http://ichthys.com/ 
Eschatology Issues CXLVII

Question #1:
Hey Bob what does a John mean when he says "He was not entrusting himself to them" and "He did not need anyone to testify about mankind?" It seems as though he’s saying these are believers but he doesn’t trust them. Is "entrusting himself to them" the same as "trusting them?"
Response #1:
Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.
John 2:23-25 NKJV
This passage tells us many important things. Verse 23 does say that "many believed on His Name", but our Lord did not "entrust Himself" to them . . . or to anyone else. Given what we know from the totality of all that is in the four gospels, it is safe to say that the "many" were by far not the majority. It's also important to remember that there are plenty of people who do actually believe . . . for a moment . . . but them later on abandon their faith.
"But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away."
Luke 8:13 NKJV
Even if such individuals initially receive the Word "with joy", that does not mean that their faith will last. We know that this falling away from initial faith happened because scripture documents it.
On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.” From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
John 6:60-66 NIV
And we also know that while much of the city of Jerusalem turned out to celebrate our Lord's arrival on "Palm Sunday", within a very few days they were with very few exceptions calling for His crucifixion. 
This is a faithful saying:
For if we died with Him,
We shall also live with Him.
If we endure,
We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him,
He also will deny us.
If we are faithless,
He remains faithful;
He cannot deny Himself.
2nd Timothy 2:11-13 NKJV
It is not those who start the race who receive the victor's crown. It is only those who finish the race. A very important thing to keep in mind as we head into the Tribulation soon enough.
"But he who endures to the end shall be saved."
Matthew 24:13

"Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"
Luke 18:8b NKJV
In the meantime, especially when we find ourselves hated by everyone because of our allegiance to Jesus Christ (Matt.10:22; 10:25; Lk.6:22), we would be very wise to follow our Lord's example and though we be "harmless as doves", be careful at the same time to be "wise as serpents" and thus to follow our Lord's example when it comes to trusting anyone but the Lord Himself (Matt.10:16).
Do not trust in a friend;
Do not put your confidence in a companion;
Guard the doors of your mouth
From her who lies in your bosom.
For son dishonors father,
Daughter rises against her mother,
Daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
A man’s enemies are the men of his own household.
Therefore I will look to the LORD;
I will wait for the God of my salvation;
My God will hear me.
Micah 7:5-7 NKJV (cf. Jer.9:4-6; Matt.10:34-35; Lk.12:51-53)
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #2:
Thank you Bob. That is helpful. In John 6:64 when it says this "For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him." Are these two separate or overlapping groups of people, as in some did not believe but some did believe but would betray him? Or is this just saying the ones who didn’t believe are the ones who betrayed him? 
Response #2:
My reading of this passage is that our Lord was aware that no human being is really worthy of complete trust; we're all sinners and we're all imperfect. Further, "that generation" were all looking for the conquering Messiah, desiring the crown without the cross (link). So even though at the beginning and then throughout His three and a half year ministry while many expressed allegiance and "believed", before it was over almost to a person they abandoned Him. Even the twelve. They serve as the model in answer to your question: one betrayed Him, ten abandoned Him, and one denied Him. Afterwards, of course, Peter and the other ten repented and came back to the truth. And of course our Lord knew all about this ahead of time:

Judas:
And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?” Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said so.”
Matthew 26:21-25 NIV

The ten:
Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' "
Matthew 26:21 NIV

Peter:
Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”
Matthew 26:33-34 NIV

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #3:
Hey Dr. Luginbill, 

I'm always happy to pray for you and you're welcome! 

If you don't mind me asking out of curiosity and, perhaps, slight concern, have you been having doubts about the 2026 interpretation? I ask in all sincerity. It's just that in this email and in some of the ones in recent postings over the past few months, the way you've been expressing it seems to suggest you are less certain/confident than you were before. I'm not saying this is true, but it's just a casual observation where that seems to be the case. If my memory serves me correctly, a few weeks ago, I think you said something along the lines of, "We can't be certain." I'm aware you've always mentioned 2026 as an interpretation and have given alternatives since it's possible it could be wrong (2029 and 2033 as two examples), but I've never seen you word/phrase things that way or even as you did in this last sentence I just quoted. 

