The absurdity and heresy of Preterism

[TheDivineWatermark]

Which part of Acts says David IS DEAD and IN HIS TOMB to this day.... NOWHERE. This is where you and I vary greatly TDW. I believe every word exactly as written. And from experience with dealing with God through the scripture, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that David wasn't in that tomb. This is a classic concealment method that God uses over and over throughout the bible.
So this is proof to you that David was still in his tomb even though Peter never said that. Peters words were chosen carefully by God to do exactly what you have fallen for. If you could have shown me where Peter said that David was still dead and in that tomb, I would believe you but it's not there.

TDW why would the Old Testament saints be raised and then left to die again? Can't you see that Christ redeemed them, there was absolutely no reason for them not to "enter into their lot". In your opinion, where are they now and why were they denied access to heaven?

First of all, you've not given any reason why Matt27:52-53 says "MANY bodies of the saints which slept arose" and not "ALL" of them.

Secondly, I do believe David's "BODY" is still in the grave. [that's what "resurrection" speaks to, which means "to stand again on the earth']

Thirdly, Paul has said "the dead IN Christ shall [FUTURE TENSE] rise *first*"... before we [which are alive and remain unto] will be "snatched away TOGETHER [with G4862 them]" TO the meeting of the Lord IN THE AIR (this is not saying "to MEET THEM where they will be in the air," but "snatched away/up TOGETHER WITH THEM *to* the meeting of the Lord IN THE AIR"... meaning "caught up TOGETHER..." AS ONE... AS ONE BODY [which is what WE ARE]... which is in a COMPLETELY DISTINCT way from the "gather ye ONE BY ONE" that happens in Matt24:29-31/Isa27:12-13 at the "GREAT trumpet" AFTER the tribulation and [for them] "to worship the Lord in the holy mount AT JERUSALEM"--and by angels "He SHALL SEND" to do so... In every way DISTINCT from that)

Lastly, Jesus spoke of a FUTURE "AOD [SINGULAR]" which comes AFTER "the beginning of BPs" and those come AFTER the events of 70ad; and He was referring back to Dan12:11 also in the SINGULAR [two verses above Daniel's 12:13 verse about him], so Daniel was told he would "stand in thy lot AT THE END OF THE DAYS"... v.11 (I just mentioned) pertains also to the "day-amounts" in THAT CHPT/CONTEXT... So when you trace this out (if you will), you can see that it is YET FUTURE, and that to "stand IN THY LOT" refers to an EARTHLY location (not UP IN Heaven) for the OT saints... the promised AND PROPHESIED *earthly* Millennial Kingdom. We are called to be "correctly apportioning the word of truth" and distinguishing the things that differ... Set YOUR affection ON THINGS ABOVE... not on Israel's earthly things... is our instruction. But so many BLUR these distinctions into one big mish-mash of MUSH!

 

[Ahwatukee]

No lie whatsoever, John N. Darby & C.I. Scofield's dispensationalsm is the "Big Lie"!

No such thing as a pre-trib rapture, the Church will be present on this earth during the 3.5 year tribulation.

For the umteenth time to you and to every else, Darby is not the originator of the gathering of the church, nor dispensationalism. I have never read anything by Darby or Mary Mac Donald regarding their beliefs. All you are doing is repeating what you have heard, which is the Darby story. I gave every scriptural reason and you didn't pay any attention to any of it. You just do what everyone else does and go right to rejection.

Understand this, because Jesus already experienced God's wrath on behalf of every believer, we will not and cannot go through the time of God's wrath, because it has already been satisfied. If only people could understand this principle, you might get it. If you would just stop repeating the false interpretation that you have adopted and actually desire the truth, you might get it.

As I already told you and as scripture states, it is not God's nature to punish the righteous with the wicked. Many hold the same view as you do, which stems from not understanding the severity and magnitude of the seals, trumpets and bowl judgments. By the time the seventh bowl has been poured out, the majority of the earths population will have been decimated and all human government dismantled.

In addition to what has already been said, it is completely ridiculous to think that the Lord is going to send His bride through His wrath first and then gather her. Believers are supposed to be looking forward to the blessed hope, the appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Not looking for God's wrath!

Why do you people who do not even study this information, come on this forum and act as though you know what is going to happen regarding end times? You know how many times we have heard the Darby apologetic?

Jesus made a promise in John 14:1-3, that He was going to the Father's house to prepare places for all believers. And that He was going to come back and to take us back to the Father's house so that we could be where He is. He is not going to first put His bride through His wrath and then keep His promise.

You would do well to read all of the scriptures that I provided in the previous post and search them out and do some hard praying on those. Because I can guarantee you, that Jesus is going to come for His bride prior to the first seal being opened which initiates the time of God's wrath.

