http://ichthys.com/ 
Eschatology Issues LXXXV

Question #1:    
Hello Bob,

All is well with my soul! So glad you sent this, perfect timing. Sunday, we finished up with a 12 week study in Revelations, accompanied with many OT/NT Scriptures and it still only scratched a little below surface. The Eschatological studies have you have provided https://ichthys.com/2B-Eschato.htm (link) us have been a lifetime treasure trove of information to dig deeper and armor up, as time moves forward and His Glorious Appearance is before us! 

Thank you and God bless you, Dear Brother. 

Thank you for your prayers and I will continue to do likewise, as we desire Truth in our innermost being and to stand firm.

In Christ,
Response #1:
Thanks for the update and for your encouraging email!

Thanks for those prayers too – very much so!

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #2:
Won't the antichrist be blinded in one eye and have one arm maimed when he recovers from his deadly head wound?

Just thinking of this scripture..

Zech 11;17
Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May a sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered and his right eye utterly blinded.

I see there is a constant reference to one eye (on the one dollar bill) and the Illuminati. Celebrities are constantly covering up one eye and I thought it may be a reference to allegiance to 
the half blinded antichrist.

Also the protest movement is also linked with being blinded in one eye. in Hong Kong they called it "an eye for an eye" when one protestor was allegedly blinded in the protest.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/16/an-eye-for-an-eye-hong-kong-protests-get-figurehead-in-woman-injured-by-police

'An eye for an eye': Hong Kong protests get figurehead in woman injured by police
www.theguardian.com

In fact they said the Gilets Jaunes protests in France have also seen blinded in one eye and maimed arms/ hand 

https://www.newstatesman.com/world/europe/2019/11/year-gilets-jaunes-have-lost-24-eyes-and-five-hands-and-made-deep-mark-french

Same thing in New Delhi..
https://zeenews.india.com/india/one-eye-bandaged-jamia-students-continue-anti-caa-protests-on-17th-day-2254901.html

Same in Russia
https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/protesters-cover-their-one-eye-with-bandages-in-alleged-a-news-photo/1151293657

Same in Chile
https://peoplesdispatch.org/2020/01/22/three-months-of-struggle-in-chile/

Throughout history famous men have hidden their hands in portraits..https://www.pinterest.co.uk/tablechairwall/hidden-hand/

There is a connection being made between protesting and being blinded in one eye and maimed. 
In this post Texas Republican Dan Crenshaw makes a direct connection between wearing an eye patch and "freedom".
https://www.facebook.com/CrenshawforCongress/photos/eye-patches-equal-freedom-hong-kong-protestors-are-wearing-eye-patches-in-solida/962825514110196/

Dan Crenshaw - Eye patches equal freedom! Hong Kong protestors are wearing eye patches in solidarity with the demonstrator who was shot in the eye by police. | Facebook
Eye patches equal freedom! Hong Kong protestors are wearing eye patches in solidarity with the demonstrator who was shot in the eye by police.
www.facebook.com

I know it is best not to jump to conclusions before the time but I do think it not only possible but very likely that the enemy is getting his minions to do all the necessary groundwork and preparation so the antichrist's "debut" goes without a hitch. After all, they only have one time to pull it off so all the pressure is on them to make it work!

In Him,
Response #2:
As to the worthless shepherd of Zechariah 11:17, this is a reference to the tribulational ruler of Israel, one of antichrist's seven "sub kings" who rule the revived Roman empire (who become ten after the addition of the three conquered "provinces" by the Tribulation's mid-point; cf. Rev.17:12ff.). You can read the details in CT 3B, section IV, "Antichrist's Alliance with Israel" (at the link).

I've heard the other interpretation before, but while the beast is wounded in his head – an apparently fatal wound – scripture never says anything about his right eye or his right hand. Blinding the eye was a "injury of reproach" (cf. what Nahash the Ammonite threatened to do to the men of Jabesh Gilead: 1Sam.11:1ff.). Also note that in the Zechariah passage, this threatened injury is issued as a curse (correctly translated); in fact worse than this happens to this worthless shepherd of Israel in the end (along with all of antichrist's minions). So I wouldn't put any stock in what modern conspiracy theorists make of this passage. They know nothing about the Bible in any case.

Unger (along with many others) is wrong about attributing this passage to antichrist (who will in no sense be a "shepherd of Israel"); but he does at least have a good comment about the specifics: 
"Since the no-good shepherd did not use his arm to fend for the sheep, but only to fleece and destroy them, and did not use his eye to watch over them, but only to seek their complete undoing, divine vengeance called the sword of destruction upon those physical members".
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #3:
Bob, 

Thank you so much my friend for clearing that up about the tribulation King and the verse in Zechariah. Many people who cite this verse say it's the antichrist but I will study the passage you have shown me.