Sincerely in Christ, 
Response #3:
Re: 2026 and my confidence level. It's always been the same: this is where the evidence always leads me, but since it is an interpretation which is based on a number of assumptions some of which are also interpretations and some of which are reliant upon secular rather than biblical information, I can't be dogmatic about it in the same way as I can, for example, about the fact of there being no pre-Trib "rapture" (all a person has to do is read Matthew chapter 24 carefully to see that for him/herself – no interpreting necessary). 

If there has been any perceived or actual shift in the way I have been answering questions about this as we get closer I would say it is because one of the things I also have to guard against is misapplication on the part of listeners/readers. If it were 2046 instead of 2026, I could be reasonably confident that, with that much time remaining, anyone who took this teaching to heart would not for that reason be tempted to make major life changes on that basis. For while it is good and right for us all to use the coming end as motivation to do what we should have been doing all along, namely, doubling down on spiritual growth, progress and production, there are some out there who might read these postings and do something really misguided as a result. 

Whenever anyone has asked about, say, committing to a new job or graduate school or any other long term project in light of the times, I've always said what I always say, namely, that we should do today what the Lord wants us to do today regardless of all other considerations. After all, we don't know whether or not the Lord is even going to give us as individuals another tomorrow – we take it one day at a time. So if we are planning things that are good and right to plan for our lives and our service to Him, we need to be living as if we will be doing what we are doing for a good long time, even if it turns out that we are taken home tomorrow, and even if it turns out that the Tribulation starts tomorrow . . . or many years in the future. 

In other words, I don't want anyone to use this teaching as an excuse to fail to do what they should be doing (or to precipitously do something really unwise). And since it is an interpretation based on others and also upon some secular historical information, it's not the same thing as the Trinity (or "no rapture"). 

I have no doubt that this is not an issue for you or anyone else we know in the Ichthys community. But as a pastor-teacher you will find out that there will always be those who will misuse and abuse your teaching. You can't stop that, obviously, but you can try to do what you can to head off any potential abuse or misapplication that you can see coming. That is what I have always tried to do in all my teaching, and not just with this issue.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #4:
Good afternoon! 

I have been reading things on your site—it's been great. 

You have 2026 as the beginning of the time of the Tribulation, I believe. Could that start at the end of 2025. And can you tell me why you have 2026 as the arrival of the antichrist. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Thank you! 
Response #4:
Good to make your acquaintance, and thanks for the encouraging words!
The projected date you mention is an interpretation of scripture rather than a direct teaching of the Bible (obviously, the Bible doesn't give a precise date; see the link).  This interpretation is based upon a number of variables, changing any one of which would alter the date.  As mentioned many times on the site, I believe the interpretation of these variables to be correct, but some of them are dependent upon secular information not in the scriptures themselves -- as, for example, the "15th year of Tiberius" when John started his ministry (Lk.3:1) being from August 19th of A.D. 28 to August 18th of A.D. 29.  This is a very well documented secular date, but it's not specified as such in the Bible.  Here is one link to where the assumptions used to establish the 2026 date are explained, and here is another which runs through the method used (at the link).

So to answer your question directly, if the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord actually occurred in A.D. 32 and not A.D. 33, then indeed 2025 should be the year of commencement (assuming, as I do, 2,000 years between that date and the second advent, with the seven years of the Tribulation, the final week of Daniel's seventy weeks, being a joint era between the Jewish and Church Ages rather than an "add on" after the Church Age). As you can see at the link, there are good reasons for calculating things as I have done in this regard.

