Question #1:
Hello Dr. Luginbill,
Does the bible state exactly what the "Strong Delusion" is? I've heard several interpretation, such as the Antichrist claiming to be God and deceiving the world. Or fallen angels and Nephilim masquerading as extraterrestrials and claiming to be our creators. A renowned Pastor had said that he had information that a political leader in the UN claimed that there were demon possessed men in the UN and that some fallen angels or demons actually live on other planets. What does the bible say about the strong delusion? Or is God not clearly stating what the delusion is so as to catch unbelievers off guard?
God Bless you and your ministry,
Response #1:
The "strong delusion" of 2nd Thessalonians 2:11 (KJV, NKJV) is essentially an empowering by the Lord for unbelievers to more readily believe of the lies of antichrist (I translate it "empowering of error" at the link). Our Lord does this in order to allow the events of the Tribulation to proceed along at break-neck speed, and also to divide the world as never before between believers and those who are committed to the evil one (with precious little "middle ground" remaining). I have written this up in great detail at the following link:
Finally, any pastor, no matter how renowned, who thinks that there are "space aliens", is so far divorced from the truths of scripture that anything else he might say ought to be taken with at least a grain of salt (possibly an entire cellar).
Thanks for your good words! Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas.
Yours in Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #2:
I am confused. Why is it that the bible answer man Hank Hanergraph insists that the tribulation already happened in 70 ad and the temple was destroyed. He says the anti Christ isn't a specific future man but is anyone or any institution that rejects Jesus Christ. I read your article and its totally different.
Response #2:
Good to make your acquaintance. I'm not familiar with this person's credentials or work. I can say with absolute confidence that the positions you report are complete nonsense although not unprecedented. Many old-line Protestant denominations eschew eschatology because Luther, Calvin and company did. I try not to be too hard on the Reformers on this point because they had so much on their hands, re-discovering the truth about what scripture really says about salvation while dodging execution by the Roman Catholic church, for example. Had they lived several hundred years, I'm sure they would have gotten around to the Book of Revelation and all of the other scriptural information about the end times to be found in the Bible. In any case, nowadays it is very easy for any Christian to find a Bible translated into his/her own language and see for him/herself that such ideas as you report are incorrect. It is impossible to read the Book of Revelation, for example, even in English, and not realize very quickly that it is not mythology or allegory even if it is not so easy to understand at first.
The Tribulation will occur at the end of the Church Age. Human history consists of seven thousand-year millennial "days" (cf. Ps.90:4; 2Pet.3:8), and we are nearly at the end of number six (see the link). The Tribulation will constitute the final seven years of this Age (which is shared in common with the last seven years of the Jewish Age not yet been completed). A new temple will be built by the early days of the Tribulation under the aegis of Moses and Elijah who are resuscitated for their special role in guiding the evangelical ministry to Israel of the 144,000 (see the link). Antichrist is most definitely a "real" and specific person, the offspring of the devil:
And I shall place hostility between you and the woman, that is, between your seed (antichrist) and her Seed (i.e., Christ).
Genesis 3:15aSo we ask you, brothers, in regard to the coming our Lord Jesus Christ [discussed in chapter one, verses 3-12], and our assembling together to Him [in resurrection at His return (cf. 1Cor.15:51-54)], that you not be so easily moved from your correct understanding [of these matters], nor disturbed [by doubts about what you should know to be true] not even if [this "new information" purports to come] through a spirit, or an [inspired] word or a letter supposedly from me, declaring that the Day of the Lord is already upon us. Do not let anyone deceive you in any way. For [the 2nd Advent cannot come] unless the Apostasy [the great falling away of the faithful in the first half of the Tribulation] has already occurred, and the man of lawlessness [antichrist] has been revealed [an event also occurring in the Tribulation], that "son of destruction" (i.e., characterized by, author of, and doomed to destruction), the one who will oppose and exalt himself against every so-called god and object of worship to such a degree that he will take his seat in the temple of God and represent himself as being God. Don't you remember that while I was still with you I was explaining these things to you?
2nd Thessalonians 2:1-5
Clearly, "anyone or any institution that rejects Jesus Christ" is not in any sense "your seed" comparable to "her Seed" who is Christ, nor can some concept "take his seat in the temple of God and represent himself as being God". This is written up in detail at the link in part 3B of the Coming Tribulation series: "Antichrist and his Kingdom".
And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.
Revelation 19:19-20 NIV
The person so described here, the "beast" or antichrist, has to be just that, namely, a single individual, for these verses to make any sense whatsoever (and they share that in common with all the places in the Old and New Testament where this subject is treated). There is much to say on all these issues, and you will find many postings at Ichthys which deal with all the relevant topics. The issues of eschatology, that is, God's plan for the completion of human history and how that is revealed to us in scripture, are covered systematically at the links in the Satanic Rebellion series (which lays the ground work) and the Coming Tribulation series (which lays out the details of future history given in the Bible through a verse by verse exegesis of the Book of Revelation).
Please do feel free to write back about any of the above.
Yours in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior for whose return we breathlessly wait,
Bob Luginbill
Question #3:
Hi Bob,
Is it a common occurrence for eschatologists to agree that this time period marks a discernment of the last days or tribulation period for the children of light?
I read your thoughts on the Ichthys website, but, and again Rob Skiba made a similar comment about 2033. So far I only know of you and Rob, that lean to this time frame, umm, interesting? See below, start at 12:30 mark - Rob Skiba 322 Tetrads and the Time of Jacob's Trouble
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvzgDJLgP4E
Response #3:
I'm not much on numerology. I know enough about it to know that one can make numbers symbolize most anything and can find "meaning" in almost any number (see the link: "Numbers, Letters, and the Mark of the Beast"). This has been a hot topic in the last decade or so what with the deceptive teaching of "Bible codes" of one sort of another capturing the public imagination. In fact, the Word of God is meant to be an open book for all who are willing to perceive its truths with the open eyes of faith in the power of the Spirit. For all others, the rule is for them to keep on "seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand" (Lk.8:10).
