Question #1:
Hello Robert,
I hope this message finds you well its been a while. Ive been deeply
studying the prophetic timeline and focusing specifically on the
potential for the Tribulation or Great Tribulation to begin in 2026.
Do you still believe the stage is set for that year? Id love to hear
your current thoughts.
Response #1:
Good to hear from you.
If you read the weekly postings, especially the "Eschatology Issues" series
(link is to the latest one posted: 142
[now 147 ]), you'll get a lot of
info on that.
In a nutshell, 2026 is, as I always say, an interpretation. It is based upon
everything I have been able to piece together from scripture and from secular
sources. It depends on a number of assumptions, which I do think are correct,
but because of the nature of the interpretation I always feel it proper to
remind people of the caveats (see
the link). The seven millennial day interpretation for the plan of God is
foundational for 2026 to be correct. In this view, the seven Genesis days of
re-creation give the format for what follows in human history, with the seventh
day, the day of rest, foreshadowing the Millennium. We know that the latter is
1,000 years (as stated repeatedly in Revelation chapter 20), and we can see from
consulting the chronological information in the Old Testament that there were,
roughly, 4,000 years from the fall to the birth of Christ (see
the link for discussion). Comparing what the Bible has to say with what we
know of secular history, our Lord's crucifixion and resurrection occurred in 33
A.D. Adding 2,000 years for the Church Age (the only two remaining millennial
days before the Millennium itself) nets us 2033 as the putative time for the
Second Advent. Subtracting seven years for the Tribulation, Daniel's 70th week
(Dan.9:24-27), gives us the probable date of the commencement of the
Tribulation, 2026.
Obviously, the above contains a lot of "ins and outs", and this is the (very)
short version. Perhaps the most controversial part is the position that the last
seven years of the Age of Israel will run simultaneously with the last seven
years of the Church Age. If that were not the case, an argument could be made
for pushing the timeline back seven years. However, I do not think that this is
the case (see the link:
"The Tribulational Overlap").
As to "the stage being set", I'm not sure we can use our impression of
contemporary events to tell us anything definitive about the start of the
Tribulation. On the one hand, there are many things which have and are occurring
in culture, politics, international events, technology, etc. which do seem to
point to the end. On the other hand, anyone reading Coming Tribulation could
easily find a longish list of things which will happen during the Tribulation
which seem unlikely to be imminent based upon the contemporary situation.
Neither is a reliable guide, however. The beast is said to be revealed once the
Tribulation begins, for example (2Thes.2:3), so the absence of a likely
candidate means nothing, nor does the presence of someone which seems possible
(one could be wrong: it wasn't Hitler or Stalin or Mussolini or Mao, for
example). The point is, things will change dramatically just as soon as the
Tribulation begins, for one important reason: the removal of the Holy Spirit's
ministry of restraint (link).
So while many of us may bemoan the negative trends abroad in the world today,
they will be exponentially quicker and stronger once that happens.
So what is a Christian to do? Answer: exactly what we should have been doing all
along, namely, growing spiritually, passing the tests which the Lord sends
mature believers' way, and ministering to others according to the gifts and jobs
our Savior gives us. If consideration of the (likely) rapid approach of the end
has any affect on us whatsoever, it ought to be to give us a little push to do
better with carrying out these basic responsibilities . . . in order to be
prepared when and if.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #2:
I just wanted to share this to a fellow brother in Christ: i calculated
the 2000 years from Christ's resurrection in 364 day years as learned
from the book of Enoch. (it states that the year should be 364 days long
and the discrepancy to the solar years we observe are the doings of the
fallen angels.) i figured from the berisheet prophecy that Jesus's
crucifixion or resurrection marks 4000 years passed from creation. if
the crucifixion date is 3. of april 33 ad, the 6000 years will be
fulfilled in june 2026 in Enoch's years, or 3-6th(?)of april(?) 2033, in
"satan's" years. and i believe that 7 year period is when the
tribulation happens, considering it has space for about 2500 days, just
short of 2520 days (seven 360 day tribulation years). It is in line with
the days being shortened as the bible says aswell.
So the seventh seal would maybe mark 360 day countdown to the first
trumpet, and would be a half year of peace from the war in Israel or
wars all over? i believe when there is a half year break from wars there
is less than a half years left to the first trumpet
I hope you get something out of this and maybe have some insight to add,
i recommend to check everything yourself as i may have made mistakes.
God bless
sources:
https://www.christianevidence.net/2018/04/evidence-for-jesus-crucifixion-on-april.html#:~:text=All%20evidence%20points%20to%20Friday,on%20April%203%2C%2033%20AD
https://yandex.com/images/search?from=tabbar&img_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsun9-49.userapi.com%2Fdc6guplBKSLbtbUHI6r__UWi4YK-CqlMDZ5eJA%2FRs44DrcqwhE.jpg&lr=101514&pos=1&rpt=simage&text=berisheet%20prophecy
https://1260d.com/2019/06/27/archangels-assigned-keep-orderly-cosmos/
Response #2:
Good to make your acquaintance.
The first thing to say is that the "book of Enoch" is a fictional
attempt to reconstruct what that "book" may have looked like based upon
James' single quotation of Enoch.
Here is a link explaining.
The second is that the Millennium is said to be a thousand years long
and so the other "six days" of human history are likewise to be measured
in regular calendar years.
I have often posted that this would mean that the Church Age would end
in 2033. If the seven years of the Tribulation overlap that end (which
to me is the most likely thing), then the Tribulation would begin in
2026, moving from spring to fall because of the "half hour" of silence
in heaven a shift also necessary to make the second advent line up
with the fall festivals which symbolize it (link).
These are interpretations in any case since scripture of course doesn't
say these things outright. They have to be drawn out for the prophetic
information the Bible contains. We are going to find out pretty soon!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #3:
Good afternoon,
I don't really have a question to ask. I just want to thank you for all
of your hard work and dedication to the body of Christ. I've alway been
a believer but was definitely of the Laodicean age. God literally chased
me down and shook me about a year and a half ago and forced me to really
evaluate my faith. I had a couple of hard months but was able, by the
absolute grace of God, to work my way to the point of really accepting
Christ as my savior and living for him. As I dedicated myself to
learning and growing, one of my main concerns and aims was to be as
biblical as possible and to make sure I was staying away from bad,
misleading, and spiritually harmful material. I prayed constantly and
asked God to lead me to biblical resources that would help me grow, and
he led me to Ichthys. I can't even begin to describe or explain how much
I have been blessed by your work. My faith has never been stronger than
it is now and I am so thankful for that. My wife and three daughters are
also closer to God than they have ever been. That is an absolute
blessing and something I will be eternally thankful for. I realize now
how far I was from Christ and it really scares me. I'm so grateful that
we have a jealous God that desires a relationship with us. I realize now
that I was close to completely losing my faith.
I know now that we are indeed close to the end and I am no longer
scared. I have your work, through the power and direction of our
heavenly Father to thank for that. I look forward to seeing you in
Heaven. Again, thank you for everything and I pray that God blesses you
and your family.
Response #3:
Thank you so much for this encouraging testimony, my friend! It's
greatly appreciated.
Re: "I prayed constantly and asked God to lead me to biblical
resources that would help me grow", and THAT is what distinguishes
you, namely, the desire to know the truth and the willingness to do the
hard work to learn it, and then to live it and apply it. Not many in
Laodicea have that willingness. If they did, our Lord would certainly
provide everything they needed to grow, to progress and to produce for
Him.
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."