As to your other question, this is based upon what scripture clearly says:
So we ask you, brothers, in regard to the coming our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling together to Him [at His return], that you not be so easily moved from your correct understanding [of these matters], nor disturbed [by doubts about what you should know to be true] – not even if [this "new information" purports to come] through a spirit, or an [inspired] word or a letter supposedly from me, declaring that the Day of the Lord is already upon us. Do not let anyone deceive you in any way. For [the Second Advent cannot come] unless the [Great] Apostasy has first occurred and the man of lawlessness, [antichrist,] has [first] been revealed, that "son of destruction" (cf. Jn.17:12 of Judas), the one who will oppose and exalt himself against every so-called god and object of worship to such a degree that he will [even] take his seat in the temple of God and represent himself as being God.
2nd Thessalonians 2:1-4
Apropos of your questions, this passage teaches that the revelation of antichrist is an event that takes place DURING the Tribulation. That is to say, there may now be as there have ever been many potential "candidates" for that personage (i.e., there are "many antichrists" with a small 'a': 1Jn.2:18), but scripture tells us that the actual beast himself won't be "revealed" as such until the Tribulation has already begun. And we will definitely know when the Tribulation has begun.
When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand. Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.
Revelation 8:1-5 NKJV
These will be phenomena seen, heard and felt worldwide – and impossible to miss (like many of the tribulational events).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #5:
Bob

I will! Thank you! I printed out your first email and 3 or 4 of the links-----I plan on reading it over the next week or so. I will definitely be getting back to you with thoughts and questions! 

I do have 2 questions off the top of my head. 

1 --- Do you think ''things''' could start to get hairy THIS YEAR leading into 2026 ----- or are we in for another '''normal'' year --- and THEN 2026 things start to get haywire?

2---- Do you believe (are almost certain due to your years/thousands of hours of prayer and scripture reading/study) - that 2026 is almost definitely the year the antichrist shows up on the world stage as Mr Nice Guy with some answers to humanities problems (that start? 2025 and go into 2026??)

Thank you again----- I look forward to your answers/thoughts on the 2 questions. 
Response #5:
My pleasure. As to your two questions . . .

1) It's certainly possible. Although of course things are ALWAYS rough down here on planet earth, so anything pre-Tribulation would be relative. Based upon the likes of Genesis 41:25-36 and 1st Thessalonians 5:3, it's also possible that there may be a period of respite before it all begins as well. The main point to make here is that there is nothing specific prophesied to happen BEFORE the Tribulation begins, so whether things get better or worse or stay the same, we can't take it as some kind of sign. After all, things got very difficult during World War II and all manner of historical developments could easily have been seen as paralleling or presaging the Tribulation – but of course in fact they did not.

2) Antichrist is not said to be "revealed" until after the Tribulation begins (2Thes.2:1-4). I take that to mean that where as scripture says there are "many antichrists" (small "a"; 1Jn.2:18), THE beast will not necessarily be identifiable (correctly and indisputably, that is) before the Tribulation begins. The fact that it is only mid-way through the Tribulation when scripture gives us a litmus test to be able to identify him (the famous "number of his name"), likewise indicates that he may not even be a noted celebrity the day before the Tribulation commences. Things will change very quickly after that, for one reason because of the removal of the Holy Spirit's restraint (see the link), so we shouldn't be surprised that this close to those events (potentially), there is still no one out there whom we can with any confidence identify as that person.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #6:
Bob

Hello! I have begun reading through your first email to me attached to my printout of all the connecting pages you attached via the blue links--in connection with your thoughts and backing points. This scripture you quoted in your first email to me --- Is great --- how there are parenthesis within it explaining things --- like """" For ( the Second Advent cannot come) unless the (Great) Apostasy has first occurred and the man of lawlessness (antichrist) has (first) been revealed.......""""

Is that you putting in the parenthesis to further explain the passage OR is that an actual ''version'' of Scripture ? ( like the NIV, or NLT, NKJV, etc etc). It reads so smoothly. If that is a version/translation of the bible I would very much like to know which one. 

Thank you again.
Response #6:
This is my translation. When I'm quoting a version, I identify the version. If there is no version identifier, that means it's my rendering. When I use parentheses in my translations, they usually mean as you intuit that this is an explanation. Square brackets are expansions.  The KJV and some other versions do that same sort of thing with italics (i.e., when you see italics in a KJV verse it means that they are supplying words not actually in the original for the sake of "smooth reading"). Here's a link to where I explain my use of "sigla" such as these in the translations I've provided at Ichthys: "How to use Ichthys Translations, II".

