I heard a prominent Bible prophecy teacher say that people who believed but did not “understand” the salvation message would miss the rapture and be saved during the Tribulation. He went on to say that those who did not believe and understand would have a deluding force sent from God so they would not believe. If I understand the whole concept of being saved, it is the Holy Spirit that draws you to a spiritual understanding when you hear and believe. Also, do any gentiles get saved during the Tribulation?
The Bible says everyone who hears and believes the salvation message will be saved. (Ephes 1:13-14) And yes, it’s the Holy Spirit Who guides us into all truth (John 16:13) and that begins to happen after we’re saved. Therefore I can’t agree with the teacher who said those who believe but don’t understand will miss the rapture.
I do think there will be many who heard the message and ignored it without actually rejecting it. After they see the evidence of the rapture they’ll finally believe what they’ve heard and will be saved. 2 Thes. 2:10 says those who actually refused to believe the Gospel will be sent a strong delusion to prevent them from changing their minds after the anti-Christ appears.
Rev. 7:9-14 tells of a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language (Gentiles) who will arrive in heaven after the Rapture but before the Great Tribulation begins. We know they’re not the Church because they will serve the Lord day and night in His temple (Rev. 7:15). That’s not the Church’s destiny.