Matthew 7:7-8 NIV
Re: "close to the end". And that is a blessing. Yes, for those of
us who do have to navigate the Tribulation, it won't be easy. But at the
end of those seven years, we will rise to be with the Lord, and no one
can stop that from happening. And it is also true that the greatest
victories come under the greatest pressures and challenges. So keep
growing. None of us has any idea of just how the Lord is going to be
using us in time soon to come. But if we are ready, then our spiritual
opportunities are likely to be great.
So I'm grateful to the Lord for you, my friend!
Do feel free to write me any time.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #4:
Hi Bob,
This was a powerful post. I pray your correspondents take it to heart. Like some
of your followers, I too, think things are ramping up. I believe we are in a
final dress rehearsal as I type. I've felt for a long time that AI will play a
large roll during the tribulation. Recent editorials have posited that AI will
become sentient in 2026 and destroy humanity by 2033. I thought the choice of
dates intriguing. (Maybe hand-wringing or real - who knows.) Also, other
headlines that passed by: there is apparently an AI priest to hear confessions,
marry and so forth. Today, it's impossible to tell what news and photos are real
and which are AI generated. Sadly many are making decisions on those AI
generated "news" items. In the '70s, AI was a joke. Today it's getting very
real. Even search engines are using it.
This time, reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, I'm struck by the
corruption through history. I recently read the story of Absalom and Satan's
hand shows up there loud and clear, echoing the Lord in Matthew 24. Paul, in
Romans 1, is describing today as well as times past.
There is a strong correlation between situations recorded in the Bible and
events in recent history.
I realize there's no great insight here, but I've never been as conscious of the
reflection of the current milieu recorded in scripture as I am now.
Thank you for your work.
In our Lord,
Response #4:
That's interesting about the dates. When the Tribulation begins, however, AI
will be the least of our problems. We believers will be facing a real
intelligence of extreme evil and nothing artificial about it.
Good observations here. Lots of past parallels of the evil we see abroad today
but also of God's faithful deliverance of His people.
For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
Romans 15:4 NKJV
Keeping you in my prayers, my friend. Thanks for yours!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #5:
Hello Dr Luginbill!
I always hesitate to email you because I know you have a full plate... but I do
appreciate being able to have a teacher to ask the burning questions I cannot
find answers for! I appreciate your time, commitment and consistency!
In reading what you wrote about the 7 churches, the first being 12 years, the
next 5 each 360 years, and our current lukewarm church at 144 years, I didn't
see any references to actual events in history that peg the beginning and ending
of each of these eras. Or is it just that the math happens to reach 1956 that
way?
I find this incredibly intriguing and yet another "proof" of the 2026 date...
but I would love to learn which actual events from history peg each of these
lengths of the churches. I hope that makes sense. For example... what exactly
ushered in the beginning/ end of Pergamum in 442 and 802?
Very much looking forward to your insight.
Response #5:
Good to hear from you.
Regarding the seven church eras and their projected time frames, you can find
what I've written about that mainly in
CT
2A under the different churches. The specific info is "buried" in the
overall discussion and sometimes in the footnotes. E.g., for Thyatira, FN#35:
During this time period the "imperial Roman church" and the "imperial papacy" truly came into their own. True enough, one finds the roots of such behavior in the previous Church era. Consider for example Leo I (dubbed by contemporaries "the secret western emperor"), or Gregory the Great (ca. 590-640). But, beginning with the reign of Charlemagne and the establishment of the "Holy Roman Empire", it was in the era of Thyatira that the Roman see and the papacy began to effectively assert their power throughout Christendom in an ever tightening marriage of church and state. The pseudo-Isidorian decretals, the particularly venal papacy of Benedict the 9th (who became Pope at the age of only twelve years old and later sold the office for several thousand pounds of silver), and Pope Hildebrand's use of excommunication to humiliate and control the Holy Roman Emperor, Henry IV (1076), are just a few outstanding symptoms of this "Jezebel-trend".
I do have the putative dates of the eras in the opening headings
in
CT
2A. As to keying these to very specific dates, this I have not done
because I don't think there is any way to do so. The Church Age is the mystery
age and there are no specific events that take place within it which are treated
in biblical prophecy. The seven eras bespeak trends which apply in general but
Revelation does not give us specific events that can be tied to the putative
dates suggested in
CT
2A. Add to this the fact that "church history" is only known to us
from secular, non-inspired reporting, and we know for certain the truly
important spiritual things that happened in any era are mostly not of interest
to and hence were not reported by whatever secular historians/histories
survive (much less than one would hope, especially in the early eras).
However, this is an interpretation which I stand by. I think anyone carefully
comparing the trends given in Revelation chapter 2 and 3 with what we DO know
from history of these eras will see that there is a match up, and that is the
main point to take away (as opposed to the exact dating). Here are a few more
links where I have also written about this:
Computing the seven eras
Others compute the erasWhere does the 360 years come from?
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #6:
Bob,
Praised be Jesus! I hope this email finds you well.
I am reading through your email and the attachments I printed out in connection
with your responses.
I am reading the one part where you are discussing your feeling that the
Tribulation period of 7 years -- begins in 2026 and ends in 2033.
You have some points as to why you believe this (seven millennial day
interpretation, Church age lasting 2 millennial days (2000 years, etc) ----
You have as one of the bullet points-- the half hour of silence in heaven at the
breaking of the 7th seal --- which you believe is a half year grace period.
My 1st question then is ---- does Tribulation begin Fall of 2025 into 2026 or do
you believe it begins Fall of 2026?
My 2nd question is --- what do you call the period of time between
1882 --- 2026?
I look forward to hearing from you ! Thank you.
It's me again. lol.
Thank you for the diagram of the ''Seven Days'' of human history!
After the Triumph of our Lord over the antichrist in 2033--- you have the 1000
year reign of peace etc in the world.
But at the end bad actors come onto the scene again when satan is released a
last time sometime around 2034? (after the thousand years ends in 2033).
Is that right? (question 1) Then shortly after that comes the final wrap up. In
your estimation--- how long do you think the time will be from the final release
of satan (2034? or after) --- until the Great White Throne Judgement? (question
2)
Any explanation and or explanation and connecting points to your work would be
great !
Thank you.
Response #6:
In answer to your questions, the 2026 date is an interpretation. Obviously, the Bible doesn't give dates. But if the cross and resurrection occurred in 33 A.D. (as the best evidence, biblical and secular suggest it did), then 2033 ought to be the date of our Lord's return, making 2026 the start of the seven year Tribulation which precedes that return. You can find out more about the specifics of why I believe this is the best date based on the information we have at the following links :
As to the era of Laodicea and how that is calculated, the main link is CT 2A. This link also talks about the method used to come up with these dates: 1882.
As to your second email, if the dates in the interpretation be correct, then the
Tribulation would begin in 2026 fall, and last until the fall of 2033. That
would be the commencement of the Millennium which would then last a literal
1,000 years. The devil and his forces are completely sequestered in the Abyss
for that entire time, and Satan is only released at the end of the Millennium
(at which point the events of Revelation 20:7-10 take place). That is the end of
"history". What follows is the last judgment, the destruction of the present
heavens and earth, the creation of the new heavens and earth, the descent of New
Jerusalem, and the eternal state. These events are covered
in detail in part 6 of the
Coming Tribulation series (at the link).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #7:
Bob,
Good afternoon! So a few questions.
1. To confirm--- based on your studies etc----
Tribulation period is - Fall 2026----Fall 2033?
2. The Millennium era of Peace -- is then approx ----
2033-----3033?
3. What " Church Period " would 2033----3033 be called?
4. Do you believe the antichrist will come onto the scene late 2025 or early
2026 or will he only come onto the world scene as a ''world savior'' in the Fall
of 2026?
5. Is satan loosed from the pit for the last time in 3034 / 3035?
6. Do you believe that the ''false prophet'' who from a religious standpoint
helps the antichrist ---- will be the new pope?
