and bowls of wrath poured out directly by God.
It’s one thing to suffer in a fallen world. It’s another to say the Bride of Christ will endure the full brunt of the Lamb’s fury (Rev 6:16).
That’s not just bad theology—it undermines the very nature of God’s promises to His Church.
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those martyred under the Antichrist are experiencing the wrath of man and Satan, not the wrath of God. We agree there.
But here’s the key: God’s wrath isn’t directed at His saints—ever. That’s why distinguishing between the Church Age and the Tribulation period matters.
The martyrs in the Fifth Seal (Revelation 6:9–11) are not under wrath, but crying out during a period of judgment that is falling on the world.
They are faithful believers—often called “Tribulation Saints”—because they come to faith after the rapture, just like multitudes in Revelation 7:14 who “come out of the Great Tribulation.”
This isn’t saying they’re “less Christian.”
It’s saying their timing is different. God saves in every age—but His dealings with the Church, Israel, and the nations follow a prophetic structure.
We (the Church) are promised deliverance from wrath (1 Thess 1:10, 5:9).
They (post-rapture believers) endure the Tribulation, but are ultimately victorious (Rev 20:4).
It’s not about worth—it’s about where we are on the prophetic timeline.