http://ichthys.com/ 
Eschatology Issues CXLVIII

Question #1:
Hello Robert,
I hope this message finds you well — it’s been a while. I’ve 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? I’d 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:
More on the seven church eras
Computing the seven eras

Others compute the eras
Where does the 360 years come from?
More on the 360 years

What church era are we in?
Several questions on the eras
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 :
The 2026 interpretation
How sure is 2026?
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 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 God’s 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 and 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 been 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 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 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 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 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 historians have compared what these 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 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 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 day. 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.
http://ichthys.com/