If you prepare and there is a pre-Tribulation Rapture, nothing of consequence is lost. But, if you FAIL to prepare and there is no pre-Trib rapture, you will die horribly - along with the wicked for whom the Day of Wrath comes. Preparation is the prudent and wise course of action. Let us agree to do what is wise and prudent.
First: In the passage that gives people hope for a Rapture (Matt. 24:29-31), Jesus clearly says "immediately AFTER those days" (of Wrath) will God send forth His angels to gather His elect. Not before. AFTER!
Second: Many people who point to Luke 17:34 as proof the righteous will be spared, need to read further to verse 37 where Christ says THOSE people will be taken to the place of the DEAD - not to heaven.
Third: Christ told His followers to "flee" when they see the abomination of desolation in the Holy Place (Matt. 24:15-20). Why would they need to flee if the angels were coming to transport them to safety ?
Fourth: In the parable of the 10 virgins (Matt. 25:1-13), the Lord tells of 5 who were wise and took extra lamp oil to get them through the darkness. This is an exhortation to store up provisions for the coming Day of Wrath. Why should the 5 store up provisions, if they were going to be delivered by the angels into the Lord's presence?
Fifth: Jesus states that "for the sake of the elect (His chosen), those days will be shortened" (Matt. 24:22). If His elect were Raptured beforehand, why would the Tribulation period need to be shortened ?
Sixth: In Revelation, John prophecies that the beast will be given power over God's Holy people and "wage war" against them. How, could he do that, if they were in heaven ? (see Rev. 13:5-7)
You can even find support in the Old Testament. Isaiah commands the righteous to "enter your chambers" (Isa. 26:20) until the Lord's wrath is over-passed. And Daniel clearly states the elect will suffer because "it will be a test...to refine, to purify and to make those among God's people white." (Dan. 11:35)
