A popular view of modern Evangelical Christians is Daniel's 70th week, hence the Gap theory, the 7 year Tribulation (which I disagree with, because it states 42 months or 1260-1335 days in various places); that THE Church isn't mentioned after Rev. 4 - beg to differ. The multitude that no one could number_ in heaven _ who just came OUT OF THE TRIBULATION _ is the Raptured Church in Rev.7:9.
>>> If you came out of it, that usually means you were in it!
I would welcome debates on that one!
Yes, a depiction of all who have been eternally saved come not only out of tribulation, but "great tribulation", exactly as Christ spoke from the Mt of Olives, telling us that as the gospel of the Kingdom of God is preached unto all nations, there would be great tribulation such as never been before and shall never be again. We need to ask ourselves, what entity upon this earth throughout this age of grace has suffered greater tribulation in spite of martyrdom than any other entity upon the earth as the universal church (faithful saints) has and continues to have, and still continues to prosper and grow?
Revelation 7:9 (KJV) After this I beheld, and, lo,
a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
Revelation 7:14 (KJV) And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are
they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
This is a true saying, the Church of Christ is being built upon the blood of the martyrs for the faith; i.e. faithful saints (church). This is why Christ assures us: "
I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." At no time since the creation of man has there ever been greater persecution/great tribulation against those who faithfully proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom of God through Christ Jesus our Lord than for those who call themselves Christian (church).
John 16:33 (KJV) These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.
In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.