Does someone else think that 2033 may be significant? I think that is great, but I wouldn't necessarily see it as impressive. After all, all I did was add 2,000 to 33 (the date of the cross and resurrection of our Lord) to come up with this likely date for the second advent. Granted, there is a little more to it than that (i.e., to get to the point of realizing that this is the computation that needs to be made), but it's not a great leap of interpretation (nor, I believe, is it meant to be). What is perhaps more surprising is that this highly probable date has not been more widely bruited about, especially since it seems so patently obvious even from a fairly basic understanding of what the Bible has to say about the end times and the plan of God for history; that seems to me to be another case of "that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand". One has to be genuinely seeking in faith to have even obvious truths become clear and "make sense". For all those who do not fit into this category, the most complicated computations and involved systems of numerology will not bring them one step closer to the truth that God is willing and ready to show them.
Yours in Him who is the very truth itself, our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Bob L.
Question #4:
I agree with you, Bob on God opening 'our eyes to see and ears to hear' the word of God. Your counting back 7 years from 2033 is like a post sign to be watchful for. I understand the world increases (at its present pace) about 1 Billion more people every 12 to 14 years (2014 + 12 years = 2026), so I will keep my eyes and ears open for all new developments to come.
Thank you always for your patience.
Response #4:
You're most welcome. Indeed, we must all be watchful, as our Lord told us.
"Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near."
Mark 13:28 NKJV
Yours in our dear Lord Jesus,
Bob L.
Question #5:
How is the Greek word for soon in Revelation 22:7 best translated. Is the concept "in the very near future" or more like "when it happens, it will happen quickly?"
Thank you
Response #5:
Good to make your acquaintance.
The best translation for the Greek word tachy in Revelation 22:7 is "quickly" (cf. English "tachycardia" where the heart beats too "quickly"). As to the meaning, as it says in Hebrews 10:25, "the day [of the Lord is] drawing [ever] closer", and in Romans 13:11, "our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed". In theological terms, the Tribulation along with its resolution in the Second Advent is "imminent". That is because that whole period is the "Day of the Lord" (or at least its commencement point), and there is no further unfulfilled biblical prophecy that must take place before it begins. Since Christ has won the victory at the cross and has already been seated at the Father's right hand in glory, He is free to bring on these events at any time. Of course, that has been true for nearly 2,000 years now. Then again, for the Lord, "a day is as a thousand years" (Ps.90:4; 2Pet.3:8). So here are two senses in which "quickly" is true: theological imminence, and the fact that for God, a few thousand years is a very short time. It's a very short time for us as well, when put in the balance with eternity, after all. It's just that as mortal creatures the hours, day and years weigh heavily on us, and it seems "like a long time". And, fairly, because, until recently (now that we are close), no one since the flood has had a life-time long enough to even consider the possibility of lasting until the second advent. That is the third sense in which this remark by our Lord is absolutely true:
"In My Fathers house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."
John 14:2-3 NKJV
Since the ascension, all departed believers are taken to be with the Lord. Since this present life ends quickly for us all, in every biblical sense, even for that first generation of the Church, Jesus did "come quickly" and take them to be with Him and the Father in the third heaven.
"Behold, He is coming quickly. Happy is he who guards the words of the prophecy of this book [in his heart]."
Revelation 22:7
For all who have ever heeded these words, blessing has been the result. Living our lives in the light of eternity is a salubrious Christian approach. It puts this short time on earth in proper perspective so that we are better motivated and equipped to live our lives for Jesus Christ and earn the eternal rewards He desires us to win through spiritual growth, progress and production (see the link).
Finally, for those of us alive today, the last generation of the Church, the era of Laodicea (see the link), our Lord's words in Revelation 22:7 have an absolutely literal and straightforward meaning as well: many of us alive today will see Him return with our own eyes if we have but the faith to "endure until the end" (Matt.10:22; 24:13).
For more on "imminence" as a theme in Revelation, please see the link: "Because the Time is Near".
Yours in Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior, for whose return we breathlessly wait,
Bob Luginbill
Question #6:
Dearest Bob:
Praise The Lord. How are you today? I believe this email finds you well by the Grace of our Good Lord Jesus Christ. I was jobless for a month, but thanks be to God, have landed a job as closer to home by sheer grace and mercy alone. Though I had to settle for a much lesser take home pay, I am confident that God is able to bless and raise my banner from here. I have been praying for you and your ministry all the while. A distant relative of mine contacted me and I had the chance to tell him about the coming tribulation for 20 some minutes before I lost him on the air due to bad signal. I wrote this mail to him the following morning and this is what he wrote back to me. Please pray for this gentleman in his mid to late 60s. He follows Joel Osteen and Crefalo Dollar:
To him:
"Sorry about the bad signal tonight. I wanted to send you the link to this Bible Study site I mentioned over the phone by respected Bible scholar and teacher Dr. Robert Luginbill. His ministry is entirely on the net and he is non-denominational. I found Dr. Bob's ministry after a long search in the summer of 2011. I personally consider him a faithful minister sent by our Lord, Savior, and King Jesus Christ in these last times. I owe much of my current spiritual growth and understanding to his ministry.
Here's the direct link to the topic at hand.
https://ichthys.com/mail-pre-Trib rapture origin and danger.htm
Couple other awesome topic links for the end times at Ichthys:
https://ichthys.com/Peter-Series-Home-Page.htm (My best pick yet!)
https://ichthys.com/Pet27.htm (3 False Doctrines That Threaten The Faith of Believers!)
https://ichthys.com/Coming-Tribulation-Home-Page.htm
https://ichthys.com/e-mails.htm (I have learned a ton from the Q&A series alone)
https://ichthys.com/Satanic-Rebellion-Home-Page.htm ( Hugely Popular series)
I want you to prayerfully consider these things in light of scripture and see for yourself what the Bible teaches comparing scripture against scripture, we ought to please God and listen to what The Spirit of Jesus Christ (God The Holy Spirit) The Author says. Thank you kindly for your patience and your time on the telephone call tonight. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus (Rev 1:9)
To me:
Interesting. You have gone deep into spirituality. For me the whole subject in the website appears to be more taking us to the end of the world, more judgmental and threatening to punish. You have plunged into a different school of thought. But I prefer to look at it in a way God guides me. Mostly love. Let your research study continue. best of luck. rgds
To him:
"Praise God! Thank you, I sure have grown from drinking milk to eating spiritual meat by our Lord's abundant grace. Neither I nor Dr. Bob profit from being fear mongers. I apologize that the message came off as offending and intimidating. It sure was for me, when I started out earlier on and I had to struggle to come to terms with reality, until The Holy Spirit guided and comforted me through His written word and taught me to not fall for the devil's lies and deception and prepare for what is to come.