I look forward to reading your answers!
Thank you.
Response #7:
1) Yes, based upon the best interpretation I am able to provide after many years
of studying this issue, the likely commencement of the Tribulation is fall of
2026 and lasting until our Lord's return in 2033 (exactly a thousand years since
He ascended).
See the link.
2) The Millennium is specifically stated to be 1,000 years long (e.g.,
Rev.20:2-7), hence its name (see
the link).
3) The Church, the Bride of Christ, is composed of all who believe from the
beginning of humanity (Adam and Eve) until Christ's return. That is when the
Church is resurrected (see
the link), and we share our Lord's millennial rule. Those saved
during the Millennium constitute the last of the three elements of the Family of
God (along with the elect angels and the Church), namely "the friends of the
Bride" (link;
cf. Rev.19:6-7).
4) Scripture specifically states that antichrist "will be revealed" only after
the Tribulation begins (2Thes.2:3). Add to that the fact that there is no
unfulfilled prophecy which is yet to be fulfilled until the Tribulation begins,
and we are left with fact that while the beast may be "on the scene" at present,
it is also entirely possible (and I would argue more likely) that he has not yet
made his "public debut". In any case, because of the above, it would be
imprudent to focus on anyone who is at present in the public eye. After all,
Hitler, Stalin, and Mussolini each had many characteristics which might have
been persuasive to those trying to identify the beast and they are all long
gone with the Tribulation still being in the future.
5) Satan is loosed at the end of the Millennium (Rev.20:7-10),
so that would be the general time frame based upon the
above (see
the link). I would not put a date on it because we are not told
exactly how long this "Gog-Magog" rebellion will take or be allowed to continue
before it is brought to an end according to the passage cited.
6) While I am not able to state dogmatically that the false prophet will not be
this (or any future) pope, it is good to remember that antichrist's religion
will embrace all other world religions into one syncretic
whole (list
of links). Therefore it is not necessary for the false prophet to be
a pope or have any other official designation beyond being the arbiter of the
beast's religion. He will carry on his duties from the rebuilt temple in
Jerusalem (not Rome;
link).
The best way to be conversant with these issues would be to
read through Bible Basics 2B:
Eschatology (at the link); from there you could branch out to the
Satanic Rebellion
series, the
Coming Tribulation series, and the very many email postings which deal with
these issues (the
Eschatology Issues postings in particular; see the links).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #8:
Bob
Thank you for your answers ! I will print out the attachments you gave me at the
end re: eschatology , satan's rebellion etc.
So --- to confirm ! LOL ---
1 ----- Major events/Tribulation begins Fall of 2026 -----
2 ---- the antichrist does NOT come onto the public scene until Fall of 2026 or
after --- so he is more then likely helping things come together with the dark
elite --(and has been for a few years) --- but does NOT publicly show up until
Fall 2026 or after.
3----- NEW QUESTION ! when the antichrist shows up publicly -- he is Mr nice guy
with answers for humanity for 1,260 days. yes?
AND THEN -- Mr Evil (who he REALLY IS) for the next 1,260 days ??
I'll keep an eye out for your response !
United in prayer
Response #8:
1) Again, this is an interpretation based upon certain
assumptions which can be found
listed at the
link. There are other caveats as well (link).
But, yes, this is the most likely scenario, given what the Bible does have to
say about the subject.
2) That is what scripture says. 2nd Thessalonians 2:3 connects antichrist's
"revelation" or unveiling with the Great Apostasy, an event that begins with the
onset of the Tribulation.
3) It does seem clear that since the beast will rise to world power very quickly
once the Tribulation begins, most of the world will accept him favorably. How
this might happen is detailed in
CT 3B: Antichrist and his
Kingdom (at the link). There will always be people who "don't buy
it". A goodly part of the world will become his only by conquest. Many Jews will
refuse to take the mark even though they don't respond to the ministry of the
144,000 (and thus will be available to be repatriated to the Messiah's Israel in
fulfillment of prophecy). And of course no Christian determined not to lose
salvation will allow him/herself to be marked. But even deep into the
Tribulation, the majority of the world will be willing followers of the beast.
So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?
Revelation 13:4 NKJV
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #9:
Hello (again) Dr Luginbill from Northern MI,
I've read everything I can find on your site, most of it twice, regarding the
way you've predicted the probable date of Tribulation. What I'm not
understanding is why the 6000 years of counting wouldn't use the Hebrew calendar
(currently in year 5785...so 215 years left)? The date of crucifixion was 33AD
but that was still on that Hebrew calendar, correct? I'd like to understand
more...I can't wrap my brain around how the calendars switched and how that
correlates with arriving at a probable date in lieu of the switching. I know you
are a busy man and I appreciate you!
Response #9:
The Hebrew "Anno Mundi" calendar to which you are referring was not invented
until the second century after Christ, and only formalized a thousand years
later. It is not based upon any biblical information beyond what we have access
to, and is not inspired or informed by any belief in Christ. So while it sounds
official, it's analogous to the present day dating of Passover and the other
festivals, not really authoritative from a biblical point of view. For one
thing, calculating "where we are" requires excerpting the life of Christ from
the total, something which of course rabbinical Judaism would never do.
Specifically regarding "why it is 6,000 years", here's a link to where the
numbers are specifically explained at Ichthys:
In SR 5:
"The Seven Days".
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #10:
Hey Dr. Luginbill,
I've been praying for your progress through Hebrews. Chapter eleven is loaded
(although all of the book is good)! I'm aware it's sometimes referred to as the
believer's "hall of faith" but still far from it because there were and are so
many great believers not mentioned in that chapter (which isn't meant to be
anywhere near comprehensive in the first place). I recently got into chapter
nine of the Hebrews series a few weeks ago but have since taken a break to get
some more writing done. There's so much in chapter eleven and it's quite long,
so completely understandable that it would take a while to teach through.
I just recently finished writing my latest lesson in James and spent nearly
eleven pages on just one verse (teaching through the doctrine of the crowns
James 1:12). Bible teaching is a lot of work, that's for sure (although I'm a
slow writer and thinker). So I partially understand what you have to go through
even though my work and the efforts I put into it pales in comparison to yours.
But I really enjoy it and am more than willing to keep at it with due diligence.
Praying for you and your ministry.
While teaching through the crowns (the big three), I did notice that some
interpreters believe in five crowns of reward. Yes, there are (as you call it)
level 1 rewards for all believers who endure in their faith into eternity, even
if they did not grow to basic spiritual maturity (something most believers in
our day haven't seemed to have done). So I get that there are 4 levels of reward
and that even the most lukewarm believers who end up in eternity will still
experience eternal life and all the rewards they earned for all they did while
still alive (even though they never attained to the crown of righteousness).
However, do you think it's possible that even level 1 believers will receive a
crown just for enduring in their faith and that is the crown referred to in 1
Corinthians 9:25? Or is the crown in that passage eternal life itself that must
be won through enduring in one's faith till the end (not worked for, of course)?
The five crowns some interpreters see in Scripture are the crown of
righteousness, the crown of rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2:19 and Philippians 4:1)
the crown of life, the crown of glory, and the imperishable crown (1 Corinthians
9:25). How do you interpret 1 Thessalonians 2:19 and Philippians 4:1? It just
seems to me that an actual crown of reward is not being referred to in those two
passages. It seems more like that Paul uses the word "crown" as a comparative
illustration to describe the beneficial rewards of hard labor in the Lord. He
saw how well those he ministered to turned out and that, in and of itself, was a
reward for him and the others who ministered to them (the fruit of their labor
was and is their "crown of reward"). What is your take on these verses?
Also, even after having studied through them on Ichthys in times past, it still
isn't clear to me whether the crowns are literal crowns of reward or figurative
(if that is the word to use) or symbolic of a reward of some type?