I realise that I get a little hyper vigilant about the antichrist because from time to time I have feared being deceived but I realise that I belong to God now and He won't let me be deceived anymore. Everything will be fully revealed in time and I just need to trust Him and have patience. 

Today I have woken up and it has been wonderful because I fully realise that we are here to honour God and glorify Him with our lives and that is our full purpose here. That we are here to be saved and that we respond to that tremendous free gift of salvation with faith. We still live on here after salvation to prove our faith, to grow and be fruitful in planting and watering seeds in others and God responds by showing us how faithful He is!

I feel so sure now and comforted! The last few days I have started not to worry about the tribulation anymore. I KNOW that Jesus will get me through it, I only have to trust Him
and not lean on my own understanding.

I know when I first started studying and making my videos, I was really on fire and had a great pace. What really slowed me down almost to a full stop was testing. I did exactly what Peter said we shouldn't do, I thought the fiery trials strange and because I have been blind to the supernatural all my life, it really threw me. Then Jack died and there was that test. I know people can lose faith over people dying.

I guess I underestimated our enemy and how relentless he can be as I have been tested again and again, in very quick succession. I am not mature enough at the moment to have the long view on how I responded to every test but God knows that I am ready for that test when it comes along. Passing it or failing it is then up to me!

I know it is about turning to God at every test and turn and that He will ALWAYS deliver us and provide for us. I have slowed down my study and growth an awful lot as reacting to testing has taken my eye off the ball but now that I have been tested a few times and "know the drill" so to speak, I can continue on from just reading the Bible each day and listening to your MP3s to studying your site in earnest again and then when I gain a momentum to pick up with my videos again.

You know Bob, even God's enemies reveal God in their rebellion and anger! It's incredible! Like the Psalmist said, there is no escaping Him! To believers that is a great comfort, to unbelievers that must be their terror.

In Jesus,
Response #3:
It's always good to hear of you doing well spiritually, my friend!

I'm also excited to hear that you may be getting back to the ministry effort. When you do, please send me an update and I'll likewise update the Ichthys link.

Keeping you and your family in my daily prayers, my friend!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
p.s., you can thank Chris. B. for the MP3s!
Question #4:
I have some objections to the post-trib rapture. why would Christ, being all good and loving, let His bride he brutally and savagely raped, tortured, beaten, and otherwise savaged in the most brutal ways imaginable right before the wedding? that makes no sense. none at all. don't pretend it does. you see, Christ loves His Church, and I believe in a God who's better than that. If the pre trib rapture ISN'T true, I'm not sure I can trust Christ anymore.
Response #4:
It's always a mistake to build doctrine on "what I feel" or on "what seems logical to me". Better: what does the Bible say? 

The Bible never mentions any pre-Trib rapture . . . which is probably why it was never taught before the late 19th century. It's a "feel good teaching", which is why it caught on in our lackadaisical era of Laodicea. But basing your eternal future on how you're reacting to what the Bible actually says is foolish in the extreme. 

The Tribulation lasts only seven years, and the Lord will get us through it, if that is His will. The lake of fire is forever. But this is all apropos of what will happen in the seven years. One third of the Church is prophesied to fall away in the Great Apostasy, and I fully expect that a good many of those who falter in their faith will be those who had thought to be delivered by a "rapture" and now are not prepared spiritually for what is coming.

So accept the truth – and dedicate yourself to getting prepared for what's coming through the truth (rather than letting fear undermine your faith).
Question #5:
How can I know I'm prepared? Is there any point we can be prepared?
Response #5:
When it comes to the Tribulation, there is no such thing as being too well prepared (please see CT 7: Preparing for Tribulation). 

No Christian who finds him/herself in the middle of it will regret one hour of Bible study, prayer or other spiritual preparation at that time, because we will need it all to get through.

So it's actually a good thing that you are becoming concerned about this now – because there is still time to gain spiritual maturity and to have your faith tempered in the (relatively) milder flames of testing now so as to be able to endure whatever comes then.
"Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved."
Matthew 24:9-13 NKJV
Question #6:
Dear Robert (sorry..for some reason you are Robert for me..it may be the way I was raised..Robert is a sign of respect. )

Anyway, please let me know the big difference in King James version of this text and the version you are using. I actually have the NKJV and have always seen this text as a warning to Christians, especially those who fall away or considering it..that those who lead others into captivity will go into captivity and those who kill by the sword will be killed by the sword. I was surprised to read this interpretation of that scripture; any insight would be appreciated. Also I would like to let you know that I finally read the teaching on Peter that you sent a long time ago. I cried for hours..it was exactly what I needed at that time.

Thank you!
Response #6:
Robert is fine!

Next installment of Peter on the way in a few months (now posted at the link).