 

[DorothyMae]

what's your understanding of this passage?
Romans 11:25 For I don't desire you to be ignorant, brothers, of this mystery, so that you won't be wise in your own conceits, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, 26 and so all Israel will be saved. Even as it is written, "There will come out of Zion the Deliverer, and he will turn away ungodliness from Jacob. 27 This is my covenant to them, when I will take away their sins." 28 Concerning the Good News, they are enemies for your sake. But concerning the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sake. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

The calling of God is conditional for individuals same as He has promised that salvation will be received by some out of every language and people group but each must still fulfills the conditions. So clearly not all Jews are or will be saved. Some are already lost forever. So “all
Israel” cannot mean every Jew.

So as Israel is described as the believers including Gentiles, one can consider all believers everywhere spiritual Israel and so all believers will be saved. They are offered godliness.

 

[Truth7t7]

Well what is the 1000 years then?

The word "Thousand Years" represents a "Non-Literal" expression of the Lord's Eternal Spiritual Realm.

You will closely note that Revelation 20:1-6 is seen 100% in the Lord's Spiritual

Angel, Heaven, Devil, Satan, The Souls, The Dead.

2 Peter 3:8 is the clear explanation of this. "Thousand Years", showing there is no literal time in the Lord's Eternal realm.

2 Peter 3:8KJV
8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

Revelation 20:1-6KJV
20 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

 

[cv5]

How do you interpret the followin...

29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

Is this not speaking of the body of Christ vs the body of David?

Lol. Evidently he forgot about Acts chapter 2, Pentecost the beginning of the Church, one of the most critical chapters in all of the Bible. Thats our KJV1611...ya gotta love him.

 

[Truth7t7]

For the umteenth time to you and to every else, Darby is not the originator of the gathering of the church, nor dispensationalism. I have never read anything by Darby or Mary Mac Donald regarding their beliefs. All you are doing is repeating what you have heard, which is the Darby story. I gave every scriptural reason and you didn't pay any attention to any of it. You just do what everyone else does and go right to rejection.

Understand this, because Jesus already experienced God's wrath on behalf of every believer, we will not and cannot go through the time of God's wrath, because it has already been satisfied. If only people could understand this principle, you might get it. If you would just stop repeating the false interpretation that you have adopted and actually desire the truth, you might get it.

As I already told you and as scripture states, it is not God's nature to punish the righteous with the wicked. Many hold the same view as you do, which stems from not understanding the severity and magnitude of the seals, trumpets and bowl judgments. By the time the seventh bowl has been poured out, the majority of the earths population will have been decimated and all human government dismantled.

In addition to what has already been said, it is completely ridiculous to think that the Lord is going to send His bride through His wrath first and then gather her. Believers are supposed to be looking forward to the blessed hope, the appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Not looking for God's wrath!

Why do you people who do not even study this information, come on this forum and act as though you know what is going to happen regarding end times? You know how many times we have heard the Darby apologetic?

Jesus made a promise in John 14:1-3, that He was going to the Father's house to prepare places for all believers. And that He was going to come back and to take us back to the Father's house so that we could be where He is. He is not going to first put His bride through His wrath and then keep His promise.

You would do well to read all of the scriptures that I provided in the previous post and search them out and do some hard praying on those. Because I can guarantee you, that Jesus is going to come for His bride prior to the first seal being opened which initiates the time of God's wrath.

You continue to falsely claim the righteous won't be subject the Gods wrath?

Your using the standard false dispensationalism Revelation 3:10 argument.

 

[Ahwatukee]

Jesus Christ will return in the heavens just as Matthew 24:29-30 states.

Matthew 24:29-30KJV
29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Yes, you are correct. Jesus will return from heaven to the earth and the church will be with Him. I guessing that you didn't see that part. That's right, the church/bride will be following Christ out of heaven on white horses and wearing her fine linen that she will have received at the wedding of the Lamb. In further support of this, in quoting Enoch, Jude says:

"And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his saints,

The dead who will have previously resurrection and the living who will have been changed and caught up, will be those saints returning with the Lord.

 

[Ahwatukee]

You continue to falsely claim the righteous won't be subject the Gods wrath?

Your using the standard false dispensationalism Revelation 3:10 argument.

And that because I keep trying to get it into your head that believers can't go through God wrath because Jesus already experienced it on behalf of every believer. You are just not understanding this underlying principle. It is the same principle which says, "unless there is to shedding of blood there blood there is no forgiveness for sins." Well Jesus satisfied that requirement, so that those who believe in Him do not need to shed their blood because Jesus already did on behalf of every believer. In the same way the scripture says, "the wages for sin is death." Jesus satisfied that, so that even though the believer physically dies, he will be raised back to life, immortal and glorified. In the same way, Jesus fulfilled the law, satisfying it completely. Therefore, for those who have faith in Christ, the law has been fulfilled on their behalf.