[omitted]
How are you doing by the way?
In His grace and power,
Response #10:
Thanks for the prayers. The work is going well and I can now see the end of the
tunnel. Life is busy, so some days see more progress than others, of course.
On crowns, some exegetes see the crowns as entirely metaphorical and some see
them as all one and the same thing just variously described. I stick with what
I've been given to learn and what is taught at Ichthys (at the link:
"The Judgment and Reward of the Church").
For example, in the material you include:
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
1st Thessalonians 2:19 NKJV
Here Paul calls the Thessalonians a crown, so clearly 1) it's a metaphor and not a literal crown since they are not crowns; 2) in terms of reward this is essentially saying "I'll be rewarded because of your response to the truth so you are participants in my reward/crowns in that way". So this is not a category of crown.
And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable [crown].
1st Corinthians 9:25 NKJV
Note the italics. They are present because the word "crown" doesn't appear a
second time. It is understood, but if it were a separate and discrete category
with which we have to do here, Paul would certainly have included it (and
probably have given us some details) instead of just saying "an imperishable
[one]". Note also it does not say "THE imperishable crown" like it does say THE
crown of righteousness/life/glory. Those are definite; this is not. And finally
in this context clearly it is the pointlessness of human achievement when
compared to our work for the Lord which is at issue, not rewards per se.
Finally, scripture is not given to encouraging believers to do nothing, which is
what "no crown" is the result of doing. In other words, the crowns are not
participation trophies. Yes we all have a resurrection body and a home in New
Jerusalem and a new name, etc., etc. But crowns (Gk. stephanoi) are
rewards for meritorious service. And, obviously, not every Christian is
deserving of that.
Thanks for the update. I'll be praying for your concerns. You are right. Money
isn't everything. As mentioned in the latest posting, I was very grateful that
the Lord led me to see that being chair of our dept. was a bad idea. There
wouldn't be ANY Hebrews postings if I had taken it (along with a lot of other
missed opportunities).
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #11:
Hey Dr. Luginbill
Ok, I did (to be honest) originally notice all the things you pointed
out while I was studying this verse but just wanted to make extra sure I
was seeing them correctly (the THE being a big give away, yes I agree
and observed that too). It's just that some see five crowns (I didn't
agree) and I'm looking at this closely, scratching my head thinking "am
I seeing these verses right?" I didn't think they sounded right about
their view but just wanted a sanity check. Thank you for the assuring
answer and I agree with it and everything else.
Thank you for your prayers. I did notice the part about you not taking
the position in the posting. I'm glad you decided not to go forward with
it to keep help furthering the growth of the church. Appreciate
everything you do.
I notice so many jobs and companies like to work their employees to
death. All the countless employee reviews I've seen complaining about
long hours and no work/life balance ("if you have family and a life,
this isn't the place for you") are extremely common. I've seen many good
job matches for myself in terms of the work and pay but ended up passing
them by for those reasons alone. I get that many companies can't help
but require long shifts but you'd think a lot of employers would be a
bit more conscious and sensitive in those areas for the sake of their
workers. This is one of those things that makes job hunting so
frustrating. I'll find a job that's a good fit (in terms of work and
pay) but end up moving on from it because of a crazy schedule (must be
willing to work rotating shifts, long hours, weekends, and overtime).
Talk about no life. Ministry and family are more important to me than
work and the money it provides. I get that some or perhaps many of our
brothers and sisters in Christ are called to different things but as a
pastor teacher, I just can't afford to not be picky in this area. I
gotta have time to write and be there for my family (I know my time and
energy limits, including the sleep I need). It's unfortunate that even
many believers have habitually overemphasized money and the work needed
to get it (Revelation 3:14-22).
On the other hand, you have the other extreme of those who no longer
want to work (a common "phenomenon" we see that has accelerated since
the beginning of the pandemic), resulting in a lot of places being
short-handed (which could explain why companies are demanding so much
from individual employees). My job is short-handed too and we are
frequently overworked and exhausted at times (one of the things I don't
like about my current job). Many of the other crafts are understaffed as
well and that is common with a lot of companies now. Good, qualified
workers also seem to be more rare than ever before.
Continuing to pray for you, your career and ministry.
In Christ,
Response #11:
You're very welcome.
Interesting and insightful comments about jobs. It's pretty ironic that there
are plenty of people here willing to work and to do so under poor conditions and
low pay, but we're intent on sending them back where they came from and
complaining that no one will take those jobs.
How is your church-going plan working out?
Thanks for your prayers, my friend! Keeping you in mine daily.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #12:
Hey Dr. Luginbill,
I should clarify that, in my previous email, there were some things I
didn't actually know despite me saying so (I only mention this so that
you don't feel as if I wasted your time). Before I emailed you, I did
observe the "THE" before all the crowns but was uncertain whether there
was a level one crown of reward" ("participation trophy" as you put it)
which you said there is not and I agree. The way I see it is, if in
doubt, it doesn't hurt to ask in case there are things I'm not seeing.
So although I don't know what you thought about that email (I hope I
didn't annoy you), I did ask out of uncertainty, even though I
originally observed most of the points you mentioned before reaching out
to you. Again, I wanted to be safe. However, I also know that although
it is good and doesn't hurt to ask, I do realize I need to get better at
making those judgment calls myself (admittedly) and that is part of
having the gift of teaching. The instinct or gut feeling was there but I
have to learn how to discern these things for myself (and then I
wouldn't have to ask you as many questions). And I should mention that I
understand that some of them are seemingly quite simple (although that
could be subjective depending on the person).
As for church plans, (you may smile when I tell you this), as you
probably expected, it has been mostly a waste of time. The pastor
(sometimes he is on the radio) is going through Romans and although the
teaching isn't terrible (there is some depth, meat and potatoes to it),
it isn't to my standards. He repeats a lot of the verses and doesn't
explain things well enough for me. Then again, seeing as how I have you
and am a pastor-teacher myself, I don't need to be there to be fed
anyway. The main reason I'm there is to connect to people, but that
hasn't been working out simply because my present work schedule makes it
difficult to make it out every Sunday. And even when I do make it out,
I'm falling asleep half the time because of just getting off work a
couple hours prior. That, and there is a service right after the one I
attend, so people "scatter" quickly. Its also hard to connect when there
are so many people. No young adult group or anything but I've had my
fair share time of experience with those and can't say I'm all that
thrilled about trying anymore at this point (can't find any good ones
anyway). There is just very little interest in the truth generally
speaking (even if some churches are better than others) but we both
already knew that.
I do want more in-person fellowship but I feel its gonna have to come
outside of a local church gathering elsewhere. I just have this feeling
that I'm wasting my time with this church and feel as if the Lord
doesn't want me there anymore. Nevertheless, I'll give it a little more
time just to be extra sure (whenever I manage to make it out; I didn't
go today because I was too tired and had too many other things to do).
Plus, writing is my gift and calling and I have no spiritual leading
and, therefore, inclination to teach in-person by hosting any Bible
studies (even though the reason I've been plugging into this church
was/is to meet people). However, it does make me wonder what I'll be
doing once websites are shut down during the tribulation.
I should have asked you earlier, but do you have any specific prayer
requests Dr. Luginbill?
In His grace and power,
Response #12:
No clarification necessary and no need for any apology for asking
questions (please feel free to write any time). Hopefully you'll be
fielding plenty yourself from your own group soon enough!
Re: "it has been mostly a waste of time". Well at least you tried! So
did I. Many times and in many ways. This is something we probably all
had to do in our way, any of us who are going to be ministering the
Word. How could it possibly be that there are absolutely no churches (to
speak of) that are really doing their job? But there it is.
