Nephilim, Antichrist, the False Prophet and the Mark of the Beast

Question #1:

Dear Dr. and brother Luginbill,

I need a little clarification on just how do the fallen angels experience the sensual feelings that mankind does. I agree that they have to possess the body of a willing person, but what I don't understand is, how do they experience this sensuality that mankind does?

This is your comment on your study.

I agree with your analysis of the angels leaving their "first estate" because they believed and followed Satan, who told them they could experience something that did not possess, namely a material body. So they actually possessed a body of a willing person. Can you please clarify how they went about feeling the same sensual pleasure and how their genes got mixed with the seed of the human.

The following is from your study:

Here is what Jude 6 Says:

" 6And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.

Here is what 2 Peter 2:4 says:

"4For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment;

So, there must have been other angels, because these two verses show that they have been bound with everlasting chains. These verses don't mention any cohabitation with humans or am I missing something?

Can you please clarify this also? Appreciate your effort so much.

May His Love and Grace and Mercy abound in us.

Response #1:

I'm not sure about the "how". We're not given as much information as we would like to have about angelic kind, and that is no doubt for some good reason. Even more difficult questions: how are they able to procreate with mankind, seeing as how they have no physical bodies as we do (but they did do so: Gen.6:1-4); or how they can affect material things even though they are essentially immaterial (but they do: e.g., Job 1:13-19); or how was the devil able to take our Lord in His humanity and show Him the kingdoms of the world in an instant of time (but he did: Lk.4:5). One could go on. The point is that angels can do things which we wouldn't be able to anticipate them being able to do if scripture didn't describe them as doing them. The "how" is going to be necessarily unknowable to a large degree given our essential ignorance about the angelic nature. As I point out in the link ("The Nature of Angels"), angels are usually described as "immaterial", but seeing as how they have visible characteristics which parallel those of human beings and are likewise confined to one time and space at a time, the common opposition of "material vs. immaterial" is clearly deficient in understanding of the angelic nature.

We do have plenty of information from scripture to indicate that the patterns described at the link in SR 4 (which you are asking about, I believe) are true, even if we still have questions about the "how". For example, when our Lord commanded the "legion" of demons who had taken up residence in the Gerasene demoniac, they begged our Lord "to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission" (Lk.8:32 NIV). Why did they ask this? Clearly, they had no need of these animals for any particular reason we can see – except to note that demons are apparently like drug addicts in this respect. Once they've possessed a physical body the prospect of being without it is hard to bear, and they are eager not to lose the experience, even if it means substituting a pig for a man. So how do they interface with human hosts? We can see in the case of many demon possessed individuals that the demon is able to control the physical actions of the individuals in question entirely against their will; if they can interface to the point of manipulating physical bodies to perform their own will, since those physical acts are entirely connected to feelings and senses in the human being, it would almost seem to be a necessity that they have access to the one as well as to the other.

As to your question in the final email, it is clear from Genesis 6:1-4 that there was such cohabitation which produced the Nephilim; since that is undeniable in the passage to which the New Testament verses you quoted refer, there is no need to rehearse those prior events in their entirety:

(1) Now it came to pass that when men began to multiply on the face of the earth and daughters were born to them, (2) the sons of God (i.e., the fallen angels) noticed the daughters of men, that they were beautiful. So they took wives for themselves from all whom they selected. (3) And God said, "My Spirit will not strive with Man forever in their sinful manner of life – for this [is the way of] flesh. Therefore his days shall be 120 years." (4) The Nephilim were on the earth in those days and afterwards as well. For when the sons of God (i.e., the fallen angels) went in to the daughters of men, they bore to them those "mighty-ones" (i.e., the Nephilim) whose names are famous from ancient times.
Genesis 6:1-4 NKJV

But the NT passages do allude to this in ways that make the connection unmistakable:

For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but plunged them into Tartarus with its gloomy pits (i.e., the Abyss), preserving them for the [day of] judgment, and did not spare the antediluvian world, but kept safe Noah as a proclaimer of righteousness and the seven with him when He brought the flood upon the ungodly inhabitants of the world, and condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction, reducing them to ashes and making them an example to those bent on similar ungodly behavior, and rescued righteous Lot who was tormented by the depraved lifestyle of those lawless men – for through the things he saw and heard just by dwelling among them this righteous man was damaging his righteous way of life day by day on account of their lawless deeds. For the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment – especially those who in their lust pursue the polluting of the flesh and so despise [God's] divine authority.
2nd Peter 2:4-10a

And the angels who did not keep to their own realm but deserted their proper habitation He has imprisoned with everlasting chains in the gloom below (i.e., in the Abyss) in anticipation of the judgment of that great day.
Jude 1:6

The sin of these fallen angels is compared to that of Sodom and Gomorrah, that is, unnatural sexual behavior. What was their "sin" if not this? And what was the abandonment of their proper habitation if not cohabitation with human beings?

Only some of the fallen angels were involved in this episode; God had no doubt made it clear ahead of time that this behavior was out of bounds and would be severely punished. It goes to show how appealing possession and sensuality are to the demons that so many would indulge even at the risk of imprisonment in the Abyss – a fate that terrifies them (Lk.8:31).

Hope this helps -- there are many links at Ichthys to the Nephilim and the issues related to them. Here are few:

Nephilim, Fallen Angels, and Genesis 6  

Giants and Nephilim

The Paternal Origin of Antichrist (Satan's Seed)

The 7 Trumpets, the 7 Kings, Nephilim, Antichrist and Revived Rome.

The Nature of Angels

The Nephilim in Genesis 6

"The Nephilim" (in SR 5)

The Origin and Fate of the "Giants" of Genesis Chapter Six.

Antichrist and the Nephilim

Dinosaurs, the Nephilim, Noah, et al.

Eschatology Issues:  The Nephilim

Doubts about the Nephilim

Satan, Antichrist, the False Prophet and the Mark of the Beast

Yours in our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

Bob L.

Question #2:

The Nephilim were on the earth in those days and afterwards as well (i.e., both before and after the start of the 120 year grace period before the flood). For when the sons of God went in to the daughters of men, they bore to them those "mighty-ones" (i.e., the Nephilim) whose names are famous from ancient times.
Genesis 6:4

Keil and Delitzsch interpret this verse differently and one of the key reasons is the meaning they ascribe to the words "in those days", which, according to them signifies that the Nephilim existed before the sons of God began to marry the daughters of man:

To an unprejudiced mind, the words, as they stand, represent the Nephilim, who were on the earth in those days, as existing before the sons of God began to marry the daughters of men, and clearly distinguish them from the fruits of these marriages. ??? can no more be rendered "they became, or arose," in this connection, than ??? in Genesis 1:2. ????? would have been the proper word. The expression "in those days" refers most naturally to the time when God pronounced the sentence upon the degenerate race; but it is so general and comprehensive a term, that it must not be confined exclusively to that time, not merely because the divine sentence was first pronounced after these marriages were contracted, and the marriages, if they did not produce the corruption, raised it to that fulness of iniquity which was ripe for the judgment, but still more because the words "after that" represent the marriages which drew down the judgment as an event that followed the appearance of the Nephilim.

What is your take on this?

Response #2:

"To an unprejudiced mind" is merely a piece of rhetoric; those of us with the opposite point of view do not hold it out of prejudice (quite the contrary). Verses one through three describe the actions of the fallen angels before there is any mention of the nephilim in verse four – who are thus clearly a result of this cohabitation. That is indeed the real meaning of the Hebrew phrasing here, with the conjunction 'asher constituting an explanatory clause: "For when the sons of God went in to the daughters of men, they bore to them those "mighty-ones" (i.e., the Nephilim) whose names are famous from ancient times"; this is my translation. I note that most versions get 'asher wrong, taking it is temporal and contemporary rather than as explanatory of the prior event just described in the previous three verses and then expanded upon in verse four and following. I note that the Vulgate and the Septuagint (and also, anomalously, the NLT!) get it right.

Question #3:

You wrote about Genesis 6:3: The pre-flood satanic attack on the human race in the days before the great deluge brought true humanity to the brink of elimination.14 Angelic cohabitation with "the daughters of men" had begun to produce a not-quite-human population that came close to being universal (Gen.6:1-2; cf.2Pet.2:4-5; Jude 1:6-7). Known in scripture as "nephilim" ("fallen ones"), these angelically engineered offspring are described as "men of renown" (see Gen.6:4). But though powerful in their bodies, this new hybrid race was virulently hostile to God and, by implication, to God's true people (Gen.6:5 and 6:9). Only the restraint of the Holy Spirit described in the verse above enabled Adam's unpolluted seed to coexist with these monsters until the time when God eradicated them from the earth (Gen.6:5-9). Instead of being allowed to destroy the remaining genuine human beings completely, the nephilim were restrained by the Spirit, allowing Noah, the last of his generation to walk with God, not only to survive but to thrive spiritually - and to be a "preacher of righteousness" who became God's instrument for the deliverance of his family and the entire true human race (2Pet.2:5).

In their commentary for Genesis 6 Keil and Delitzsch deny the possibility of angelic cohabitation, they also interpret Genesis 6:4 differently with regard to the Nephilim. You probably read their interpretation of these verses - what is your take on their view?

Response #3:

I can't agree with it. K&D are good but not perfect. Keil wrote the Pentateuch commentary and it suffers from his pedantic Lutheranism. Luther thought demon infiltration was ludicrous . . . https://archive.org/stream/commentaryongene02luth#page/132/mode/1up

. . . first, because it offended his sensibilities, second, because of his antisemitic tendencies and the fact that Jewish tradition is not far off the mark in interpreting this event. As to Keil's theorizing (we note he actually quotes Delitzsch as being "wrong" on this!), he follows Luther in seeing "sons of God" as a "covenant title" which is supposed to explain everything, and spends most of his time trying to prove that the clear meaning of scripture is unseemly and admits of alternative interpretation, spending most of his ink on the opposition between "daughters of men" and "sons of God". Indeed, the opposition (i.e., between sons of God and daughters of men) is an argument in favor of seeing this issue the correct way (one I have never used), but it is not the only one nor the strongest one; Keil thinks it weak and uses it as strawman while ignoring the more pressing issue: why should any of this sexual procreation which must have been going on for years to have such a large population suddenly be mentioned in this manner if it were "normal"? And if the "sons of God" are normal human men, why are they called this here? If there is some other distinction (rather than between types of humans, normal and nephilim), why is that not made clear in context? Just an example of the fact that the alternative theories always cause many more problems than they solve, a sure indication of an incorrect interpretation. The straightforward one only causes problems for those who don't want to believe what Genesis actually says is possible or actually happened. With that hermeneutic, all manner of heresy is possible.

Question #4:

Caleb went and killed the three sons of Anak which I understand to be giants, but in one section of Joshua I re call it says that there were still others in a different place. Now would these others be the five who David killed later? just wondering.

Thanks

Response #4:

These "sons of Anak" and also the very large Philistines (Goliath and those related to him) were genetic aberrations (like some of the specimens we see in the NBA and NFL, e.g.), but they were not a separate species of any kind (no angelic "DNA" – they were not nephilim). They were sometimes called "giants" (an English rendering from a Greek word used in the LXX for the nephilim), but that was along the lines of us calling a very large person a "giant" – we don't actually think the person is not completely human. Please see Q/A #4 at the link: Nephilim

Question #5:

Hello Dr. Luginbill,

I was listening to someone preach about fallen angels, and he said that the Nephilim are the fallen angels and not the offspring of the fallen angels and women. He was also taking about how Protestants are all in the dark regarding "alien deception", or demons posing as aliens during the end times and delivering false gospels and an even an alien savior. He said that he heard all the arguments regarding the Nephilim and have studied extensively Hebrew and Greek. He said the offspring of the fallen angels and humans are not Nephilim, but Rephaim (don't know if spelled correctly). Are the fallen angels the Nephilim as he states? He also spoke on portals and stargates that these evil entities go through and even alien bases on different planets and solar systems, and says that if we're not aware of them, then we are ignorant Christians and are afraid of the truth. It was very difficult for me to maintain my composure because the way he spoke was as an arrogant, holier than thou, attitude. What are your thoughts on this.

The same guy who spoke on the Nephilim said that angels had cities and civilizations on Earth long before God created man. He also said that there were other sentient beings that also dwelled on Earth before man. I can't find this in the bible. I can't even find this when God spoke about the things He created on each day.

Thanks in advance and have a blessed New Year.

Response #5:

Speaking of false prophets, our Lord said, "by their fruits you shall know them" (Matt.7:16). So this person's overall behavior ought to be a warning sign. Also, anyone who speaks about angels "going through portals and star gates" as if it were fact is clearly engaging in radical and extra-biblical speculation of the most dangerous sort.

The Nephilim were not angels but the offspring of humans and fallen angels just as Genesis chapter six makes clear in any straightforward reading of it. Here are the pertinent links at Ichthys for the details:

Nephilim, Fallen Angels, and Genesis 6

Giants and Nephilim

The Paternal Origin of Antichrist (Satan's Seed)

The 7 Trumpets, the 7 Kings, Nephilim, Antichrist and Revived Rome.

The Nature of Angels

The Nephilim in Genesis 6

"The Nephilim" (in SR 5)

The Origin and Fate of the "Giants" of Genesis Chapter Six.

Antichrist and the Nephilim

Dinosaurs, the Nephilim, Noah, et al.

Eschatology Issues:  The Nephilim

Doubts about the Nephilim

The Rephaim (Deut.3:11; cf. Gen.14:5) were a race of exceptionally tall human beings whose stature called to mind the stories of the Nephilim – but they were entirely human (cf. pygmies who are exceptionally short yet 100% human).

The bit you include regarding warnings about "alien deception" may have the reverse effect getting Christians to consider the existence of aliens. This is a new sort of Gnosticism, a worship of beings beyond what we can see which have nothing to do with the One true God – and which also do not really exist. There is no salvation down the road of Gnosticism inasmuch as it always seeks to reduce Christ to creature status, denying His deity.

As to pre-Adamic "people" or "creatures", I note that this person has no evidence and also that these statements are prima facie contradictory to the true account given in Genesis.

I would strongly advise you to have nothing to do with this person and his teachings – or indeed with persons of this sort and teachings of this sort. It says in Proverbs,

The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles,
And they go down into the inmost body.
Proverbs 18:8 NKJV

False tales, whatever their consistency, go damage to the heart when they are heard, even if a Christian tries to remain completely skeptical.

Happy New Year to you and yours, my friend!

In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob L.

