Here is the partial Futurist take on the supposed three distinct groups distinguished by pre-tribulation rapture proponents of whom each is said to exist before or during the tribulation period on earth. (1) The Church (2) Tribulation Saints (3) The 144,000
Church
This is without controversy, so there is no point in explaining who
I believe is in the Church.
So in this post I will discuss so-called "tribulation saints" and follow it with the 144000.
So-called Tribulation martyrs.
These are called the SAINTS according to the book of Revelation. Some folks feel that "tribulation saints" are not part of the church, since they feel that the Church has been raptured before the tribulation period.
However, the average Christian in the church is called a "saint." (Col. 1:4, 12; Phil 4:22) etc.  We read...
Revelation 13:7-8 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.Here we see that the distinction between those who worship the beast and those whose names are in the lamb's book life. And since verse 7 speaks of saints experiencing warring from the beast, it is obviously those saints whose names are in the lamb's book of life, for everyone else worships the beast. Why would the saints be fought against if they worshipped the beast. Their names alone are in the lamb's book of life.
Why would there be a distinction in verse 8 between those whose names are in the book and those whose name's are not if one of those groups was raptured away from the world before this time? And it is the saints whose names are in the lamb's book of life, whom the beast fights. There is only one Gospel and one way to get your in the lamb's book of life. You must have faith in the lamb's work. And the Lamb is Jesus Christ. His shed blood saves us and washes our sins away. Acts 2:38 applies the work of the lamb's salvation to our lives. THAT is the reason there are names in the lamb's book of life. And the saints who are fought against by the beast have their names in the lamb's book of life for they are the church.
To say that one can get one's name in the lamb's book of life aside from Acts 2:38 is to propose ANOTHER GOSPEL.
Galatians 1:8-9 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.There is only one way to be in the lamb's book of life. Obedience to the Gospel. And the church is the only entity that obeys the Gospel.
God will have no other group aside from the Church in His economy. To say He works with people after the church is removed is to say that He has two gospels. Two plans of salvation. Kingdom Eschatologists insist that there is only one Group of people who are involved in God's Kingdom and who are saved in any form at all... the church.
And John begins the entire book of Revelation by saying the following:
Revelation 1:9 I, John, who also am your brother, and fellow-partner in the tribulation, and in the reign and endurance, of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, because of the word of God, and because of the testimony of Jesus Christ;Notice the two elements John, who was definitely a member of the Church, had.
He suffered tribulation because of these two things:
1) because of the word of God,
2) and because of the testimony of Jesus Christ;
Notice that a member of the church shared the same trouble that tribulation-saints shared due to the same reasons.
Revelation 13:6-10 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If any man have an ear, let him hear. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.John tells the christian readers that he is their companion in tribulation, in the kingdom and in the patience of Jesus Christ. He was in such "tribulation" due to the Word and the testimony of Jesus Christ which he held. So we are to take it for granted that every reference to "tribulation," the "kingdom" and "patience of Jesus Christ" must involve this forethought, since this is mentioned before any other "tribulation" is mentioned in Revelation.
That should cause a pretribulationist to look awfully suspicious at their doctrine. Revelation, a book written about a tribulation period in which the church is not supposed to be here, BEGINS by chatting about John, a member of the Church, who is companion to those in tribulation who hold God's Word and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Notice something we can correctly conclude from Rev 1:9. Whenever the twin thoughts of persecution for the "word" and the "testimony" of Jesus Christ are mentioned, it applies quite adequately to the Church member, with whom John was companion in. It cannot involve future people only and apart from christians like John, since John just said he was "our companion" in it, and that was 2000 years ago!!! You must include a guy who lived 2000 years ago with the gang who are mentioned to be holding the Word and testimony of Jesus.
Was that the "Great Tribulation" John experienced? Not according to many. That day cannot start until the Church, of which John was a part, is gone, they say.
So, lets look at other references supposed to be in the time of Great Tribulation according to popular prophecy teachers.
(Noticing little things like this reveals much!!)