Re: "it does make me wonder": we all wonder what we'll be doing once the
Tribulation begins. We have no idea what the texture of those times will
be except that it will be "the worst time" ever. I have speculated that
this may open up opportunities for ministry as some people may react in
a positive rather than a negative way and need someone to teach them
"crash course"-wise. We'll just have to wait and see . . . doing our
best to get prepared in the meantime.
Prayers for the ministry always appreciated! Keeping you in mine daily
too, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #13:
Thank you Bob,
I will be turning 72 in June. The older I get the less likely I think I
will see the Lord's return (although I am still in good health). Still I
know it is closer than it was yesterday and believe it will be soon
although soon could be in 20 years. I am not holding on to any
particular scenario like I used to. Only the Lord knows the exact events
surrounding that event. The only specific, that I still hold is that I
do think Christians will go through the Tribulation. I do not believe in
a Pre-Trib Rapture.
Hope all is well with you. Happy to see that you are still researching
and writing.
Response #13:
Re: "I know it is closer than it was yesterday and believe it will be
soon although soon could be in 20 years." It's true that the Bible
doesn't give us a specific date. Indeed, the system we use today wasn't
even around in antiquity (i.e., they had no idea what or when "2026"
would be). But we are given the information we are given no doubt for a
reason, and the interpretation advanced at Ichthys is my best attempt to
"put it all together". Naturally, God is sovereign and can do whatever
He wants. But as far as I can see from the Bible "what He wants" in
terms of the carrying out of the plan of God is to fulfill what He has
promised in accordance with the truth He has given us in scripture. So
I'm sticking to my guns, but with the understanding that interpretations
are not the same thing as specific biblical statements.
Re: "I will be turning 72 in June." Well then you're only my senior by a
couple of months. In terms of "likelihood", even if we reversed the two
digits, you and I, we would have to keep in mind that martyrdom will be
the lot of a great number of believers who are destined to endure the
Tribulation. But we will ALL "see Him return". It's just a question of
whether we start from this side or the other side.
. . . waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
Titus 2:13 ESV
In Jesus,
Question #14:
Thank you for taking the time to respond. I didn't expect that. I am not afraid
of death although I wouldn't be honest if I didn't say I was apprehensive about
it and of course no one wants to suffer. I know I must die to be planted in the
ground and just like seed that is sown be raised up.
I have had a blessed life, loving and affluent parents, private secondary and
higher education (Vanderbit) but I am almost ready to go. I am getting tired and
there isn't much left to experience. I am a bit curious to see how current
events continue to unfold although I don't have to be here till the end.
I do hope his return is soon. When I have doubts I remember how many Christians
before me have thought that they were living in the end times and that Jesus
would return in their lifetime. Yet, it's true that there has never been a time
when so many prophetic events were unfolding.
COME QUICKLY LORD JESUS !
Response #14:
Re: "Yet, it's true that there has never been a time when so many prophetic
events were unfolding." While things are getting really amazingly bad and
eerily dangerous and scary on all fronts, political, social, economic,
international, and of course technological, I don't see that any of this
fulfills any prophecy. Prophetic fulfillment is "on hold" during the Church Age.
It will recommence as soon as the Tribulation begins.
But as to the common appreciation of many of us, namely, that we don't see how
things can keep on like this much longer, all I can say is as you do, Marana Tha!
"Oh our Lord, return!"
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #15:
Hi Dr,
Pray all is well with you and your family. This is an interesting article about
the current election as it relates to Revelation and biblical prophecy. Many of
what he espouses, I believe you are aligned with, particularly as it relates to
America as Babylon. Please take a read when you have a chance and let me know
your thoughts. It is lengthy but an easy read.
Also, pray is needed for my brother in law and his wife. I believe they are
involved in an occult which is causing distress on their children. They have
left their children. I have an opportunity to minister to him tomorrow or this
week and need prayers for the LORD's hand in the meeting. He is living with his
mother and not with his wife so I am praying for her safety from evil spirits
and the Spirit of the Lord in that house.
Thank you like always.
In Christ our Lord
Here's the link if you don't want to print the whole text:
https://truthonlybible.com/2025/01/23/bible-prophecy-and-current-events-in-january-2025-part-3-babylon-the-great
Response #15:
On the article, while the premise that the US is Babylon is likely correct if
the Tribulation were to begin today there are many other problems with this
piece. To take the end first, re: "it is possible that the Trump
administration may replace the dollar with a digital currency that allows the
U.S. government to control all financial transactions in the world, eventually
leading to the mark of the beast." Nothing like this "leads" to the mark.
The mark is not instituted until the middle of the Tribulation after antichrist
has gained control of the world and has taken up residence in the rebuilt temple
in Jerusalem. The stricture that no one can buy or sell without the mark is
coercion to put pressure on people to take the mark. Digital currency has
nothing to do with this in any way . . . except that if it really were possible
to do transactions without taking the mark, that would be a plausible way to
avoid it. So if anything, trying to get rid of bitcoin et al. would seem to be
more in line with that future policy of antichrist.
Re: "the antichrist, who cannot become preeminent in the world while Babylon
the Great exists". That is entirely in error. Babylon is not destroyed until
the final months of the Tribulation as even a cursory reading of Revelation
ought to make clear. By that time, the beast has been in control of the entire
world for over three years. Babylon is his base of operations from which he
comes to control revived Rome and from there the whole world, but this statement
betrays a lack of understanding of the basic text of Revelation (among other
prophecies).
Re: Trump and "Christianity". There is no doubt but that Christians
jumping on the MAGA bandwagon is a disturbing trend, but it is a symptom rather
than a cause. Getting involved in politics has always been works-salvation type
behavior committed by believers (or merely people in Christian organizations)
who are not interested in doing the hard work of spiritual growth which Christ
desires. To the extent that they are influencing others to turn away from the
truth, that is terrible. However, in my estimation of the current situation in
Laodicea, there are precious few positive believers to even be vulnerable to
being turned away as the vast majority has already demonstrated that they have
no desire to grow, desiring rather to embrace the world. That is certainly what
hitching one's wagon to this movement represents, but that is no different from
embracing any other political movement instead of the Bible, whether left or
right.
Re: "American Christians who have resources have a moral obligation to use
these resources to help poor Christians in other countries". I have no
problem with helping the poor, whether in this country or in any other, but it
is not true to call it a "moral obligation". God loves cheerful givers; nowhere
in scripture does the Bible demand that believers give money (as in Islam) and
certainly not to those whom they do not know personally. Also, it's fair to
point out that most believers who are doing what Christ wants us to do have
precious few resources and are only holding our own heads above water by the
grace of God. If we have anything, we also have plenty of believers we know who
could use the help as opposed to people we don't know in other countries who may
not even be believers.
Re: "sexual immorality (abomination) was a secondary cause" for the
destruction of Sodom et al. Secondary? Nonsense. Just read Genesis chapters
18-19. I don't dispute that greed was also an issue especially inasmuch as the
types of degeneration we see there and now see here often follow in the wake of
material prosperity. But we know what the prime reason was.
In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.
Jude 1:7 NIV (cf. 2Pet.2:6-10)
I have no problem with the indictments of the US in general and MAGA Republicans
in particular. I do think that any fair, generally Christian assessment, would
see that this right-wing reaction cannot be understood without the left-wing
activities that have been going on in parallel. All this political extremism
shares in common is that it is anti-God. Focusing on one side or the other induces
people to pick sides, and in the soon to come Tribulation both sides that of
the beast and his opponents will be controlled by the devil (that has always
been true of politics; how much more so in the Tribulation!). So to the extent
that the author truly does want Christians to "give your time, talents, and
treasure to Gods work, not to the work of a political party and an earthly
hope", I would suggest NOT trying to rile people up against this side and this
movement exclusively, because it sure sounds to me like the real "answer" he's
pushing for is opposing it POLITICALLY might and main . . . and that will just
end up getting any Christian foolish enough to buy it into the same mess by
embracing the other side.