Question #6:

Hello Dr. Luginbill,

The bible says that hell was prepared for the devil and his angels, and that the fallen angels that sinned are in everlasting chains. I thought what judgment would the Nephilim have? Are they condemned along with the fallen angels and humans who refuse to repent and turn to the Lord?

Thanks in advance!

God Bless you and your ministry,

Response #6:

It's an interesting question (good to hear from you!). I believe we may have discussed before how that "what nephilim are exactly" is somewhat unknown to us. They have human bodies as a result of interaction between fallen angels and human beings – but do they have human spirits? That is what makes a human being "a living person" as in Genesis 2:7, and, as at Genesis 2:7, it is God who creates this spirit within the person in question at the point of birth. Does He do this in the case of monsters such as the nephilim? I see no biblical indication of that. What I do know is that the beast and the false prophet – who are nephilim – are deposited into the Lake of Fire without standing judgment. That would be an indication that since they are not moral creatures from the hand of God, the nephilim are not entitled to be shown by Him why they are being disposed of in this way. But they will end up in the lake of fire in any case – just like antichrist and his prophet.

Yours in our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

Bob L.

Question #7:

Dear Dr. and Brother,

I have been researching scripture to determine if there is any link of the Nephilim to Ham, Noah's son. I put together the lineage and came up with this scenario: Both Abraham & Moses are connected to Midian thru marriage. Midian was the son of Abraham thru Keturah. Zipporah was the daughter of the Midianite Priest (Jethro, known as Reuel] whom Moses took to wife. ipporah was a Cushite according to Numbers 12:1 – "1Now Miryam and Aharon spoke against Mosheh because of the Kushite woman whom he had taken, for he had taken a Kushite woman. Since Zipporah was a Cushite that would make her father (Jethro) a Cushite also. Cannot trace Zipporah and her lineage back to Kena an the son of Ham, or Cush the son of Ham. I am wondering if you could shed some light on this subject, and if I am on the right track, that is, is there a connection between the Nephilim and Ham or? One of the wives on that Ark with Noah ( I believe it was Ham's wife), carried the genome of the giants, or am I incorrect.

Help, as you always do. Precious blessings to you and your ministry.

Response #7:

Good to hear from you.

I have heard this hypothesis before, but I don't see any evidence of it from the Bible. The entire reason for the great flood was to wipe out these creatures. It doesn't make a lot of sense for God to have gone to all that trouble and to have allowed the genetic disease of the nephilim on the ark anyway. The penalty for the fallen angels involved in this "abandoning of their first estate" was incarceration in the Abyss; they have been there ever since, and their fate has been a palliative for other such incursions. True enough, at this late date in history there will be (or more likely already have been) a handful of violations on the part of the devil and perhaps some of his highest commanders (to produce antichrist, the false prophet, and the ten kings). But between the flood and the end times, there have apparently been no such violations (such is the fear of the demons of the consequences: cf. Lk.8:31). The curse on Canaan (there is no curse directly on Ham so "the curse of Ham" is a bit of a misnomer as it is often portrayed) is a prophetic anticipation of the relative idolatry of the peoples descended down that part of Ham's line, namely, those who would inhabit the land of promise before Israel did – and who were pushed out precisely because of their exceptional wickedness (Deut.9:5). Here are some links wherein these and similar matters are discussed:

Nephilim, Fallen Angels, and Genesis 6

Giants and Nephilim

The Paternal Origin of Antichrist (Satan's Seed)

The 7 Trumpets, the 7 Kings, Nephilim, Antichrist and Revived Rome.

The Nature of Angels

The Nephilim in Genesis 6

"The Nephilim" (in SR 5)

The Origin and Fate of the "Giants" of Genesis Chapter Six.

Antichrist and the Nephilim

Dinosaurs, the Nephilim, Noah, et al.

Eschatology Issues:  The Nephilim

Doubts about the Nephilim

Yours in Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob L.

Question #8:

Hello Dr.

I now fully understand what you are saying about the Nephillim since I read the info on the link you sent. Once the angelic seed was introduced into the human gene pool, sooner or later every human family would become infected and spread that infection (always by choice), until at last there would be no possibility of a pure line for the Messiah. I can absolutely agree with you now that I have had a chance to think about the above statement, which is absolutely true. I also clearly understand and agree with you on what you say on the following verse:

The Nephilim were on the earth in those days and afterwards as well (i.e., both before and after the start of the 120 grace period before the flood). For when the sons of God went in to the daughters of men, they bore to them those "mighty-ones" (i.e., the Nephilim) whose names are famous from ancient times.

I was reading this to mean something entirely different, because I never took into account what the previous verse says:

3And said, "My Spirit shall not strive with man forever in his going astray. He is flesh, and his days shall be one hundred and twenty years."

The 120 years is referring to the Nephilim - and mankind - and as you say - both before and after the start of the 129 year grace period before the flood. Interesting, when you look at these verses more closely. Anyway, after all these years, I finally understand these verses. Whew. Took me a long time. Thank you so very much for sharing your knowledge of His precious Word with me and a multitude ( I believe) of other believers. I truly appreciate it so much, I can't even express how much I have learned in just the short time I have been studying. You are truly a GOD anointed brother.

May The Almighty grant you good health and time to finish the calling He has on your life.

Response #8:

Thanks for the encouraging and thoughtful email (Ps.115:1).

I appreciate your thirst for the truth and love of the Word of God.

In Jesus Christ who is our all and our everything,

Bob L.

Question #9:

Hello Robert, hope everything is well. I was reading Numbers and came across the following in the ESV, "and there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak come from the Nephilim)". How can it state that the sons of Anak come from the Nephilim when they were wiped out in the flood and the only survivors were Noah's family? I saw you had answered some questions related to this but I didn't see an explanation to how the scripture states this fact, only that the spies had lied but this sentence seems to be a statement separate from that and bracketed.

How does it read in the Hebrew?

Blessings,

Response #9:

Good to hear from you too, my friend!

As to your question, the words in parentheses in the ESV are actually part of the direct quote from the spies (there are no parentheses in the Hebrew text):

"and there we saw the Nephilim – sons of Anak from the Nephilim! – and [compared to them] we seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes – and that's the way we seemed to them too!"
Numbers 13:33

ESV takes the phrase I have put in em dashes as a gloss: ("now, to explain, the Nephilim were sons of Anak"). That is not how the text reads; in Hebrew it is in direct apposition to what precedes without any conjunction which is somewhat unusual (representing here excited speech in a direct quote).

Let me point out that even if the phrase in question were a gloss that is part of the actual text, it would only be telling the reader who the real Nephilim were; i.e., one could not logically, on the basis of this ostensible gloss even assume that because of the gloss the spies were correct in their assessment. Indeed, one might wish such a gloss here to demonstrate just how outrageous the claims were: everyone who's read Genesis knows that these individuals were on earth before the flood and that only Noah and his family survived the flood – no Nephilim, and nobody else, either.

The ESV, generally a pretty good version in my estimation, takes unaccustomed liberty with the translation here too in order to make their theory of what is going on sound right in English; Hebrew says literally ". . . the Nephilim, sons of Anak from the Nephilim, and . . .").

So however one wants to consider this passage, it's very clear what is going on, namely, an attempt by the cowardly ten spies to dissuade their fellow Israelites from doing what God commanded them to do. This is somewhat akin, I suppose, to some weak brother during the Tribulation to come saying something like, "You're not going to take the mark?! Brother, they'll boil you in oil after they skin you alive if you don't!!!".

Yours in our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

Bob L.

Question #10:

Hi Bob,

Suppose that a baby nephilim was born, and perished during the flood. Does it go to heaven or hell? Should we deduce from this that no baby nephilim perished, but the flood happened when all the nephilim had enough accountability to reject God? And if there were nephilim that perished during the flood, are they sentenced to hell automatically because Christ didn't die for them?

Also, what does "and also afterwards" mean in Genesis 6:4? "The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown." (Genesis 6:4)

Response #10:

Nephilim are not God's creatures; they are genetic manipulations spawned by the devil and his minions. I have mentioned before that they could not have a true human spirit unless God made one for them (and there is no indication He has nor any reason I can see that He should). So they are physical beings but not spiritual beings (i.e., apparently not dichotomous like we are). Thus, they are not made in the image of God. As such, they would not be entitled to a last judgment, any more than a dog or a cat. There is much we do not know about the specifics, obviously, but all of our information in the cases of the "mighty men", the kings of Revelation, the false prophet and the beast indicates that these individuals have no redeeming qualities whatsoever, and seem to have nothing like a conscience which would at least indicate the choice between good and evil with which all who are made in the image of God struggle – so as to lead them to Christ if they are but willing. Nephilim are not human even if they resemble human beings; as offspring of fallen angels they are "super-human" non-humans, and thus no more interested in grace than they are entitled to it:

For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants.
Hebrews 2:16

As to "also afterwards" in Genesis 6:4, this means "both before and after the start of the 120 grace period before the flood" (as explained at the link), that is, the violation of the orders didn't just happen on one day but over an extended period of time.

In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob L.

Question #11:

Hi Bob,

If nephilim are not dichotomous, then how can they survive death? Wouldn't their being disintegrate when their body does?

Sincerely,　

Response #11:

Even animals have spirits. Where do the nephilim get theirs? My guess is (and it is only a guess because the Word does not go into details on this so far as I can determine) that this quasi-spirit comes not from God but is somehow a concoction of the fallen angels. Angels are spirit beings but can affect things materially so as to produce physical offspring in human beings; these offspring, the nephilim, thus had (have in the case of the beast and his lieutenants) bodies which were at least half angelic. Angels do not have spirits; they are spirits – although as I have noted before (see the link), their "spirit" is not exactly "non-material" in the way medieval philosophy posited the spiritual / material opposition. They have substance, but it is invisible to us. And nephilim have that part conjoined in their physical bodies. We are off into speculation here. Suffice it do say that antichrist, e.g., is just such a creature, that he is thrown into the lake of fire, and that he after that he "is there" without being destroyed:

The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
Revelation 20:10 NKJV

In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob L.

Question #12:

One more thing, since this topic was discussed in the last email exchange we had (albeit it was nine months ago), I would like to get your take on something related to "Nephilim" after the flood. I do like your interpretation better than that of those who bring in the Book of Enoch and other apocryphal and pseudepigraphical texts. Now, I think the case is plain that Goliath, Og of Bashan, the Anakim, et al. were people of great stature, towering over the Israelites, even if they were all not actually Nephilim (i.e. human-angelic hybrids). What I would like to know is whether it’s possible that these people called "giants" after the flood were actually the product, not of sexual intercourse between fallen angels and humans, but of genetic engineering of humans by fallen angels. If there are still fallen angels on the earth, after the ones involved in reproducing with human women in Genesis 6 are locked in chains in Jude verse 6, then obviously not all of them were involved in that particular sinful episode. Perhaps the remaining fallen angels learned from the mistakes of their comrades and decided that they could still corrupt the human race genetically by engineering the DNA of certain individuals (in my theory it would start with Nimrod) to give them great stature. This theory would explain: 1. why God commands the Israelites to kill every single person in certain groups when taking over the Promised Land (i.e. because they were genetically corrupted); 2. why the "giants" after the flood were smaller in size than the Nephilim before the flood; 3. why there are tales among most of the indigenous peoples of the Americas of a race of 8-12 ft. tall white people with red hair, six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, who they fought wars with hundreds of years before the Conquistadors came (all of the gigantic bones that have been unearthed in the Americas have been hidden and covered up by the Smithsonian and the Vatican to deliberately conceal proof in the Bible’s validity over the theory of evolution—and if you just go back to the 19th century anthropology books you find mention of giants, and even Abraham Lincoln has a famous quote about the literal giants who once inhabited the lands that are now the United States); and 4. why the record of megalithic architecture (whose origin I can only explain by the existence of literal giants—i.e. I think the Giza pyramids were built by the Nephilim—and, remember, I am a structural engineer by secular profession) shows some structures that seem to be built before the flood and others after the flood with notable differences (i.e. the pre-flood structures are larger and grander like the aforementioned pyramids, and though very similar both in their occult significance and in their impossibility for people to reproduce with modern technology, the post flood structures are much smaller in size like Stonehenge). Do you think this genetic engineering theory is at least possible (even if you can’t say it’s true)?

Response #12:

On the Nephilim question, I have written a lot about this as you are aware (let me know if you'd like me to send along a list of links). What is not well understood about these creatures is that they are not really human in the most important sense. They have self-determination, but not the image of God, having been brought into the world not through divine will but by the will of evil creatures. This is why, for example, antichrist and the false prophet can be thrown into the lake of fire without any sort of trial. There is no need to check to see whether or not they are in the Book of Life because only human beings are in the Book of Life. So nephilim, in terms of their status, are more like angels (fallen angels in particular) than they are human beings. However it is that the demons who are/were involved in this activity animated the offspring they produced, they were not able to give these monsters true human spirits. On the issue of some remnant of the nephilim continuing in the world after the flood, we can be sure that nothing of their line came down through the only eight human beings who survived the flood, Noah and his family: he was "perfect in his generations" and so were his family. So for examples in the Bible where there are exceptional or aberrational individuals and groups, I have weighed in on this before: these variations fall within normal human patterns and are not evidence of the sort of truly super-human qualities which Genesis chapter six describes (and which antichrist and his cadre will exemplify). As far as the non-biblical speculation out there is concerned, I would be reluctant to alter what is a solidly scriptural position based upon possible extra-biblical evidence.

Question #13:

Hi Dr. Luginbill,

I have a some random questions that I thought of while studying the book of Daniel and the Tribulation concerning the 10 kings/horns/kingdoms. You may have already answered these for other readers and if so, just direct me to those pages at Ichthys.

Questions on the timing of the 10 kings and the antichrist coming into power:

1) In Daniel chapter 7, the 10 horns are described as existing on the 4th beast, then Daniel sees the little horn sprout up among them. Does this mean that the 10 kingdoms/coalitions ruled over by the 10 kings will be in place for a certain period of time before the antichrist comes into power (in Babylon then eventually Revived Rome)? So, we will see some major political changes in Europe and the Middle East before the antichrist starts to gain power in the U.S.A.?

2) Do you think the 10 kingdoms/coalitions will be formed before the official start of the Tribulation or right after? Or could the coalitions/kingdoms be formed before the start of the Tribulation, but the 10 kings do not gain power of those coalitions/kingdoms until after the 7th seal is broken?

Questions on the motivation/nature of the 10 kings and the 3 that will oppose the antichrist:

Revelation 17:12 says that the 10 kings "…have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast." (NIV)

1) Is the word "beast" in the above verse referring to Satan, NOT the antichrist?