Right in the middle of discussion about the Beast in Revelation 13, John writes:
Revelation 13:8-10 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If any man have an ear, let him hear. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.PATIENCE
Sounds like the words of Revelation 1:9. "Faith" of the saints would include the "TESTIMONY" of Jesus Christ, would it not? What I believe is referred to as my FAITH. And that is also my testimony. A declaration of my faith.
John repeats the thought of the words of Rev 1:9 and applies them to believers' troubles all through Revelation. And do not forget that John said he was our "companion" in such things.
(Someone taught that John represents the church and therefore the church is raptured before tribulation because John was caught up at the sound of a trumpet in Rev 4:1. I can more biblically use the same argument of John representing the Church by saying that he was the companion of all who suffer tribulation and manifest Jesus' patience who hold the testimony and word of God throughout Revelation and well into what you would call Great Tribulation. Watch
What does Rev 13:10 mean? It means that at that time (when the beast arises) the faith of the saints and the patience of the saints will be required. John was our companion in the patience of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 14:11-12 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.Again this shows when the patience of the saints will be required. During times when the saints shall face the inception of the mark of the beast.
In both Rev 13 and 14, it seems John is giving us a hint about how to survive the tribulation as a christian. He is saying, "Then will be the time you believers better exert your faith and patience in Jesus. You are going to need it then more than ever!" (Read those verses again with Rev. 1:9).
Recall that Rev 1:9 mentioned "the WORD of God and the TESTIMONY of Jesus Christ." This is repeated by saying "who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus" in Rev 14:12.
Even in the epistles these terms are used for the Church:
1 Thessalonians 3:4-5 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.And all this in a book (2 Thessalonians) which teaches about endtimes!2 Thessalonians 1:3-5 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your PATIENCE and FAITH in all your persecutions and TRIBULATIONS that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
"Patience and faith" in "TRIBULATIONS". Enlightening is it not? The same was said of John in Rev. 1:9 when he said he was the believer's companion in such things, and that was 2000 years before the so-called great tribulation period, about which is supposed to written throughout Revelation, in the middle of which saints are said to have experienced the faith and patience of Jesus!
This thought even shows up in popular opinion concerning Revelation's reference to a certain 3.5 years when the church is not supposed to be here:
Revelation 12:6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.(3.5 years is mentioned above, in which pretribulationists says there is no Church present.)
Same chapter ends by saying...
Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, ....When did this occur? In a 3.5 years' period
Revelation 12:17b ...which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.And here we see the dragon warring against believers who keep the commandments of God and have Jesus' testimony. The same type of people with whom John claimed to be a companion. The reference to the commandments of God coupled with the Faith of Jesus is simply a reference to the WORD of God and the faith of Jesus in Rev 1:9.
How could John be a companion in the same type of tribulation that "tribulation saints" will be part of when no member of the Church will have anything to do with anything like "the great tribulation"?
Quite a few parallels with "tribulation" saints and the church!!
Recap:
1.John is companion of those in tribulation and the patience of Jesus and of those who suffer because of the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus. John lived long before the speculators of a future tribulation theory believed "the tribulation" to start.
2.These same notes are described as experienced by "tribulation saints" throughout Revelation.
3.Even the epistles note the SAME terminologies when referring to saints of the CHURCH.
4.In the 3.5 years of future tribulation theorists, we read about believers holding the word of God (commandments of God) and the Testimony of Jesus, just the same elements John associated as characteristic of believers who are his companions in tribulation.
Friends, "great tribulation" is experienced by the Church!
Let me end by asking if Israel was around when Egypt suffered the plagues that are so similar to the Revelation plagues?
Was Israel "exited" from Egypt BEFORE these things occurred?
No.
Did God protect His people?
Yes.
Why worry about tribulation? We will not suffer God's wrath but we will suffer Satan's tribulation as we do everyday.
THE 144,000
Some say the 144,000 are even a third group apart from the church and the tribulation saints . However, the details of the 144,000's description matches that of New Testament references to the CHURCH ALONE.
