http://ichthys.com/ 
Eschatology Issues CLII

Question #1:
Well, you're right. The "rapture clock" has been reset by the same "pastor". Three days after his failed rapture prediction, he's still claiming he wasn't wrong about the 23rd / 24th September dates. He's now adjusting the rapture date based on the differences between the Julian and Gregorian calendars - he's going by the Feast of Trumpets in the Julian calendar. He's saying the rapture is now going to take place on the 7th / 8th of October. I'm not too sure he's got those dates right! People believed his first prediction. The date came and went and I'm sure some will fall away from the faith. Others are still believing him and seem to be even more committed to him. No signs and miracles here and people are still being deceived. How much more so with the beast's tribulational false religion.

In Jesus
Response #1:
There are more problems with calendars and Jewish festival datings than that too. Of course the REAL problem is not reading the Bible. As our Lord said very clearly . . . 
"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 NKJV
What is about "after the tribulation" they don't understand? Since we have angels and trumpets here too it's clear that this is referring to exactly the same event as described in 1st Thessalonians chapter four. There's not a single passage in the Bible that affirmatively even suggests such a thing as a pre-Trib removal of the Church.

But YOU know all that very well!

Wonder what they'll be saying in November?

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #2:
Hello Dr.,

In your DropBox you should find the audio files for BB 4B: Soteriology. I’ll be starting BB-5 Pneumatology this weekend and should have it for you in about two months.

I’m heading to __ early tomorrow morning to spend a couple of days in training for my job, after which I’ll be spending time studying for a certification to check a box for my boss. If I pass the test there’s supposed to be a raise attached (we’ll see). Studying and testing for work at my age is not something I eagerly anticipate, but I’ll give it a go.

Things have been quiet here. [progress on the health front for us] I’m getting ready for winter, keeping up with Bible reading, Bible studies and watching the world apply the finishing touches to the stage for antichrist appearance. It’s an amazing time to be alive, seems things are tracking perfectly to match the time line indicated by Scripture. It’s going to be interesting to see what develops over the next year. 

How are you Sir? You recently mentioned in your weekly postings a new series on preparation for the Tribulation. I had been thinking something like that would be a good idea, especially for the lukewarm who will find themselves waking up to the nightmare they thought they could avoid by rapture, kingdom now, survival preparation, willful ignorance, etcetera. Do you have an estimated completion date for this? It’s something I’d like to make copies of to give to those who find interest. I’ll be in touch

All the best,

Rev.22:20
Response #2:
Nice work as always, my friend! Files receive, uploaded and tests AOK.

I'm still in the planning stage with this series. I've got a tentative outline but I still need to tweak it a bit. At present it's going to be seven parts. About the only thing I have in mind for timing is to get it done by next year at this time (so I can't let any of these parts get too long). Here's the outline at present, but it may change a bit:

1. Life in the Tribulation
2. Date of the Tribulation
3. Events of the Tribulation
4. The Beast 
5. The Beast's Religion
6. Mystery Babylon
7. Key Passages

Good news about [health].

Praying for you for a safe trip (and a raise)!

Thanks again for your help!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #3:
Hi Bob,

It'll be interesting to see what they come up with for November!

This world's getting nuttier by the minute.

It just makes me so grateful to the Lord for you and your faithful dedication to teaching His truth. It's there for those who really want it. 

Thanks for explaining about how you've had to fight for your program at the uni from the beginning. It must be tiring to be in that position, Bob. I'm glad you've got some support and I'll keep praying. 

Keep me posted and thanks so much for your prayers too!

In Jesus
Response #3:
Re: "This world's getting nuttier by the minute." Ain't it the truth!

Thanks for the good words, my friend. I'm in the process of setting up a Trib-prep series which I hope to be able to complete before next year this time. And if we get a reprieve, that would be great (of course that just means more delay until the Lord returns).

Thanks also for the prayers for the situation at UofL. I'm pretty much leaving it the Lord's hands now. I've done my bit (for anyone who cares to take advantage of it). I know that He will provide for me no matter what – and no matter how – just as has been the case my entire life. [update: the vote to eliminate the language requirement for most UG students will happen next week: prayers appreciated!]

I'll let you know! Thanks in advance for keeping me posted about things over there too.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #4:
Hi Bob,

I hope you've had a good day. I've had a busy and enjoyable one.

The Trib-prep series sounds great! Looking forward to that.

Re: the situation at UofL and "I'm pretty much leaving it in the Lord's hands now - I know that He will provide for me no matter what -- and no matter how ..." Amen to that, Bob!

