Section 8
on the earth. Hence, the Lord's word in 21:36 is the fulfillment of the promise He gives to the church in Philadelphia: "Because you have kept the word of My endurance, I also will keep you out of the hour of trial which is about to come on the whole inhabited earth, to try them who dwell on the earth" (Rev. 3:10). "Trial" here un doubtedly denotes the great tribulation, as indi cated by the fifth, sixth, and seventh trumpets with the seven bowls (Rev. 8:13—9:21; 11:14-15; 15:1; 16:1-2). This trial may also include the supernatural calamities of the sixth seal and the first four trumpets.
In Revelation 3:10 the Lord promises the re covered church, the church in Philadelphia, that He will keep her out of the hour of trial. He will keep her not only out of the trial, but also out of the hour of trial, because she has kept the word of the Lord's endurance. This promise of the Lord, like that in Luke 21:36, indicates that the saints who have kept the word of the Lord's en durance will be raptured before the great trial. This implies that those who have not kept the word of His endurance will be left in the trial.
THE RAPTURE OF THE OVERCOMERS
Before the great tribulation, the Savior will