On the translation, if you are talking about mine in the CT series, I had to render a good number of verses in Revelation differently from the KJV because the KJV translators didn't have a good manuscript of the book. In fact, their edition in parts was a back-translation from a Latin version. Just in case, here's my take, based upon what the original Greek text actually says:
"If anyone is [destined] for captivity [to captivity he will go]. If it is necessary for anyone to be put to death by the sword, by the sword he must be put to death. Herein lies the perseverance and the faithfulness of the holy ones."
Revelation 13:10
Meaning that during the Tribulation, one third of believers will be martyred (see the link), and many who are not will be imprisoned. Any of us who find ourselves alive at that time will need perseverance in large measure and faithfulness without wavering. But for those who do "endure until the end", there will be deliverance, one way or another – that is our blessed hope, and we praise God for that (Matt.24:13)!

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #7:
If I die before the Tribulation, will that be considered a blessing because I don't have to go through it? Or a curse because I won't be able to shine in the darkest hour of the world?
Response #7:
The plan of God is perfect, so whatever happens to us / for us is perfect. 

We belong to the Lord. He bought us with His death for us, and He has the right to use us as soldiers in the fight however He determines to be best. Rest assured, the Lord will deploy us in the best possible way . . . that we are willing to receive. 

So if you are concerned about not having an opportunity to shine, then determine to grow spiritually and in sanctification so as to be useful to Him. The Lord uses prepared people, and that is true now, before the Tribulation, and will be true then, during the Tribulation.

Every day is an opportunity. Be pleased to make use of "today" as long as it is called "today" by doing what the Lord wants you to do:
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15-6 NKJV

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
Colossians 4:5 NKJV
Question #8:
Hello again Professor,

Thank you for helping me out with speaking in church. I hope this doesn't take up too much of your time but if you could help me clarify my thinking again here. 

The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil...

I'm wanting to understand the differences between the two darkness's. Is there any chance that while under judgement, before God turned the lights back on, Satan and his angels were down here living like we are now? 

I always imagined they were 1) in total darkness like a dungeon at night and 2) completely under water. There "bodies" being different than ours I am thinking this underwater part would not be as terrible for them but must have been uncomfortable. Am I correct in my imaginings of this time period? 

I have struggled with the font size and indentation of this message all the way through. I'm sorry its so out of whack but at least its readable. 

Thanks for your help, in Christ
Response #8:
Before I forget, how is your son? Our friend told me he was having some medical issues. I'm keeping him and your daughter and you and your husband in my daily prayers.

On your question, it is an interesting one: what was the devil doing while he waited for God's resolution after the darkness fell? Quick answer: we aren't told. We do know that in terms of biblical "geography", there is "this cosmos" (i.e., the universe), the underworld, and the third heaven (see the link for schematic). There is no indication that the devil and co. we thrown into the Abyss before the universe was plunged into darkness and filled with the cosmic "deep" (tehom). While that is possible, it isn't indicated by anything in scripture I know of. It is also possible that they remained in the frozen, darkened expanse – angels cannot be hurt physically, so that would not have had any long term impact on them (though it no doubt would have made them miserable since they are creatures of light). 

It is also possible that they retreated to the third heaven, the very place to which God had removed His headquarters after Satan's revolt. After all, 1) there was no other place of light in existence at that time; 2) we know that even today the devil is allowed to enter the third heaven to accuse us (that will end half way through the Tribulation when he is cast down to earth with all of his followers); and 3) we also know that he (and no doubt his followers too) has already "been judged" (Jn.16:11); that judgment would have had to take place during the Genesis gap, and the most likely place for it was the third heaven (in my estimation). 

Exactly how that went, and exactly what God shared with the angels, fallen and elect, about His plan for restoration through mankind . . . before the event . . . is something we can only speculate about. But much of what He did seems to have come as a surprise to the devil: the judgment on the universe (which Satan did not expect), the delay of final judgment after the trial (which was also no doubt not expected), and so also possibly the details of the "appeals process" which is human history and the redemption of the cross whereby God proves that in His wisdom He can find a path for His love and mercy consistent with His righteousness and justice (this ALSO importantly was clearly not anticipated by Satan when he tempted Eve and caused our first parents to fall).
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!
Romans 11:33 NASB95
Hope this answers your question – do feel free to write me back.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #9:
Dr. Luginbill,

Thank you for your reply and for your concern for my son. It's looking like he has some minor heart damage that should be reversible at this point since he is young (26). Apparently he has had uncontrolled high blood pressure for a while mostly unknown to us, he had really had no reason to check it. He was previously in very physically strenuous line of work but for the past 3 years or so he has been a farm manager. So he rides around in a truck from farm to farm inspecting the operations, checking on the health of the birds and writing reports. Loves his job but he is not getting much physical exercise from it and has also put on quit a bit of weight, mostly from eating fast food and such. He has started "dieting" or not eating the real bad stuff anyway and has lost 7 pounds in about a week and a half. He also stopped caffeine. His pulse rate runs very high ( 100, 140 at the dr. office) but I believe if he will start walking that would help. His blood pressure has been dropping daily and he even got a normal reading yesterday, those prayers are working! I sent him a screen shot of your message and his was really appreciative of you for asking about him and praying for him. 