I'm not really sure if you should post this or not, Bob. It's just something I wanted to mention to you only because I think it's another sign of the times. There's a pastor and a few Christian apologists that have very big video platforms on YouTube and so have a lot of influence. Some of them went to Charlie Kirk's memorial service and spoke about how amazing it was. Some say it was more like a political rally. The gospel was shared which was brilliant but they said there was also some bad theology (no surprise there!). They're also saying that the whole Charlie Kirk thing has caused a revival (of course I don't believe that for one minute). That people are being saved or going to church for the first time or going back to church. They're also saying how it's changed them and they're going to be more vocal about political stuff on their channel or when asked to speak somewhere. They're saying that Christians should be more active in politics too. When you look at the comments Christians are leaving on these videos, they're all for it too. There's only a few that are saying Christians shouldn't get involved in politics and that it's the devil's game. 

It reminded me of this from SR4:
It is enough for believers to read the "signs of the times" (e.g. Matt.16:3) and understand the gathering momentum of the satanic forces around them. It is also important for believers not to react to the point of being caught up in the devil's machinations. Satan is presently experiencing great success in captivating believers and honorable unbelievers with a number of modern socio-political "causes" that appeal to the self-righteous crusading instinct in us all. While it is understandable that believers should shudder to see many of the degenerate trends engulfing modern society, Satan in his crafty way makes use of this reaction too, and is always thrilled when he can persuade people (especially Christians) out of boredom or lust for an exciting challenge to attack the symptoms of social degeneration rather than being concerned with the root causes and the one true solution. Turning to Jesus Christ and deepening our relationship with Him through faith in Him and His Word (and the application of that faith to our lives and ministries) is the only way to have "impact" for God. Buying into Satan's propaganda lie #3 and trying to make the world a better place "for God" by one's own self-righteous efforts is not of God and therefore only furthers the devil's purposes.
I think this explains exactly what is happening here. As I say, Bob, just seems to me like another sign of the times leading up to the Tribulation.

Keeping you in my prayers and thanks so much for yours too.

In Jesus
Response #4:
The outline for Trib-prep is still in flux. I'm trying to decide not only how to organize but also what I should focus on, given that I can't really condense SR, CT, BB 2B and all those email responses very easily. But I'm confident the Lord will lead me into it. After all, none of these things would ever have gotten written without Him and His Spirit.

I've heard mixed comments about that memorial service too. And these are two different things, after all, namely, whether or not he was a truly good Christian man (people say that about Mormons and Roman Catholics, after all), versus whether or not the service was laudable or deplorable. As I've had occasion to quote now a number of times . . .
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.
Philippians 1:15-18 NIV
If someone turned to Christ, that is good . . . unless it was just a case of the seed sprouting up only to whither in the heat later for lack of roots. If someone went to church for the first time, that could be a good thing if they go someplace where the Word is being taught and it leads to their salvation and spiritual growth or to seeking something better if that's not the case (all of which strikes me as possible but not likely). If someone was moved to go back to church, that would only be helpful if it were to a good place where the Word is taught (of which there are very few), otherwise they are just . . . (fill in the blank with 2nd Peter 2:22). And if, as I rather suspect, for the most part it is just a further marriage of politics with institutional Christianity, then we are just that much closer to setting up for antichrist's tribulational religion.

I'm very grateful for spiritually perceptive friends like yourself!

Keeping you in my prayers, my friend!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #5:
Hi Bob,

I can honestly say that your thoughts on all this are the same as mine. I had been thinking about the same verses you shared too - Philippians 1:15-18.

Then there's the mandatory digital ID to be introduced for the right to work over here in the UK. You won't be able to work if you don't have digital ID. I wasn't surprised to see a lot of Christians saying it's the mark of the beast. I know that it isn't the mark but some think it's a precursor to it - preparing the way. If it goes ahead, then like you said, Bob, it's just something else that seems to point towards us being that much closer to setting up for antichrist's tribulational religion.

I totally get what you're saying about the Trib-prep - it's in my prayers too.

Your friend in Jesus
Response #5:
Yes, people are right to see all the amazingly fast and in some ways concerning technological changes that are flooding the world at present. Block-chain, AI, digital IDs, etc., etc. One can see how any such technology (and similar ones or ones in other fields too) could be used by the devil and by the beast to gain power, and then to manipulate and control the world. But hasn't that always been the case? The invention of money (the use of specie as opposed to barter) definitely produced the ability of regimes to consolidate power. The telegraph allowed rapid communication over great distances which had never been the case before and thus greater control by central governments. One could go on. And, after all, no rise of the beast is possible until God's perfect timing allows it.
For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.
2nd Thessalonians 2:7-8 NIV
The devil would like to put the beast in charge right now. But it will take the removal of the Holy Spirit's restraint for antichrist to be "revealed" . . . then seven years later exactly according to God's perfect plan we will experience the revelation of Jesus Christ!