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #7:
I know the answer to this should be obvious to me (just wanted to make sure) but if the Tribulation doesn't begin in 2026, this wouldn't undermine your belief that there is no pre-trib rapture, correct? I don't see how it would, considering there are no verses in Scripture that even suggest a pre-trib. Even as a child, I never understood where people got that teaching even though I accepted it myself for many years because that's what I was taught to believe. 

On another note, Revelation 8:5 gives us the events that signify the Tribulation's commencement. Now, I just went back and checked Revelation 8:1-5 in part 3a of the Coming Tribulation and didn't see you mention anything about it, but do you believe we may experience some type of worldwide sign in March/April of 2026 signifying the beginning of the 6 month grace period (not the start of the Tribulation itself)? What are your thoughts on that? 
Response #7:
In terms of the notion that the Church will be resurrected BEFORE the Tribulation, that is false – and it's not just an "interpretation". It's a cold hard biblical fact (link). 
"Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."
Matthew 24:29-31
The only way I can see this false doctrine ever got any purchase is because 1) it feels good (who wants to go through the Tribulation?); 2) people don't read their Bibles (not with any particular care). Now that it's been institutionalized in a good part of evangelicaldom, there's also the influence of false tradition so it's probably here to stay . . . until the Tribulation begins and these brethren are still here.

On the second question, the half hour = six month period in Revelation 8:1 occurs BEFORE the signs in Revelation 8:5. So, no, I don't expect us to experience this until the fall of this year or next or seven or eight years from now or whenever the Tribulation begins. For the record, I think it will be not be this fall or that much farther in the future but next fall – for reasons I've explained on the site many times. I'll also be doing an in-depth prep series as the next order of business following Hebrews 13 (which I hope to complete before the end of the year).

And thanks for those prayers!!!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #8:
Hi Bob,

I don't remember when the age of Thyatira was but it had to be well after Ahab and Jezebel. Does that not apply to the age of Laodicea? Rev 2:20

In our Lord,
Response #8:
As stated in the study, CT 2A, it's not that there are not aspects of the messages to the seven churches that have not always applied to all times – they have all always applied to every Church era to some degree. The messages emphasize things which were/are particularly appropriate and applicable to the era in question. Thyatira was the era of first compromise with the world on behalf of the church-visible (link). As such, Jezebel in Revelation 2:20 (by analogy to the historical Jezebel) represents the false element that has infiltrated the true Church, the devil's "church" within the Church, so to speak: the era of Thyatira was characterized by the commencement of the association of the true Church in its worldly organization with what is false. 

As such, Jezebel is the perfect analogy because she was the high priest, so to speak, of the devil's pagan religion of Ba'al which did so much to undermine the faith of those living in the northern kingdom at that time. During the Tribulation, there will ONLY be Jezebel's "church", the religion of antichrist (link) . . . except for that core of genuine believers who refuse to compromise, even unto death.
And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death."
Revelation 12:10-11 ESV
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #9:
Hi Bob,

It certainly doesn't auger well for us in the Tribulation. I can't help but note that the era began with The Council of Nicaea and the dominance of the RC church which seems to have continued through today. All the major protestant churches seem the be the spawn of the catholic churches. I'm no expert but outwardly the Roman and Orthodox churches appear the same. The only difference I could see with limited exposure was the Orthodox church splatters "holy water" on icons instead of statues and wore slightly different costumes.

I hope I won't have to see Jezebel's church in full bloom.

In our Lord.
Response #9:
With all of these groups, I'm always also quick to make a distinction between the hierarchy and the official doctrine on the one hand and the individuals who are part of them on the other, often purely out of family connections and tradition. Of course, it's always well to ask, if they don't like them, why do they stay? In many instances, it's not a case of agreeing with the behavior or the false doctrine as much as it is of having no particular interest in the truth at all, and staying in the group just because it's comfortable (for the reasons above).

As to "full bloom", it's well on the way. It wouldn't chap me a bit to "miss the show" either. But that decision is not up to us, after all.