To me:
Our Lord will not always strive with man and when the time of grace wraps up, its time for The Judge to serve divine justice upon this world. Sadly, our churches today do not teach the truth as it should be taught with respect to the end times and mostly teach a watered down and highly compromised message to entertain itchy ears, as predicted in The Bible for the last days. It is The Holy Spirit convicting the reader in actuality as you read thru Dr. Bob's scholarly work and it took me a good amount of time to realize that, so you are not alone :)
To him:
"Time indeed is running out for this world. Christ our Lord & Savior ascended to heaven in AD 33. It has been 1981 years since our Lord went to be with The Father. The devil has been given 6000 human years to achieve his insane goal of usurping God's throne (He somehow still believes He will dethrone God!). It was 2000 years from Adam to Noah's flood and another 2000 years from the flood to the birth of Christ our Lord, a total of 4000 years. 1981 years from AD 33 brings us to the very end of the remaining 2000 years before our Lord's second advent and the beginning of His 1000-year reign of peace. God is always perfectly on time, never too early or too late as you know well. The year 2033 AD, sees the completion of those 2000 years of grace. No unbeliever will enter the millennial kingdom ever, we have to come back in our glorified bodies to reign with Christ our Lord.
We are in 2014 now and there is hardly another 13 years left if you take away 7 years for the tribulation in the 20 years leading up to 2033. So, 2026 is the likely timeline for tribulation to begin, the first 3.5 years will see unprecedented worldwide persecution of believers by the antichrist, the second half which is the Great Tribulation is our Lord avenging the antichrist and his armies for their heinous crimes against believers.
This small window of 13 years roughly is all the time we believers have left to earn ourselves eternal rewards before we enter the tribulation, some will be martyred and the others who make it through the tribulation by God's grace will meet our Lord in the air (Matt 24: v29-35) and come together at the Judgment seat of Christ- The Great Bema where we will be evaluated for rewards.
We sure are living in a time of immense grace for sure, yet there will soon come a time when our Lord will have to come back as promised and the foretold tribulation is the birth pains before his second coming. In this church era of Laodicea the church is asleep and in danger of being spat out of The Lord's mouth for its lukewarmness. When The Bridegroom gets up and shuts the door--- its over! ..no amount of pleading will persuade him to open the doors of grace again. (Matt 25: v10-12)
Many (CSI and other denominational church pastors today, do not touch Revelation for fear of losing church membership and losing their weekly collections! How sad and unfortunate, they do great disservice and will be accountable on that Great day. We need to pray for them to stand up for The Truth in the last times for the Church.
Please view this document at https://ichthys.com/mail-2026.htm for the timeline of the tribulation before the second advent.
Please again I request you humbly to prayerfully consider these things which I keep forward in all sincerity before your good self with much respect to you personally in time & eternity. I would love to hear from you.
Much love in Christ our Lord.
Best Regards,
Response #6:
Hello again.
Good news about the job, my friend. In this difficult economy, it's surely a blessing from the Lord.
Thanks so much for sharing this with me, and also for your overly kind words (I fear in truth I fall far short of them). Thanks also for sharing this site with your relative. Family members are often "the most difficult nuts to crack" since they know us therefore by definition do not respect us as much as they would perfect strangers (a common human "tick": cf. Lk.4:24; Jn.7:5). I would also like to point out that you have mastered this information very well, a sure sign of your diligence in studying the Word of God.
One piece of potential advice. Your relative (and many others) seems for a variety of reasons to be resistant to studying about the end times. That is a very important area of biblical study especially at the present late hour obviously. However, it is certainly not the only area of biblical study to which Christians should apply themselves. The nature of what the Bible has to say about the end times seems to be responsible for his false impression about this ministry. Therefore, you might consider steering him to some of the other topics covered at Ichthys (as in BB 4A: Christology, e.g.). It is certainly possible that he still might not be interested but at least he would need a new excuse.
Yours in Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior, for whose return we breathlessly wait,
Bob L.
Question #7:
Hi, Was very interested in your site until I came across, "The coming Trib" where you have listed the Trib as a full 7 years when the Bible clearly teaches 3 1/2 years, What scripture are you working from on the 7 years theory..
God Bless
Response #7:
Dear Friend,
Scripture speaks of the Great Tribulation (the Tribulation's second half), and this is indeed 42 months / 1260 days; as for example our Lord's description of "that time" in Matthew 24:21 but He has already been discussing the progression of tribulational events in chronological order for twenty verses at this point (so that this "great tribulation" is not the entire story of those seven years). Also, there are many places where this period is discussed which make it clear that this is a second part and not the beginning of the Tribulation. For example, the flight of Jewish believers does not take place until nearly half way through the book of Revelation but their protection, which will only begin after their ordeal and the beast's pursuit of them, will last "1260 days" (Rev.12:6). Likewise, Daniel 7:25 puts the "time, times, time and a half" (three and a half years) into play after antichrist has already been holding sway for some time. One of the clearer passages in this respect has to do with the ministry of the two witnesses who will prophecy for "1,260 days" (Rev.11:3) but it is only after they fulfill their ministry that the beast makes war on them and begins his three and a half year reign of world-wide terror from the temple in Jerusalem (which antichrist could not occupy while Moses and Elijah were present; compare with 2Thess.2:3-4).