2) This "one purpose" of the 10 kings to serve the beast, is it referring to their entire reason for existing, the purpose God has chosen for them to fulfill or a conscious purpose/choice that they made to live for Satan (or both)? Is it possible that they are not aware that they worship Satan and they don’t realize how evil they are/will become? Do they think they are accomplishing "good?" Three of the kings will wage war against the antichrist so they cannot have the conscious desire/purpose to serve the antichrist, but by playing "their role" in all of this they are still serving Satan. These three kings will most likely be Muslim and will wage war in the name of Allah. Do they actually worship Allah or just hide behind that idol for the sake of their followers while truly worship Satan? I know even if they believe in Allah, it is still Satan worship.

3) It is Satan that gives these 10 kings their power, NOT the antichrist, YET they will live/breath/exist to serve Satan and his son once his son comes into power. So, if we are about to go into the tribulation soon, these 10 kings are alive and plotting all of this as we speak? Whoever these people are (politicians, current rulers, people who have yet to gain any power), they are making plans help the antichrist gain power. Do they have a "Satanic ministry" in the same way Christians have a ministry given to us by Christ?

4) Is it possible that one of these rulers might be a woman, even though Scripture uses the word "king/kings?"

5) You said there is a strong possibility that the 10 kings are part demon like the antichrist. Theoretically, is it possible for someone who is part demon to be saved? Scripture does not say that any of the Nephilim were saved in the Old Testament and the 10 kings are not believers, but if someone is part demon and part human, do they have free-will? Just because they are part demon, that does not make it impossible for them to chose to follow Christ?

Thank you again for answering my questions!

In Christ's Love,

Response #13:

It's always good to hear from you.

On your questions:

Timing 1): That is my understanding of the matter. The seven kings (and the three kings) seem to be in place almost immediately, and antichrist rises later. There is nothing in any of the biblical evidence that I have found which would lead me to say dogmatically that all of this couldn't happen within a few months time after the Tribulation has begun. However, it is also true that in history most major political developments have antecedents. So I would not be willing to say that some of these things might not begin to happen before the Tribulation commences. What I would be very reluctant to do would be to infer too much from events on the ground before the fact. That is because we are only given the outline, not the details, so that it would be very easy to jam present day scenario X into the tribulational framework. For example, Putin would seem to make a very persuasive candidate for one of the seven kings. Trouble is, he very well might not be one (in fact, I rather suspect that the beast's ten compatriots will be exceptional for their youth as well as for their abilities); and if we erroneously make such connections before the fact, it will potentially affect our ability to discern the truth and apply it correctly later on because of our committing to a certain pet idea.

Timing 2): I have to give you the same essential answer here. Things are already happening historically at an increasingly rapid rate (as any serious student of history can easily affirm). During the Tribulation, once the Holy Spirit is no longer restraining the devil's manipulation of human affairs in the same way as at present (2Thes.2:6-9), we can expect the pace at which things develop to accelerate beyond present comprehension. What that means is that there is no necessity for anything to be "in place" before the Tribulation actually begins; however, there is also no reason why there can't be the development of some necessary antecedents prior to that event. So while I am as interested as anyone else about what is happening in the world for that very reason, the two things it seems to me which are necessary to avoid are a) on the one hand getting too wrapped up in the details for precisely the reasons given above, and b) on the other hand becoming too lackadaisical about the coming Tribulation because the necessary ground work does not seem to have been laid.

Motivation 1): The word at Revelation 17:12 is indeed "beast" (Gr. therion), a word used in this book exclusively for antichrist and/or his false prophet, but never for the devil (who is "the dragon"). Cf. Rev.20:10a: "And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown" (NIV).

Motivation 2): My position on this is that the ten are all most likely nephilim (as antichrist is), so that they are not "human beings" in the way in which we mean it (half human only and more like angels even though they appear more like human beings), and are not to be judged or thought about in the same way we consider other human beings. Since they are Satan's "products" so to speak, it's not a question of possessing the image of God and making choices the way we think about them. I believe that even the earlier alliance of the three under the Mahdi is only one of satanic convenience. After all, one of the reason for his defeat at the hands of the beast is their treasonous conduct towards their putative master:

Nevertheless, he (i.e., the king of the south) will not be able to stand [against the king of the north], for they (i.e., the three subordinate southern kings) shall devise plots against [the king of the south]. (26) For those who eat his choice food (i.e., his inner circle) will break him, and [this is why] his force will flood away, and many will fall slain. (27) And though these two kings (i.e., antichrist and the Mahdi) set their hearts on evil and speak lies at the same table (i.e., a peace conference), it will not prosper, for there will yet be an end to the period [of the Great Tribulation].
Daniel 11:25b-27

Motivation 3): That the devil is behind the assignment of power is a reasonable assumption (cf. Rev.13:4). The entire course of events from an earthly perspective has been planned by him and will be carried out by him with all of his remaining resources. It is his "last chance" to head off the kingdom and win the conflict (a vain hope, as we know quite well). However, as with point two, it's probably better to think of all of these creatures more as satanic robots or animals than as human beings – though they will appear human, even super-human. Since they don't have the image of God, they are not the same as we are in the most essential point: possessing free will wherein we are given to choose our eternal future. What the activities of the ten are at this point in time, I cannot say. It is also reasonable to assume that they are in process of preparing to carry out the plan of the devil. It does seem necessary for them to be on earth at this present moment, given the projected time for the Tribulation's commencement. But they need not be adults just yet. Alexander conquered most of the known world in his twenties and Mozart wrote some of the most sublime music in human history though only living into his mid-thirties. These kings will be nephilim, and no doubt specially bred for the purpose the devil has for them. So I think it is fair to say that they will be prodigies of an unprecedented type in the same way antichrist will be. One of the reasons for their rapid rise and dramatic success must certainly be their exceptional natures which will amaze the world of unbelievers.

People worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, "Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?"
Revelation 13:4 NIV

Motivation 4): It's an interesting question. Since this is a college, the fact that "kings" is used is not a decisive argument against one of them being a "queen". However, in Genesis 6:4 it says of the nephilim, "They were the heroes of old, men of renown" (NIV). In my opinion, it is more difficult (though perhaps not impossible) for these two phrases in Hebrew to admit of the inclusion of women therein. And if that is the pattern, the pattern is likely to continue.

Motivation 5): I think this has largely been addressed above. Let me put it this way. You and I have the image of God given to us by God. It was imparted to us in our human spirit which God gave to us – formed within us – at the moment of our physical birth. Since it is the human spirit given by God which bears the image of God, satanically engendered beings could only have the image of God, possess actual choice / free will, if God honored that diabolical engineering by giving them human spirits. This I do not believe He has done. How, exactly then, are nephilim physically alive without God-given spirits? Possibly through demon possession from birth; possibly through the imparting of some non-divine spirit; possibly because as half angels their bodies are extra-material in the manner of angelic bodies. That is all speculation. We do know that the beast and his false prophet are cast into the lake of fire (Rev.19:20), so "they" are sentient creatures, even if not human.

Yours in our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

Bob L.

Question #14:

Hi Bob,

I trust you are doing, well! This question may have no biblical basis, but considering your work on The Satanic Rebellion, I thought you might have some thoughts to share.

In scripture, we read of the second resurrection and final death positioned to occur after the millennial reign of Christ. At this time, the dead who are raised back to life gather together with the dragon (Satan, adversary, etc.) and all the peoples of the earth war in the final battle against the King of Kings.

This is my question?

(After the 1,000 years) When the dead are raised in the 2nd resurrection, is this reasonable to consider, that the Spirit of the dragon (AntiChrist), given to the 1st beast and the 2nd beast and subsequently to all that dwell on the earth (at that time who accept the mark), will ALSO be given (to the dead raised) the power of the Spirit of the dragon?

My hypothesis is generated on the supposition that the dragon is attempting to equal the forces of good, by recruiting the missing 2/3rd the dragon needs for a 'fair' onslaught of power to win the battle for the kingdom of heaven.

Note: If Mankind is given time long enough; evil manifested will attempt to transcend humankind to a FORM of conscious endowment (and physical strength - whatever that means) to equal the power of the sons of God, who we now are.

I hope my question is stated clearly?

Response #14:

Good to hear from you as always – hope you are doing well too!

I'm a little foggy on the question. After the millennium, there is a revolt of living human beings led by the devil who is released in order to foment it (Rev.20:7-10). However, the only people to have been resurrected at that time are the Church, that is, the Body of Christ which consists of all believers from Adam and Eve to the last person saved in the Tribulation. After this revolt is crushed, Satan is thrown into the lake of fire (and his demon legions with him). Following that, the millennial believers are resurrected, then the unsaved dead from all periods of history are raised to a resurrection of judgment and face the Great White Throne (the last judgment), after which they too are cast into the lake of fire. This is all to be found in part 6 of Coming Tribulation (at the link), and also 2B of Bible Basics: Eschatology (link).

As to "spirit of the dragon", I'm also unclear about this.  The beast (antichrist) and his false prophet are not true human beings (rather the are nephilim), and as such they will be cast into the lake of fire at the second advent (without the benefit of any last judgment).  The people of the world who worship the beast and take his mark are not possessed by any spirit; they are allowed to reject the truth to a degree not now possible (in the manner of the Pharaoh of the Exodus in Ex.14:1ff; see the link); it's called "strong delusion" or, better, "the empowerment of error" (2Thes.2:8-12; see the link).

Apologies in advance if this doesn't get to all aspects of the questions raised in your email. Do feel free to write me back about any of the above.

Yours in our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

Bob L.

Question #15:

Thank you, Bob, for responding so quickly with your answers. I read your response and now I have to read thoroughly what you have suggested. Here is the 'rub' in my thinking, until then - (forgive me, if I appear to be walking in circles? who's on 1st?)

My theology needs work? Is the Day of the Lord, day of wrath, rapture, twinkling of an eye, the dead rise all simultaneous?

First, I have to get on the same page, as you. when does the Lord appear for believers to be with Him?

1) When do the dead in Christ rise 1st (and we who are alive together with them meet the Lord in the air?

a) Is this before or after the millennium? 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

b) And when is the 2nd resurrection?

2) Does the Mark of the Beast transform unbelieving Mankind (i.e., whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world) into Nephilim or Nephilim hybrids?

Rev 13:4

example: Transhumanism www.2045.com

or like Nimrod ‘who began to be’ a mighty hunter. - Genesis 10:8 (i.e., giants or Nephilim)

Per Bob: After the millennium, there is a revolt of living human beings led by the devil who is released in order to foment it

1) ok, so after the millennium, is the devil now seen by all living human beings? Ezekiel 28:16-18

2) And to foment it (the revolt) does 'future present spirit science' play a part in preparing evil to fight?

(i.e. transhumanism)

a) Is the devil the dragon? Revelation 12:7

b) Are the living human beings, whose name’s are not in the BofL NOW transhumanistic humans?

(the goal of the transhumanistic movement is: consciousness not confined to human flesh)

c) Also, all the unbelieving dead from the time of Adam until the near future, who rise in the 2nd resurrection

d) The people of the world who worship the beast and take his mark are not possessed by any spirit? Are they led by the spirit of unbelief? (I need to read your 'strong delusion' position)

3) Does the dragon which gave power unto the beast (and by or thru the beast) give his power to those who take the Mark?

4) The power of the ‘spirit of the dragon’, is to my understanding, the power of the dragon to transform living human beings into Nephilim creatures or hybrid’s, by the Mark? not just to buy or sell?

5) Does the Mark of the Beast have anything to do with DNA or Consciousness transformation? Nephilim, etc.

Bob, I guess my train of thought is how non-believing living human beings will or can become transformed into nephilim or whatever stage the 'human condition' will yield thru science (i.e. the power/spirit of the dragon)?

If at all, considering the transhumanistic movement? Seeking ultimately, to engage Christ and (we who now are the sons of God alongside) the unfallen angelic heavenly host.

My head is spinning........

Response #15:

You're very welcome. I'm happy to answer your questions and will below – but I think all of these thinks are addressed one way or another in the Coming Tribulation series (it is a big series, but I highly recommend it) and in a more abbreviated form in BB 2B: Eschatology (see those links and also the most recent posting: Satan, Antichrist, the False Prophet and the Mark of the Beast).

a) The Bible, especially the Old Testament, often views "the end" in a composite way – analogous to how "happily ever after" may involve multiple things (such as marriage, honeymoon, first apartment, first house, many children, lives of work, retirement, etc.). The Day of the Lord (please see the link for the detailed treatment of this term) is a good example of this inasmuch as the Lord's "day" is the entire end, whose preliminaries include the Tribulation, commences formally at the second advent, but extends from there into eternity. Similarly each biblical use of the "day" of the Lord is referring to the same "end" but may be focused on one part or another that "day" (e.g., day "of wrath" being either the second advent or the last judgment). All these and related terms refer to the time when God will take on an active and visible control of the events on earth until the end of time (see previous link for much more). The "twinkling of an eye" of 1st Corinthians 15:52 (KJV) is a reference to the resurrection which takes place at the second advent; this is also often called "the rapture", although most evangelicals mistakenly believe (for completely non-biblical reasons) that it will occur before the Tribulation. As for the resurrection of the living itself, it occurs in three phases as Paul explains in 1st Corinthians 15:23-24: "first Christ" (33 A.D.), "then those who are His at His coming" (the Church at the second advent), "then the end" (the millennial believers at the end of history); the resurrection unto judgment of unbelievers also occurs at the end of history and they are then judged at the last judgment, the Great White Throne judgment (Matt.25:1ff.); after which the heavens and earth are destroyed, and then remade.

b) The Lord appears at the end of the Tribulation. His "sign" (of the cross) will appear in the sky (Matt.24:20), visible to the whole world, and then the resurrection of the Church will begin, with the dead in Christ rising first, then we who are still alive will rise with them and be with our Lord forevermore (1Thes.4:14-17).

1) See a and b above; a) 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18 happens at the second advent; b) if by "the second resurrection" you mean what is described in Matthew 25:1ff., this occurs at the end of the Millennium following the Gog-Magog rebellion; it is the last event of "history" with the millennial believers being raised unto life and all the unbelieving dead of all time being raised for judgment thereafter (Rev.20:11-15).

2) No; human beings are human beings. They don't transform. Nimrod developed a following no doubt with the devil's help in order to launch the Tower of Babel plot; that is what the word "became" means in Genesis 10:8 (see the link). In the history of the world there have been nephilim, hybrids of humans and angels (demons); but this mostly happened before the great flood (and occasioned the great flood); the only examples we know of thereafter are antichrist and his false prophet – and also most likely the ten kings of Revelation. There is no indication in scripture that the devil is allowed to appear to the world to instigate the Gog-Magog rebellion at the end of the Millennium. The whole episode does prove, however, that people who do not want any part of God are making that decision not on the basis of trauma or deprivation (the Millennium will in many ways be better than the garden of Eden – only people will have sin natures and free will); just as soon as they are given the opportunity to do so, most people will rebel against God.

