Why does Les group Tribulation Saints with Old Testament Saints and believers during Christ's earthly ministry?
They are grouped together because all three remain tied to Judaism and Israel’s program rather than the Body of Christ. The Tribulation Saints are likened to the corners and gleanings left after the firstfruits and Church harvest, while Old Testament saints and believers in Christ’s earthly ministry also belonged to Israel’s program.
Les explains the order of resurrections: firstfruits—Christ and those who came out of the grave; then the harvest of the Church; then the corners and gleanings, which he feels are the Tribulation Saints saved during the Tribulation. He groups them with Old Testament saints and believers during Christ’s earthly ministry because they were all still connected to Judaism and Israel’s program and were not part of the Body of Christ. He then turns to Daniel 12, noting Daniel speaks of resurrection just like Paul and records Michael standing up, a time of trouble such as never was, and deliverance for those written in the book, including a remnant of Israel saved, especially at the end of the seven years.