Page 36 - The Rapture Question by John F. Walvoord

The Meaning of the Church
the Old Testament and further substantiates the distinctive
character of believers in the present age.
Conclusion
On the basis of the usage of the word ecclesia in the New
Testament and the obvious contrasts in the character of the
church to believers in either the Old Testament or the future
Millennium, the conclusion is clearly drawn that in the pres­
ent age the body of believers that composes the church has a
distinct place in God’s plan and program and as such is con­
trasted to saints who will come to know Christ in the tribula­
tion period or in the future Millennium. Therefore, when the
question is considered whether the church will go through the
Tribulation, the last generation of the church living on earth
at the time is in view and must not be confused with those
described as saints or with Israel or with the elect in the
tribulation period.
It is significant that none of the truths discussed as dis­
tinctive of the church are found in the description of saints in
the Tribulation. Never are tribulation saints referred to as a
church or as the body of Christ or as indwelt by Christ or as
subject to translation or as the bride. As the church is a dis­
tinct body with special promises and privileges, it may be
expected that God will fulfill His program for the church by
translating the church out of the earth before resuming His
program for dealing with Israel and with the Gentiles in the ,
period of the Tribulation.

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