One could go on (see also especially the biblical chronology which likewise demands a seven year span, covered at the link: "Specific Chronology of the Seven Days of Human History "), but inasmuch as this is fairly straightforward teaching, and one which is accepted by all manner of schools of end times interpretation (even though they may be wildly divergent on other points), I think this will suffice for now. The bottom line is that it is impossible to get to any detailed interpretation of the book of Revelation or of the end times in general without running into serious problems if this basic point of chronology is not accepted. That is because while the second half of the Tribulation is "great" (that is, terrible), and thus rates being counted off on its own in a number of places (most notably, Dan.7:25; 9:27; 12:7; Rev.11:2; 12:6; 12:14; 13:5), in each of these cases there is prophecy preceding which also must belong to the end times, specifically, the Day of the Lord (or more properly its prologue, the events of the Tribulation's first half), so that only by making an exception this material and saying that it is "not part of the Tribulation" could we restrict the Tribulation to only three and a half years.
"And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate."
Daniel 9:27 NASB
Yours in Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior, for whose return we breathless wait.
Bob Luginbill
Question #8:
Ok, So as I asked what scripture says the trib lasts 7 years, all this is theory, there is not 1 verse in the bible that states that the trib lasts 7 years, the covenant is signed for 7 years but not the trib, the trib begins at the Abomination of Desolation, Jesus said this himself in Matthew 24:15 - 21 as in Daniel 9:27 verse 21 Then shall the tribulation begin ? seems pretty clear ? the AC is to come in peace, Dan 8:25 I dont th I also believe that Rev is not written in chronological order, the comparison between the Seals, Trumpets & Vials is to strong to dismiss this.. like how many times will the mountains be moved, how many times will there be thundering's etc etc..
Thanks for your time, love in Jesus
Response #8:
Dear Friend,
Let me begin by saying that this is not a theory. Daniel chapter nine clearly describes this period as a "week of years", meaning seven years, one year for each day. Revelation 11:3 gives the time of the two witnesses' testimony as 1,260 days, while the previous verse tells us that the time of the trampling of the temple court following their demise will be another 42 months = seven years put together.
Secondly, Matthew 24 does not circumscribe the Tribulation itself to three and a half years (that time frame is not mentioned there or in the other "synoptic apocalypse" passages). What our Lord actually says in verse 21 is "then there will be great tribulation" not "the Tribulation"; our Lord is speaking of the intensified part of the seven years which follows all of the other events He has already related earlier in the chapter. So our Lord cannot be using "tribulation" in this verse in a technical sense of the entire period of prophecy preceding His return if He were, He would have had to have said "the Tribulation" (but there is no definite article here).
On closer inspection, therefore, we see that there is no passage in scripture identifying/limiting the intensive three and a half years as "the [entire] Tribulation".
This all stands to reason as well. You note that the "abomination of desolation" is a key point, and so it is. It does begin the intensive second half of the Tribulation, the time of "great tribulation". But consider: antichrist will not just appear and take over in a split second. He first has to gain control of Babylon; then of the revived Roman empire; then defeat the southern alliance . . . twice. All of the other prophetic scriptures about this time have to be fulfilled long before the "crowing achievement" of conquering Israel and establishing himself in the temple of God (which is also not rebuilt in the blink of an eye, after all). And since all things are prophetic, they cannot begin to take place until the end times begin (the Church Age is the "mystery" age cloaked from Israel's view, and there is no biblical prophecy in the Old Testament that relates any events that take place in it no such end times events will take place until the Tribulation begins). Here is what Paul says about all this in 2nd Thessalonians:
Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
2nd Thessalonians 2:1-4 NKJV
Here Paul assures the Thessalonians that the resurrection at Christ's return will not take place until other prophesied events the events of the Tribulation have first occurred. He mentions the great apostasy before the revelation of the beast, and then moves on to the beast's installment in the temple, which event is coterminous with the abomination of desolation being set up as an object of worship in its court. Clearly, neither the beast's rise nor this apostatizing of one third of the Church can happen in the blink of an eye. Again, we have prophetic events that must precede the mid-point when the tribulation becomes "great" (and it does so, by the way, because of the Great Persecution the beast unleashes on believers after he has gained control of the world; see the link).
None of these prophesied events can transpire until the seventh seal is opened that is the commencement of the Tribulation (the book sealed is the book of Revelation and only opening its seals allows the end times to begin). The other examples I gave you in the previous email point in this same direction.
The book of Revelation begins with contemporary events (John seeing our Lord), moves to a prophesy about the coming Church Age and its trends (the seven churches), then to the threshold of the Tribulation (the the seven seals these, by the way, are previews of the Tribulation's major trends; we may think of the back of books today which give us indications of what is inside; see the link); then the seventh seal is broken and the Tribulation begins; skipping forward we have the battle of Armageddon, the second advent, the Millennium, and the eternal state at the end of the book. Since all of this is chronological, by what hermeneutic principle are we allowed to dismiss the overwhelming likelihood that we are to take the intervening chapters in the same way? There will indeed be many cases of earthquakes and lightning, e.g., but these all occur in ascending intensity (just as one should expect), before our Lord's return (this is all covered in great detail in the CT series).
In any case, as I often have recourse to say, one of the persuasive points of the Coming Tribulation series and the comprehensive interpretation it presents is that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. That is to say, because it presents a unified interpretation that does not ignore any biblical evidence, that in itself ought to win it a fair hearing (without prima facie dismissal because this or that point does not align with someone's preconceived view), since that is only truly possible if the puzzle has been correctly complete in toto. I am confident that if you are truly interested in what scripture says about the end times a very important body of biblical truth as we find ourselves on the cusp of these things actually happening this series will be of great use to you.
It's not my job to convince you, of course. That is between you and the Lord. But I do invite you take a more detailed look.
Yours in the Lord Jesus Christ, soon to return Marana tha!
Bob L.
Question #9:
Hi There, Will read this but prayed about this, this morning and clearly told to leave it as I understand it.
Thanks for your time..
Sorry forgot to add as I understand it, let me know if you have any problems with this link, not sure if the charts will show though.