Re: "Given the clear direction that America is heading, it is foolish for
Christians and Christian organizations not to be thinking about moving to some
other country which will offer greater religious freedom for Christians".
That is what Jim Jones did. Honestly, this is perhaps the most dangerous part of
this whole message. Antichrist will control the entire world! No place will be
free of the Great Persecution which will attack Christians everywhere. The one
potential safe haven is, ironically perhaps, Babylon, because the beast has had
need of her support and will . . . right up until the last few months of the
Tribulation. At that point and only at that point the Lord will give His
flock in Babylon the command to "Flee!" (see
the link). Acting ahead of time will be just as potentially disastrous as
failing to act when the time does come.
Recognizing that the US would be Babylon if the Tribulation began tomorrow is
perhaps the only thing this article gets right, and anyone reading scripture
carefully could probably figure that out for themselves. Importantly, however,
NO nation is mystery Babylon UNTIL the Tribulation begins. So all of the
parallels that this person adduces are essentially invalid for that reason. We
don't have to over-hype the badness of present circumstances. As bad as the US
is morally, I don't see any other country on the face of the earth that is any
better. But the Babylon of the Tribulation will be far worse.
If we think we see the seeds of this or that prophecy being fulfilled, it is
always wise to take a step back and remember that things will be radically
different just as soon as the Tribulation begins from anything we can presently
speculatively imagine. Revelation and the rest of scripture gives us the
schematic. Trying too hard to fill in the details before the time is fraught
with potential error. Worse than that: it can lead to spiritual danger. For
example, becoming absolutely convinced that "digital currency" is the mark when
it is not will lead to a false confidence that the real mark is safe. Being sure
that person X is the beast will lead to false confidence regarding the actual
antichrist if the theory is wrong. The same thing goes for Babylon before the
Tribulation actually begins. And since there is at yet no way to tell if any of
these theories will pan out before the fact, getting unduly upset about present
realities AND linking them unbendingly to future prophecies is a big mistake.
Do feel free to write me back about any of this, my friend.
I'm praying for your mission of mercy.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #16:
Thanks for your comprehensive analysis and it does make sense. It seems many of
the predications are speculative and not really based on biblical precepts. I
think people tend to look at the person in office and inject their bias based on
their political leanings. I don't think this person is left leaning but has a
particular view of Trump.
I am not left leaning but have my own personal opinion of Trump and this article
seemed persuasive but in reading your analysis it makes me appreciative that I
have someone who I can go to for a correct view. While his intention is good, it
is misleading, and I can see how someone can be easily persuaded.
I believe in your teachings and have taught it in the past but seeing how close
we are to the Tribulation, do you have any trepidations on the timing? The
reason why I say this is because I have some decisions I need to do and, in my
heart, I really don't want to do it because I know the time is short. For
instance, asking the Lord for direction in purchasing a home but instead
focusing heavily on praying for salvation for family members.
We are no longer years away but literally months away so we have to think about
how we approach life decisions and other things.
Thoughts?
I really want to thank you for your mentorship, dedication to the LORD and for
the spreading of the Gospel.
In Christ our Lord
Response #16:
Thanks for the good words. I too have "my own opinions" but I have come to see
how pointless political opinions are . . . and how they are apt to draw us into
having a "side" which is dangerous when the devil is behind all "sides" a fact
that will be all the more true and all the more fraught with peril during the
Tribulation. For us believers, there are spiritual solutions but we risk
gambling everything away if we start to seek political ones.
In terms of timing, as I have said many times, especially as we are getting
closer, the "2026 interpretation" is just that: an interpretation. The Bible
does not give a date. It does give us a lot of information about eschatology, so
much so that it has always seemed to me to be cowardly and "not doing my job" to
withhold what I have learned about this subject.
As best as can be discerned from what the Bible has to say and from a comparison
of its information to historical records, our Lord was crucified and resurrected
in 33 A.D. There are other dates suggested by biblical scholars but they tend to
be based upon the assumption that the Jewish calendar presently in place is the
one used in our Lord's day and that the dates of Passover are thus useful in
pinning things down. Long story short, this is almost certainly not the case
since the present dating schema can only be traced back to several centuries
after the destruction of Jerusalem. On top of that, we know from the gospels
that there were two different dates used to celebrate the Passover . . . because
the last supper took place the day before the Passover the Jerusalem Jews
celebrated. In other words, this is a slender reed upon which to overturn the
much more solid date of 33 A.D. (which
is explained at the link).
Accepting this date as correct, and also accepting that human history is
composed of seven millennia, the last of which is "the Millennium" (see
the link), paralleling the seven days of re-creation, since the age of the
Gentiles was approximately 2,000 years and the same was true of the age of
Israel (according to what may be gleaned from scripture:
see the link), the Church Age should also last 2,000 years to yield the
requisite seven thousand. If it is exactly 2,000 years long, then it should come
to an end in 2033. Since the Tribulation lasts seven years, this is where I get
2026 as its start date. The "half hour of silence", observed before opening the
seventh seal in Revelation 8:1, I interpret to be half a year, delaying the
commencement from the spring (Passover) to the fall (where the festivals
represent the Tribulation, Second Advent and Millennium;
see the link).
Obviously, this interpretation only the gist of which occurs above has a lot
of "moving parts", any one of which could/would shift the date earlier or later
if it has been wrongly interpreted. For example, if the seven years of the
Tribulation, the "final week" of Daniel chapter nine, belongs solely to Israel
and is not a joint era between Israel and the Church as I have posited (see
the link), then the Tribulation would not begin until 2033. At the link and
in recent emails I have expressed my strong doubts about that being possible
for example, how are "we" still here if the Church Age comes to an end (and we
know for a rock-solid fact that there is no "rapture" before the start of the
Tribulation)?
It is also true that we cannot state dogmatically that the Church Age will be
"exactly" 2,000 years. When one looks at the chronological issues in the links
above it is certainly plausible that God might shorten or lengthen this age for
various reasons. He will shorten the Tribulation slightly as we know from
scripture (Matt.24:22). If the Church Age went on an extra fifty years, no one
could complain about anything in scripture being untrue, especially inasmuch as
the date proposed is not set forth in scripture. As mentioned, this is an
interpretation based upon what scripture does tells us.
*I have from the beginning of this ministry always counseled believers to do
what the Lord, what the Spirit, is leading them to do irrespective of
eschatology with one exception: it seems to me beyond prudent to be preparing AS
IF it were certain that the Tribulation will occur soon. After all, that IS the
biblical message, namely, of imminency. E.g.,
Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.
Revelation 22:7 NKJV
So I guess the bottom line is that we have to be prepared to accept either the
Tribulation starting tomorrow or being a very long way off. That is the Bible's
essential position. That should be ours as well (but that doesn't mean we ignore
the information we've graciously been given).
Keeping you and your family in my daily prayers, my friend.
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #17:
Hello Dr. Lunginbill,
First, how are you feeling these days. The reports are that the flue season is
reaping havoc on lots of people. We hope that you are feeling much better and
have been healed from this flu if that is what you had. I have been praying for
you every day, because I want to hear that you are better.
Secondly, it is astounding to me that not very many people know anything about
the 7,000 years God has given mankind on this earth. I have talked to several
people about this, that really never heard of this 7,000 years for mankind , but
even greater than that is the fact that we are so very close to the 7 year
Tribulation, as close as October or so of the year 2026, when the Antichrist
will be revealed.
