Ed,
Rev 17:8 (KJV 1769): from =apo the beast that thou sawest, was, and is not, and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, (whose names were not written in the book of life
from the foundation of the world) when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
[BTW, the Jews(not the Christians) were "written in the book of life from the foundation of the world" So this passage is about Jewish/Israeli so the Tribulation period is for the Jewish/Israeli. By contrast, the Christian were "written in the book of life before the foundation of the world"]
I disagree. This is your opinion. Rev. 17:18 is not just limited for 'Jews'/'Israeli(earthly Jewish nation) only, also, it apply to
every individuals throughout all ages of believers both Jews and Gentiles.
By the way, word, "Jews" found ONLY 2 times in book of Revelation - Rev. 2:9 and 3:9, that's it. Also, word, "Israel" found ONLY three times in book of Revelation - Rev. 2:14; 7:4; and 21:12.
Pretribulationalists saying that, 'Church' is not appear from Revelation chapter 4 to 19, prove that Church is up in the heaven by rapture before Tribulation begins. The problem is, nowhere between in chapter 4 to 19 saying that John did see "Church" up in the heaven either.
Pretribulationalists saying that, Revelation chapter 6 to 19 focus on Jews/Israel only. The problem is, NOWHERE in between chapter 4 to 19 say, "Jews". Huh? Also, there is only ONE word, "Israel" found in Rev. 7:4 whilst as pretribs claim Revelation chapter 6 to 19 cover on Israel.
So my point is, do 'Israel' is being excluded from Revelation chapter 6, and chapter 8 thru 19???
Same as my point is, do 'Jews' being excluded from Revelation chapter 6 to 19??? Whilst, word, "Jews" do not appear between chapter 6 to 19??
Same with "Church", my last point is does, "Church" being excluded from Revelation chapter 4 to 19, whilst word, 'Church' is not appear in between chapter 4 to 19??
Therefore, the Book of Revelation is not just for "Jews/Israeli" only, also, in Rev. 1:11 Jesus said to John, "Saying, 'I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest,
write in a book, and SEND IT UNTO THE SEVEN CHURCHES WHICH ARE IN ASIA; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea."
The Book of Revelation was written FOR the churches, first sent it unto the seven churches of Asia(now Greece and Turkey), then also apply to all churhces over the world. Also, in Rev. 22:16, Christ said to John: "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things IN THE CHURCHES. I am the root and the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star."
This verse tells us, the book of Revelation was written FOR the churches over the world, not just for the seven local churches of Asia only. Clear, the book of Revelation was written for all Christians(believers).
Rev. 17:8 warns to every (lost or unsaved) individuals of the world both Jews and Gentiles, if anyone wonder(shock) and worshipping the beast, their names are not written in the book of life, this verse 8 is not just for supposed future seven year of Tribulation period only, also, it apply to all ages of every individuals from the beginning(Genesis) to last day(John 6:39,40,44, & 54) of humankind era or gospel era.
I hope that you understand what my points are all about.
In Christ
Rev. 22:20 -Amen!