I don't know what "future present spirit science" is, but it's not in scripture; people of that day will only need a small amount of coaxing to want to throw off the Messiah's "yoke" (Ps.2:1ff.). The devil is "the dragon", but that is symbolism (as in the case of Christ described as a Lamb). Everyone's name is in the book of life at the start, because Christ has died for all and made salvation a possibility for everyone; the name is blotted out when a person rejects Christ on earth or dies without accepting Him (link).

As I say, I don't know anything about any "transhumanistic movement", but there is no possibility of a human being ever becoming anything else, not even for a moment, not even with satanic help (even if it happens in the movies or is speculated about by evolutionists); the only important question is where said human being is going to spend eternity. I don't see a question under the penultimate 'c' in #2.

Finally, it's an interesting question as to how many of the followers of the beast will be demon possessed; we know that there is demon possession now, and we can expect with the divine restraints removed as explained in 2nd Thessalonians chapter two that there will be more of it in the Tribulation, but I don't see anything in scripture to lead me to believe that it will be a general rule; also, this would be an after-effect not a cause. Everyone who takes the mark will do so out of their own free will, even if there is coercion. The empowerment of error does not change free will nor does it lead it beyond measure; in the manner of the Pharaoh of the Exodus (last email link), this empowerment allows people to do what they really want to do without the sorts of checks from conscience and fear we have at present – in order for things during the Tribulation to progress at a much more rapid rate.

3) No. The devil only cedes power to antichrist who is his surrogate.

4) Do you have any biblical reference for the "spirit of the dragon" (I don't know of one)? There is no transformation in any case.

5) Not at all. This is a common misconception, namely, that the mark will have something to do with DNA or implants or whatever (see the link).

There's no transformation going on. People are inherently bent on evil enough without being transformed. The only transformation human beings can undergo is that of the new birth – from death to life – which leads (or should) to being truly changed on the inside by means of the truth:

(1) Therefore I entreat you by God's mercy, brothers, to dedicate your bodies as a living sacrifice, well-pleasing to God – [this is] your "priestly-service" spiritually performed. (2) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by this renewal of your thinking, so that you may discern what God's will for you is, namely what it is good, well-pleasing, and correct [for you to do].
Romans 12:1-2 (cf. Rom.2:17-18)

Yours in our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

Bob L.

Question #16:

Thanks, Bob. I will read everything.

In reference to "spirit of the dragon", there is no verse for my terminology. By deduction, I came to this end, 1) God breathed the heaven and the host of heaven, into existence. 2) Lucifer become Satan and transgressed against the Lord. 3) By doing so, his heart was darkened or changed, thus the "spirit of the dragon". 4) It is my reference or interpretation of Evil's transgression or manifested power to rise up. (i.e. the dragon gave power like God is Sprit and God's messengers are spirits = Lucifer become Satan or the dragon with 'spirit power'). Make any sense?

Response #16:

OK, I see how you got it, but I don't see this in Revelation. The false prophet does "quicken" the image of the beast with magical (demonic) powers (Rev.13:15), but that's different from what we are talking about here.

Question #17:

Were Antichrist and the False Prophet blotted out of the Book of Life before they were born, or were they never recorded to begin with?

Response #17:

Antichrist is not genuinely human, being a nephilim, and we know from Hebrews 2:16 that "it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants" (and nephilim are more angel than human since they lack human spirits even though they appear more human than angelic). Likely the false prophet is as well (as I have opined before at the link: "Eschatology Issues VIII"; response #26). As such, they would not be given consideration at the cross anymore than the fallen angels.

Question #18:

"Those who sanctify and purify themselves for the gardens following the lead of the one [characterized] by violence, eating the flesh of swine, and of whatever is an abomination, and of rats will be swept away together (i.e., at the Second Advent), says the Lord."
(Isaiah 66:17)

To what extent will "nature worship" be a component of Antichrist's new religion?

Response #18:

I have speculated that it will play a part; but from what the Bible has to say about the matter, the religion of antichrist will have something for everyone (except for followers of Christ, of course), and try to be all things to all people, whether a person's tastes run to the ascetic or the libertine. The number six hundred and sixty six as it occurs in the Greek of Revelation 13:18 is actually feminine, meaning "the 666 [ways]" – all roads lead to the beast's "salvation" . . . except for one (note that the number is an infinite cipher which is in each digit one short of the number of perfection). The only thing the universal religion of antichrist will not tolerate is the truth – a fact that will lead directly to the Great Persecution. See the link in CT 4: "The Number of the Beast"

Here are some other links on this:

The Persuasiveness of antichrist's religion

Characteristics of the false religion

The Anti-Christian Religion and its Worldwide Expansion

Dangers of cooperating with antichrist's religion

In our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

Bob L.

Question #19:

Hello again Dr. Luginbill,

You just jogged my memory, for I went back to the study of "Christology - The study of Jesus Christ", and you clarified the conception of Jesus there. Thanks so much for your help. There is so much excellent Biblical information in your studies, that it is somewhat difficult to remember it all.

I am currently reviewing your study on Tribulation Part 3B - Antichrist and his kingdom. Each time I begin one of your studies, I have the thought, that the more I study, the less I seem to know. But I believe that it is worth the effort and I truly appreciate the tremendous time you have placed in preparing all these studies.

I have been reading a book "The final Roman Emperor, The Islamic Antichrist, and the Vatican's last crusade. Have you heard of this author Thomas Horn, & Chris Putnam and if so, how much credence can we place in them.

Thanks always,

Response #19:

You are most welcome, my friend. Thanks so much for all your encouraging words.

As to your question, I have not heard of this book or author, but the disturbingly wrong conclusion evident even from its title is one which is ubiquitous within evangelicaldom these days. Antichrist will arise from Babylon and will gain control of revived Rome . . . and will then make war on the leader of the "south" (read North Africa, Middle East and central Asia), defeating him in two campaigns and thereby regaining the three provinces/areas (three crowns / horns) of historical Rome which are not part of his initial alliance. Given the present geopolitical situation, it seems impossible to view things any other way than that the beast will be an opponent of Islam rather than a supporter or leader of it. Indeed, anti-Christ will style himself as Christ – that is what his name means, substitute-Christ (who is really opponent-of-Christ) – and will deceive many, even many Christians, into believing that he is the Messiah. That being the case, I can think of no more spiritually dangerous theory than one which suggests that the beast's Muslim opponent will be antichrist. For that will only lead those who believe such lies to be inclined to accept antichrist's claim of being Christ – since, according to this theory and to the beast's propaganda, "the other one" is "antichrist"). This explains no doubt why the evil one is pushing that false interpretation, viz., to accelerate the rush to support the beast as soon as the Tribulation commences under the false assumption that doing so is "opposing antichrist" in leading a western crusade against the Islamic south.

Yours in our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

Bob L.

Question #20:

Hello again!

I am studying through the summary of end times, BB 2B, that you have provided and it is actually quite amazing to me to consider how much time has passed since I first heard of your teachings back in 2008. To think that 8 plus years have passed since I first began reading your exegesis and study of the scriptures in regards to eschatology is particularly meaningful to me. I think this is because we are a mere 10 years away from the beginning of the tribulation. And I know how fast the last 8 years have gone, so I can only anticipate the next 10 years will be just as rapid. This is also cause for a good hard look at my level of preparation. While I have gained broad strokes of understanding while reading your studies, I know I am very far from being able to recall this material as though it were my own, which is where I want to ideally be when the time comes that I no longer have access to the studies, or when the time comes that the events are happening in the present. This is all in addition to my closeness with God and my general faith in Him. Simply put, I am feeling the pressure, and this is good.

So this leads me to ask questions and thoroughly review your content, as much as I am able, and now have a question regarding the antichrist's rise to power in Babylon. Per the scriptures you have used and according to your assessments the antichrist will seize control of Babylon at the onset of the tribulation. The event is foretold in scripture.

My first question is this: Do you see any reason to believe that this event could precede the official start of the tribulation?

A rise to power in Babylon would make international waves, I assume, but is still a smaller thing in comparison to the co-opting of multiple nation states. I say this because I know that the man can not be revealed until the Holy Spirit removes His protection, but I don't know if that means he is literally unknown to all persons before that moment. Meaning, a seizure of Babylon would not necessarily contradict the scriptures meaning in regards to his revealing. Or maybe it would, haha.

My second question is based on the assumption that he will not seize power in Babylon until after the commencement of the tribulation:

Is it reasonable to think that the antichrist will be prominent within Babylon before he seizes control of Babylon?

I think you may see where I am going with this question. I wonder if wise Christians will see things unfolding prior to the tribulation's official start that point to the rising influence of the antichrist? For those of us in Babylon (and this is based on the premise of the US being Babylon) I wonder if over the next 10 years we will actually see this person arise to power, certainly not seizure of the whole country level of power, but a position that possesses influence and power nonetheless.

Well thank you for your response, and of course, thank you for the studies. God bless, and let me know if you need clarification on any of my questions. Thank you!

Response #20:

It's very good to hear from you, my friend. I hope that just as you are clearly prospering spiritually, everything else is going well for you and yours as well.

As to your questions about a prior career and a prior prominence for the beast, I certainly wouldn't rule it out. Scripture does in my view clearly place the actual seizure of power in Babylon within the time of the Tribulation, but that does not mean that antichrist won't be in power in some way before taking absolute and dictatorial control. As far as the beast's public profile, again, scripture merely says that he will be revealed only when the Tribulation begins (2Thes.2:3). That doesn't mean that believers who are well versed in what the scripture has to say about these matters won't be able to make an educated guess about who he might be before the fact. Perhaps the likelihood will be very obvious before the fact – perhaps not.

I think it is perfectly reasonable to imagine that many of the situations and prior conditions necessary for the rise of the beast along with all of the other predicted events of the Tribulation may already be forming and may be even more obvious the closer we get to "the time". But I also do always like to point out that one of the features of the Tribulation – and one of the salient characteristics of the beast – will be rapidity (of events and actions respectively). So things are going to happen at a historically unprecedented break-neck pace during the Tribulation (even more so than the changes we saw in world history in the six year period between 1939 and 1945). And that means that even if nothing of what we know will be necessary seems to have fallen into place in the summer of 2026, that does not mean that everything won't still happen just as scripture says it will (it most certainly will). So while there is perhaps some value in speculating about these things – if only to motivate ourselves to become as personally spiritually prepared as we can before the fact – it can be a trap to get too caught up in such practices. I am no prophet (I only know what I can read in scripture), but if the experiences of my life have taught me anything about this it is that things are likely to turn out in many if not most ways very differently from our expectations. Therefore, the best thing we can do is just what you are doing, namely, keep growing in the truth in every respect, learning and believing everything the Bible has to say about everything, applying that truth in our lives and helping others to do likewise. In other words, the best preparation for the Tribulation is spiritual growth – just as it is the best preparation for everything else in life as well.

Thanks much for your kind words, my friend!

In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob L.

Question #21:

Hello,

In Matthew 24:5 Jesus states that many will come in my name saying I am the Messiah. Does Jesus mean that other persons will claim to be Jesus or does he mean other false Christian leaders will state that Jesus is the Messiah but will spread false teachings in spite of that claim. In other words they only affirm Jesus as the Messiah in order to deceive their followers?

Thank you for considering my question

V/S

Response #21:

Good to hear from you again.

Matthew 24:5 is very explicit in the Greek. What these people will say is "I am the Christ". While in Mark 13:6 and in Luke 21:8 they say "I am [He]", that is some respects is even more emphatic since the formula as we know from our Lord's employment of it is a claim of deity (cf. Jn.8:58). So the prior wording "many will come in my Name" means here not "pretending to support Me" but "actually claiming to be Me". The prime example of this is the beast, anti-Christ, whose title means not only "opposing Christ" but also "[attempting to] substitute for Christ".

All this is very important for all believers on the cusp of the Tribulation to understand, especially in light of the fact that so many believers today don't think they'll have to go through the Tribulation at all, and many of these soon-to-be-surprised individuals are also laboring under the misapprehension that the beast will be Muslim. The devil is no doubt counting on that, since part of antichrist's strategy will be to win over weak and ignorant Christians by claiming to be the Messiah who opposes the Islamic antichrist. Thus many will fall for his deception because of their lack of preparation and ignorance of the scriptures.

All that said, there certainly are plenty of false teachers now, more and more day by day (a clear sign of the times), and there will be even more during the Tribulation (following antichrist) who are and will do exactly as you suggest, namely, pretend to be working for the Lord while really working for the devil:

The Spirit explicitly says that in the end times certain men (i.e., false teachers) will rebel from the faith, giving their allegiance [instead] to deceitful spirits and demonic doctrines. With their own consciences seared away and speaking with the hypocrisy of men [who peddle] lies, they will [instruct their victims] to refrain from marriage, and to keep away from certain foods . . .
1st Timothy 4:1-3a

So be aware of this, that in the last days there will be difficult times. For [in those times] there will be men (i.e., false teachers; cf. chap.2) concerned only for themselves, devoted to money, egotistic, arrogant, blasphemous, not concerned for their parents, ungrateful, irreverent, implacable, slanderers, uninhibited, savage, despising the good, betrayers, impetuous, megalomaniacal, devotees of pleasure rather than lovers of God, possessing an [outward] appearance of godliness, but [in reality] having rejected its [true] power. From such men turn away.
2nd Timothy 3:1-5

Children, it is [now] the final hour, and just as you have heard that antichrist is coming, even now many "antichrists" have arisen – that is how we know it is the last hour.
1st John 2:18

Yours in our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

Bob L.

Question #22:

Thank you very much for answering my question. I never considered it before reading a book suggesting Jesus was talking about moderate mainline churches claiming to come in his name but really being false teachers.

Response #22:

You're very welcome.

One trend I notice in "Christian literature" today is the tendency to mine the Bible for quotations that back up one's point. Even if one's point is valid and biblical – and completely so – this is exactly the opposite of the way Bible study should work. We should study the Bible, find out what it means (through reading personally but also through accessing a good teaching ministry), and go from there. Doing it "backwards" often means misinterpreting scripture and sometimes in a catastrophic way.

Feel free to write any time.

In our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

Bob L.

Question #23:

Hi Bob,

Here's another reason to believe that, if Antichrist's platform itself isn't, at least the homeland must be right-wing: Babylon is described as the trading capital of the world. Now I don't know about you, but left-wing governments aren't exactly renown for economic activity. Think Pinochet, not Castro, as the model of totalitarian rule.