Keeping you in my prayers, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #10:
Hi Bob,

Yes, there is a distinction between those that are attending the religion and those who believe in it. I have a good friend from high school who married one of my rat-pack buddies. She's one of two left standing. Her father married a French girl during WWII. She has been RC all her life and unlikely to change now that she's in her 70s. But she does read the Bible which is a heresy in the catholic church. Hope springs eternal.

Thanks for your prayers. You and yours remain in mine as does your family.

In our Lord Jesus,
Response #10:
Reading the Bible is the only way out. Sooner or later a person who does so will realize that there is a big difference between what scripture plainly states and the teaching of whatever cult or false religion, or even doctrinally wrong church they are involved in. There's no rapture therein, just for example. 

Thanks for your prayers, my friend.

Keeping you in my prayers too.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #11:
[question about 1st John 5:3 used for bullying Christians into legalism]
Response #11:
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.
1st John 5:3 NKJV
There has never been any dearth of lies in Satan's world system. Attacking the truth in putatively Christian circles has always been a priority of his (cf. Revelation chapters 2-3).

The key thing about 1st John 5:3 is the word "His". Making up commandments as legalism does is not the same thing as following "His" commandments:
" ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth,
And honor Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.
And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ”
Matthew 15:8-9
We believers know what we are supposed to do – or should: grow spiritually, progress through maturity, produce a crop for the Lord with the gifts we've been given. Giving ourselves over to be controlled by someone else (falsely named "discipleship" and "accountability" programs) makes growth, progress and production – God's actual "commands" we're supposed to carry out – impossible. 
During the Tribulation, this will be a bigger issue than ever before (link), so it's definitely one to "get straight" before the time.
(1) The Spirit explicitly says that in the end times certain men will rebel from the faith, giving their allegiance [instead] to deceitful spirits and demonic doctrines. (2) With their own consciences seared away and speaking with the hypocrisy of men [who peddle] lies, (3) they will [instruct their victims] to refrain from marriage, and to keep away from certain foods – which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and fully understand the truth.
1st Timothy 4:1-3
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #12:
[omitted]

I actually wrote to ask you an unrelated question, but with the weekend's hullabaloo it's obviously fresh on my mind and I truly covet your prayers and wisdom. 

Question:

Isaiah 65:17 states, "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things will not be remembered or come to mind."

Does this refer only to unpleasant things or memories? Will we no longer recall unbelievers? If we do, then will we not grieve? I’m assuming since we will have full knowledge we’ll know and see if for what it is in order to not cry and grieve (even when recalling those we loved here). 

Thank you!
Response #12:
Wow! That is really unconscionable.

I would affect surprise . . . except that this sort of thing (i.e., outrageous behavior emanating from family members) happens all the time. In fact, it's gotten to the point that families where this sort of thing doesn't happen are the rare exception (you should read some of the emails I receive!). Those of us who don't fall into this very large category should definitely count our blessings. Congratulations on handling it so well, both in practical terms but also as a Christian. Tests like this are hard to pass and easy to fail.

Regarding Isaiah 65:17, I don't think it means that we will have amnesia about what happened in this life or in history. Are we supposed to forget the cross or the gospels, or what the Lord has done for us in our lives? No. I think it means that we will have such a different perspective on things in eternity that none of what is happening here and now will matter to us then in the same way it matters now, both in absolute terms and also in the way we feel about things. 

We know, for example, that there will be a viewing port to the lake of fire (Is.66:24); also, it is hard to understand how we would not remember how we won the rewards we won without any memory of earthly events. Also, we will surely have the Bible which relates all manner of historical details. We will know how and why Moses and Elijah rated top honors, for example. Surely the Bible will still be available. So as mentioned I think it will be more a matter of eternal life in a resurrection body being so different from what we are experiencing now that our interest in things that now trouble us will be of no account then – along the lines of reading today about events in ancient history which obviously don't concern us personally (loose analogy).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #13:
Hello Bob. 