The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5 :16

As to the body of your email I would like to take some more time to study it before too many questions but in the following quote are you saying God left the 3rd heaven or that God moved to the 3rd heaven when Satan fell? 

You wrote: "It is also possible that they retreated to the third heaven, the very place to which God had removed His headquarters after Satan's revolt." 

Yours in Christ,
Response #9:
I'm glad to hear that your son is doing some better. I'll be keeping him in my prayers.

On your question, the third heaven is "not a part of this creation/kosmos" (Heb.9:11). Originally, the Lord ruled from the earth. This is where His "headquarters" were placed. After Satan's revolt, He moved his "battle HQ" to the third heaven . . . then judged the physical kosmos which He later restored. God will return to earth in the Person of the Son during the Millennium and then the Father will return with New Jerusalem at the commencement of eternity. The earth was always meant to be the center and focus of everything; Satan's revolt (and mankind's fall) have delayed the complete restoration – but perfectly fulfilling the plan of God in the process (see the link in SR 1: "Eden: the original home of angels and the ultimate home of elect mankind").

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #10:
What should prisons be like? If they're supposed to be a terror to evil works, should they only be about brutal punishment like old prisons were? Or should they be about moral rehabilitation like may modern ones are? When they're about rehabilitation, they often have people who preach the Gospel to the prisoners, and many of them are saved.
Response #10:
I would imagine that many who've suffered incarceration (sometimes unjustly) under our present system might quibble with your view of them.

In any case, there's nothing about incarceration in the Bible – that's not the way scripture deals with crime; prisons are a man-made invention entirely. Israel used a system of internal exile to deal with crimes that were greater than could by handled by fining but did not rise to the level of capital punishment (i.e., "cities of exile").

Believers who stay faithful to the Lord during the soon to come Tribulation are likely to get a first hand view of the prison system – from the inside (see the link: The Great Persecution).
Question #11:
Dr Luginbill are you aware of the USS Liberty incident?

What are your thoughts on this matter?
https://youtube.com/watch?v=tf1oil1_5S8&feature=share 
Response #11:
Good to make your acquaintance.

Of course I'm aware of this historical event. I couldn't endorse this individual who made the video, however.

This is a Bible teaching ministry and I endeavor to steer clear of politics – and conspiracy theories. Present day Israel is, as often pointed out in this ministry, not "of God": it is a man-made, partial return of Jewish people to the land, very few of whom are believers. When the Lord "whistles" for His people, the return will be total (but those who refuse to believe will not be allowed to enter; see the link).

*Importantly also, however, I always warn everyone in contact with this ministry to stay far, far away from anything that even has a hint of anti-Semitism (see the link).

In Jesus Christ, the King of Israel,

Bob L.
Question #12:
I thank God that you are still on planet earth in service of the King of kings. It is rare for find a believer so learned these days and conservative, and who is willing to go whether the Truth leads as we should, though sometimes we resist it. You helped me before in debates with Catholics on Kecharitomene and with OSAS on metabaino, but I forgot about the latter. However, I think the Lord brought you to mind as I am in a debate again about OSAS with another Internet language "scholar," and so I searched your site and found that you have a substantive and rather gracious (unlike me) on this. Good to know that you also do not subscribe to the pretrib rapture delusion also.

And so I thank God for your work, but if you do not mind, how old are you? And since censorship is increasing in scope and debt, would you mind if I downloaded much of your site (never to be sold of course? I am part of a small ministry of evangelical faith and I would like to make sure good resources are available for us at least. In any case, thanks. Grace and peace thru Jesus the Lord.
Response #12:
Good to hear from you. To answer your question, I'm one year your junior.

I would be delighted to have you download the entire website! I make this somewhat easy to do with the archives page (link); everything is there in zip file format for more accessible downloading. For the major studies, however, I will say that the most recent versions are sometimes not updated to the archives immediately. I generally wait until I've done a major edit to do so.

Best wishes for your standing up for the truth! And thanks much for your encouraging words.

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #13:
Hey thanks a lot and glory to God. Your graciousness in sharing is consistent with your other examples of commitment to pure doctrine, in contrast on this issue with those in Christian ministry who forbid and criminalize the copying for free sharing of Truth since they merchandise it for income. 
Response #13:
My pleasure!
Question #14:
Hello Dr. Luginbill,

I just realized something about verse 3 of Matthew 24. Jesus addressed not only His [current] disciples but also the [future] disciples. Perhaps some of the [current] disciples who were with Him did see what took place in Verse 2, that is, the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

In verse 3 of Matthew 24, Jesus also addresses the questions that the [current] disciples had asked Him, but also questions about His Second Coming, and the End of the Age, which the [current] disciples did not experience, but the [future] ones will, that is those who are still alive at the time of these events.