In my opinion, I would guess that at least 99.5 percent of the people on earth
know nothing about the fact that the start of the Tribulation is so near. Many
are yet awaiting for the event called the so-called Rapture, but know nothing
about what scripture says regarding the End-Times. They have taken what their
Pastor or teacher has taught them without even investigating what they have been
taught, is actually greatly inaccurate and unbiblical.
I am amazed that so few know nothing about the 7,000 years of mankind, and that
the revelation of the antichrist is soon to appear on the scene. I would have
never known myself about these matters, if the LORD did not lead me to find you
and the Website. I am extremely grateful for the ministry God had given to you,
and for all the people's lives you have touched. To God be the Glory.
Are you also amazed at the number of people who don't know anything about the
subject matter you are teaching? I would like to know your opinion.
I am so thankful to you for all your efforts and your numerous teachings from
which I have learned much.
Blessings be with you my friend, and may the LORD bless you and keep you always.
Can't wait to meet you in the next life.
Your friend,
Response #17:
Your .05% of people who know anything about this might be very optimistically high!
I always have to remind folks that the exact date is an interpretation. If, for
example, the seven years remaining for Israel in Daniel chapter nine does not
actually overlap the Church Age's final seven, then that would stretch things
out a bit. And of course the Lord is not obligated to give us an exact 2,000
years. That said, I do expect the tally to be exact (our calculations could be a
bit off for reasons discussed in various postings), and also expect for there to
be that overlap (for reasons discussed
at the link and elsewhere). So getting ready NOW is not the worst idea in
the world.
But as you say, few people have even a clue. The disinformation and false
teaching not only about the plan of God for human history but about every aspect
of the Tribulation is immense, so that anyone who actually does have a bit of
interest in the truth must first wade and sift through a whole lot of extraneous
matter first. In other words, their positive impulse is going to be tested
before they find good teaching about this and all other biblical issues. But of
course God knows that. And this is one of the ways that in Laodicea the lukewarm
are allowed to bask in their lukewarmness and the red hot are given such
opportunities to demonstrate their "red-hotness" by persevering until they do
find something good.
I thank the Lord for your zeal for the truth, my friend and for your
friendship!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #18:
Hello Dr Luginbill,
How are you doing? I hope you are enjoying your summertime! I have 3 questions I
would very much love to ask and truly do appreciate the time you put into
responding.
1. Since your works on the satanic rebellion and CT, have you learned any other
pertinent things that would, in any way, shift the speculated date of 2026?
Life has been quite heavy lately with serious health issues for my young family,
and as much as I don't "want" to go thru the terrible times of the Tribulation,
it does also give me hope that perhaps we are so close, so very close, to being
ressurected with our Lord. In many ways I'm (oddly?) wanting that time to
come...because it brings Him!
2. Since finding your site in December and reading about Gods plan for 1:1
replacement of fallen angels with humans who choose for Christ...I have been
wrestling with how that is possible (at least before the millennium) when far
higher numbers, would seem to keep Satan's talley of unbelivers ALWAYS higher.
More folks follow false religion, etc... how can enough humans replace the
fallen angels when so many more people still choose against God now?
3. I'd love to hear what you think our memories will be in the
millennium/eternity. What does the verse mean the former things will not come to
mind? It just seems odd if ALL memories from earth vanish in eternity. I want to
hope we will remember our earthly lives and would love your take on this. I've
learned for me, dwelling mentally on the eternity that awaits us helps me feel
less anxious... but this part never sat right.
Thank you for your ministry. It has been truly a very big encouragement in
helping me learn and understand the Bible and God's plan to redeem it all.
Praying he comes soon!
Response #18:
Good to hear from you. To answer your questions:
1) I've addressed the issue of the precise dating of the Tribulation's
commencement a number of times recently (you can find these mostly in the
"Eschatology Issues" series email postings;
here's one link).
I hope to be done with the book of Hebrews by the end of this year, and that
will give some time to do a new series which will address this and many other
issues which I hope will help prepare readers for what's coming. As to the
"when?" questions specifically, while we all learn more about the truth every
day (or should), the basic calculus for coming up with fall 2026 as the likely
date for the Tribulation's start hasn't changed since I first started writing
about this many years ago.
One of the keys is the seven millennial day interpretation, the idea that God
has divided human history into seven millennia and that the seven days of
re-constructing the world in Genesis chapter one gives the pattern of that plan.
This teaching goes back to the early church before Catholic doctrine began to
spiritualize and allegorize all biblical prophecy. To a large extent, this
ministry and its predecessors (Thieme, Chafer, Scofield, Hodge) have been
"digging out" from those interpretive mistakes ever since.
If human history is indeed operating on a seven 1,000 year segments divine plan,
it is not too difficult to see from scripture that the Bible presents four of
these as having already taken place at the birth of Christ. Likewise, the
thousand year reign of the Messiah is very clearly set forth in the book of
Revelation. That would leave two thousand years for the "Age of the Spirit", the
Age of the Church. Then the question is "when did it begin and when does it
end", because we know for certain from Revelation and many other places in the
Bible that the Tribulation precedes our Lord's millennial rule.
The best estimate for the year of our Lord's death on our behalf and subsequent
resurrection is 33 A.D. If that is correct, then 2033 ought to be the date of
His return, with the Tribulation commencing in 2026. This is, of course, a
simplified statement of the basic premises. Could anything change this date? One
major element would be if the Tribulation, the last "seven" of Daniel's "seventy
sevens", i.e., the Tribulation, is going to be added on after the Church Age is
completed, rather than running coterminously with its last seven years. There
are many reasons why I find the "tack on" scenario unlikely (which can be found
in the series and
link referenced above), and I will have more to say on this subject in the
near future as well.
Also, if 33 A.D. is "off", that could also make for a small change unlikely a
large one, however, and given the alternative suggestions the tendency would be
for a sooner rather than a later commencement as the other datings are mostly
earlier (and of course only this coming fall would be possible now for something
earlier than 2026). So, in short, while I have been answering questions on this
topic a long time and try always to be open to arguments and particularly to any
biblical evidence that might militate against the interpretation I've presented
as most likely, I've never found or heard anything to make me doubt this. Of
course, the proof is in the pudding. We will all find out pretty soon. It would
be good to be ready in any case or under any interpretation (in my view).
2) This is an interesting perspective. For the most part, people have had the
concern that with so many Christians in the world and so many believers since
Adam and Eve, that there would seem to be too many saved human beings to be 1:1
with fallen angels (who are, after all, only one third of angelic kind). We
don't know the exact number of either group, of course, but in terms of the
proportion, the biblical evidence suggests that this is what will be the end
result. And with the millennial believers totaling the same, the final count
would be angels and saved human beings in total 1:1 (that would, of course, mean
a much larger number and unknown percentage of unbelievers).
3) I cannot imagine that there will be anything we cannot remember. Will the Bible
not be present in eternity? Of course it will. Also, we will all know everything
about each other at the judgment seat of Christ and for unbelievers at the last
judgment when everything is examined. If anything, we will remember more
(probably everything) to a depth not really understandable with our present
limitations.
What we will NOT have are regrets or sorrows about the past. No more tears. We
will process all these things differently and in ways we cannot at yet
understand. That is how I take Isaiah 65:17 which is talking about the former
heavens and earth which, in comparison with the glory of the new ones, will be
of no interest to us in eternity whatsoever.
Thanks much for your encouraging words! Indeed, Marana Tha!
In Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #19:
You have mentioned that the 2026 date for the commencement of the Tribulation was dependent on a number of variables. Could you shed a little light on that?
Response #19:
Certainly. There are a number of assumptions upon which this interpretation is
based, any one of which would shift the date (at least) if incorrect (you can
find a list of some of the major ones
at this link).