Going through the wrath of God is not an honorable thing. What is honorable and what Jesus tells those who believe in Him, is to be watching and anticipating the His return. That time of God's tribulation is reserved for the wicked, not the righteous. Unfortunately, there will be many who will not heed the warnings and will end up becoming believers after the church is gathered and during the time of God's wrath.

 

[Truth7t7]

Yes, you are correct. Jesus will return from heaven to the earth and the church will be with Him. I guessing that you didn't see that part. That's right, the church/bride will be following Christ out of heaven on white horses and wearing her fine linen that she will have received at the wedding of the Lamb. In further support of this, in quoting Enoch, Jude says:

"And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his saints,

The dead who will have previously resurrection and the living who will have been changed and caught up, will be those saints returning with the Lord.

Your claim is false, Jesus Christ returns once in the future "Second Coming"

Jesus returns in fire and final judgement, as the existing heaven and earth are dissolved by the Lords fire.

There will be no Millennial Kingdom after the Lords return, this earth is gone, dissolved!

2 Thessalonians 1:7-8KJV
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 Peter 3:10KJV
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

 

[cv5]

"Unfortunately, there will be many (HERE ON THIS THREAD) who will not heed the warnings and will end up becoming believers after the church is gathered and during the time of God's wrath."

Tragically. And so unnecessarily.

 

[cv5]

Your claim is false, Jesus Christ returns once in the future "Second Coming"

Jesus returns in fire and final judgement, as the existing heaven and earth are dissolved by the Lords fire.

There will be no Millennial Kingdom after the Lords return, this earth is gone, dissolved!

2 Thessalonians 1:7-8KJV
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 Peter 3:10KJV
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

"rest with us" "but that day shall not come upon you as a thief"
Nope. You had better review this thread hit the books buddy. You are definitely wrong in denying the rapture.

 

[KJV1611]

1. Daniel was simply giving us an overview. God wanted Israel to know that there would be a resurrection unto life (the resurrection of the just) and a resurrection unto damnation (the resurrection of the unjust) . So Daniel simply summed that up: And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. [Note "everlasting contempt = damnation]

What was the dead giveaway that Daniel meant this as a summary instead of both being raised at the same time Just as Daniel says? Especially since Daniel's words match Jesus' word exactly as you pointed out below?

2. Jesus also simply summed it up by speaking about "the last day" (which is actually a period of time which stretches for over 1,000 years) in connection with the two resurrections. Also "the hour" was used by Christ as a metaphor for this period of time.
And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day... No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day... Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:39,40,44,54)

Same question here, what is the dead giveaway that Jesus meant this as a summary? Also, how do you know that Jesus didn't mean exactly what he said - the last day. He could have been talking about the last day of his earthly life? He could have been talking about the day when he took the kingdom of God from the wicked Jews? He could have been talking about LAST DAY in the grave, THE THIRD DAY. Nope toss all those out, none of those line up with dispensational heresies. SMH

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. (John 5:28,29)

(Joh 5:25) Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.

Why didn't you quote this part where Jesus said THE HOUR NOW IS, when the dead shall hear the voice of the son of God...? Why didn't you quote the part that says when Jesus says "When those dead people hear his word they will live"? Does now not mean now, does now mean 2000 years down the road?

If we were limited to only these passages, we would conclude that the just and the unjust would all be resurrected within one hour and on the same day. But since we have the rest of the Scripture, we see that the "first resurrection" is likened unto a Hebrew harvest with(1) Christ as the first fruits (30 AD), (2) the main harvest of the saints at the Resurrection/Rapture, and (3) finally the Tribulation saints as "the gleanings" after the Second Coming of Christ.

And the last resurrection (the resurrection of the unjust) is some time after the Millennium (Rev 20). Since the Resurrection/Rapture must occur before Daniel's 70th week (7 years) we know that the first and last resurrections are separated by more than 1,000 years.

Do you see how you had to totally mutilate the scripture to support your heretical dispensational views?

 

[Ahwatukee]

"Unfortunately, there will be many (HERE ON THIS THREAD) who will not heed the warnings and will end up becoming believers after the church is gathered and during the time of God's wrath."

Tragically. And so unnecessarily.

I agree! Unfortunately that is what it will take to get them to believe. Once the church is removed, they won't be able to say Darby this or Mary MacDonald that. Once the Lord gathers His bride, it will all be too apparent. Although, I'm sure that the antichrist will probably proclaim that we weren't gathering by the Lord, but will have some other false explanation as to what happened to us.