Revelation 7:2-3 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.They are SEALED.
Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,They are servants of God.2Corinthians 1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Revelation 7:2-3 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.The original greek states that the number 144,000 is supposed to be 144,000's (pluralized).1Peter 2:16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
YOUNG'S LITERAL TRANSLATION Revelation 7:4 And I heard the number of those sealed, (one hundred and forty four thousands were sealed out of all the tribes of the sons of Israel):The term THOUSAND is used a term denoting a very large and huge number.
Revelation 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;So it is not literally 144,000.
This is the CHURCH.
The tribes of Israel are listed.
Revelation 7:5-8 Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.Notice that JUDA is mentioned first. This was never the case when the tribes were listed in the Old Testament.
And the CHURCH is referred to as true Jews.
Romans 2:28-29 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.The CHURCH is called the ISRAEL OF GOD.
Galatians 6:16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.12 is a symbolic number in the Bible. 12 tribes and 12 apostles and 12 months of the year and 12 kinds of fruit on the tree of life in Revelation 22, all point that 12 is a governing number. The 12 months govern the seasons and when we plant and reap, etc. 12 tribes governed Israel and 12 apostles governed the church. 144 "thousands" is simply thousands of 12 times 12.
Revelation 14:1-5 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.Again the GREEK term for THOUSANDS is seen in this chapter.
YOUNG'S LITERAL TRANSLATION Reve 14:1 And I saw, and lo, a Lamb having stood upon the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty-four thousands, having the name of his Father written upon their foreheads;Verse 4 says they are REDEEMED. There is only one way to be redeemed. By the blood of Jesus, through obedience to the Gospel. There are not two gospels that point to redemption. There is only one.
They have their Father's name in their foreheads. This is not literal. Neither is the verse three verses before this in Rev. 13:16. (Recall that the original writings had no chapter divisions). The forehead means the WILL.
Ezekiel 3:8-9 Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads. As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.This is what Jesus aid...
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.Doing the WILL of the FATHER is having the FATHER'S NAME ON YOUR FOREHEAD.
They stood with the Lamb. Only one group is with the Lamb. That is the Church. Every reference to Jesus as the lamb points to His sacrifice for sins, by which the CHURCH was saved.
They stood on a MOUNTAIN. A rock. The wise man doing the Father's will built his house on a rock.
The mountain was SION.
THE CHURCH is on Mount Sion.
Hebr 12:22-23 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,They followed the lamb wherever He went.
Philippians 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.They sung a new song. Sounds a lot like a repeat using other visions...1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Revelation 5:8-10 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.The CHURCH is made up of us who are kings and priests who sing a new song, like the 144 thousands in Rev. 14.
Revelation 1:5-6 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.And He made us kings and priests by washing our sins in His blood. That is the church.
Revelation 14:4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins.Adultery and defilement with women in the Bible always implied idolatry and going to other gods.
Exodus 34:15 Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and one call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice;The Church is considered VIRGIN.James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Hosea 3:1 Then said the LORD unto me, Go yet, love a woman beloved of her friend, yet an adulteress, according to the love of the LORD toward the children of Israel, who look to other gods, and love flagons of wine.
2Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb."
Of the CHURCH James says this:
James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.What overabundance of references used for the 144,000 and applied to the CHURCH!!
NO GUILE
Revelation 14:5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.NO FAULT1Peter 3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing ; but that it should be holy and without blemish.Colossians ties faultlessness with being saved by the cross of Christ.Colossians 1:22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
Speaking to the Church:
Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,With the Church called the ISRAEL OF GOD, and TRUE JEWS, we see clearly the message of the 144 "THOUSANDS" being the church, as the tribes are listed.
There is the issue also of the tribes listed. DAN is not mentioned in the list and neither is Ephraim. That was simply never done in listing tribes of natural Israel. This is therefore not at all speaking about literal and natural Israel. Judah is mentioned first, because the spiritual Israel, the Church, is headed up by CHRIST the lion of the tribe of JUDAH (Rev. 5:5).