God Bless
Response #9:
Dear Friend,
I haven't looked over all of this, but I do note that you say that the 6th trumpet has to be before the Abomination of Desolation which earlier you said was the mark of the beginning of the Great Tribulation. So clearly the trumpets precede the Great Tribulation but we are already in the Tribulation for some chapters now in Revelation before this event takes place. It seems it's just a matter of terminology, perhaps. As I mentioned before, Matthew 24:21 is characterizing the last half of the eschaton, not defining a period (as there is no definite article).
Yours in Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior.
Bob L.
Question #10:
Hi Bob, so were pretty much on the same wave length, one final thing is to look at the Seals, Trumpets and Vials, they are all the same story, just short story, lengthier story and long story, I suppose that they could be put in line with say the gospels, 1 story different viewpoints, they all end at Armageddon and the return of Jesus, going back to my original question, I have yet to get a definitive scriptural answer from anyone, what scripture specifically says seven years Trib.. :) anyway, will let you have a read on what I sent you, God Bless and talk soon..
God Bless
Response #10:
Hello Friend,
Thanks, however, I certainly cannot agree with you on this one. The two sets of judgments represent warnings and punishments respectively. They come at different times in the Tribulation. And the events they contain are quite different as even a cursory reading in an English version of the Bible shows clearly enough. Trumpets are not bowls and bowls are not trumpets. Just for example, the first trumpet judgment affects vegetation; the first bowl judgment produces sores on human beings who have taken the mark of the beast (impossible in the first trumpet judgment since there is as yet no mark of the beast at that point).
Yours in Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #11:
Good morning Robert,
I am reading CT about Anti-christ and you mentioned his birth ca 2000 and tribulation starting ca 2026 thereabouts. In reference to this, didn't our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ state in Matthews 24:36-44, that no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, only the Father in heaven.
How can we stipulate a starting point of tribulation or birth of Anti-Christ? Is it biblical. There is a similar site http://www.thepropheticyears.com/comments/countdown_to_second_coming.htm
that also roughly equates Christ coming around the same time as yours.
Can you shed some light on why it is biblical to give time estimates?
Thanks again for your continued ministry
Response #11:
Our Lord gave us much detailed information about the Tribulation during His first advent, and not for the purpose of not knowing about these things but that we should know about them and judge the times correctly. Just before He said what you ask about, in the very same chapter, Jesus told us:
"Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. "So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is nearat the doors!"
Matthew 24:32-33
So we are to judge the times. It is true we do not know the exact day or the exact hour of His return because that very definite time (recorded in a variety of places in scripture as the end of seven years) will be shortened a bit "for the sake of the elect" (Matt.24:22). But everyone who notes the commencement of the Tribulation will know that it ends seven years later; and everyone who notes the session of antichrist which marks the commencement of the Great Tribulation will know that it ends 42 months later. Please note that the verse about which you ask is talking about the second advent's timing, not about the time of the commencement of the Tribulation.
As to the time of the Tribulation's commencement, for me this is a very simple calculus that any believer can do very easily; it will always result in a very similar answer if done correctly. There are seven days of human history (see the link), all lasting 1,000 years. The Millennium is, by definition, 1,000 years, and any calculation of the genealogies and dates of the Old Testament will yield approximately 4,000 years between the fall and the birth of Christ. That leaves 2,000 years for the Church. Then the only major question is "where to start the clock?". For a variety of reasons (covered in detail at the link), the cross, rather than the birth of Christ, is the true focal point of history. Since the crucifixion and resurrection of our dear Lord most likely took place in 33 A.D., that would make 2033 the year of His return the second advent. Subtracting the seven years of the Tribulation from the time of Christ's return, yields 2026 as the commencement of that dark period or tribulation. Here are some caveats I always include when discussing this subject after all, this date is an interpretation of scripture rather than a direct teaching:
"The most potentially controversial piece of information developed below, that is, the projected date for the commencement of the Tribulation, is based upon the following suppositions (all of which are treated within the context of this study):
The seven millennial day interpretation is taught in scripture and meant to be understood and applied.
The Church Age will last for two millennial days or 2000 years.
The Church Age commences following the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.
These events took place in 33 A.D.
The Tribulation belongs to both the Church and Jewish Ages and is therefore to be subtracted from the 2000 year total when calculating the start of the Tribulation.
The half hour of silence in heaven at the breaking of the seventh seal (Rev.8:1) signifies a half year grace period that shifts the start point from spring to fall.
Scripture gives no indication of either shortening or lengthening of this time-line, and therefore no such change of schedule is anticipated.
The above points are all presented here as true, and the analysis upon which they are based is set forth below. Clearly, deviation from any of the above will alter the entire scheme. It is also true, as we have already said, that alteration of the schema presented below is certainly within the power and authority of the Almighty. The very end of the Tribulation, for example, will be shortened by some undisclosed amount of time (Mk.13:20). Rather than undermining the theory advanced in this study, however, Mark 13:20 in actuality supports the importance of paying heed to the Bible's chronological information. For if "the days are shortened", then surely this means that there was a definite heavenly timetable in the first place. Secondly, Mark 13:20 indicates that the shortening mentioned is a matter of days, weeks at the most (i.e., not enough to change the general time-line given below). This is certainly in line with the very specific tally of days and months given in Daniel and Revelation (Dan.7:25; 8:14; 12:7; 12:11-12; Rev.11:2-3; 12:6; 12:14; 13:5)."
Yours in Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #12:
Hi Bob,
Considering the Mark of the Beast, how do you view Doug Hamp's presentation of events - recombinant DNA ,Satan's seed, etc.