People are the real problem. During the Tribulation, God will allow unbelievers to do what they really want to do in their heart of hearts without the restraints under which they now labor. I realize that it often seems like there is no such restraint. But scripture is clear that things would be much worse in the world without the Spirit's blessed control of the worst that is mankind. But during the Tribulation, people will be allowed to pursue those worst impulses in following Satan and his antichrist.
(8) And then the lawless one (i.e., antichrist) will be revealed, [that same one] whom the Lord Jesus will slay with the breath of His mouth and destroy when He appears at His [glorious] return – [that same lawless one] (9) whose appearance [will come about] through Satan's empowerment [and will be] accompanied by every [sort of] false miracle, both signs and portents, (10) and by every [sort of] unrighteous deception [designed] for those who are perishing, [namely those who will believe these lies] because they did not open themselves up to the love for the truth so as to be saved. (11) And for this [very] reason God is going to send upon them an empowerment of error so that they may believe the lie, (12) in order that they may be condemned, [even all those] who have not believed the truth but have [instead] approved of unrighteousness.
2nd Thessalonians 2:8-12
This "empowerment of error", as Paul terms it, will be the motive force behind everyone jumping on the beast's bandwagon. It won't be technology behind this horrible trend. Technology will merely be an instrument which facilitates it.

So we should be much more concerned about the truth – and wary of all those people and movements who oppose or undermine it – not so much about technology.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #6:
Hi Bob,

Thanks so much for your email. I'm working on a reply but I'll get it to you tomorrow.

Hope you've had a good day and at least it's Friday tomorrow!

Keeping you in my prayers, Bob!

In Jesus
Response #6:
Today was OK and indeed TGIF! Just got back from the doc and am now on blood pressure meds ("dangerously high numbers"); and pretty woozy also as a result of the shots (boosters and vaccines) I got there. Need to get through tomorrow!

Thanks for those prayers! Got you covered there too, my friend.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #7:
Hi Bob,

I just wanted to say thanks again for your email. I had it in mind too that technology was merely an instrument to facilitate it.

I hope you're not feeling too woozy and you got through today OK. I was really concerned to hear about your blood pressure being so high. I'm glad you're taking those meds now. Take things easy and look after yourself, Bob. I'm sure work must be tough going for you with all your committee chair responsibilities on top of everything else you have to do. 

We've got a blood pressure monitor at home too because it's often a more accurate reading than one affected by "white coat syndrome"!

I hope you have a restful weekend and I've got you in my prayers.

In Jesus

Thanks.
Response #7:
I did get through today . . . but the doc called at 8PM sharp and as a result of the blood work now I'm also on statins too. OOF. Which is why I've avoided docs so long. But I suppose it's time to start doing the responsible thing(s). I did have to chuckle about "white coat syndrome" because I've apparently got the same thing. When doc took my pressure it was twenty points lower than when the nurse had taken it ten minutes earlier . . . but still sky high. As my mom used to say, "Gettin' old ain't for sissies". Anyway, God helping us, we'll all get through whatever it is we need to get through.

On another note, after some thought, I'm leaning now towards doing Colossians instead of a special Trib-prep series. As I started collecting things from all over Ichthys, it dawned on me that there is no book or passage I haven't treated in depth on this subject and no issue that hasn't likewise received deep treatment often more than once in email responses. I'm thinking that since spiritual preparation on a broad plane is what we all need, Bible teaching on an equally broad plane is probably going to be the most helpful at this point inasmuch as all of the Trib-specific points have gotten plenty of work (and continue to do so with every Eschatology Issues posting).

Thanks for the prayers, . I'm keeping you and yours in mine daily as well.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #8:
Hi Bob,

Re: your new blood pressure meds. It sounds like "white coat syndrome" is contagious! You're definitely doing the right thing. Getting everything checked and sorted - no fun but has to be done. Your mom's saying is so true! I remember a patient at work saying to me (when I was younger), "Never get old - it's no fun". At least we've got our new resurrection body to look forward to!

Thanks for the emails. Some very encouraging ones this week.

You're absolutely right - the Tribulation is totally covered in depth for everyone to dig into. I'd love to study your teaching on Colossians. 

Take care, Bob - I'm keeping you in my prayers. Thanks so much for yours too.

In Jesus
Response #8:
Thanks! Another reason, after thinking about it, for not putting Trib-prep front and center is that spiritual growth is the best prep for the Tribulations and Colossians covers a wide swath of doctrines. I appreciate your support on the decision!

Re: "At least we've got our new resurrection body to look forward to!" Amen! And I am looking forward to it more and more every day!

Thanks for those prayers – got 'em coming your way too.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #9:
Hi Bob,

Yes, I think Colossians would be great. Things like Christ's supremacy and complete sufficiency in our lives, spiritual growth, keeping our focus on Him, false teaching, Christian living etc. I think about some of the things I've mentioned to you recently. Colossians 2:18 makes me think about that "pastor" and his claim that he had a vision of Jesus along with his false pre-Trib rapture predictions. It's been 'rescheduled' for today or tomorrow!

