For concerning you, they themselves report back what manner of entry we had towards you, and how you turned towards the God from the idols to serve the living and true God and to anticipate His Son out from heaven, Whom He raised out from the dead, Jesus, the One delivering us from the coming wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:9–10)
The coming Tribulation period is divided into two phases: Jacob’s trouble and the Great Tribulation. Each spans three and a half years; throughout both, God’s wrath is poured out upon the earth. During the first three and a half years, judgment falls upon the dispensation of law; thereafter, His full wrath descends upon the Gentiles. Grace believers—those belonging to the Church—will not participate in either phase, because Christ will deliver us from that coming wrath.