Link: http://www.douglashamp.com/how-the-mark-of-the-beast-will-rewrite-the-human-genome-part-three-corrupting-the-image/
Response #12:
Good to hear from you. As to the link, I've heard of this fellow from somewhere before. The notion that the "mark of the beast" will be anything other than what it says it is in scripture is a very disturbing false teaching. The mark and the number are taken voluntarily. It will not be a genetic mutation or a computer chip or a magic potion or some sort of brainwashing or anything of the sort. People will be standing in line to be tattooed, and there is actually a hierarchy associated with the mark. The taking of the mark will be tantamount to self-proclaimed damnation therefore no believer will be willing to take it (and no believer will; though many apostate former believers will). The voluntary nature of the mark is the key to the entire phenomenon, both from God's point of view (otherwise automatic condemnation could not go hand in hand with the mark), and also from the devil's: he wants to "show" God how the whole world would rather follow him and his son the beast. That is why the witness of the tribulational martyrs will be so important, and it is clear that those of us not martyred will also have no easy time of things on account of our refusal. There's plenty written about the truth of these things at the following links:
Numbers, Letters, and the Mark of the Beast
(in CT 4) "The Mark of the Beast"Antichrist: the Mark, the Number, and the Identification of the Beast
Yours in Jesus Christ our Lord whose Name will be written on our foreheads for all eternity.
Bob L.
Question #13:
Robert,
Thank you for your quick response. What you say makes sense but can you explain how that matches up with Revelation 7:9
"After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands."
Is the Lord only referencing martyrs here? I need to go back to CT and read that particular section but I can't recall you expounding on the great multitude. You did a great exposition on the 144,000 though.
Thank you and my prayers with you always.
In Christ Jesus
Response #13:
You're very welcome, and, again, I appreciate your prayers.
(14) And I said to him, "My lord, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones who are about to come forth from the Great Tribulation."
Revelation 7:14
The angel with whom John speaks identifies the multitude as "the ones who are about to come forth from the Great Tribulation", so I think there is no question but that these are the martyrs of the Great Persecution (not the 144K who are all Jewish), demonstrating that the beast's attempt to wipe faith from the earth will indeed claim a large number of true believers from all over the world: one third of the Church apostatizes, one third is martyred, and one third survives to be resurrected while yet alive at the second advent. This is discussed in part 2B of Coming Tribulation at the link: "The Multitude in Heaven".
Do feel free to write back about this.
Yours in our dear Lord Jesus Christ,
Bob L.
Question #14:
Hello Professor how are you today. In Bible Study a gal asked me about Crowns in Heaven. It was a "rabbit trail" from our lesson Neh.5. I told her I would gather info for her. I shared I was not sure about getting jewels in your Crown for what you do on earth. I know we will be rewarded for what we do like servant, leader, sharing the gospel. I used other words because it is not by "works" we get to Heaven nor "work" we serve Christ and others. It is for His Glory.
I looked through different web pages and found 5-Crowns. I also found one web page that said we will not get Crowns we are not the 24 elders. And that we will not be throwing our Crowns at the feet of Jesus.
If you are busy, I fully understand. I will refer to your web page also. I was trying to sum up the info very briefly. So I am going to get out paper and jot notes and write out it as simple as a person can do the book of Revelation :) Thank you
Response #14:
Very good to hear from you. It is true that the 24 elders are angels, so that they are not parallel to us in terms of the specifics of our rewards, although their example does show that rewards are given for our service to the Lord. For Christians, there are three crowns, each represented a significant level of achievement in this life for Jesus Christ (see the links below). The crown of righteousness is given to all who grow spiritually to the point of spiritual maturity; the crown of life is given to all who use that truth in their hearts to successfully endure significant testing and trial in this world; the crown of glory is given to all who successfully carry out the individual ministries Jesus Christ has for every Christian. Most Christians will not receive any crowns; the number who receive all three is likely to be very small; but every single Christian is meant to achieve these awards/rewards, and every Christian has the opportunity to do so in this life that in fact is why we are still here after salvation. Scripture does not say anything about gemstones/jewels added to these crowns of victory (Greek stephanos from which come the name "Stephen"; as opposed to the Greek word for a kingly crown: diadema, cf. "diadem") that idea no doubt comes from 1Cor.3:12. However, it is true that there are three further subdivisions within each of the three levels of rewards represented by the crowns, and that these are both represented in turn and organized by the gates of New Jerusalem, each of which is represented by a special gemstone (as was the case of Israel's original twelve tribes), corresponding to "30, 60, and a 100-fold" production in each category. So there will absolutely be complete and particular individuation of rewards as these are handed out at the judgment seat of Christ. Everything positive we do in this life will not fail to reap its due reward (cf. Matt.10:42). Here are those links where these things are spelled out and derived from scripture (the last one being quite long and detailed).
Christian Crowns and Pagan Names
Christian Production and Eternal Rewards (Peter #18)
in CT 6 "The Judgment and Reward of the Church"
Yours in our dear Lord Jesus Christ whom we daily strive to please,
Bob L.
Question #15:
Dear Bob,
I'm currently reading "Satanic Rebellion" in preparation for reading "Coming Tribulation." It's slow going because of eyesight. If I'm jumping the gun, here, please tell me.
The question comes from seeing many of the precursors of what is described in Revelation taking place now. Example: eyes melting from their sockets, a specific description of what appears to be death by ebola. Another is men wishing to die but not able. Genetic engineering promises eternal life, after all.
I'm worried about the genetic pollution that appears to be out of control. If God originally destroyed the world because "all flesh" had corrupted their way and it was the fallen angels who initiated that corruption, why is that same thing not happening now with the genetic engineering of not only plants and animals, but humans.
Modern genetic "engineering" techniques use natural methods of mRNA and dsRNA signaling to rewire cells. There are rumors of vaccines that correct genetic "errors." I wonder if that genetic tinkering could not cause the mark of the beast. I agree that it would have to be voluntary but I suspect the vaccine or medicine, or food for that matter, will come with magnificent promises of eternal life and health, as some genetically engineered crops like golden rice do today (die but couldn't?) They may have some unpredictable side effects which would be obvious to others that those who accepted it believed in science/antichrist and had taken the vaccine. Those who trusted God, would not and consequently would not show the signs and would be killed for being a disease threat to those who submitted. This appears to be the argument pro-vaccine groups use today.
From another angle, if the fallen angels were responsible for creating the dinosaurs before the Genesis gap, why could they not have done the same after the gap since they, or their nephilim spirits, still possess humans today? (Is this not genetic tinkering like we have today?) Otherwise, why would God kill all life and not just evil men? If he could eliminate all first born in Egypt, it seems reasonable that He could have eliminated all humans prior to the flood and left the rest.