It is perhaps true that those who believe in a so-called "pre-tribulation" rapture, never considered these things, but how could they have missed them? Spiritual blindness along with an unwillingness to consider the real meaning of Scripture?

Just thought I would share my thoughts with you. His precious Word is fantastic and exciting and increases with each passing day,

Have a very blessed day, every day.

May His Grace, mercy, peace, love, and fellowship be with you continually, as you seek for the truth of the "Word of God.

Your friend,
Response #14:
Well said, my friend. As you know (see the link), I don't see how anyone can read Matthew chapter 24 and think it to be consistent with a hypothetical "rapture" before the Tribulation. But that is true of many biblical passages.

Hope you are doing well – have a happy Thanksgiving if I don't hear from you again beforehand!

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #15:
Dear Bob

Can you please advise whether contents of this article are consistent with Biblical teachings? I feel it’s not as God will is not evil (James 1:13).

Thank you for your acknowledgments

https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/is-violent-crime-under-gods-providence
Response #15:
I had a brief perusal. It's not exactly "deep theology" or anything I would sign off on or worry about. It is true that the plan of God encompasses everything – but a big part of that is allowing creature free will which is the source of all sin and evil. 

I suppose it depends on what is meant by "the will of God". Does God desire anyone to be cast into the lake of fire? Certainly not (e.g., Matt.18:12-14; 1Tim.2:4; 2Pet.3:9). Jesus Christ died for all so that they might not perish. But many will be so disposed of. Why? Because that is what God wanted? God forbid? But because that is what they wanted. 

The whole point of life in this world, the whole issue of life in this world, is the issue of free will: we have the image of God which bestows upon us the ability to choose our eternal future and the responsibility to choose the right way. But God does not force us to come to Him through Jesus Christ. We have to be willing to do so, to deny ourselves and turn to Him. 

In terms of everything anyone does in this world, these are choices people make, choices to follow the truth, whether the gospel so as to believe or at least the divine laws the God has set down for all to have a peaceful life in the short time before eternity. But many defy those latter laws too. Is it God's will for criminals to commit crime? Certainly not! But there is plenty of crime and lawlessness, and much more to come during the Tribulation. Could God stop crime? In a heartbeat. But He does not prevent all bad things from happening. He does, however, watch over every believer. 

It is a common thing for immature believers to ask, "How could God let this happen?" But we who are mature understand that God knows things we do not know. Job didn't know that the Lord was allowing his suffering for a greater purpose. If he had, he wouldn't have said a lot of what he said and later repented of. We do have the book of Job – and the entire Bible. 

The Peter series at Ichthys is largely devoted to the theme of undeserved suffering. What believers need to know is that God is absolutely faithful to them; we need to learn to trust Him no matter what even when we have questions, even when we are suffering, even when it all seems unfair. It may be unfair indeed – but God is in control and is working everything out together for good . . . for US who LOVE and thus TRUST Him (Rom.8:28). There will be many more "opportunities" to ask that horrible question, "Why, God?", during the Tribulation. A better approach whenever anything goes wrong: "I don't understand, God, but I DO trust you, no matter what!" (Jas.1:5-6).

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #16:
Hi,

I was reading your explanations and calculations about the cyphers for determining the number of the beast.

The papyrus 115 from the Dead Sea scrolls identifies the number as 616.

Can you apply your wisdom with this number and the following names:

Donald J Trump - beast 
(The next and last USA president)

Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin - dragon 

Food for thought my friend 

Cheers 
Response #16:
Good to make your acquaintance.

I'm familiar with this papyrus and have seen the facsimile image for this scrap of it. It does indeed have CHI-IOTA-STIGMA, the numerical designation for 616 in the most common Greek numbering system in use at that time. It's a very early papyrus, but no earlier than the best Greek ms., Sinaiticus, which has the number actually spelled out amounting to 666. Much more care would have gone into the preparation of this very expensive ms. than into a relatively inexpensive papyrus roll. 

In terms of this particular papyrus, it seems to be "number challenged" generally: it has BETA-CHI, or 2,600 stadia at Revelation 14:20. Granted, much of the tradition has that number wrong as well (as1,600, when, as Sinaiticus correctly reads it, the right number is 1,200, or the approximate length from north to south of the present day state of Israel). So P115 is an outlier on this dimension as well as on Revelation 13:18

I would also note that in this scrap, in the line directly above, we have the string "phi alpha nu" – and that particular string doesn't occur anywhere near Revelation 13:18 – not to mention that if the other letters visible on the line above are taken into consideration (alpha phi alpha nu omicron upsilon), that particular string doesn't occur anywhere in the entire book of Revelation – or indeed anywhere in the NT. 