As I've said many times, I do believe in the accuracy of this interpretation,
but whenever I've been asked if I'm "dogmatic" about it, I've always pointed out
the above. As you say here, there are "variables".
Let me take this opportunity to discuss one of these, namely, the date of the
commencement of John the baptist's ministry. That is a critical piece of coming
to the 2026 result. That is because this interpretation essentially adds 2,000
years to the date of our Lord's crucifixion and resurrection to determine the year
of His return (assuming a 2K year Church Age according to the seven millennial
day interpretation of God's plan for human history;
see the link), and then subtracting seven years for the Tribulation (seeing
that period as joint between the Jewish Age and Church Age rather than being an
"add on" after the Church Age is completed;
see the link). Scripture indicates that our Lord had a three and one half
year ministry as did John who began one year before Jesus and was executed one
year before the cross. All of these points of interpretations can be found
elsewhere at Ichthys (see
the link for the date of John's commencement of his ministry), and it is
also fair to point out that there are many alternative theories out there in the
world of Christian scholarship regarding each and every one of them.
Be that as it may, every time I have "crunched" this problem or any of the many
aspects of it, I've always come up with the same conclusion (2026). Here is the
chart I have posted to demonstrate the overlapping ministries of Jesus and John
(paralleling those of Moses and Elijah and their three and a half year
ministries during the Tribulation's first half;
see the link):
If the above be correct (and if one consults the scriptures referenced on the
chart I believe it's difficult to dispute), then four and a half years following
the beginning of John's baptizing in 28 A.D. would be the date of the cross and
resurrection; then the rest is "easy math" (with only really the question of
adding or subtracting the seven years of Tribulation from the total at issue).
So how do we get 28 A.D.?
Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,
Luke 3:1 NKJV
The information contained in Tacitus, Suetonius and other ancient sources all
point to Tiberius beginning his reign immediately upon the death of Augustus on
August 19th of 14 A.D. (Tacitus, Ann. 6.51; Suetonius, Tib. 78.1;
Cassius Dio, Roman History 58.26.5; Appian Bella Civilia ii. 149;
Plutarch Caesar lxii-lxvii; Suetonius Caesar lxxxi. 2; Suetonius
Augustus c. I; Dio Cassius lvi. 30; Jos. Ant. xviii. 2. 2 § 32;
BJ ii. 9. I § 168). "Point to", meaning that when modern historians have
compared what these ancient historians have recorded about the ascensions,
length of the reigns, and deaths of Augustus and Tiberius with what we know of
ancient Roman inscriptions and other records, primarily the Fasti (reconstructed
lists of year by year consulships which are frequently used for dating in Roman
historians; cf. The Cambridge Manual of Latin Epigraphy, A. E. Cooley
[Cambridge 2012]), converting this information to our (relatively new) B.C./A.D.
system of dating, they have consistently and nearly universally come up with
A.D. 14. So we are relying on this (admittedly not biblical or capable of
absolute assurance) calculation for the year Tiberius began his reign as the
basis of our 2026 calculation. The exact calendar date or official date of his
confirmation is, for our purposes, not nearly as important as is the year of
Tiberius' ascension.
Inasmuch as the lives of the emperors Augustus and Tiberius are well documented
by ancient standards, this date of A.D. 14 is relatively solid as the anchor
date from which to judge "the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar" in
Luke 3:1. Proponents arguing for an earlier anchor have adduced a period of
co-regency between Augustus and Tiberius, and Augustus did increasingly share
power with Tiberius before his death, but this was a standard way of doing things
at the time. Given the hostility of Augustus and Tiberius towards each other,
the cloud that still hangs over Tiberius' ascension (so well documented by
Tacitus), and the otherwise unparalleled notion of co-regency dating among the
Julio-Claudians, it seems best to stay with the date A.D. 14 to begin our
calculation.
If we add fifteen years to A.D. 14, there are actually three possible results,
depending upon whether we use inclusive, non-inclusive or exclusive counting.
These ideas are generally foreign to modern inhabitants of the US but were quite
common in antiquity. For example, the 30th of December is "the third day before
the 1st of January" in the Roman calendar calculation, because they count the
1st, the 31st, and the 30th equally. This is akin to sending your son to Lowe's
to buy posts for your 100 foot long fence and telling him to get enough to put a
post every five feet . . . and being unhappy to be one short if he buys 20
instead of 21. He used our normal non-inclusive method, but for actual projects
the inclusive one is more practical (to the Roman way of thinking). There is
also an exclusive way of counting wherein both of the end fence posts would be
left out of the calculation (so 19 are bought instead of 20 or 21). We have
examples of all of these methods in scripture. For our purposes, demonstrating
the two which are not intuitive to us will be helpful.
Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray.
Luke 9:28 NKJV
Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves.
Matthew 17:1 NKJV (cf. Mk,9:2)
In Luke 9:28 "eight days later" gives an inclusive count of the same time
period; that is to say, from Monday to Monday is eight days if both Mondays are
counted, but it may also be considered "after six days" if the intervening
period of Tuesday through Sunday is being emphasized. This sort of inclusive
counting is a very common phenomenon is the chronological reckoning of the
ancient world. The main point is that in both instances the transfiguration
happens "on the seventh day" which represents Christ's return at the conclusion
of six millennial days. Thus Luke 9:28 says "eight days after this" while we have
six in Matthew 17:1 and Mark 9:2, but Luke was counting inclusively after the
Greek system while Matthew and Mark were not. So it's the same "seven" for our
purposes. This is the difference between inclusive and exclusive counting,
neither of which corresponds to our modern thinking on the matter. We would say
"seven days later" and not "on the eighth day following when counting
inclusively" or "when six full days had elapsed not counting the day He said
this and the one on which it happened".
We are talking about the same event here, the transfiguration, and neither Luke
on the one hand or Matthew (or Mark) on the other, "got it wrong". They were
just using different methods to communicate what we today would almost
universally express as "seven days later". Applying these different methods to
find the date of the beginning of John's ministry yields the following:
non-inclusive = A.D. 29
inclusive = A.D. 28
exclusive = A.D. 27
Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,
Luke 3:1 NKJV
So as with the days until the transfiguration where 6, 7, or 8 can all be
correct, depending upon how one is calculating, so also either 27, 28 or 29 A.D.
could be correct, depending upon the method Luke was using. That would net 2025,
2026 or 2027 respectively.
2026 is to be preferred because the inclusive method is by far the most common
in scripture, and because whereas the two verses dealing with the
transfiguration denote the passage of a number of "days", which, as with our
fence analogy require a choice of method , in Luke 3:1 we have a specific year
mentioned, namely "the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar". In that
situation, we only have to choose a method if we start calculating backward
(something a reader of scripture is not prompted to do).
There are other variables as well, but it is fair to say that as with the above
discussion, when once the evidence is sifted and re-sifted and sifted again, the
most likely answer always is the same: 28 A.D. . . . to which we add four and a
half years to result in 33 A.D. which, adding 2K years minus seven, yields 2026
Q.E.D.
Three last quick observations. First, since we are dealing with interpretation,
readers should take care not to overinvest in the exact date (as we have said
many times). Second, since we are or are very close to being "in the window",
leaning towards being MORE (because of the imminence) rather than LESS (because
of the lack of absolute certainty) focused on preparation would be the prudent
course. And, third, however one plays around with any of the variables, one
thing is sure: "the window" is not very wide. Differences in one or even several
of the various calculations discussed here (and others not taken up today)
cannot shift the time line more than a few years. If the seven millennial day
interpretation is correct (and I firmly believe it is), then we are definitely
living on the cusp of the end as everything that is happening in the world
seems to confirm.
In Jesus,
Bob L.