“This is what the Lord says: ‘If those who do not deserve to drink the cup must drink it, why should you go unpunished?’ ” (Jer 49:12). 

Some people teach that the book of Revelation does not mention the Church again after chapter three, so that must mean the Church is gone.  They teach that the rapture happens before the Tribulation and only the Church of Thyatira will go through the Tribulation.  We’ve already seen that there is a matter of emphasis, but as we examine these scriptures, I believe we will see a different view.

What will happen to the other six churches during the Tribulation?

When the Apostle John wrote Revelation, the seven churches described there represented real churches with real problems at that time.  Some people teach that it is also possible for the seven churches to represent church ages over the last 2,000 years.  And it is obvious that the seven churches represent different aspects of our present day Church. 

Which is true?  Does Revelation speak of past, present or future churches?  The three descriptions in the paragraph above can all be true at the same time, because Jesus’ words to the churches are about truth, human nature, man’s condition, man’s attempt to govern churches, Satan’s continued deceptions, and the inevitable problems and failures.  When Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock,” we know that this is truth - as true today as it was in 100 A.D., 1,000 A.D., or 2,000 A.D.  We know in our heart that he is personally talking to our church and to us this day.

The other six churches are not promised an escape from the Great Tribulation and the coming trials.  Here are a few verses describing the saints during the Tribulation, which is also an obvious indication of the Church’s presence.

Jesus tells the Church of Smyrna that he knows their affliction and poverty, but they are told, “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer.  I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days.  Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev 2:10).

“To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations...” (Rev 2:26).

“There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name.  This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus” (Rev 14:11-12).

Dan 7:25, “He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws.  The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time.”  This is the last half of the Tribulation. 

Dan 11:31-32, “His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice.  Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation.  With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.”