On balance, then, the most likely explanation for the variation is that when the scribe got to this point and used the abbreviated number designation (as opposed to writing the number out in full the way Sinaiticus does which would have taken up a lot more space and a lot more time), he made a mathematical mistake in transcription – this happens with numbers throughout all of Greek literature precisely because their system was so abysmally complicated (and the fact that the scribe messed up in the next chapter too obviously also argues for this explanation).

As to applying this or any other possible number to present personalities, it makes little difference which number is used – because that is neither the point nor the purpose of giving us "the number of the beast". That number is the litmus test to underline that antichrist is indeed antichrist and NOT 'the' Christ when he takes his seat in the temple at Jerusalem at the Tribulation's midpoint. For all who are confused on this point (and in my opinion you'd have to be a very spiritually retarded Christian or have been in a coma for the three and half years prior not to see the beast for who he is by then), this will be the guarantee that he is the beast. How does it work? When THAT person's "special name" is run against the test, it yields a positive result. In other words, it's an important fail-safe test (since following antichrist to the point of being marked guarantees condemnation) to be used to vet the name at that time, NOT a predictive tool to figure out who the beast will be before the time.

Until that point, all such exercises are fruitless, for many reasons. Just to mention one, the possible names that would fit when variously spelled and variously transliterated into Greek is massively large. Let's say it's ONLY ten thousand present individuals whose name could be made to "pass the test". What good does it do to say "this person could be the beast" when that's true of thousands of others. And it's actually less helpful than that – because since we don't yet know the precise form of "special name" antichrist will adopt, even if we have an individual whose names cannot seem to be made to pass the test in any way, that person could still adopt a special name which does pass the test – if he is antichrist. So before the time, this litmus test cannot either rule anyone in with any reasonable specificity and it also cannot rule anyone out at all. 

Here are some links to where I discuss these matters in greater depth (they will also lead to more links):
Numbers, Letters, and the Mark of the Beast.
Eschatology Issues LXXXII (see Q/A #20)
Nephilim, Antichrist, the False Prophet and the Mark of the Beast
Satan, Antichrist, the False Prophet and the Mark of the Beast
Eschatology Issues XIII: Time of the Tribulation and the Resurrection, Antichrist and the Mark of the Beast
Eschatology Issues X: Strong delusion, blood moons, 2026, imminence, apostasy & the mark of the beast
Antichrist: the Mark, the Number, and the Identification of the Beast
The 144,000: God's Seal vs. the Mark of the Beast
"Doubts about the Nephilim in Genesis 6" and "Ezekiel 9:4 and the Mark of the Beast"
Phylacteries and the Mark of the Beast, and "What about Joseph?"
The mark of the beast.
Aspects of the Unseen Angelic Warfare and 666, the Mark of the Beast.
The Mark of the Beast:  Revelation 13:16-17 (in CT 4)
In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #17:
Hello Bob,

How is your new year so far? Are you back at work yet? How is it? Mask free yet? I know that they removed the Vax mandates so that was one good thing.

I know before that you urged me to not get bogged down in worldly things like local politics and I am not. However I just wanted to point something out that I saw on my walk yesterday. They have turned my walk into a "Greenway" which is part of the United Nation's plans for sustainable development. These Greenways are popping up not just all over the UK but all over the world too. They are interconnected cycle/ pedestrian lanes through green spaces.

Of course they sound quite idyllic spending the weekend cycling around on a warm day. This is not what they are designed for however. They are not made for leisure time but for the daily commute both to and from work and school. Think Communist Russia and China and then you'll have the picture!

So the thing is that they want all cars off the roads and everyone on bicycles, public transport or on foot. Great if that's your thing right? What happens if it isn't though?

It's like these vaccine mandates, great it you want them, not so great if you don't. That pesky free will that God gave us, well the powers that be are finding it all a little bit exasperating when we say thanks but no thanks.

In other news: Venice has installed toll gates for pedestrians to go into the city centre and facial recognition to make sure we play ball. I guess they will beta test it there before they roll that one out globally too. It makes the whole social credit scoring that much easier for them! No doubt it will incorporate all that biometric stuff and all that no-vaccine-no-entry type thing.

I think my diary for this year already is going to look mighty empty at this rate. On the other hand, the anti vaxxers and protestors are gaining momentum so everything could change and nothing is pinned down to go ahead if it isn't in the Bible.

It's just very, very weird to see things that I read about as a conspiracy theorist years ago now actually coming true. It seems Satan whilst wanted to be like God wants to have his "prophets" too but no doubt this stuff is actually just pre-planned rather than being true prophesy.

I don't know what I would have done without my saving faith Bob. Probably dead or crazy or both!

I guess as we're not even in the tribulation yet, we should hope and pray that all this craziness, pressure and meddling will be enough for many people to cry out for the Lord! It took less than all of this for me to do it. You would think that most would be hitting their knees or falling on their faces by now!

In Jesus,
Response #17:
What's happening in this world is awful – all the more reason for us believers to "stick to our knitting" and not allow ourselves to be overly concerned. 