In Jesus
Response #9:
Thanks for the support on Colossians. It also dawned on me that since I have been insisting to people who ask about the closeness of the Tribulation that we all ought to keep forging forward with everything in our lives just as if it were 1,000 years away that the same ought to apply to me as well. And you are right, there is plenty in Colossians that is applicable to the Tribulation, to contemporary fallacies, and to gaining a proper overall perspective of God's superintendence of all things in Jesus Christ – all very important perspectives to have firmly in mind when the day arrives. 

In Jesus,

Bob L.
p.s., re: "rescheduled", no doubt because tomorrow is the last of the fall cycle of Jewish holidays (Sukkot or "Booths" in the KJV). Not holding my breath!
Question #10:
Hi Bob,

Thanks so much for your encouragement too! I'm deeply thankful to the Lord for you and all you have done to help me grow spiritually. It means more to me than I can say.

I think forging forward is definitely the way to go for all of us. And as you mentioned before, spiritual growth is the best preparation for us right now and for the Tribulation. These verses came to mind.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17

It's all inspired by God and it's all profitable. So as much as you are able to in the time we have left, I'd love for you to keep forging ahead with new teaching in Colossians or any other book of the Bible - keep the truth flowing, Bob! There's always more to learn and room to grow after all. I really love and look forward to feeding on the sound teaching from God's Word that you bring each time. 

Your series on Eschatology in Bible Basics part 2B, the Satanic Rebellion and the Coming Tribulation are all there for us to continue to read through and study. When there are parts that I don't know quite as well as others, I can go back and spend a bit more time on them. It's an ongoing process for all of us. And it's reassuring to know that we can still ask you about anything we're unsure of.

You often recommend Curtis from Bible Academy too. He's got a series on Revelation and a Tribulation Special as well. He's continuing to get tons of truth out there too. In one of his emails to me he wrote, "Yes, I am looking forward to our eternal home but there's a lot more work to be done down here". That goes for all of us. The Lord has blessed us with gifted, qualified, and well-prepared teachers who provide good, sound teaching that we can either read or listen to - and we need to make the most of it.

Those are my thoughts anyway, Bob. I hope it's helpful and encouraging and spurs you on!

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25

In Jesus
Response #10:
Thank you for the very encouraging email! It is indeed "spurring me on"!

Colossians is very deep and dense in the truth, so while I might get the intro out fairly quickly, chapter one probably won't happen this year.

Keeping you and yours in my prayers.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #11:
Hi Bob,

Did you get through today OK? I'm sure you must feel exhausted. There seems to be a lot of jobs these days that are much busier and more demanding. Mine is too. 

After I did the grocery shopping this morning and some chores around the house, I sat down and had some good study time in CT. I thought about how hard you were working at uni and here I was benefitting from all the hard work you put into your teaching at Ichthys too. Thanks so much, Bob.

I've already got some "ugly spaghetti" in the garden - it's the perfect description for those poor deceased nasturtiums!

I hope you manage to grab some rest at the weekend, Bob. Keeping the prayers going for you too.

In Jesus
Response #11:
Thanks – I appreciate you keeping up!

My job is a great blessing for me, a solid base for the ministry. And even though it's often busy, I am able to arrange my time in a way that wouldn't be possible if I were "9 to 5". So for all my complaining, I really am so grateful to the Lord for providing it and for giving me the grace to be able to keep on doing it.

Things went fine today and this weekend isn't busy at all, so I should indeed be able to get some rest and start picking the exercise back up a bit.

Yes, I heard that you had some serious snow over there too already in some parts (?). We had a near miss of a frost last night, but the temps are headed up a bit for the foreseeable future, so we can enjoy the last of the blooms for a bit longer. There are some giant cosmos (taller than me) which have been just leafy without blooming but are now finally budding out! They better get cracking! Saw a monarch yesterday too – he's very late in heading south, but he had a way station here.

Wishing you a nice weekend! And keeping you and yours in my prayers.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #12:
Thanks Bob,

Yes I think it will be either/or. I won't give up on the idea of my business as I seem to have quite a bit of interest in my photography and also my painting/art work.

I just feel I might need a few irons in the fire but ultimately will need to pray about this and see what the Lord wants me to do. I think it is a good idea to get my CV brushed up anyway. Watched a video yesterday on the job situation in the UK and it seems basically impossible especially now CVs are being read by AI. 

Also I hear so many horror stories about nightmare bosses all the time. Either way I know the Lord will guide me to the right places, I know I can trust and rest in Him.

I did get a bit wobbly the last few days as I felt I couldn't cope with everything swimming around but I need to be a bit more patient and rely on Him to guide me through this crowded time.

Was speaking to a friend of mine today who told me how horrific the 'dating scene' is today also. He is divorced with one daughter and he said the scene is 'post apocalyptic' in that you are either 'predator or prey'. He said most of the women he has met have either been extremely rude/abusive/entitled or so traumatized by previous abuse that they become 'undateable'. He keeps telling me 'you have NO idea how bad it is.. it is carnage!' Today he told me that he has given up completely and instead might buy a pet bird instead.