With your permission I would like to use your material on the Book of Revelation for a men's Bible Study that I am leading? Also In your Diagram of The Seven Bowl Judgments and The Seven Trumpet Judgements of Warning. What do the alphanumeric numbers F26,S27, F27,S28,S29,etc. I have been trying to figure it out but no luck. Once again thank you so much for your website. It is absolutely my favourite.

God Bless
Response #13:
I'd be delighted for you to do so!

The "F"s stand for Fall and the "S"s stands for Spring.

Thanks for the encouraging words, my friend!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #14:
Thanks Bob. 

I pray that I can do justice to your explanation of the book of Revelation. 

Does F 26 mean fall of the year 26? I hope that I am not being a pest -

p.s., I'm just pleased that you are sharing these materials!
Response #14:
Not at all. I appreciate the questions!

And, yes, the 26 = 2026 (etc.).

Do feel free to write me any time!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #15:
I suspect there will be many questions as I am the only one attending that believes that believers will go through the Tribulation. To say the least it will be interesting.

Blessings
Response #15:
That's a very common problem in evangelicaldom these days. There is plenty about that (i.e., refuting the pre-trib "rapture"), on Ichthys as you probably know (going back through the Eschatology Issues postings is a good way to find most of them and links to more; see the link: Previous Postings).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #16:
Hi Bob,

[omitted]

I felt a bit under the weather like you too but I'm much better now.

Wishing you and yours a very happy New Year's Eve and a wonderful and blessed 2025 too!

It's going to be very interesting to see what the Lord has in store for us! Lots of change but all for the good - that I'm sure of.

In Jesus
Response #16:
That makes good sense to me. 

Glad to hear you're feeling better (planning to take it easy on this end for a few days).

"It's going to be very interesting to see what the Lord has in store for us! Lots of change but all for the good - that I'm sure of." Romans 8:28! I'm no fan of change myself, but you are right – and I am witness to it – that God is in control and every change He brings about is good in the end.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #17:
Dear Bob,

Thank you again for your wonderful words of encouragement on salvation the other day. I have a new question for you and feel free to post it on your website to help others as well. I am trying to figure out my eschatological viewpoint but I don't know where to start? I guess I have always been pre-millennial by default but i have never really ventured into post, pre or amillennial.

Could you offer some clarity on where to go in the Bible to get more clarity on this?

I know Christ will keep me but I want to understand this topic even more

In Christ,
Response #17:
My pleasure.

In terms of eschatology, there are literally many thousands of pages about this at Ichthys, two entire series (the Satanic Rebellion and Coming Tribulation) devoted to the topic, not to mention very many weekly email postings (this weeks was "Eschatology issues CXXXVI").
The best single file to cover this is Bible Basics 2B: Eschatology (at the link).  This has a PDF file and also an MP3 (if you want to listen instead of read).  
For "the rapture" and the problems with that incorrect teaching, here's a link which will lead to many others:  "The 'Rapture' and other Eschatological Issues"

Thanks for the good words, and please do feel free to write back any time.

Wishing you and yours a blessed 2025.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #18:
Hi Bob,

"Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake."
Matthew 24:9 NKJV

In thinking about the current anti-Christian hostility and killings raised the question. Jesus' prophecy in Matthew 24:9 appears to be as true today as it was then. I'm not convinced most of what calls itself "Christian" is actually Christian. None the less, those that call themselves Christian seem to be enjoying the same hostility I read about in Acts. The question today is: does the original Greek state that the persecution will be because of His name or just because of Him, as the NIV suggests?

Given all the various flavors of those call themselves Christian, I suspect the KJV is more accurate since the hatred appears to be for whatever goes by Christ's name. Strong's was rather ambivalent, but given our previous conversations may be reasonable. What's your understanding?

Thanks

In our Lord,
Response #18:
Re: "I'm not convinced most of what calls itself "Christian" is actually Christian." That is an understatement. I would be surprised if it's even 10%. And even amongst groups and individuals who truly are saved, the vast majority of these are in the ranks of the lukewarm, and who know how many will fall away when the pressures of the Tribulation begin? Scripture suggests two thirds (e.g., Rev.12:4; cf. Dan.8:10-14).