We do have "eyes in our head" and we do see what is going on. But 1) it's not as if we could do anything about it if we tried; and 2) it's spiritually counterproductive in the extreme to try. 

This is NOT our kingdom. We are waiting for a Kingdom of absolute justice and a King to whom we belong. That is our blessed hope (Tit.2:13). The more these disturbing things happen, the more we need to make ourselves disengage emotionally from the goings on here on planet earth – which is the devil's domain, at present, after all. 

So no wonder that the evil one is working things out in evil ways to the best of his ability. All these rumblings do let us know that the ground is being prepared for those difficult seven years prior to the return of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ. We see it happening. It is disturbing to see how people are being manipulated into evil and by evil and manipulating others in evil ways. But on the other hand it just means that we are that much closer to the complete destruction of all of these horrible trends when Christ makes everything righteous and right in the soon to come millennial kingdom. What we have to suffer between now and then may be a lot, but we know that we can endure whatever comes through the empowerment of the Spirit (Phil.4:11-13).

"We should hope and pray that all this craziness, pressure and meddling will be enough for many people to cry out for the Lord!" Amen! I do think it highly likely that many believers, at least, will be forced to get serious once the Tribulation begins – I don't see much hope of that beforehand, however. In order not to get swept up in antichrist's movement, believers who are presently lukewarm will need to heat up in a hurry. As I've often opined, this may give those of us who are spiritually prepared for what's coming some fine opportunities to share the truth – with those FINALLY ready to accept it. 

Meanwhile, "all this" continues to be a help to us – if we are willing to receive it in a godly way – to keep ourselves serious and dedicated, not falling asleep and being lulled into a false sense of security because "things are good". They're clearly not. And we can use that to help us stay awake and persevere in doing what we ought to be doing . . . just as long as we don't react to the present day goings on in the wrong way.

In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #18:
Hello Dr. Luginbill,

I read a book written by a Jewish writer that says the following: Genesis 6:3 seems to indicate that the Lord will strive with man for 120 jubilee cycles, which would work out to precisely 6,000 years (50 years = 1 Jubilee x 120 Jubilees = 6,000 years.)

In his book who repeatedly rejected the pre-trib rapture theory that millions of Christians believe. It seems by his remark above that he believe in the fact that mankind has been given 6,000 years on this earth, but does not mention the 7000th year.

What are your thoughts?

You are always so helpful and appreciated.

Blessings to you always,

Your friend,
Response #18:
I'm reluctant to put too much weight on Genesis 6:3 since the literal interpretation is 120 years until the great flood, and the secondary interpretation is an upper limit to post-flood human lifespans. This would have to be a tertiary meaning (not impossible but fairly rare in prophecy), and it requires applying the Jubilee principle, a principle of the Law (still several thousand years in the future at the point these words were spoken), to this 120 years – without any particular scriptural direction here to do so. 

It does "work", in that "striving" without direct divine rule happens for 6,000 years, but the Millennium is different in that it is indeed direct divine rule which absolutely represses all illegal activity – explaining, given human nature, why the population of the world is so eager to revolt just as soon as they get the chance at the Millennium's end (Rev.20:7-10; cf. Ps.2:1ff.).

Hope you're healing up well, my friend!

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
Question #19:
Thanks Bob,

This is all important to know given current controversies. There is lot of crazy things said about the Royals here. Claims of "British Isrealites" and the Stone Of Scone being Jacob's pillow etc. etc. That they are the Tribe of Dan and will spawn the Antichrist. I just ignore these things as they seem really Dan Brown-esque!

Having said that, I know we should be respectful, indeed the Unger commentary of the end of Ecclesiastes is about this very subject. (I know you disapprove of highlighting but I do it very lightly as this is very pertinent to me!)

To be honest, these following verses really knocked my socks off and suddenly made me think and act more carefully since.

Jude 1:8-10
8Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. 9Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. 10But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

(Incidentally what was the incident about the body of Moses mentioned above?)

Will make things difficult under the antichrist won't it? We still won't be able to revolt then either or bear arms so we are to carry on with our knitting then also and wait to be delivered. I realise adopting a policy of sticking to the same narrow path and not letting my steps or my eyes wander from it being the best one. 

I know it is selfish to say such things as our Lord is patient and wants all to be saved, though I do now want to get the Tribulation over with. Imagining how bad it will be can be an agony in and of itself so I am not dwelling on it in fear but making the time now to grow in faith and trust so that I hopefully won't falter when those times arrive. 

I saw a photo of myself as a teenager today and I was out partying with friends and had a cross around my neck without even thinking what it meant. It is so heartbreaking to know that the cross was literally so close to me and yet far from my heart then. I am so glad I came home!

In Jesus,
Response #19:
It's wise to immediately tune out anything related to "British Israelism", a dangerous fantasy – Dan Brownesque indeed!

