This is a question of perennial interest, and concerning which there is considerable confusion even in fundamental circles.
Scripture emphasizes the peculiar character of the Great Tribulation by declaring that nothing like it has ever preceded, or will follow it.
Matt. 24 and a good deal of the book of Revelation is taken up with the events of this period. The duration of the entire tribulation period will be seven years, but the portion known as the Great Tribulation is stated as "forty and two months," "a thousand, two hundred and threescore days," "a time, and times, and half a time." This is three and one-half years. The description of the sufferings of that day is terrible!
The Old Testament prophets foretold the tribulation. Jeremiah called it, "The time of Jacob's trouble." He wrote, "Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble." Jer. 30:77Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. (Jeremiah 30:7). Daniel declared, "There shall be a time of trouble [tribulation], such as never was since there was a nation, even to that same time" (Dan. 12:11And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. (Daniel 12:1)). Our Lord Himself described the tribulation in these words: "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be." Matt. 24:2121For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matthew 24:21).
The Locale
Who will go through this most awful time? Predominantly the Jew. The tribulation refers specifically to that nation, for it is definitely called "the time of Jacob's trouble." It is the time of Israel's trouble because of her rejection of her Messiah. Note also that in Dan. 12:11And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. (Daniel 12:1) the whole prophecy is the description of what is to happen to Daniel's people-the tribulation is the tribulation of Daniel's people. This ties in with Matt. 24 where the Lord Himself speaks of this same time and same event, using the terms of Daniel, and referring to him by name. (Compare Matt. 24:1515When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) (Matthew 24:15); Dan. 12:1111And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. (Daniel 12:11).) Also the language of the chapter confirms this as to the locality. Those who are in Judea are to flee to the mountains. Those who are on the housetop are not to come down to seek anything. They are to pray that their flight may not be on the sabbath. All is local and Jewish, having no application at all to heavenly hopes which rest on going to meet Christ in the air.
But, as to the question, Will the Church go through the tribulation? the answer is, No, for the following reasons:
A New Race
The Church is made up of believers on the Lord Jesus Christ, both Jew and Gentile, who in Christ Jesus are neither accounted Jew nor Gentile, but "a new creation." When Christ came, He was nailed to the cross. It was then that He who knew no sin, was made sin for us, and bare the sins of all who believe, in His own body on the tree (2 Cor. 5:2121For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:21); 1 Pet. 2:2424Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (1 Peter 2:24)). After His burial He arose from among the dead and was preached to both Jew and Gentile; and when individuals of these racial groups (classes) believed, they became living members of the body of which Christ is the Head.
The Church may-in fact, has and does-suffer persecution or tribulation in a general sense, for, "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." 2 Tim. 3:1212Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12). Samuel Rutherford, in the midst of such persecution and suffering, could write, "The Lord is with me, I care not what man can do. I burden no man, and I want nothing. No being is better provided for than I am, my chains are gilded over with gold. No pen, no words can express to you the loveliness of my only, only Lord Jesus." Today many of our Lord's people-in many countries-are suffering persecution for Christ's sake.
There is a great difference, however, between suffering persecution for your faith at the hands of man, and suffering the wrath of God in the Great Tribulation. The Church will not partake of this.
Lovely Types
Enoch of the Old Testament typifies the Church raptured to heaven. He was without human distinctions or political importance-"unknown and yet well known." Being dedicated to his heavenly Master, his home was there, and there he was translated without seeing death, before judgment came on the earth (the flood in Noah's day). He left behind him a simple record that, walking by faith, he pleased God and testified of the advent of Christ-a picture of the Church testifying and being taken before judgment comes.
Another beautiful picture of the Church is seen in Asenath, the Gentile bride of Joseph. She was exalted to one of the highest places in Egypt with Joseph, after his brethren had sold him. In like manner the Church will be united to Christ in highest glory before the Great Tribulation (typified by the seven years of famine that brought Joseph's brethren to repentance). Thus we see pictured the bride, the Church, with the Bridegroom in the Father's house, when the Jews below on earth are brought low in the tribulation.
The Antichrist
Please read also 2 Thess. 2:1, 21Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. (2 Thessalonians 2:1‑2): "Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled...." Here we find the Church caught up to be with the Lord before the events that the Thessalonians feared were to take place. We notice, too, in verses 6 and 7 of the same chapter that the antichrist, because of whom the tribulation breaks out and rages, will not be revealed while the Church is on the earth. He-the wicked one-will not come forth until the Restrainer, the Holy Spirit, is taken out of the way. This will take place when the Church is translated and the Holy Spirit's restraining operations through it cease.
One Hope
There are many things which must precede the tribulation, such as the formation of the ten kingdoms of Daniel and Revelation, and the manifestation of the antichrist; but nowhere is the believer told to look for anything to take place before the Lord comes for His Church. On the other hand, the New Testament abounds with exhortations to wait for Christ from heaven. See such scriptures as Rom. 8:2323And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. (Romans 8:23), 1 Cor. 1:77So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: (1 Corinthians 1:7), Phil. 3:2020For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: (Philippians 3:20), 1 Thess. 1:1010And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. (1 Thessalonians 1:10), and Titus 2:1313Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (Titus 2:13).
"Lord, now we wait for Thee to come
And take us to Thy Father's home;
Oh, what ecstatic joy 'twill be
To spend eternity with Thee!"