Tribulation (Affliction) is the righteous judgment of God towards believers, so they may be “counted worthy” of the Kingdom:
...we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, 5 which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; . 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5
What does it mean to be counted worthy? Wouldn't this deny that salvation is by faith alone in Christ alone?
The Greek word translated “worthy” is translated "fitting" in verse 3: 3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, 4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith... 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4
The word “fitting” in vs 3, or “right” or “rightly so,” depending on translation, is the same Greek word in a different form, one is an adverb and the other a verb. We see it again in verse 11: that our God would count you worthy of this calling. 2 Thessalonians 1:11 Both verse 5 and 11 have axioo, but verse 5 has “kata” added (kataxioo) to make it “count worthy,” while verse 11 is just axioo, with “count” added but it's not really there. Verse 3 is axios.
Also consider...
1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, Ephesians 4:1 Worthy here is the Greek axios, same as 2 Thes1.3
Jesus used “kataxioo”: 34 Jesus answered and said to them, "The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35 But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; 36 nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. Luke 20:34-36
Maybe the issue and aim in the "counted worthy" passages is having a character that aligns with what will be inherited, being the kingdom of God. We are qualified for the kingdom through what Christ did and us believing in Him, but we are counted worthy by that approved character through affliction.
The word “worthy” speaks of “deserving” or “fitting” or “right.” “Calling” can mean several things, such as “vocation” or special status (sons of the kingdom) Both words are seen in ... that our God would count you worthy of this calling. 2 Thessalonians 1:11).
Tribulation is for the purpose of being counted fit for the kingdom: God wants us to be worthy of what we will inherit. An analogy: a father has a business that he has built, and his children will inherit it. Though they will inherit it, he would like them to be worthy of it. “we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4
In Luke 20:34-36, Jesus could just be saying that if one qualifies for the kingdom and the resurrection, this is how it will be for them (to be like angels) in the age to come. The qualification is not one's own righteousness, but the righteousness that comes through believing in Him as Son of God and Savior.
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