I don't have a problem with people marking up their own books. My thing about underling in the Bible is, well, isn't it ALL important? Case in point, this is a commentary, not the Bible, but I don't see many portions NOT highlighted (so I'm not really sure what verses you mean).

Moses' body, like that of Elijah, has been preserved so that they may be resuscitated in these bodies as the two witnesses of the Tribulation (see the link).

"I do now want to get the Tribulation over with" – Don't we all!!! At least once it starts we'll know more or less precisely just how long we have to endure. Worrying about it is not productive; prudent concern that results in more determined spiritual growth, well, that's another story. But we do have to remember that we belong to Jesus Christ and that He has promised never to forsake or abandon us (e.g., Heb.13:5). Our lives belong to Him, and we can be absolutely confident that He will guide us through the end He desires for us – as long as we keep trusting Him, we have nothing to worry about. That doesn't mean it won't be unpleasant. I'm sure it will be. But we can endure whatever He has for us if we are walking in His paths and in His power (Phil.4:13).

I'm glad you came home too! It won't be long and we'll all be together in our eternal home, New Jerusalem. We need only persevere until the end.
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
1st Thessalonians 4:16-18 NIV
In Jesus,

Bob L.
Question #20:
Hello Dear Friend,

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas & are settling into the madness that 2022 appears to be.

I have questions, comments and concerns. While I know neither of us are involved in the madness that is political...& I'm not sure if this qualifies but what in the world is Satan doing building a separate earth? I have no desire to live in this blasphemy. 

This virus and shenanigans over this here to stay virus are just a lot of background noise for distraction, I believe. We didn't have all this panic over the first SARS a few years back. 

Our daughter & son-in-law are considering adding another little one to their family. While you know how very much we adore our precious granddaughter, and would welcome the blessing of another baby, I'm so torn in my heart for our precious babies. You & I have always understood each other clearly regarding your timeline for the coming Tribulation and that it is in the Father's complete control. 

Technology is moving so fast with AI (another of Satan's quivers in his bow). 

I have faith that all is in His control & am aware that I have to control my emotions bc I rely on my Lord & Savior for all my needs, physical and emotional. 

It's very hard as a Mama & Nonna not to be a little bit frightened, while steadfast in my faith that we are all His and He will provide and He will lead us as He always does. 

I hope this is not too much of a rambling note. 

I hope you are safe & warm. We got a bad storm here Sunday. They're calling for another this weekend. I don't know if you'll get any but the upcoming one is supposed to be snow ❄ and not a mix of sleet, freezing rain & snow. Perhaps __ and I will get to build a snowman together and go sledding. 

Know that you are in my prayers daily, Brother. You have helped me & my family to gird up our faith and we are ready for whatever may come. We do not attend a building bc we have you for Bible Study once a week. Even if we just share a verse that we have been led to share with each other. We are so grateful for the work you do and pray that the Lord allows you to continue.

May the Lord continue to protect you and bless you and your flock. We all need your Spiritual nourishment for the coming trials.

Your Sister in Our Lord and Savior,

PS: My sister did come without her husband to my parents house for Christmas. The beatings have not lessened. My daughter & niece won't let me see anymore photos bc they're just too graphic. My husband told me that he had busted her lip in the last picture he saw. Please continue to pray for her protection and deliverance. 

Also, one of my dearest friends (our Mothers are dear friends and we were born 2 months apart) is battling ALL leukemia for the second time. She's going to have to have a bone marrow transplant this time. Please add her to the prayer list, if you will.
Response #20:
I'm very sorry to hear about the continuing abuse of your sister (my advice is always "get out!", but you've been campaigning for that for a long time now). I do keep her and the situation in my prayers daily. I've also put up a prayer request for your friend. And thank you for your prayers!

Things are getting "interesting". At least when the Tribulation finally begins, we will have a sure and definite sense of the end, when it will arrive. That will be helpful I'm sure. In the meantime, we are confident that the Lord is with us and will continue to be with us, providing for us, protecting us and guiding us, right down to the end, whatever end He has for us, whether to be delivered before it all starts, or martyred for our Lord (Ps.116:15), or we live to see Jesus return. In any case, we don't have to do more than to take it one day at a time, trusting Him to supply our daily bread and to lead us in the path of righteousness for His Name's sake (Ps.23:1ff.). 
For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.
Psalm 48:14 KJV
Whatever happens, we can trust Him absolutely – and we certainly need to learn to do so absolutely! So no doubt all of this present trouble is for our benefit, helping us to "tune up" before things get ever more interesting.

Just remember: He never ever puts on us anything we can't actually handle (1Cor.10:13). We just need to keep trusting in Him no matter what (Lk.18:8). He will be back – and the time is swiftly approaching.
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
1st Thessalonians 4:16-18 NIV
Keeping you and your family in my prayers daily.

In Jesus our dear Savior,

Bob L.
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