I read recently that there were 196 countries in the world, and that Christians were being persecuted in 139 of them. (The blog I read this in didn't link to any sources, but did mention Amnesty International. Can anyone here confirm this?) If those numbers are correct, that means that tribulation has already come to 71% of the world's countries. And there's one of the biggest problems with the pre-tribulation rapture theory. How do you define when the tribulation has started?
I would then have to ask if the tribulation began before 70AD? Read of Paul’s life in the faith ending with his head cut off.
2 Tim 3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
2 Tim 3:11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of
them all the Lord delivered me.
2 Tim 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
No, the tribulation will be a temptation to come upon all the world. Certain ones will be kept from it and be present with Christ prior to the tribulation pronounced beginning in Revelation Chapter Six. Full blown tribulation will begin in the second three and one half years and it is said in Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.