All of this mixed with everything else we are seeing doesn't bode well at all does it? Looks like your dates for the Tribulation are very accurate my friend. I can't see how things could go on for more than your calculations given the complete collapse all around us.

Truly what all this really means is our Lord is drawing nearer and nearer to us! Isn't that WONDERFUL!!

In Him,
Response #12:
I'm very glad I don't have to deal with these sorts of things any more personally. I'm keeping you in prayer to find just the right job and to have success with your art. When it comes to jobs, just remember: you only need one.

Yes! The one good thing about the Tribulation actually starting is that this will mean that the countdown has begun.

Marana Tha!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #13:
Hi Bob,

I may have asked this before but it's lost in the dim mists of memory. Am I correct in understanding that the earth was "divided" in Peleg's day because he lived coeval with the tower of Babel and the consequent scattering of people? That's the only thing that seems to make sense to me.

Thanks

In our Lord.
Response #13:
To Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided; 
Genesis 10:25a NKJV
Yes, that is absolutely correct.

Here's the link in SR 5 where this (and Peleg) is (are) discussed.

Hope you're doing well! Many of my students are sick or getting sick (my guess is that spring break didn't help).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #14:
Hi Bob,

Thanks for the suggestion. [omitted] My doctor did suggest a balm that does help somewhat.

I finished section 2 in the link you sent. Quite interesting. I never thought through Nimrod that thoroughly. I could have sworn you were describing our governments today. The question arises: if all government is instituted by God, why are most governments evil? It seems to have been that way from Nimrod through today with only rare exceptions. In fact, listening to politicians today seems to almost mirror Nimrod's logic in his one world government. If Satan takes over and rules governments, we're in for a very rocky road ahead.

In our Lord,
Response #14:
In terms of governments, they are all "appointed by God" (Rom.13:1) and exist for the sake of "our good" (Rom.13:4). But before we get too enraptured of government we have to recall that Paul says these things in the Spirit to keep believers humbly obedient to the ruling authorities, whomever they might be. The ones he personally was dealing with repeatedly beat him, imprisoned him, and in the end wrongly executed him. 

It's fair to say that the only perfect government will be our Lord's at His return, and it is wonderful to contemplate that we will be a part of that millennial administration. Every other government in world history has been flawed. Nebuchadnezzar was the head of gold, but he had Daniel's three friends thrown into the fiery furnace for not worshiping his statue. It's all a matter of degrees. And, yes, the devil is involved I'm sure wherever there is authority which might be capable of being corrupted. Ours is far from perfect. 

On the other hand, I'd rather be living here than in North Korea. Every country receives the government it deserves, so rather than blaming the government, Americans, for example, ought to look in the mirror. If we had a large remnant of believers who really were digging into the truth and doing what the Lord requires, we would find ourselves in a golden age pretty quickly. Sadly, this is far from the case. And the worse the spiritual situation in the country becomes, the worse we can expect the government (and everything else) to get. So stay salty, my friend! That's the only hope on this score.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #15:
Hi Bob,

"Every other government in world history has been flawed." That's a most gracious way of putting it. 1Samuel8, I believe, basically describes the government we are to have. Recent governments have made a science of it. While I try to treat everyone with respect and obey laws, I have no respect for government. There are pleasant people in government -- as long as you don't threaten their pensions. The current government may actually do some good, but I'll remain doubtful until the fat lady sings and roses are swept off the stage. If it happens. it'll be the first time in my memory.

I accept that God installs governments for our good. Recent governments have been punishment. Like a parent spanking his kids so they behave, I believe the Lord is doing that to us. Will we learn? I'm skeptical. Particularly as we approach the final curtain.

In our Lord,
Response #15:
Consider also that 1st Samuel chapter 8:11ff. describes a monarchy, and one that is being given to people who have rejected having the Lord as their ruler.
And the LORD said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them."
1st Samuel 8:7 NKJV
We will see soon enough the best possible government on earth and in history when our Lord returns. That too will be a monarchy, but with the perfect Monarch whose administrators are also perfect (once we're resurrected). And even so, people won't be happy.
Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.
Revelation 20:7-9 NKJV

Why do the nations rage,
And the people plot a vain thing?
The kings of the earth set themselves,
And the rulers take counsel together,
Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,
“Let us break Their bonds in pieces
And cast away Their cords from us.”
Psalm 2:1-3 NKJV
Human nature isn't going to be changing this side of eternity (because of the sin nature). If people are going to gleefully revolt after a thousand years of perfect government (and, after all, Satan had no legitimate grievance either other than that he couldn't otherwise replace God), then that tells you all you need to know.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #16:
Thanks Bob,

I am getting quite a bit of flak at the moment and I am certain it is because I am trying to push on with ministry. When I got down before it was because I was too focused on my surroundings and its decline rather than focusing on the Word. After the Lord delivered me out of that depression, then I fell for a few snares to tempt me back into weeds. Thankfully the Lord exposed them to be snares to me and I extricated myself quickly enough but it did waste a bit of my time.