 

[Truth7t7]

And that because I keep trying to get it into your head that believers can't go through God wrath because Jesus already experienced it on behalf of every believer. You are just not understanding this underlying principle. It is the same principle which says, "unless there is to shedding of blood there blood there is no forgiveness for sins." Well Jesus satisfied that requirement, so that those who believe in Him do not need to shed their blood because Jesus already did on behalf of every believer. In the same way the scripture says, "the wages for sin is death." Jesus satisfied that, so that even though the believer physically dies, he will be raised back to life, immortal and glorified. In the same way, Jesus fulfilled the law, satisfying it completely. Therefore, for those who have faith in Christ, the law has been fulfilled on their behalf.

Going through the wrath of God is not an honorable thing. What is honorable and what Jesus tells those who believe in Him, is to be watching and anticipating the His return. That time of God's tribulation is reserved for the wicked, not the righteous. .Unfortunately, there will be many who will not heed the warnings and will end up becoming believers after the church is gathered and during the time of God's wrath.

Not one Scripture shows Gods wrath upon the Church during the tribulation.

The sealed Church is protected, as the two witnesses bring all plagues upon the evil world.

A remake of Moses/Aaron against pharaohs of Egypt, and yes the Hebrews were protected

 

[cv5]

Your claim is false, Jesus Christ returns once in the future "Second Coming"

Jesus returns in fire and final judgement, as the existing heaven and earth are dissolved by the Lords fire.

There will be no Millennial Kingdom after the Lords return, this earth is gone, dissolved!

2 Thessalonians 1:7-8KJV
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 Peter 3:10KJV
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

(1 Thess 5)
1But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be [a]sober. 7For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

What you have here is the Saints and the ain't's.
Which one are you?

 

[Truth7t7]

I agree! Unfortunately that is what it will take to get them to believe. Once the church is removed, they won't be able to say Darby this or Mary MacDonald that. Once the Lord gathers His bride, it will all be too apparent. Although, I'm sure that the antichrist will probably proclaim that we weren't gathering by the Lord, but will have some other false explanation as to what happened to us.

No pre-trib rapture is found in Scripture.

The Church will go through the future 3.5 year tribulation divinely protected by God, and be caught up and resurrected Immediately after the tribulation at the second coming of Jesus Christ.

 

[John146]

Hey John146.

I'm assuming that "ascended into heaven" means to obtain heaven by your own works like Jesus did. If ascending into to heaven means being "taken up to heaven", then what about Enoch and Elijah? We would have to say they ascended also but Jesus said that no man has ascended to heaven except himself... the one who came down from heaven.

What is your opinion of ascending into heaven?

Neither Enoch nor Elijah ascended into heaven. God took Enoch and caught up Elijah in a chariot. only Jesus ascended to heaven without assistance.

 

[Truth7t7]

(1 Thess 5)
1But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be [a]sober. 7For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

What you have here is the Saints and the ain't's.
Which one are you?

I'm part of the Church, saved by the blood of Jesus Christ, seal by the Holy Spirit, my name's in the book of life, amen.

 

[TheDivineWatermark]

I'm assuming that "ascended into heaven" means to obtain heaven by your own works like Jesus did. If ascending into to heaven means being "taken up to heaven", then what about Enoch and Elijah? We would have to say they ascended also but Jesus said that no man has ascended to heaven except himself... the one who came down from heaven.

What is your opinion of ascending into heaven?

You'll probably say of these two "prophets" (whose "their dead bodies" they will "not suffer to be put in graves" for those days) aren't really "people," but of the "ASCEND" word, this passage DOES say they do, and I don't believe (since I DO see them as humans [albeit "resurrected" ones!]) that they do so "by their own merit/works". No. :

Revelation 11 -

9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. 10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. 12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. 13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
14 The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.




[mid-trib will have already taken place at the "5th Trumpet/1st Woe unto the earth" (before this point in the chronology)]

 

[cv5]

Not one Scripture shows Gods wrath upon the Church during the tribulation.

The sealed Church is protected, as the two witnesses bring all plagues upon the evil world.

A remake of Moses/Aaron against pharaohs of Egypt, and yes the Hebrews were protected

The Church per se and that exact term is nowhere to be found, as they are clearly in heaven in chapters 4 and 5. The two witnesses are Israelites by the way, as are 144,000, because you see Israel steps up to the plate and they are reestablished to fulfill the role that they were meant to keep, which is to testify to the world about Yahweh. And they do, in a very very Old Testament way with fire coming down from heaven waters turned to blood and plagues of all kinds!