Response #23:

As I've said many times before, we'll know soon enough. The main thing is for believers to realize that they won't be "raptured away" so as not to have to deal with it, and then not to believe anyone who claims to be Christ, regardless of miracles and historically unprecedented military and political success, not even if said person appears to rise from the dead.

But it would be a mistake to assume ahead of time that antichrist will be left or right – since if he's the opposite one might find oneself inadvertently in his camp (at least for those who don't have the good sense to stay completely out of politics). My own best supposition is that the beast will be neither and both at the same time – all things to all people in a unique way that wins over almost all (except those who are walking closely with Jesus Christ).

Question #24:

Hi Bob,

"He will be succeeded by a contemptible person [i.e. the Antichrist] who has not been given the honor of royalty. He will invade the kingdom when its people feel secure, and he will seize it through intrigue. Then an overwhelming army will be swept away before him; both it and a prince of the covenant will be destroyed. After coming to an agreement with him, he will act deceitfully, and with only a few people he will rise to power."
(Dan. 11:21-23)

Who is "a prince of a covenant" who will be destroyed?

Sincerely,

Response #24:

Here's my translation of the passage:

(21) And there will arise in his place a [man of] contempt upon whom they will not bestow the honor of the kingship (i.e., he will not come to power in a legal, conventional way). Rather, he will come [to power] through seductive [methods], and will take control of his kingdom (i.e., mystery Babylon) by means of duplicity. (22) Now it is from him that the flood waters (i.e., armies: Dan.9:26; 11:40; cf. Is.8:7-8; 28:15-22; Nah.1:8; Rev.12:15) will pour forth and be shattered (i.e., at Armageddon), for he is even "the prince of the covenant" (i.e., the author of the pseudo-Messianic peace treaty with Israel: Dan.9:27). (23) After men have leagued themselves to him, he will set his conspiracy in motion and will grow [in power] and become [very] strong, even though his faction is small.
Daniel 11:21-23

So as you can see the "prince of the covenant" is the leader who will make a covenant with Israel for seven years – but break it "in the middle" of its tenure and oppress Israel after defeating the southern alliance in his second campaign against the south. That is when the beast (he is the prince) will take his seat in the newly rebuilt temple in Jerusalem after killing Moses and Elijah, releasing the Great Persecution, the archetypical event of the Great Tribulation. He will be destroyed by being thrown alive into the lake of fire along with his false prophet when our Lord returns at Armageddon.

In Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob L.

Question #25:

Professor, when the Lord removes the restraining ministry of the Holy Spirit will it still abide in His believers?

Response #25:

Absolutely He will! Believers are "sealed" (2Cor.1:22; Eph.1:13; 4:30) and will never be "unsealed" as long as we remain in this life. There is nothing in scripture to even suggest it. The restraining ministry of the Spirit is not dependent upon believers. It is a ministry apart. He will still be active in the world, but the present ministry which is keeping the Tribulation and antichrist at bay is what will be removed and replaced with a special "empowerment of evil" which will accelerate the evil trends we see at work even today and make possible the rapid degeneration of the world once the seven years commence. Please see the links:

The restraining ministry of the Spirit (in CT 2B).

The restraining ministry of the Spirit (in SR 2).

Here's hoping and more importantly praying that 2017 will be a very blessed and happy year for you and your family and for us all!

Your friend in Jesus Christ our Savior,

Bob L.

Question #26:

Will the Antichrist come from the left or the right? Or a combination of both? Here is what I can discern from the Bible.

Verses favoring "from the Left":

(1) "They forbid people to marry" (1 Timothy 4:3a) [Opposes the traditional family]

(2) "order them to abstain from certain foods," (1 Timothy 4:3b) [likes hippie veganism]

(3) "he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches" (Daniel 11:24) [Socialist economics?]

(Or maybe I am just a cynic affected by the Reagan revolution, the religious right and the collapse of communism like everybody else.)

(4) "its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of baked clay. " (Daniel 2:33) [Pro-diversity and multiculturalism]

(Or maybe he's just creaing social chaos to use to his own advantage, without any respect for differing races or cultures. Antichrist may be a virtulent "white nationalist" for all we know)

Verses favoring "from the Right":

(1) "They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God." (John 16:2) [Pro-religion and against "godless secularism"]

(2) "I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest." (Revelation 6:2) [Extremely militant]

(3) "With a large army he will stir up his strength and courage against the king of the South." (Daniel 11:25) [Extreme Islamophobe]

(4) "I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshek and Tubal." (Ezekiel 39:1) [Possibly white nationalist]

Here God appears to be calling Antichrist "the emperor of white people," as Meshek and Tubal are Japhetic nations, which are in today's nomenclature known as "white."

(5) "by your wisdom and your understanding you have made wealth for yourself, and have gathered gold and silver into your treasuries." (Ezekiel 28:4) [extreme corporate/wealthy abuse?]

The homeland of Antichrist is known to be extremely wealthy and has made a living of being a merchant's paradise, suggesting possibly an extreme right-wing position on economics.

Final analysis: Will probably take some of the more libertarian aspects of the left, but otherwise will be very right-wing. Adolf Hitler is a very good model here, as he somehow managed to institute an extremely authoritarian right-wing government while nonetheless instituting some "pet causes," such as vegetarianism, green energy, and even labeling his own party as "socialist" in a move to persuade left-leaning people to join. Hitler was also not as economically to the right as some other fascist dictators, such as Pinochet or Suharto, or even Thatcher, as this graph of ideology shows.

Response #26:

It doesn't really affect what I'm going to say here, but I have interpreted many of these verses differently (happy to discuss individual cases). The important thing to note is that from what I have been able to discern from scripture antichrist will be unique in that he and in particular his religion will offer something for everyone and be in many ways all things to all people – except genuine believers who are truly following Christ and the truth.

It has often been said that on the extreme fringes right and left come together; there is some truth in that at least (the differences between Stalin and Hitler were mostly only theoretical). In terms of theological far left and far right "Christians" who are more interested in politics than in truly walking with Jesus, please note that both extremes claim to follow Jesus and both extremes claim Jesus and His "teaching" as their own (they merely have it wrong in both cases, using scripture selectively to further their own agendas). So it should not be surprising that antichrist, who will claim to be Christ, may coopt both extremes. Indeed, it seems that he will; and thus it would not be at all beyond possibility that his movement and religion (one and the same) may begin on both fringes and swiftly collapse the middle into unanimous acceptance of him – except for "those who [truly] know their God" (Dan.11:32).

So for me the "left/right" thing is not important. I think people have a hard time visualizing before the fact the incredible psychological power that this intoxicating mass movement will exert (especially with the removal of Holy Spirit restraint: cf. 2Thes.2:6-12), as well as the persuasiveness of a "unique individual" working incredible miracles and claiming to be Christ in a very persuasive way (to all but those who really know Jesus Christ).

We can't really figure all this out before the fact, but rest assured that anyone who has as much Bible study under his/her belt as you do will quickly realize who antichrist is, just as soon as he is revealed to the world (2Thes.2:3; 2:6; 2:8).

Yours in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

Bob L.

Question #27:

Does the "cast out of your tomb" in Isaiah 14:19 refer to the pseudo resurrection of the beast?

Response #27:

This passage in Isaiah 14 is speaking mainly of the demise of antichrist. "Your land" is eschatological Babylon which the beast will order destroyed in the waning days of the Tribulation.

It refers to lack of proper burial – and both the beast and his false prophet will be cast unceremoniously into the lake of fire at Tribulation's end (Rev.19:20).

Question #28:

"For false Christ*s* and false prophets will arise and will perform great
miracles (lit., "signs") and wonders [sufficient] to deceive even the
elect, if [that were] possible. Look [(as I am telling you now)]! I have
told you ahead of time."
(Mat. 24:24-25)

The word "Christ" is plural, meaning that Jesus has more than the Antichrist in mind. What do you make of this?

Response #28:

This has to do with the fact that there will be all manner of falsehood and deceivers in the run up to the Tribulation and going into it. After all, the beast will be fully "revealed" to the world only at some point in the Tribulation (2Thes.2:3), undeniably so when he takes his seat in the temple proclaiming himself to be God (2Thes.2:4); but we can ascertain from the evidence that there will be a long initial period in the first half of the seven years when many Christians are swayed to his cause and even come to believe that he is the Christ. Before that, the fact that there are other [anti]/false individuals who claim to be Christ will give the actual beast cover. Indeed, I have suggested elsewhere that the actual beast will claim that the Mahdi is "antichrist" and that this will result in many coming to antichrist's banner in his crusade against the Muslim "south".

In Jesus the only true Messiah, our dear Lord and Savior,

Bob L.

Bible Academy's New Website now live!

Addendum: 12/24/16:  I also want to thank everyone who has been praying for my family and especially for my mother.  She passed away yesterday morning at the age of ninety-six.  Considering the sad shape she was in, it was a blessing that the Lord took her when He did.  She died "full of years" in the company of those who loved her, and now she is with the Lord – and nothing is better than that (Phil.1:23; Rev.7:17; 21:4).

• For Abby for success and blessing in her new efforts in ministry, and for her cousin Danny's health. *Please also pray for her health, strength and perseverance in stressful and challenging circumstances.

• For our friend Bartek, *for the recovery of his health, and also for success in gaining permanent residence status in the UK under the new "Brexit" rules.

• For help and support for Yuhanna and his family in the midst of continuing trial and testing, and for the salvation of his wider family.

• For Ramsey, for success in his job application process [praise here! please keep him in your prayers].

• For our friend Gaurav, for encouragement, health, and material deliverance.

• For the empowerment of our friend Curt's ministry; for his health, the health of his family [praise for good news here - please pray for Curt's own health], and for his finances.

• For our brother Abishai's help and guidance in preparing for ministry, as well as for his healing and help with his business to provide for his family's basic needs, and for the health and healing of his young daughter [praise here!].  Please also pray for his brother, a believer, to be led to the truth on important issues of doctrine.

• For our friend Betty's help and deliverance [praise the Lord for answered prayer!].

• For our friend Carol's recovery, encouragement and for help in her professional life.

• For our friend Vau's father for healing from critical illness, and for Vau's encouragement [praise here!].

• For our friend John's family's deliverance from cult influence [praise for some good news here, but some members are still entrapped].

• For our friend Kathleen's recovery from a terrible accident.

• For our friend Steve for strength, protection, providence and deliverance – more needful now than ever.

• For help and deliverance for our friend Cindy's daughter.

• For our friend Brittany's healing, and for her guidance, encouragement, and deliverance from debt.

• For our friend Ken and his family's protection from persecution for seeking the truth.

• For the family of Jewel, a recently martyred pastor in Bangladesh (please see the link).

• For Christian congregations being persecuted in Sri Lanka (please see the link).

• For our friend Neal's help in and healing from devastating illness.

• For young Joel, a newborn with Zellweger syndrome, for his healing and strengthening.

• For our friend Mark's successful surgery and swift recovery.

• For the healing, blessing, encouragement and vindication of our brother, Nihal

• For our friend Mike's encouragement and God's blessing on his livelihood to provide for his family.

• For Helen's healing from cancer and for her comfort in the loss of her family members.

• For pastor Don's wife Jessie's healing from cancer.

• For Thomas for a roof over his head.

• For Clyde's encouragement and deliverance in severe testing.

• For John, for help in getting more hours or work or a better job.

• For our friend John's help in coping with a difficult medical condition (cadasil).

• For our friend Paul's father-in-law, for deliverance from cancer.

• For healing for Leigh's dad's health (praise for betterment here - she thanks everyone for their prayers), for her daughter's healing from hypothyroidism and celiac disease, and for encouragement and help for her.

• For the salvation of Judah's friend.

• For Tom's health and rapid physical readjustment following cessation of medication.

• For the deliverance of Michael's wife from extreme charismatic influence.

• For Michael's deliverance from debt, stress and unwanted conflict – special prayer help needed here as things are getting worse.

• For Cherice, for help in study and in her upcoming exams.

• For our friend Karl's mother's salvation.

• For our friend Oscar's continued spiritual growth and help in securing suitable employment in spite of serious satanic opposition.

• For Richard Khum and Mission Training School in Myanmar (richardlkhum@gmail.com).

• For Ashley and help with her marriage.

• For Wen and family in a new area without suitable Bible teaching.

• For the opening of Jon's father's heart for response to the gospel [praise here for the salvation of his mother!], and for help with his father's serious and degenerative medical condition.

• For Zach's healing, deliverance and comfort from severe cult abuse and control, and to be led into God’s truth.

• For the salvation of Danny's mother and for her healing in extreme pain; for healing in body and mind, and for his protection and blessing on his family and for their reconciliation.  Please also pray for Danny's living situation.

• For deliverance for John's friend from the JW heresy.

• For our friend who wished to remain nameless, for her protection and the protection of her children from a hostile and aggressive "ex".

• For the deliverance of Jay's friend from the influence of a noxious cult.

• For our friend Anna and her family's comfort in the loss of her daughter, and for the comfort, encouragement and salvation of her two children.

• For our friend Sheila's healing from a devastating, chronic condition *(more needful now than ever).

• For our friend Sandra, suffering from multiply myeloma [praise here! please keep her in your prayers].

• For David's wife who is recovering from back surgery.

• For friends Lynette, Angie, Marcia, Dan and Jeffery, all of whom are presently under heavy spiritual pressures and in need of prayer and encouragement.

• For our newly converted brother Jacob in India, for healing for him and for his daughter, for his material needs, and for the salvation of his parents.

• For our friend Tommy, for a roof over his head.

• For the protection of Crystal and her family.

• For Billy's mother to be led into all of God's truth.

• For Resi in transitioning from Roman Catholicism and for help in financial difficulties.

• For Kim and her family, and for her daughter's deliverance from a cult.

• For Leigh – she thanks everyone for their prayers (the Lord has taken her father home in a peaceful way).

• For Ryan's salvation.

• For Brian's deliverance from a severe and debilitating illness.

• For Kaeli and Mike and their family, currently homeless, for a roof over their heads for winter.

• For help for Steven in successfully carrying a heavy and difficult academic load in preparing to minister to the body of Christ.

• For the opening of Daniel's heart to the gospel and his salvation in Jesus Christ.

• For Becca's family, for help with serious medical and financial troubles.

• For the salvation of John's two unbelieving sons.

• For Charles' granddaughter, for the perseverance of her faith and for her deliverance from drug addiction.

• For Bogdan's salvation and receptiveness to the truth.