I was tempted to get involved in the culture wars raging around me in response to a very blasphemous ad I saw on TV. The Lord pointed out to me that the pushback against it included atheists and new agers and so this was a trap for me to get me to fellowship with unbelievers.
There were a few more examples like this when I got upset about certain ways of the past (traditions) being overturned. I realised that the things I was getting upset about didn't really matter in the bigger scheme of things at all.

Believers getting caught up in the 'go woke, go broke' culture wars will find themselves caught in a big snare which will no doubt lead to the Antichrist. If we start caring too much about the physical things of this world and get upset that these things are changing or 'being ruined' or taken away from us, if we get upset about losing the pointless things of this world...well that is a quagmire that is very difficult to extricate from but the Lord is faithful.

I would write to your ministry that Christians would be well advised to heed your wisdom to keep their heads down and stick to their knitting even as things are being destroyed around them.
Satan knows that we are strong as long as we do what the Lord really wants us to do but are immediately weakened and in danger as soon as we wander off away from our Shepherd's voice.
Satan would like nothing better than us to wander away from the fronts the Lord has given us to fight on spiritually and instead be deceived by fighting his earthly battle for him by choosing one of his sides (doesn't matter which as he controls both sides of every fleshly battle down here).

The Lord can and will extricate us from any quagmires Satan wants us to get stuck to once he has lured us to step back away from reading the Bible, studying ministry, spiritual growth, passing tests, reaching maturity and then entering production through ministry.

It only takes one or two steps off the path the Lord wants us on to get us into trouble. The quagmires really aren't far away from any of us. My advice - stay away from ALL POLITICS of any description (including all protests or petitions). Stay away from the culture wars at all costs too. If a product you use endorses something you find troubling then just use a different one, it really is as simple as that. It depends on how strong our faith is and our conscience really. These things only matter if it trips up people who are weak in faith and may stumble seeing us either avoid or use something. After all, one day all this will be destroyed by fire anyway.

Writing this to you Bob as I really need to work on these particular chinks in my armour...so I don't fall for it again. I can't guarantee that I won't see anything in the near future that trips me up or upsets me but the best thing is to pray to the Lord about these things, move on quickly from them and try my best to keep my blinkers on and be strengthened in faith so as not to take it all so seriously the next time.

In Jesus,
Response #16:
That is a very good perspective and excellent advice as well. Over here, a great many believers are being distracted by politics as never before, and because of the changes that are hitting home in some ways for virtually everyone, it's pretty hard to ignore these things altogether. But it is good training for what's coming. The Tribulation will be a time when things will proceed to a fever pitch both in terms of politics and cultural change but also in terms of economics and the physical world around us – not to mention the building persecution of believers which will explode at midpoint into the Great Persecution. So developing a thick skin and getting good at emotionally dis-investing from the world in general now will be a very valuable asset in time soon to come.

Good to hear that you are keeping up the fight, my friend.

Any news on the health fronts?

Keeping you and yours in my daily prayers.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #17:
Hi Dr. Luginbill! 

Thank you so much for the reply, prayers as well as the dedication to the postings and the ministry. 

These really are some bizarre days, and all the more bizarre when people seem to be using very different glasses through which to perceive it. 

Have a wonderful evening, and thank you again!
Response #17:
Re: "These really are some bizarre days" Amen! In terms of "different glasses", the closer we believers draw to the Lord through the truth, the more our perspective changes – gets better, that is; and the more we come to find out that we are seeing things SO much differently than the world around us . . . because most of the world is being deceived by the evil one (and that sadly includes all too many Laodicean believers who are failing to grow as the Lord desires them to do).

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #18:
Hi Dr L,

I appreciate what you are saying, but I don't understand why the false prophet coming up from the earth means he is not completely human? It would be the same then for the too who comes from the sea? 

Thanks for your help!
PS: I am finding I really dislike Works and Days. 
Response #18:
There is a reason why these two, the beast and the false prophet, are specifically said in scripture to have those unique origins, rising from the sea and the earth respectively (only kingdoms are otherwise said to arise in these ways: Dan.7:3; 7:19). These descriptions indicate something unusual about their origin as being unique and what could that be besides that they are nephilim (see the link)? 

In the case of the beast, the dragon (i.e., the devil) is said to be standing on the shore of the sea and then the beast rises from it, so this is a symbolic representation of Satan's paternity of antichrist. And in addition to their unique origins, these two also have unique ends. They are the only two cast directly into the lake of fire prior to the last judgment and without any apparent further trial in their cases: "The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur." (Rev.19:20b NIV). This lack of formal adjudication is also an indication of their semi-angelic origin. Not being fully human, there is no need for such (i.e., the "last judgment" is of human beings), since fallen angelic kind has already been collectively judged (Jn.16:11; cf. Dan.7:9-11).
"Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels."
Matthew 25:41 NIV
I too find Hesiod fairly dull. He's important, however, since a great percentage of quotations and references in later Classical literature come from him. As one of my professors said one time, "If it's not in Homer, it's probably in Hesiod".