Re: Matthew 24:9, the Greek says "because of My Name", but in terms of the distinction as you pose it, there isn't really any difference since "the Name" is the Person. Cf.:
Then God said to Moses, "I shall be who I am. This is what you will tell the sons of Israel: 'I am sent me to you.'" And God also said to Moses, "Thus you will say to the sons of Israel: 'the Lord [the "is": YHVH], the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob sent me to you.' This is My Name forever, and this is how you are to think about me for all generations."
Exodus 3:14-15

I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.
Psalm 138:2 NKJV (cf. Ps.33:4; Mk.9:7)

(18) Then Jesus came over and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me, (19) so go and make all nations my followers by baptizing them [by the Spirit] into the Person (i.e., "name") of the Father and [into the Person] of the Son and [into the Person] of the Holy Spirit, (20) and by teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you".
Matthew 28:18-20a
And "the Name" is Jesus Christ, not "Christian" – which is not a biblical word (even though we use it as if it were; link). In the Bible, we are "believers", "those who believe . . . in Jesus Christ", His work for us on the cross and His Person (Name), who He is.

Wishing you a great 2025, my friend!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #19:
Hi Bob,

Thanks for the explanation. Is "Jehovah" a reasonable English rendering of YHVH? I'm continually struck by how closely the Bible describes our current milieu. I never recognized it before because I considered scripture history. I read Romans 1 last night. Paul was speaking directly to the current generation and every one preceding.

Thank you Bob. I don't know how far off into the weeds I'd be without you. May you also have a good and prosperous year.

In our Lord,
Response #19:
Transliteration of names from one language into another is always a question of convention. When it comes to THE Name, because there are no vowels and since the Name was not pronounced in the Hebrew tradition (when reading in Hebrew one says 'Adonai when YHVH is present), there were bound to be different ways of doing this. KJV uses LORD for YHVH and Lord for actual occurrences of 'Adonai.

The closer we get to the Lord, the more the whole Bible sings to us and the more we find it resonating in regard to everything we see. So keep up the good work for Jesus Christ!

Thanks for your good words, my friend. May it be a blessed year ahead for you.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #20:
Hello Dr. Luginbill,

First, I am studying your excellent and wonderful studies on Peter. I am currently on Number 15, and am amazed at the way you always write. All your teachings are excellent as usual. Second, Just wanted to send you a note and pray that God will richly bless you and the wonderful ministry you have. You will surely be greatly rewarded for the things you have done. I know that, when I found your Website, I have learned so very much from your teachings, and am still learning.

So again, May our blessed LORD and Savior bless you above measure this coming year of 2025, with one year to go for 2026, and I know what will happen then.

Your friend,
p.s., yes, I wonder if it'll be appropriate to wish a happy new year next year or not!
Response #20:
Many thanks for the kind words.

Happy new year to you and yours as well, my friend!

Wishing you and your family a truly blessed 2025!

Keeping you in my prayers.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
p.s., we'll find out soon enough about next year; meanwhile we "make hay" for the Lord while "the sun is [still] shining".
"I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work."
John 9:4 NKJV
Question #21:
Yes, I know what you mean, but many other Christians don't know what you mean, because they don't know the Word of God. I thank God that He led me to your Website, where I have learned so much from your teachings.

Your friend,
Response #21:
I'm very grateful he led you here too, my friend!

You've been a great blessing to me.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #22:
Hi Mr. Luginbill,

Do Ephesians 4:8 and Matthew 27:52-53 have any correlation? Or are they separate events, with the Matthew passage just to witness the power of God and that salvation was just accomplished?

Merry Christmas!

Respectfully,
Response #22:
Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised.
Matthew 27:52-53 NKJV

Therefore He says:
“When He ascended on high,
He led captivity captive,
And gave gifts to men."
Ephesians 4:8 NKJV
These are separate events. In Matthew, we have a "resuscitation" situation: these very recently deceased believers were brought back to life temporarily in the manner of Lazarus as a sign of the power of the cross, enabling the resurrection (link).  In Ephesians, Paul is speaking of the transfer of believers from paradise below to the third heaven which was accomplished at Christ's ascension (link).

Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas, my friend, and a blessed 2025!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #23:
Hi Mr. Luginbill,

Sorry for taking so long to get back to this! I hope you had a good Christmas and New Year's!

Ok, got it - that would have been wild to experience! (In a good way!)

I hope you don't get hit too hard by this storm moving through - stay safe and warm!

Respectfully,
Response #23:
Very nice break there, thanks! Hope the same was true for you.

We've had enough snow to cancel things for Monday, but I don't start teaching again until Wednesday anyway, so it's just sort of a mess (though really pretty – most snow we've had in Louisville for many years).

Re: "stay safe and warm" . . . so far so good! Thanks as always for the prayers. Keeping them up on this end as well.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #24:
Hi Bob and family,

NOT LONG TO GO NOW . . .

Hope you had a nice Christmas and a quiet NYE. 

Sad that so many are either blindly unaware, or simply don’t care what’s coming – and there are too many like this. Unfortunately, if they don’t realise what they’re throwing away, there is only one ending but all have opportunity, and everyone will know soon enough. I suspect, in the short time left some may be shaken out of apathy, and if they would only realise, accepting Jesus isn’t hard to do. It’s simply making a 180 degree change of direction before time is no more.

My prayers are constantly that God will bring a ‘lost sheep’ across my path – or mine across theirs, either directly, or through my articles which I update daily, and I pray He will give me wisdom and gentle understanding, and no doubt, that is your desire as well. I know it’s beyond my control but I pray that He will preserve me in whatever adversity, so that I may be a help unto others, even those in my own family – if it be His will! And I’m happy in the belief – all things are possible with Him.

So much to look forward to beyond these days, and if Tribulation is even half as bad as what it sounds, we just have to continue in His grace, looking forward to that brighter day. All things have a beginning and an ending – and as you say, it’s one day at a time!

Wishing you all my very best dear Bob, as always,
Response #24:
There is a great deal of spiritual blindness afoot nowadays, that is certain.

Re: "if Tribulation is even half as bad as what it sounds, we just have to continue in His grace, looking forward to that brighter day". Those really are words to live by. We know that the Lord is faithful. If we keep faith with Him, we have nothing to worry about, no matter how bad it gets. After all, all this is temporary. Whatever trouble we have here will not endure. Once the Lord returns, and that is getting very close too, all of our troubles will be over forever.
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 NKJV

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
1st John 5:4 NKJV
When is your operation? Keeping you in prayer for that.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
p.s., very nice Christmas and new years. Snowed under at the moment, but back to teaching mid-week.
Question #25:
Hi Bob,

And there’s really no other choice is there, clinging to faith will bring our deliverance, throw it away . . .

Always good to talk to you Bob!

The last scan in November showed the aneurysm growing. So my next scan will be in May and I expect it will reach that point when a decision will have to be made – whether to go ahead or not. 
And I’ve reasoned, at 80 years old now, I’ve had a better life than many. I hope for a few more years so that I may be a help unto others. I resigned myself a long time ago that it is God who gives life, it is God who takes life. 

I can be very thankful Bob, being like the Prodigal son, coming to Jesus late in my life – if I didn’t have that hope, I too, would experience the ‘lake of fire’.

As always my good friend,
Response #25:
I'm very grateful for you too, my friend, and grateful too that instead of just "interest" your mina/talent has earned others. Praying daily for the increasing impact of your ministry.

Re: "there’s really no other choice is there?" Indeed not. But that is why we are here. It's easy to get caught up in the details of all the other "fronts" on which we have to fight, but we believers who are focused on the Lord know full well which "front" is the important one, the one all the others merely support, and that is where we put our primary effort. If we continue to do so, the Tribulation may be difficult (I have no other expectation), but the Lord will see us through to whatever specific end He has for us to glorify Him and aid His Church. 
When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches.
Because You have been my help,
Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.
My soul follows close behind You;
Your right hand upholds me.
Psalm 63:6-8 NKJV
He will be our Shepherd, all the way to the end (Ps.48:14).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
http://ichthys.com/