A recent study established that carbon isotopes don't decay at a fixed rate. The "fossil" remains from the Mt. St. Helens eruption showed the same striation of small to large organisms that the "fossil record" shows. Large bodies floated to the surface while small bodies sank. Short form, I don't trust scientific dating.
The point though is, are we not seeing the same corruption of flesh for the same reasons that's recorded in Genesis and assumed in the pre-gap Eden?
There has been speculation that the creation of genetically engineered humans (or animals) would create soul-less creatures that would be permissible to inhabit. Whether true or not, they would not be of God's creation but man's - much like antediluvian times. Could this be the reason why times are shortened so that all flesh is not lost? On the surface, it would seem true.
I suppose, at the bottom of it, I'm beginning to see the belief in science and the acceptance of the antichrist as synonymous. If, and I do mean if, all the above is reasonable, are those who accept the genetically altering of life and willingly consume those products not, in fact, freely accepting the mark of the beast? If not today, at least mentally prepared to accept it? If it was a genetic change that caused Adam and Eve to realize they were naked and expelled from the garden, is it not reasonable that the same would be true today with these voluntary genetic changes? Is the promise of genetic utopia any different than Satan's original lies?
If I've jumped the gun and all this is covered in later chapters of SR and CT, just tell me to be quiet and patient. I will finish them in any event. My real concern is that we could be accepting that mark today in our rejection of God made food and medicine in favor of man made food and medicine. The question, at the bottom is, are these speculations reasonable or am I completely off in the weeds?
Yours in Jesus Christ,
Response #15:
I do think many of these things will be straightened out by reading Coming Tribulation, but I am happy to answer your questions whenever you have them. Let me say that I am neither of the "hyper-symbolism" school of interpretation, nor of the "what does this represent in terms of today's events and technology" school both of which schools I view as sadly out of touch with the true hermeneutic approach to Revelation, namely, it means what it says. The "melting eyeballs" et al. is a divinely sent plague that will be a part of the judgment leveled by the Lord on the beast's armies at Armageddon and it is literal.
As to genetic pollution, I would agree that this is just one of many technological trends which, while it is not going to upset the plan of God(!), is certainly indicative of the fact that things cannot continue going down this road much longer. After all, mankind (under Satan's leadership) did the same sort of thing at Babel, and that was the reason for the splitting up of the human race by language and nation, precisely to avoid the sort of one-world technological and political enslavement that would otherwise have come to pass (and thus have removed the ability to choose for God through religious tyranny).
On a genetic element to the mark of the beast, I have gotten that question before, and I always have to respond that scripture makes clear that the mark is something voluntarily taken at that future time, something visible, and something which will be valued by at least by the elite who take it because without it there will be no buying and selling:
(16) And he (i.e., the false prophet) compelled everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to allow [his clergy] to place a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, (17) so that no one would be able to buy or sell except those with the mark, [consisting of] either the name of the [first] beast or the number of his name.
Revelation 13:16-17
The mark also seem to have a hierarchy connected to it, depending on the form. For more on all this, please see the links:
in CT 4: "The Mark of the Beast"
Numbers, Letters and the Mark of the BeastAntichrist: the Mark, the Number, and the Identification of the Beast
The question of the restraint of fallen angels doing the "same thing" after the Genesis gap has the same answer as for the restraint of further siring of nephilim, namely, the demons fear God's punishment:
And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss.
Luke 8:31 NKJV
These creatures of light abhor the prospect of being bound in the darkness below. So, since God is not allowing this behavior at present, it is not taking place, because of the fear of God (Jas.2:19b) antichrist and his retinue of "kings" being the eschatological exception to this rule (Gen.3:15).
I certainly do agree with your take on science being a religion. The only way that many of its tenets can be accepted is by faith. They choose to "believe" that the world has always been as it appears, but . . .
By faith we understand that the ages have been constructed by the Word of God, so that what we see (i.e., the material world) has not come into being from the things presently visible.
Hebrews 11:3
As I say, I am no scientist, and would not want to opine on the "genetic" nature of the change that took place when Adam and Eve fell. The flesh was corrupted, and that leads to death and to the passing down of the sin nature (through the male) in procreation. This may be genetic (why not?), but what science doesn't know is about these things is a lot, so it would be folly for a layman like myself to speculate too much on the mechanics (science rejects out of hand, for example, the notion that we human beings have an immaterial part, a spirit). Happily, we don't have to do so because the picture the Bible presents is accurate 100% even if it does not comport as well as the secular world would like with the ever-changing current scientific consensus and vocabulary. Here are some links on all this:
The problem of science and the Bible
Charles Hodge and Charles Darwin
Is the earth ever described as round in the Bible?
I do want to leave you with peace on the issue of unwitting genetic mutation. Whatever happens to our bodies in this life is of no great moment we are going to be resurrected. The battle is for the spirit, and what we decide in our hearts is what counts. No one can take away our free will. Only those who choose of that free will to worship the beast and spurn the Lord will take the mark. One third of believers will apostatize and do so, but another one third alive at that time will endure death by martyrdom rather than to take the mark. Nothing could be clearer to show that this matter is entirely spiritual and is all about choice, and not at all about involuntary and secret physical pollution.
Yours in the dear Lord Jesus for whom we live and die,
Bob L.
Question #16:
Dear Bob,
I thought I might be jumping the gun. Thanks for straightening me out - again. There still remains the question of the status of those who choose genetic correction via vaccine or pharmaceutical or perhaps occult means? Would that not be a de facto rejection of God no matter how well intentioned? Isn't that tantamount to saying, "God screwed up and I'll just fix it?" Underneath it all is the question of what constitutes rejection of Jesus? In my view, this is a rejection and lack of faith.
You would have to have covered that many times before and I suspect it's covered in CT. I'll wait until I get there. By the way, I hadn't realized how much symbolism had crept into my thinking on this until you mentioned it.
Thanks again.
Yours in Jesus Christ,
Response #16:
It's no problem at all, and you are very welcome.