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #19:
Hello Dr. Luginbill,

I hope you are doing well. It looks like you got a little early taste of winter the past few days. I read that England has implemented a new form of payment and identification of their citizens with something called the Brit Card that goes into effect 2026. At first the card will be optional but by 2028 it will be mandatory for all its citizens. This card allows them to bank, buy or sell, have employment etc. Without this card you can not do or access anything. They say all of Europe, America, I image, and a mandate from the UN by 2030 so that no travel, purchasing and working without this form of ID. 

My question to you is this just a precursor to the actual mark that the antichrist will demand we take. So if we all have this ID card because we want to be able to live in this world then he can have everything in alinement and can step in and say BUT now that I am here in order for you to be able to continue to buy and sell you must now take my mark on your forehead or right hand for it to be any longer activated? Then if we refuse his mark we can not buy or sell since we would deny him.

So I guess I want to know if we take the proposed mandated card have we taken the mark of the beast warned about in Scripture? If given this mandate what would you do or like I said will the antichrist activate his form of control using the set up of the governments that have set up this card ID system so he can step in, kind of a bait and switch?

The mark on the forehead, is that a visible mark and the right hand is that also visible or are they some type of chip that can be scanned? Or will the antichrist want everyone to see the mark and know that you belong to him. Why the difference between the forehead and the hand are people given a choice? I know you have written about some of this and that you believe because of the word in scripture that it is a tattoo. Tattoos are very popular today much more so then even 5 years ago that I imagine the antichrist wants it to be seen. The time of Jesus return is getting closer and I don't want to inadvertently do something that would be the mark. I know you have said that we would have to choose for antichrist and deny Jesus but are these cards safe or just a setup for when the antichrist demands we accept him or then be cut off.

Seems like the world is spinning out of control and everyday things get worse then the day before. Such a time to be alive.

As always Dr. Luginbill, I thank you for your wonderful site and for answers to my questions.
Response #19:
Good to hear from you, my friend. How is your __ doing?

As to your question, consider the following passage:
So the spies questioned him: “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” He saw through their duplicity and said to them, “Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
Luke 20:21-25 NIV
One could argue that using money with the stamp of a man's image upon it was idolatrous, but Jesus says no. One could argue that taxation of any sort is analogous to the invasive procedure you report because, after all, if one does not pay taxes then everything one has can be taken from them and the person him/herself put in jail. But scripture says this:
Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Romans 13:5-7 NIV
Governments have been doing invasive, outrageous and ill-considered things since the beginning, but scripture tells us that we are not to rebel or oppose or resist them . . . as long as we are not being forced to do anything the Lord tells us not to do (such as sacrificing to idols, for which refusal many early Christians were martyred) or prevented from doing what we are told to do (such as Daniel praying in spite of the edict).
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
Romans 13:1-4 NIV

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.
1st Peter 2:13-15 NIV
We know very well that the Roman and Judean authorities were very unfair and oppressed believers repeatedly, Peter and Paul being personally abused in extreme ways, flogging, imprisonment, etc. And yet the Spirit has them pen the verses above.
A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives its mark on their forehead or on their hand, they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.” This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.
Revelation 14:9-10 NIV
In common with the prior passages, the one above is equally clear. We are responsible to obey authority but NOT when authority is commanding us to worship some other god or to do something that our God has specifically prohibited us from doing. Yes, the mark is a visible tattoo which is given in connection with worshiping antichrist and his idolatrous image. All this will be VERY clear to everyone on earth once we reach the middle of the Tribulation – and abundantly clear well before that, no doubt, to believers who know their Bibles. 

No one will be tricked into taking the mark. Doing so will be an overt and unmistakable act of rejecting the one true God in favor of the devil's son. For a believer to do this in order to be able to buy food will be analogous to Esau selling his birthright for a mess of pottage. And what do we believers have to fear (Ps.118:6)? God is looking out for us, and when it is our time to return to Him, that should be a matter of joy (Ps.116:15). Why would we even consider compromising our eternal life and all the glories to come just to avoid persecution and deprivation? Even if it comes to martyrdom, as it will for many, we need to keep the eternal perspective in view. All this is short (Heb.10:37-39), and even if it ends badly – the way the world sees things – we know that our God is working everything out together for good "for those who love Him" (Rom.8:28).
Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”
Revelation 14:13 NIV
No doubt the devil is behind much government malevolence. It suits his purposes to get people, especially believers, riled up about political developments like the ones you report. If he can get believers reacting and taking up arms, then he is halfway home to winning the battle. If he can't get believers to give up their faith and cast their lot in with him, at least getting them out of the true fight of faith, spiritual growth/progress/production, and get them instead to engage in political or even violent activity because of some of these machinations of his, then he has to that extent degraded the effectiveness of the Church militant by rendering such individuals hors de combat.