• For Clinton, for a place to live, help in finishing school, and spiritual growth.

• For Bob for help in healing a painful skin disorder.

• For Carmen, for the preservation of her job in the midst of budget cuts [praise here! Victory! Job retained!].

• For Chris, for the preservation of his job in the midst of budget cuts [praise here! Victory! Job retained!], and for his health and protection on the job.

• For the salvation of Mitch's wife.

• For Dorota's healing from cancer.

• For help for Sam's recovery from cancer and deliverance from extreme insomnia.

• For Cary, for encouragement in persecution abroad, and for health and strength.

• For Ania, for her salvation and spiritual growth in the truth.

---

More E-mails:       Complete archive of previous emails:  Ichthys' Emails

Angelic Issues VII

Prayer Questions II

The Trinity and Messianic Legalism II

Annihilationism, Universalism, Hell and Judgment II

Atheism and Apologetics II

Politics versus Spiritual Growth II

Culture and Christianity XVII: Humor, Self-Defense, Pacifism and War

Culture and Christianity XVI: Alcohol, Money and Dietary Issues

Dreams, Visions, Miracles, Exorcism, Tongues, and False Prophets

Calvinism, Catholicism and Ichthys

Apologetics, Legalism, Cults and Philosophy

The Law, Legalism, and Rome

Mutual Encouragement in Christ IV

Genesis Gap: Questions and Answers V

Faith and Free Will in Trial and Testing

Free Will and God's WILL in Salvation

Jobs, Money, Finances and Giving: What does the Bible say?

Ministry and Preparation for Ministry II

Eschatology Issues XV

Dealing with Sin and Guilt

Mutual Encouragement in Christ III

Preparing for Tribulation II

It is Better on the Other Side

Family Matters

Christology Questions VIII: The Deity, Humanity and Life of Christ

The Lives of the Apostles and the Writing of the New Testament II

Biblical People and Places: Eve, Cain, Noah, Abraham, Hagar, Esau, Joseph and more

Biblical Anthropology V: Body, Spirit and 'Soul', Present and Future

Satan, Antichrist, the False Prophet and the Mark of the Beast

The Holy Spirit: Pneumatology Questions V

Prophets, Prophecy, and False Prophets

Christology Questions VII: The Life and Spiritual Death of Christ and Holy Communion

The Bible and the Canon: The Inspired Word of God III

Culture and Christianity XV: The Bible vs. some Sensitive Social and Political Issues

Christology Questions VI: Christophany, Deity and the Spiritual Death of Christ

Encouragement, Spiritual Testing and Spiritual Growth II

Spiritual Warfare V

Cults and Christianity VI

Fighting the Fight IV: Dispatches from the Laodicean 'Front'

Eschatology Issues XIV

The Gift of Tongues: Part 3

The Resurrection Body and our Eternal Future II

Gospel Questions XI

Blindness, Disease and Healing

Ministry and Preparation for Ministry

Atheism and Apologetics

Biblical Languages, Texts and Translations VII

Church History II

Salvation Questions II

Culture and Christianity XIV

Encouragement, Spiritual Testing and Spiritual Growth

Judaism and Legalism in the church-visible

Bible Interpretation VIII

Apostasy, Sin and Salvation

Confronting False Groups and False Teaching III

Eschatology Issues XIII: Time of the Tribulation and the Resurrection, Antichrist and the Mark of the Beast

Salvation Questions

Theological Questions II

The Holy Spirit: Pneumatology Questions IV

Old Testament Interpretation VI

More Questions on the Book of Hebrews: Melchizedek, Esau, and the 'Impossibility' of Being Restored

Believers in the World IV: Making Godly Choices vs. Following Man-Made Rules

Guilt, Sin and Victory through Spiritual Growth

Confronting False Groups and False Teaching II

Cults and Christianity V

Politics versus Spiritual Growth

Christian Struggle, Perseverance and Deliverance

The Bible and the Natural World

Sin, Fear and Forgiveness

An Extended Conversation on the 'Unpardonable' Sin

Eternal Realities: Real Heaven, Real Hell

Eschatology Issues XII: Babylon, Armageddon, Israel, 2026

Ministers, Ministry, and Preparation for Ministry

Evangelism in Principle and Practice II

Gospel Questions X: Glory, John the baptist, the hidden talent, the Kingdom of God

Old Testament Interpretation V: The Flight to Egypt, the Virgin Birth, Jonathan's Choice, Tyre in Prophecy

Matthew Questions, verse by verse

Marriage and the Bible IV

Politics and Political Action on the Eve of the Tribulation

Bible Versions, Bible Translation, and Bible Reading IV

Spiritual Growth II

Mutual Encouragement in Christ II

Baptism: Water and Spirit VI

Science and the Bible II

Genesis Gap: Questions and Answers IV

Culture and Christianity XIII: College, Dating, Marriage and Friendship

Eschatology Issues XI: Trumpets, the Millennium, the Time of the Tribulation and the Resurrection.

Sin according to the Bible: Hamartiology II

Bible Interpretation VII

Salvation and Sin

Bible Interpretation VI

Eschatology Issues X: Strong delusion, blood moons, 2026, imminence, apostasy & the mark of the beast

Angelic Issues VI: Cherubs, Guardians, Elders and 'gods'

Sin according to the Bible: Hamartiology I

Bible Chronology, Aramaic and Interpretation

Christians and Mental Illness

Culture and Christianity XII

Prayer Questions

The Trinity and Messianic Legalism

Anger, Anthropopathism, Eternity and Divine Motives

Unbelievers, Free Will, and the Plan of God II

Christology Questions V: the Baptism, Temptation and Spiritual Death of Christ

The Bible and the Canon: The Inspired Word of God II

Believers in the World III: Prosperity Gospel, Tithing, Cults and Legalism

Gospel Questions IX

Faith, Hope and Love: Virtue in Spiritual Warfare

Trinity Questions II

Some Sensitive Topics IV

Finding a Church – or Something Better? II

New Testament Interpretation III

Faith vs. History, Archaeology, Philosophy

Believers in the World II: Confronting False Groups and False Teaching

The 144,000 and the Two Witnesses of the Tribulation

Biblical Anthropology IV: Soul and Spirit, Image and Likeness, Book of Life, Life at Birth, Accountability and Infant Salvation.

Spiritual Growth

Predestination, Free Will and False Teaching

Christophany and the Trinity

Love, Marriage, and Divorce: Marriage and the Bible III

Interpreting Dreams and Analyzing Prophetic Claims

Culture and Christianity XI: Lying, Suicide, Tattoos, Investing, Drugs, Music, Family, Dating, Politics

Bible Versions, Bible Translation, and Bible Reading III

Eschatology Issues IX: Amillennialism, Trumpets, and the Seven Days

Spiritual Warfare IV: Demons, Demonic Influences and Satanic Methodology

Satan's Fall from Grace

Atheism and Gnosticism: Denying the Truth about God

Sin, Salvation and Forgiveness: Claiming the Mental and Spiritual High-Ground

Struggling with Salvation . . . and Relatives

Legalism, Past and Present II

Ministry and the Ichthys Ministry II

 All about Ichthys II: Mutual Encouragement in the Lord

The Book of Job and Christian Suffering

Genesis Gap: Questions and Answers III: Creationism, Neanderthals, Fossil Record

Christology Questions IV: Jesus' Birth, Baptism, Early Life, and Kenosis

Third Party Testimony III: Near Death Experiences, Revelations and Tongues

Third Party Testimony II: Charismatic Claims of Visions, Dreams and Prophecy

Third Party Testimony I: We Believe God and His Word – Not People

God Heals - in His way (not our way)

Sanctification, Separation and Restraint

Finding a Church – or Something Better?

Culture and Christianity X:  Military Service, College, Politics, and Race Relations

Contemporary Churches and Women Preachers

Culture and Christianity IX: Politics, Tithing, Music, Crucifixes, Alcohol, and Gambling

Marriage and the Bible II

Biblical Anthropology III: Soul versus Spirit, "Soul Sleep", and the Interim Body

New Testament Interpretation II: Who is equal? Grace in vain. Unequally yoked.

Aspects of the Crucifixion II: Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?

Aspects of the Crucifixion I: Carrying the cross, trials and rooster crow.

Salvation Lost and Found

The Canon: Content, Chronology, and Criticism

Spiritual Warfare III: Peter's 'Angel', Saul's Death, and Strange Events

Old Testament Interpretation IV: Gehazi's Leprosy, Tyre's Destruction, and Immanuel

Nephilim, Fallen Angels, and Genesis 6

Gospel Questions VIII

Sin, Atonement and Forgiveness II

Sin, Atonement and Forgiveness I

Annihilationism, Universalism, Hell and Judgment

When is the Rapture?

Noah, the Flood, and the Nature of Animals

The Tribulation: Timing of, Preparation for, and Conditions in

Eschatology Issues VIII: Revelation, Tribulation and Judgment

Antichrist: the Mark, the Number, and the Identification of the Beast

Satan's Revolt and the Tribulation to Come

Old Testament Interpretation III: The Name 'Jacob', the Mark of Cain, Jeshrun.

Old Testament Interpretation II: Urim and Thummim, the Bronze Serpent, the Ark.

Being Saved: Security, Apostasy, and the Sin unto Death

Fighting the Fight III: False Teaching, Local Churches, and the Truth

Fighting the Fight II: Struggling with Sin, Doubt, and Severe Testing

Fighting the Fight I: Accountability, Faith, Sin, Forgiveness, and Reward

Dispensations, Covenants, Israel and the Church II

Dispensations, Covenants, Israel and the Church I

Witnessing: Cults and Christianity II

Witnessing: Cults and Christianity I

Ministry and the Ichthys Ministry

Biblical Interpretation V

Baptism: Water and Spirit V

Spiritual Growth, Church-Searching and "Discipling"

Unbelievers, Free Will, and the Plan of God

Biblical Languages, Texts and Translations VI

Baptism: Water and Spirit IV

Paganism, Idolatry, Mythology and the Occult

The Lives of the Apostles and the Writing of the New Testament

The Essence of God and Deity of Christ

Parables and their Interpretation

The Meaning and Purpose of True Christian Assembly

Marriage and the Bible

Spiritual 'ups' and 'downs'

1st John: Text and Interpretation

Eschatology Issues VII

Perseverance in the latter days of Laodicea

Babylon USA?

Baptism: Water and Spirit III

Prayer: the Persistence, Purpose and Power of.

Paul the Apostle: Aspects of his Life and Ministry

Gospel Questions VII: The Wedding at Cana et al.

Israel, 'Lost Tribes' and the Star of David

Israel and Antichrist in Eschatology

Explaining and Defending the Trinity and the Person of Christ II

The Holy Spirit: Pneumatology Questions III

Culture and Christianity VIII

The Geography of Heaven, Hades and 'Hell'.

Eschatology Issues VI

Bible Interpretation IV

Legalism, Past and Present

The Resurrection Body and our Eternal Future.

Christ the First-Born, High Priest in the Order of Melchizedek.

Bible Versions, Bible Translation, and Bible Reading II

Bible Versions, Bible Translation, and Bible Reading

Hermeneutics, Typology, Christophany, Theophany and Anthropopathism.

No, Hebrews does not teach that you lost your salvation.

Gospel Questions VI: the Long Ending of Mark et al.

Judas and the Betrayal of Christ

Doubting Salvation and Questions of Sin

The 144,000: God's Seal vs. the Mark of the Beast

Atheism: Putting Truth to Death

War in Heaven II

The Holy Spirit: Pneumatology Questions II

War in Heaven

The Holy Spirit: Pneumatology Questions I

The Law, Love, Faith-Rest and Messianism

Paul and the Law

Genesis Questions III

Sin and Salvation, Confession and Forgiveness

Have I Lost My Salvation? (III)

The Battlefield Within: Fighting the inner spiritual Struggle.

Putting Christ in Christmas: Loving Jesus, the Star and the Magi, Wonderful Counselor.

Old Testament Interpretation: Moses and Zipporah, David's disastrous Census, the Destruction of the Midianites, et al.

Healing, Miracles, and Dreams: Sorting the Wheat from the Chaff by biblical Means

153 Fish: Explaining some Difficult New Testament Passages

Kenosis: Our Lord's Self-Limitation during the 1st Advent

Biblical Anthropology II: 'Soul sleep', & dichotomy vs. trichotomy

Biblical Anthropology I: The Nature of Human Beings and Human Life according to the Bible.

Genesis Gap: Questions and Answers II.

Culture and Christianity VII: Jury Duty, Witnessing, Biometry, Military Service et al.

Culture and Christianity VI: Halloween, Holidays, Aliens, and Christian Applications.

Angelic Issues V: Michael, the Angel of the Lord, Christophany, demons, cherubs, and Satan's revolt.

Angelic Issues IV:  Satan's Revolt in the Plan of God.

New Testament Interpretation: Melchizedek, 'Forsake not Assembly', 'Women Remain Silent', Water-Baptism, Tongues, Prophecy, Intervention of Departed Believers.

Lost my salvation II?

All about Ichthys: Mutual Encouragement in the Lord. 

Genesis Questions.

Fallen Angels, Demons, Nephilim, and the Devil's Methodology.

End Times Interpretation II.

Salvation, the Gospel, and Unbelief.

The Bible and the Canon: The Inspired Word of God.

End Times Interpretation.

Grace versus Law.

Communion and the Spiritual Death of Christ.

Sinlessness and 1st John.

Israelology, Anti-Semitism, the Remnant, Gentiles, Lost Tribes, Jewish Myths.

"Soul Sleep" versus our true Heavenly State.

Christology Questions III: The Angel of the Lord, the Lamb Slain, monogenes.

Angelic Issues III: Demons, Satan, Elders, Female Angels and Guardians.

Against Universalism III: Unbelievers in the Plan of God.

Waters Above, the Firmament, and the Genesis Gap.

Marriage "Matters".

In Need of Guidance and Encouragement.

Biblical Languages, Texts and Translations V.

Servants, Slaves, Disciples, and Ministers.

Baptism: Water and Spirit II.

Bible Interpretation III: David's Anointing, Stephen versus Genesis, Triplets, This People, and more.

Evangelism in Principle and Practice.

Scripture versus Personal Experience.

Calvinism, Covenants and Catholicism.

Culture and Christianity V: Temporal Authority vs. Biblical Application.

False Doctrine of Absolute Eternal Security III.

The Dangers of Messianic Legalism IV: Unclean and Impure?

Things to Come III: The Wrath of God and the Fate of the Beast's Army.

God Works All Things Together for Good.

The 7 Trumpets, the 7 Kings, Nephilim, Antichrist and Revived Rome.

