How can believers go into the final seven years, if God has not appointed them to wrath?

Ted's Response:

Luke 21:36 very well may indicate that some believers will be exempt from the trials and tribulations of the 70th Week. It certainly seems to urge believers to pray accordingly.

However, Luke 21:12,16 indicates that many believers will be persecuted, and some will be put to death. Matthew 24:7-9 indicates that it is after the beginning of birth pains that many will be persecuted and put to death.

There are clear parallels between Jesus' Olivet Discourse and the events associated with the first six seals of the scroll in Revelation—the latter which, most agree, will take place during the 70th Week:

Therefore, there will be persecution of believers during the 70th Week, especially after the Fifth Seal is opened (Revelation 6:9-11).

It is true that God has not appointed the righteous to wrath. However, it is the (erroneous) assumption by most who embrace the Pre-tribulation view of the Rapture that the entire seven years will be composed of God's wrath. In fact, it is not even until after the Sixth Seal is opened (Revelation 6:16,17) that the word "wrath" appears in the Book of Revelation.

It is only at that point, after the cosmic disturbances (sun turns dark, moon turns red, etc.) have begun, that the unbelievers will realize that God's wrath is imminent—that is, that the great day of God's wrath (the Day of Vengeance) is at hand. This will commence with the opening of the Seventh Seal, followed by the supernatural trumpet judgments and bowl judgments.

There is nothing "wrathful" about nations coming against nations, earthquakes, famines, plagues, and pestilences. It very well may be, during this dreadful time in the world, that God gradually will be removing His helping, sustaining hand from the earth (allowing nature to "let loose" with numerous disasters and calamities) and from the activities of humankind (allowing the Antichrist and the kings of the earth to rise to power and persecute Jews and Christians).

Note Daniel's statement:

As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom (Daniel 7:21,22).

Truly, the Bible describes many cases of escape, by God, for the righteous. And He very well may provide miraculous provisions for many believers, during the 70th Week, to help them escape death and even much of the persecution that will take place. Luke 21:36 certainly may be indicative of this.

However, this will not be via a Pre-tribulation Rapture, since the Rapture will not take place until after the Sixth Seal has been opened (when God's "children" will be caught up and away). It is only after that point that the saved believers are seen in heaven, as the multitude in white robes (Revelation 7:9,10). Then, His wrath will not actually take place until after the opening of the Seventh Seal.

Also, John described the following, to take place after the midpoint of the 70th Week, as Satan's rage increases:

Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring—those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus (Revelation 12:17).

Undoubtedly, 1 Thessalonians 5:9 is very comforting, but it does not indicate a Pre-tribulation Rapture. God's supernatural wrath, which will be doled out by His angels, will not begin to be "blown" and "poured" out upon the earth until after the Seventh Seal has been opened. This will follow the Sixth Seal events, one of which will be the Pre-wrath Rapture.