In short, an ID card or a digital wallet or any other means or method of exchange or identification or control is not the mark of the beast. One needs a passport to leave the US for many countries, but that is not the mark. One needs a "real id" to fly. That is not the mark. There are various other forms of control and identification multiplying around us day by day. Not the mark. Scripture tells us that beast's mark is a literal tattoo on the forehead or right hand (the form and location being, as I have written, most likely the expression of a hierarchy of dedication to antichrist [see the link]). We will know it when we see it AND the Bible has actually given us a fool-proof test to know it when we see it, namely, the calculation of the number (Rev.13:18). This calculation is not given to enable us to identify antichrist ahead of time but to take away any excuse whatsoever for anyone who might want to claim they didn't know what they were doing in taking the mark. There is nothing of this sort existing today and there won't be until the Tribulation begins (this process actually begins at its mid-point).

So we don't have to fear chips or cards or digital witchcraft or crypto-currency or Propy or any such thing. We may have to cope with such things in the meantime, however. And in response to authority we may have to submit to such things. But the Lord will make it very clear what it is we can NOT do – and about that in its time we will have no doubt whatsoever.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #20:
Hello again,

Thank you for your reply and your thoughtfulness and kindness in asking about __. __ is struggling. [details omitted] So I pray __ is safe and more importantly finds Jesus.

OK, do you think that this push that all governments are forcing on their citizens to have this ID card and be completed by 2030 that this is just a set up for the antichrist to be able to step in and say "well you all have and ID card now to continue with it you now have to take my mark" and most people will not want to give this up so they will take his mark. The pre tibbers will think they missed the rapture and take the mark and those who are not Christians will not care who they worship. So since we are Christians and believe that the antichrist will implement his system at the half way point of the tribulation do we then just use the ID card that is imposed on us and then when he comes with his demands be willing to die, give up our life for Him and never take the mark. Will we not recognize him before that time if we follow scripture since the man of peace will sign the peace agreement with Israel? And the 2 witnesses will have been witnessing and the144,000 will be in the world.

Your scripture references all make since about rendering unto Cesar and following our elected leaders as long as it does not go against God and it does not say anything about ID cards, I just wanted to hear from you since this is coming fast and furious. What a valuable resource you have been, almost 20 years since I found your sight. I left the Episcopal church then because it was becoming woke, before woke was even in our lexicon, and is it ever woke now as are most mainline churches.

Thank you again, not that I won't be back with more questions, but appreciate you. "Well done thy good and faithful servant" will be spoken to you when you meet our Lord and Savior someday, it doesn't get much better then that.

Blessings,
Response #20:
I'll be keeping __ in my prayers.

As to the "setting up for the Tribulation", no doubt Satan has many plans, but he is not God – far from it. So he is an opportunist who is constantly shifting his tactics. Anything that undermines faith, anything that turns people away from the Lord, anything that might contribute to the soon-to-come domination of antichrist he would be likely to favor. But the only One with a plan that is actually going to turn out is our heavenly Father – and turn out perfectly it will. 

So we have no need to fear any development in this world, technological or social or political or economic, etc. God is in complete control. What use the devil is currently making or will make in the future of any of these things will make no difference in the end. No difference at all. For believers who are watching "the signs of the times", it is important not to get too engrossed in trying to put two and two together. The Bible gives us the entire outline for the Tribulation. It just doesn't give us the granular details. We will have to wait to find out about all that. But if we follow the truth, and if we've learned about what scripture does say, we won't be deceived about anything these things either before the fact or while they are actually happening.

In terms of "not realizing" what's going on, again, the scriptures are quite clear that everyone ought to be able to know when the Tribulation has begun – and it's difficult to imagine a believer who's ever opened a Bible not knowing:
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
The opening of the seventh seal commences the Tribulation since the book being opened is the "Revelation of Jesus Christ" which starts with the Tribulation. The "noises, thunderings, lightnings, and earthquake" will be dramatic and felt and heard around the world. Nothing like this has ever happened before. It will be impossible to miss.

It is true that one third of believers are prophesied to fall away, but it won't be from ignorance but rather from lack of faith (not that ignorance is not a serious contributor to diminution of faith). No one will be deceived about the consequences of taking the mark in that everyone who does so will understand that they are committing themselves to the beast by doing so. It is true that he will pretend to be Christ (hence his name, anti-Christ), but no believer worth his/her salt will fail to see the [greatest possible] difference so as to take the mark by mistake. Indeed, taking the mark is the end of faith, the end of believer status, for anyone who does even if they had been lukewarm believers in the past. Taking the mark thus will necessitate rejecting Jesus Christ completely in one's heart first.

Thanks for the testimony and for the encouraging words. It's always a pleasure to correspond with strong believers who have put the truth of the Word of God before all else. Please do feel free to write any time.

Keeping you in my prayers too.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
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