The Coming Tribulation and the Kingdom of God.

Sin, Confession and Forgiveness.

Mutual Encouragement in Christ.

Biblical Languages, Texts and Translations IV.

Culture and Christianity IV: Doing one's job as 'unto the Lord', the peril's of 'heroic medicine', Christian perspectives on legalizing marijuana, when lying is not a sin, and when life begins.

Eschatology Issues V: "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons".

Ichthys and Contemporary Christianity.

Gospel Questions V: Help my Unbelief, Respecting our Enemies, etc.

The Two Witnesses of the Tribulation: Moses and Elijah.

The Apostles, the Jerusalem Council, and Legalism then and now.

Aspects of the Christian Walk: Gambling, Lying, Christmas, Judging, Worrying, et al.

No Rapture

Believers in the World: Using our Free Will to Respond to the Lord

Christology Questions II: The Serpent Lifted and the Cross, Jesus' Infallibility, Destroy this Temple, the Sign Spoken Against, His Glorification, the Spirit's Anointing, and the Necessity for His Humanity.

Paul's Jerusalem Error, Worshiping Truly, the Priesthood of the Believer, and Peter's Vision of the Impure Food

Christian Trials and Testing

Gospel Questions IV: The Prophet, the rich man in Hades, Peter's wife, the 'eleven' and the 'twelve' apostles, 'the world could not contain' (Jn.21:25), and progressive revelation.

Eschatology Issues IV: Israeli politics, 'This Generation', Signs of the Times, the Beast presently alive?, 'Flee Babylon', Preparing for the Tribulation, and 'was, is not, will be'.

John's Water-Baptism versus the Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Eschatology Issues III: Over-focusing on Revelation, the Seven Churches, Enoch versus Elijah, and the Symbolism of the Menorah

The Purpose of Chronicles, Cyrus the Persian, the Chronology of the Exodus Plagues, Qumran and Isaiah, Nebuchadnezzar's Madness, and Jeremiah 31:22, "A Woman will Embrace a Man".

Aaron and the Golden Calf, Mount Zion, Moses and Zipporah, the high priest's attire, and the ark of the covenant.

Aspects of the Genesis Curse on Animals, the Tree of Knowing Good and Evil, Jacob Wrestling with the Angel of the Lord, and Kainam.

The City of David, the Star of David, Solomon's Wisdom, and the Song of Solomon.

The Israelites at Kadesh and 'not entering the Land of Promise'.

Genesis Gap: Questions and Answers.

Sin and Spiritual Transformation.

Cults and Christianity IV

Cults and Christianity III

Cults and Christianity II

Cults and Christianity.

One Baptism: the True Meaning of Peter's Words at Acts 2:38.

Apostasy and the Sin unto Death, the Conscience and Sanctification.

The Plan of God and Individual Salvation (excerpt from BB 4B)

In Your Anger, do not Sin:  Ephesians 4:26 and the Sin Nature

Bible Interpretation II: Easter, Abiathar, the Hyssop-Blood Cross, Baal, the Scarlet Thread, Names of God, Adiaphoria, and Mezentius.

Spiritual Warfare II

Culture and Christianity III

Have I Lost my Salvation?

On the Firing Line: Encouragement in Christian Trials

Eschatology and the Old Testament

Prayer and our Walk with Jesus.

Issues of Canonicity II: Aramaic, Enoch, KJV, and the Pastorals

Bible Vocabulary and Bible Word Studies

Satan, his Demons, and the Gnostics

Antichrist: Alive and Well and Living on Planet Earth?

The Nature of Angels

Our Eternal Future: Life after Death for Believers in Jesus Christ

Giants and Nephilim, Sumerian Myths, and Sea Monsters

Dreams and Visions II

The Golden Rule

The Divinity of Jesus Christ

Free-Will Faith and the Will of God

Some Sensitive Topics III

The Spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy: explaining James 4:5.

Faith: What is it?

The Seven-Fold Spirit of God.

Free-Will Faith in the Plan of God.

Putting the Word of God First.

Free-Will Faith.

The False Doctrine of "Soul Sleep" II.

The False Doctrine of Absolute Eternal Security II.

The Plan of God

The Dangers of Messianic Legalism III

The Dangers of Messianic Legalism II

The Dangers of Messianic Legalism.

The Gift of Tongues: Part 2

The Gift of Tongues: Part 1

Mega-Churches, Emergent Christianity, Spirituality and Materialism.

Epignosis, Christian Epistemology, and Spiritual Growth.

Jephthah's Daughter, Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage.

Christian Unity and Divisiveness.

Death, Martyrdom and Resurrection.

Blessing, Cursing, and Prayer.

Freedom and Responsibility.

Fighting the Good Fight of Faith.

Only-Begotten, Mother-of-God, On-this-Rock: English-only Interpretation is Dangerous.

The Greek Text of the New Testament and some Issues of Textual Criticism.

What does the name 'Christian' mean?

Some Jewish Issues.

Christians Beware: Internet Frauds and the Need for Spiritual Discernment (part 2).

Christians Beware: Internet Frauds and the Need for Spiritual Discernment.

Sin and Forgiveness.

Spring Special: The Millennial Regathering and Purging of Israel.

Life Begins at Birth.

Culture and Christianity II

Culture and Christianity I

The Saved and the Unsaved

Last Things and Last Judgments

The Local Church and Personal Ministry IV

The Local Church and Personal Ministry III

The Local Church and Personal Ministry II

The Local Church and Personal Ministry I

More on Antichrist and his Kingdom

Antichrist and Babylon

Prophecy Questions.

Theological Questions

Heavenly Things.

Dysfunctional Churches.

Some Sensitive Topics II.

Christmas Special: The Judgment and Reward of the Church.

What is God's Will?

Apologetics

Thanksgiving Leftovers.

Combating Legalism VI

Combating Legalism V

Combating Legalism IV

Combating Legalism III

Combating Legalism II

Combating Legalism I

Aspects of the False Doctrine of Institutional Security

Chronological Order of the Books of the Bible II

Biblical Languages, Texts and Translations III

Biblical Languages, Texts and Translations II

Biblical Languages, Texts and Translations I

Gospel Questions III: Least in the kingdom, Millstones, Pennies, Pebbles, Babes, Rhaka, Tallits, and the Crown of Thorns.

Gospel Questions II: Jesus' Turning Water to Wine, Sweating Blood, Walking on Water, Washing the Disciples' Feet, and the Promise of Freedom."

Things to Come II: Genesis Rapture, Daniel's Weeks, Seven Kings, Signs of the Apocalypse, Tribulational Suffering, Seven Seals, the Bride of Christ, and Mystery Babylon.

Things to Come: The Half Hour, the 144,00, the Book of Life, Rewards, the Beast's Kingdom, the Great Apostasy, and the so-called 'Partial Rapture'.

Satan and the Existence of Evil.

The Holy Spirit: Blasphemy against, Restraining Ministry, and Gender.

Spiritual Gifts and Spiritual Growth

Christian Love, the Golden Rule, Christian Military Service and Self-Defense.

Issues of Canonicity: Apocrypha, Enoch, and Inspiration.

Church: The Biblical Ideal versus the Contemporary Reality.

Numbers, Letters, and the Mark of the Beast.

Gospel Questions I: Jesus' Life, the Gospels and Cherubs, and who Wrote Matthew.

More Questions about Genesis.

Naaman, Nero, Nineveh, and Senacharib.

The False Doctrine of Absolute Eternal Security.

Choosing Hell: Questions about Salvation and the Love of God.

The Chronology of the End.

The Route of the Israelites in Crossing the Red Sea.

Some Issues of Transmission, Translation, and Transliteration: The Camel and the Needle, etc.

Aspects of the Life of Christ: Jesus' siblings, the man born blind, et al.

Jesus is God and man.

Jesus is God.

Redemption, the Blood of Christ, Christ our Passover, and The Passion of the Christ.

Eschatology Issues II: Angelic bodies, heaven and hell, Satan and the Nephilim, etc.

The Book of Job and Biblical Interpretation.

Some Questions about Eternity.

Who Controls our Thoughts and Emotions?

The Day of the Lord.

Sleep as a Euphemism for Death.

Literal Hell.

Christ's Preaching to the Spirits in Hell (1Pet.3:18-20), & Michael's Rebuke of Satan (2Pet.2:10-11 ).

Recovering from Sin.

The Timing of the Resurrection.

Dispensations, the Church, the Rapture, and the Destruction of the Universe.

Christianity versus Contemporary Kitsch.

Purpose Driven Life, Oprah's New Age Religion, et al.

Lot, Esau, and Cain: Learning through Negative Examples.

Against Universalism II: Only Believers are Saved.

Against Universalism I: Free Will and the Image of God.

Courage in the Fight.

Demon Influences.

Sabbath Questions.

The Seven Edens and the Eden of Adam and Eve.

Opposition to the Genesis Gap from the Creation Research Institute et al.

Mary 'Full of Grace'?

Changing the Name of God?

The Beast:  Some Questions about Antichrist.

The Book of Revelation:  Some Questions.

Red Hot or Lukewarm? Bible Teaching versus Sermonizing.

The Last Judgment and the Great White Throne.

Baptism:  Water and Spirit.

Spiritual  Marathons.

Christology:  Some Questions on the Life of Christ.

Regarding Ichthys.

Train up a Child in the Way he should Go.

War, History, and Politics.

Unbelief and its Consequences.

Dreams and Visions.

Explaining and Defending the Trinity and the Person of Christ.

Free Will and Faith under Pressure.

Angelic Issues II.

Science and the Bible.

Bible Interpretation I:  Academics, Versions et al.

Faith in the Word of God: the Basis of all True Worship.

Aspects of the Resurrection II.

Faith and Encouragement in the midst of Fiery Trials.

Some Sensitive Topics.

Jethro, Amenhotep, Iraq, the Catacombs, and the KJV.

Eschatology Issues: The Fig Tree, Ezekiel 38, Joel 3, and the Trumpets.

Christ the Rock, the Rooster's Crow, and the Cross.

Applying Faith II: Production, Forgiveness, Circumcision, Truth over People.

Applying Faith: Eating, Drinking, and Vacation.

The Tree of Life, Communion, and the Virgin Birth.

Grammar Questions.

Can Prayer Be Offered From Heaven? & Some Genesis Questions.

Walking the Path of Faith through the Light of the Word of God.

Salvation on the battlefield, truth revealed to infants, and damnation.

Preparing for Tribulation.

Divine Sovereignty and Divine Judgment.

God's Free Gift of Salvation.

Should Christians wear Jewelry?

The Lord's Prayer.

The Events Surrounding the Birth of Christ.

Cremation or Burial?

Zechariah, Demon Possession, Marriage, Spiritual Experiences, and Bible Prophecy.

No Grounds for Divorce?

The Shape of the Universe, Hominids, and the Genesis Gap.

Taking Personal Responsibility: Interest, Bankruptcy, Gambling, and Employment.

The Seven Churches, the Judgment Seat of Christ,  and other issues in Eschatology.

The Canonicity of the book of Hebrews.

Great White Throne, the Last Judgment, and the Outer Darkness.

Political Action versus Biblical Christianity.

Study Tools and Methodologies.

Covenants.

The Gospel and the Kingdom of God.

Pursuing a Deeper Relationship with Jesus and Christian Epistemology.

The Origin and the Danger of the Pre-Tribulational Rapture Theory.

The Divinity of the Spirit and the Percentage of those who are Saved.

Should Christians ever consider getting a lawyer?

Pastoral Authority, Popes, Pat Robertson, and Pelagianism.

Some Questions on Church Polity.

Apostles and Evangelism

Luther, Arminius, Calvin, Kant, Ironside, Tutu and Thieme.

Angelic Issues.

Transmutation, Resuscitation, and Resurrection.

Is the Soul a tertium quid?

More on the Documentary Hypothesis and More on the Rapture.

Enoch's Walk with God and Some Questions in the Gospels.

The Influence of the Renaissance and Rationalism on the Church and Cutting off Arms in Malachi 2:3.

Sabbath Observance.

1st John 5:20 & Romans 6:23.

Eschatology Questions.

Baptism and Following Jesus.

Where is Armageddon?

Assurance of Salvation.

The Cross, Sin, and the Devil in God's Plan.

More on: Spiritual Gifts; Hats & Hair; the Age of Accountability.

Daniel 9:25 and Daniel 11:30.

Who will populate earth during the Millennium?  and  Asking for Wisdom: James 1:5.

Was Judas Saved?, The Gospel of Judas, and Issues of Canonicity.

Is 'My Son' Israel or Jesus in Hosea 11:1?  &  How do you Prove Sin to Someone?

Did Matthew Write his Gospel in Hebrew?

Christian Crowns, Pagan Names, and the Time of the Cock-Crow.

Child-like Faith, Mark vs. Matthew, the Mahdi, and 'Who was with God in the Beginning?

True Orthodoxy and False Creeds.

Foot-washing, Bitter Herbs, Baptism, and Borrowed Faith.

All Things Charismatic.

Friday versus Thursday Crucifixion.

Jesus' Cursing of the Fig Tree, Apostasy, and 'Feng Shui'.

The Genesis Serpent, Using "it" to refer to the baby Jesus, and more on Tattoos.

Combating Gnosticism.

Resisting the Devil.

Why did Jesus choose John over James to take care of His mother Mary?

Antichrist's 'desire of women' in Daniel 11:37 et al.

Do recent catastrophes have a divine origin?

Does God really want us to be sick and poor?  Revisiting the prosperity gospel.

Why did our Lord Jesus arise from the tribe of Judah?

What will our relationship be in heaven with children who died young?

The baptism of the Holy Spirit as distinct from speaking in tongues.

The Grammar behind the Genesis Gap.

The Great White Throne Judgment.

Moses and Zipporah.

The Victory of Faith.

Does God's choice of us eliminate our free will?

Why does God allow bad things to happen?

The Bible as "divine", roof prayer, and tattoos.

Character in Hebrews 1:3, et al.

Exorcism, et al.

"Are the children of unbelievers lost if they die before receiving Christ?"

How not to get "left behind".

"Is baptism necessary for salvation?"

"The nature of life after death."

"The personality of the Holy Spirit."

"The dragon of Revelation 12 and the talking idol of Revelation 13."

"Bound by Satan in Luke 13:16, language and the Tower of Babel, Daniel's 70th week, and the number 12."

"Infirmities and Diseases in Matthew 8:17"

"The Leftover Baskets of Bread and Fish in John 6."

"Waiting for the Ascension" and "Amos 4:11".

Why was Canaan cursed?

Should Christians have a competitive attitude?

John "leapt for joy" in the womb - or did he?

Satanic Influence in Video Games and Television.

Moving Mountains:  Matthew 21:21

Not a hair shall be lost? Luke 21:16 versus Luke 21:18.

The reign of antichrist:  7 years or 3 and 1/2 years?

The Trinity in Scripture.

The Ark of the Covenant.

"Doubts about the Nephilim in Genesis 6" and "Ezekiel 9:4 and the Mark of the Beast"

"Word Counts in the Bible", "Him whom they Pierced (Rev.1:7)", and "Necromancy".

"Waiting for a Savior" and "The Direction East in the Bible"

Transubstantiation.

Is there a purgatory according to the Bible?

Your desire shall be for your husband: Genesis 3:16.

Have I committed the unforgivable sin?

Is the local church meant to be a patriarchy?

Why doesn't the Bible mention all of the prophets of the children of Israel?

The True "Victorious Life".

Tohu in Genesis 1:2 and the Cause of the Darkness.

Why Doesn't God Prevent All Children from Dying?

Why were Christians being regarded as "evil-doers" in 1st Peter 2:12?

The Scofield Reference Bible.

Phylacteries and the Mark of the Beast, and "What about Joseph?"

Feeling desperate and alone.

Is Tithing net or gross?

Assembly of the local church, and Jesus' use of "I AM" from Exodus 3:14 in John 8:58

The "burden of the Lord" in Jeremiah 23:32-40, and judgment for idle words in Matthew 12:36-37.

The importance of spiritual resiliency.

Does God use disease to discipline us?

Recovering from Cult Exposure.

Variability in Christian Testing and Personal Tribulation.

Is there any value to the Apocrypha?

The Communion Ceremony outside of the local church.

The Christian Walk, the End, and Tattoos.

Should Christians honor Sunday as the new Sabbath?

Chronological order of the books of the Bible.

Doubt, light, missed opportunities et al.

Addicted to Sin.

Corporate prayer in Matthew 18:19:  "when two agree on earth".

What does the Bible say about humor?

The value of cumulative prayer.

Our Heavenly, Pre-Resurrection, Interim State.

How could a loving God order the destruction of the Canaanites?

Should Christians observe the Torah?

Church Polity and three other passages.

Walking with Jesus.

Tongues: does 'no man' understand?

The few saved, the door in heaven, visions of heavenly realities, and Christmas.

Spiritual Warfare.

Christian suffering and spiritual maturity.

Aliens, antichrist, and eschatology.

Does exceptionally sinful behavior indicate that a Christian has lost salvation?

Should Christians celebrate Jewish festivals?

The Deaths of the 12 Disciples / Apostles of Christ.

Categories of Sin in Psalm 19.

Some brief answers on a variety of topics.

Pastoral Support, Pastoral Preparation, and the Purpose of Assembly.

Eternal Rewards.

Encouragement, Isaiah 6:11-13, and the Hope of Repentance.

Questioning the Genesis Gap.

Dinosaurs, the Nephilim, Noah, et al.

How much should we pay our pastor?

More about Women Preachers.

Is it wrong for me to celebrate Easter?

The Remnant in Isaiah 6:13.

The Big Distinction.

The Day of the Lord in 2nd Peter 3:10.

The Day of the Lord.

Church History.

The Sealing of the Holy Spirit.

Visions of Angels: Colossians 2:18.

Waiting on God's timing:  patience in testing.

"Your Throne, O God":  Psalm 45:6.

Moses striking the Rock.

Procreation and Creation.

What is meant by the phrase "the Lord's footstool"?

1st Peter 3:3-5

A conversation about divorce and remarriage.

Faith in the midst of the fiery trial.

Hebrews 10:26 again, and two other notes on Arthur Pink and the Greek word diakonos.

What is the correct translation of Isaiah 59:19?

Is the star of Acts 7:43 the star of David?

Some questions about Nimrod and Christmas trees, Tongues, and Healing

Is Jesus the only One ever to restore sight?

What happens to people who were born and died prior to the birth of Christ?

Which is better, the King James Version or the New King James Version?

What is the minimum necessary to be saved?

How can we know whose interpretation of the Bible is right (Part 2)?

How can we know whose interpretation of the Bible is right (Part 1)?

Psalm 22:1, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"

The "Mind of Christ" in 1st Corinthians 2:16

Simeon and Simon, and the two crows of the rooster

Ichthys, saints, and the Last Adam

Does Hebrews 10:26 teach loss of salvation?

Eternal security: where does one draw the line?

Who are Gog and Magog in Ezekiel 38-39?

How did John the baptist come to doubt Jesus?

Is Jesus literally seated on the throne at God's right hand?

Are the Celts the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel?

Whatever happened to the "Genesis Gap"?

"The baptism which now saves you":  1st Peter 3:21.

Hebrew Language Study Tools.

What type of healing is being discussed in Isaiah 53:5?

The Origin of the Four Seasons

2nd Peter 3:5: Doubting the Tribulation

Tent-making and Galatians 6:6

A Question about Ichthys books

Biblical Metaphors and Symbolism

Faith and the Pre-Tribulational "Rapture".

Faith Healing.

Bible translation and John 8:58.

Melchizedek and the high priesthood of Christ:  two questions et alia.

In need of encouragement.

The centurion and the Syro-Phoenician woman.

Who is the Meshiach?

A Sadducean Question

What is "heaven" like according to Christian teachings?

Acts 20:28: Whose Blood?

1st Corinthians 11:  Hats or Hair?

Confession of Sin, Fellowship, and the Filling of the Holy Spirit.

A Miscellany of Questions and Answers (Nineveh, the beast, tongues, demons, Sadam, etc.)

Some Greek Questions in the Gospels (John 1:3; 2:19; 8:58; Luke 23:43)

Is Man trichotomous, and does that mean that salvation is three-tiered?

Questioning the Trinity

The blood of Christ

Christ knocking at the door in Revelation 3:20

The futility of memory without God and eternal life.

The meaning of Jesus' words, "I am" in John 8:58

What does the Bible say about Heaven and Hell?

Peace in 1st Corinthians 14:33

Salvation and Church Affiliation.

Several questions on the book of Hebrews.

Does the Bible prohibit women from preaching or teaching in the Church?

Should Christian leaders refrain from drinking in public?

How to use the Bible translations at Ichthys.

The Worship of Jesus:  a proof of His divinity?

An Extended Conversation about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Is water baptism required for Christians today?

Are health and wealth a part of the gospel?

Will those in Hades be able to see Christ's return?

Feelings of Guilt about Remarriage.

Who are the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel?

What does "the Word was with God" mean in John 1:1-2?

Three questions on three verses in Isaiah (Is.21:4; 28:10, & 66:24).

How important is education for a pastor?

Does Hebrews 10:26-35 ("deliberate sinning" etc.) mean that a believer can lose his or her salvation?

Availability and use of Ichthys materials: several questions.

Is there any difference between demons and fallen angels?

Confronting atheism.

Two questions about Judas Iscariot.

Three Questions about Tattoos and Salvation.

The Hebrew word for 'one' (`echadh) and the uniqueness of God.

Did the witch of Endor really conjure up the spirit of Samuel?

A Question about the "Waters Above".

Why did God the Father wait so long to send Jesus into the world?

How does being "slain in the Spirit" relate to being baptized in the Spirit?

How do you prove the existence of God?

Where does the Bible teach that Jesus is God?

Is it ever Justifiable to Tell a Lie (part 2)?

Seeing double in Matthew.

Mary, Joseph, and Nazareth.

Is the Westminster Catechism a Good Reference Tool?

What does it mean "the spirit returns to God" in Ecclesiastes 12:7?

Is there any Connection between biblical Gemstones and Moral Characteristics?

Are Miraculous Gifts Operational Today?

Jesus Christ in the Old Testament (Christophany: Gen.3:8).

Can those in organizations which teach "salvation by works" be saved?

Is "helpmeet" a wrong translation in Genesis 2:20?

Our will and God's WILL.

Cast thy Bread upon the Waters:  What do the seven and eight portions in Ecclesiastes 11:2 mean?

Was Cain Satan's literal "seed"?

The Demon Possessed Girl in Acts 16:16.

The "Sin unto Death" in 1st John 5:16.

Is death just a natural part of human life?

Communion and the Blood of Christ.

What does it mean in 1st Corinthians 7:14, "the unbelieving husband is sanctified"?

The Re-institution of the Feast of Tabernacles in the Millennium.

Secular Documentation for the Exodus.

The false doctrine of "soul sleep".

The Author of Hebrews and Jesus' Perfect Completion of His Mission.

The Trinity in Isaiah 63:10-15.

How old was Jesus at the time of His crucifixion and resurrection?

Five Smooth Stones: 1st Samuel 17:40

How can we know the Bible is true?

The name "Jesus".

Habakkuk's Prosperity Prayer: Habakkuk 3:17-19.

Jeremiah 31:22: "A Woman shall Compass a Man".

The New International Version of the Bible and some issues in Bible translation.

Is "the Prophet" of Deuteronomy 18:18 Muhammad?

The One True God and the Trinity in the Old Testament.

Are those in Hebrews 6:4 who "crucify the Son of God afresh" lost?

Are New Bible Translations Part of a Conspiracy?

What exactly is the "red heifer prophecy", and how does it relate to the events of the end times?

Where did the waters of Genesis 1 go?

Interpreting Revelation

Sin, Baptism, and the Book of Revelation

Tithing and the Book of Life

The Dangers of the Prosperity Gospel.

English and the Tower of Babel.

The "Seven Thunders" of Revelation 10:3-4

The fate of the unrighteous dead in Isaiah 66:24

Who are the "sons of the kingdom" in Matthew 18:11-12?

Why does Judah get greater honor than Jerusalem in Zechariah 12:7?

Are there Female Angels?

Longevity in the Millennium.

How is the date of Easter computed?

What is the meaning of the 1290 days versus the 1335 days in Daniel 12?

What Church era are we now in?

The mark of the beast.

Christophany in the Exodus.

Can you explain "help my unbelief!" in Mark 9:24?

What does it mean to "overcome" in Revelation chapters 2 and 3?

Are women required to wear veils or hats in church?

Is the world about to come to an end?

Does the Bible ever describe the earth as being round?

Pre-, mid-, or post-Tribulation rapture?

Pearls before swine.

Recognizing the Messiah.

The gift of healing.

The origin and fate of the "giants" in Genesis chapter six.

Christian suffering - Christian encouragement.

Is speaking in tongues biblical?

Is speaking in tongues a sin?

Can you recommend a good commentary on the book of Romans?

Aspects of the resurrection.

The recipients of Peter's epistles.

Pre- or Post-Tribulation "rapture"?

The lives of the prophets.

The old prophet who lied.

Animal sacrifice in the millennium.

Is it ever justifiable to lie?

Who wrote the King James version?

The meaning of the divine name יהוה.

The so-called "documentary hypothesis".

The relationship between the books of Kings and Chronicles.

David's disastrous census of Israel.

Aspects of the Unseen Angelic Warfare and 666, the Mark of the Beast.

The 200 million strong demon army of Revelation 9:13.

Deliverance through Childbearing in 1st Timothy 2:15?

Some questions about the Tribulation.

More on divorce and remarriage.

Divorce and remarriage.

The antecedents of ICHTHYS.

What does it mean to "remember the Sabbath and keep it holy"?

The manner of the apostle Peter's death.

Wasn't Matthias the thirteenth apostle?

Forward progress necessary for salvation and spiritual growth.

The "seven days" of human history.

1st John 1:9 and confessing sin.

ICHTHYS and the role of traditional Christianity.

Can you recommend a good survey for the Old and New Testaments?

Where can I find more information on the "Genesis gap"?

Is Church membership an issue in salvation?

Can you recommend a church?

Are these materials available for purchase as books?

A bit of autobiography.

What is your opinion of the Abingdon one-volume Bible Commentary?

What is the significance of the number "20" in the Bible?

The 144,000 of Revelation chapters 7 and 14.

What is your view on predestination?

Who is "true Israel"?

The chronology of the date 2026.

Does baptism play a role in being born again?

Why does the devil have access to God while man cannot stand in His presence?

The structure of the book of Revelation.

What is your view of the rapture?

What is meant by the "10 days" of Revelation 2:10?

Dragons in the Bible?

Are there apostles in the Church today?

What is the meaning of the word "chosen" in the Bible.

The Passover.

What are the most common Bible names?

What is the biblical significance of the number forty?

What does the Bible have to say about witchcraft?

How can I protect myself from false teaching?

Didn't the devil know he couldn't defeat God?

Are the Masons wrong according to the Bible?

Six Questions.

Can the faith of "backsliders" be restored?

Are there biblical origins to mythology?

What does the phrase "sides of the pit" mean in Isaiah 14:15?

Can prayer be offered in the name of the Son?

Election and John 6:37?

Is it valid to celebrate Christmas?

Can you give me some information on divine names in the Bible?

What is the significance of name changes in the Bible?

Is faith a "gift of God"?

Is there a "gospel of Thomas"?

Is the nature of Man dichotomous or trichotomous?

Will the temple be rebuilt in Jerusalem?

Does the Bible teach a literal Millennium?

What does the word "good" mean in Genesis?

Who are "the dead" who "rise first" in 1st Thessalonians 4?

Are the Greek tenses in John 7:34 correctly translated?

Is the devil "mad" to oppose God?

Does the Bible require supporting the pastor financially?

How can Jesus be a man and God at the same time?

How did people atone for intentional sin in Old Testament times?

What is the symbolism of the Lamb of God in Revelation?

Can you recommend some word study tools for Bible study?

Can people who commit suicide be saved?

Are tattoos biblical?

Is it "ichthys" or "ichthus"?

What is the difference between wisdom and discernment?

Marriage of Believers and Unbelievers.

Is hearing believing in John 6:35?

How certain a date is 2026?

Is Paul describing himself in Romans chapter seven?

Is tithing required for salvation?

What is the evidence for the "rapture"?

Is there any validity to the "prosperity gospel"?

Who are the "Nephilim" in Genesis chapter six?

Church attendance.

Is there a literal "devil"?

What does the Bible have to say about reincarnation?

What is the unpardonable sin?

Believing the Bible for Spiritual Growth.

Why was the New Testament written in Greek?

What about those who have never heard of Christ?

What about elders and deacons?

Eternal Security and "sinless perfection".

Eternal Security and "salvation by works".

Does the Bible teach ex nihilo creation?

When did Jesus first know He was God's Son?

Are there prophets today?

Despairing of life.

How important is baptism?

How could Christ have been three days and nights in the grave?

Do Muslims worship the One true God?

What can I do about spiritual fainting?

 

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