As to the genetic question, whatever a person does to mess up their conscience, their heart, their body, their ability to respond to the Lord, may certainly have implications for all future decision-making. For example, if a person is an unbeliever and makes a habit of doing drugs, then one day over-doses and turns him/herself into a mental vegetable as a result, it would seem to be impossible after that for the person understand and accept the gospel comparable to when an unbeliever commits suicide and ends the window of opportunity for free will choice of eternal destiny. For cases where the denigration of one's own ability to think or act independently is less extreme but still significant (i.e., merely dumbing oneself down with drugs and alcohol, hardening the heart against all truth, accepting demon possession, etc.), the person in question has no one to blame but him/herself, and that would include whatever diminution of will, intellect, ability to decide might be incurred by polluting one's body in the way you describe. Nevertheless, taking the mark will be a free-will decision in every case; no one will be deceived into taking it, and, while there will be serious coercion (exclusion from buying and selling; threat of imminent execution for refusal), no one will be forced to take it entirely against their will; and the issue will be made clear by the worldwide proclamation of the Lord:
Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name."
Revelation 14:9-11 NKJV
This will be heard by all of the inhabitants of the earth (cf. Rev.14:6). Indeed, there will be no excuse.
In Jesus Christ whom we serve to live or to die for His Name,
Bob L.
Question #17:
Robert,
In reference to Rev 17-18 and America as the great mysterious Babylon, can we assume the statute of liberty is symbolism for the great prostitute and queen?
I am really excited God has opened my eyes and it is refreshing and now I can see your point about no rapture and mass apostasy.
I am really grateful for His grace To me and wonder all the time, why me?
I am reading your CT section on Babylon ("The Great Mystery) and I am at the section where you feel America is the Great Babylon or mysterious Babylon. It really opened my eyes and I did not consider this. Most major bible prophecy teachers and pastors in America are not in agreement that America is the Great Babylon. They say it is Iraq or some other nation that will arise. But after reading your synopsis and praying that Jesus open my eyes with His Word, your analysis started to make a lot of sense.
I did further research to corroborate your analysis and it was right on. Here are two links that corroborated your findings:
http://www.theforbiddenknowledge.com/hardtruth/america_babylon.htm
http://www.escapeallthesethings.com/america-mystery-babylon-great.htm
In terms of Apostasy, it makes much sense because I still had a hard time to understand how can Antichrist rise and fool most bible reading Christians. The answer lies in the fact that the biggest so called Christian nation "America" is the seat of the mystery Babylon and therefore, Antichrist will have a stealth rising among the same populous because of its lukewarmness and Laodicean nature.
I know I am all over the place, but the pieces, with the Spirit's help is starting to make sense. Also as it relates to Israel, America plays a key role in being deceptive to Israel. It was once a supporter and now become more of anti-thesis but stealthily.
I believe most Christians in America, like you state will apostatize because they don't know they are apostatizing. Anti-Christ and Babylon is where they live and the pastors and evangelists of this country are not educating them.
Please expound and tell me if my analysis is on the right track. please take some time to read the sites to see if it is in-line with your thinking.
I value your opinion and believe that God puts you in believers life that really want to search for him.
May Christ continue to bless you Robert.
Response #17:
Thank you for your emails and for your kind words as always. As to how Christians who apostatize will do so and what they will think, I speculate about these issues as far as I can in the CT series. Your suggestion makes sense, but I think we will have to wait and see to know for sure. There are likely to be a number of motivations at work when all this comes to pass. As to the statue of liberty, it's an interesting suggestion (she doesn't carry a cup, however, but a torch).
Thanks as always for your enthusiasm for the Word of God and for your insightful comments (I know they will be of interest to others to when I get around to posting).
Yours in Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #18:
Hi Bob,
Is there an explanation on your website of "the falling away first"?
I have come to believe (right or wrong) that the falling away is the Holy Spirit of God (the Comforter) leaving the earth and the world, except from those who have accepted that Jesus Christ is the risen Son of God.
Can you shed some light or direction on this, for me?
Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 King James Version
Response #18:
Yes indeed this is referring to what I call "the Great Apostasy" (see the link), an event of the Tribulation's first half wherein one third of actual Christians alive at the time will follow the rest of the world in racing after anti-Christ as if he were Christ and so apostatize (that's the "rebellion" of 2Thes.2:3)
Yours in our dear Lord to whom we intend to remain faithful even unto death.
Bob L.
Question #19:
Hello Again, I have a question again. First I want to say I am still growing strong in The Lord everyday, I'm changing n changing others around me to serve The Lord. The devil is doing everything to try n get me. I have been crying a lot lately but I am hanging on n Gods holding me tight n keeping me straight! My question is on the Blood moons prophecy. I have not read or searched much on them but my relative has asked questions too. There is a lot of talk of it on Christian channels n such. I was wondering if u could explain to me about it n what you think? I know you are very busy so no hurry just when u get time. Again I use ur website daily n it helps answer so many questions. I also use your site for bible study n learn more everyday. I am staying strong but I am still battling my great loss n I'm sure I will forever but God is staying beside me. Hope you are doing well! Look forward to hearing from you again.
Response #19:
It's good to hear from you, and especially to hear that you are growing and fighting the fight in spite of the heavy burden you are carrying. I am keeping you in my prayers daily, and I trust that the Lord will bring you through this trouble and give you peace. Few Christians who are really trying to walk with Jesus Christ are without pain, trouble and pressure (Acts 14:22; 1Thes.3:3; 1Pet.5:9). But we know through faith that the day will come when the Lord wipes away all our tears (Rev.7:17; 21:4), and we live for that day as we live for Him (Phil.1:21).
As to your question, the "moon turned into blood" occurs three times in scripture: 1) Joel 2:31; 2) Acts 2:20 (which is a direct quote of the Joel passage); and Revelation 6:12. These passages are speaking about the return of Christ, the second advent, the "Day of the Lord":
The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.
Joel 2:31 NKJVI looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood.
Revelation 6:12 NKJV
The Day of the Lord is the second advent in this first context (see the link), and the sixth seal is a preview of the events of the second advent in the second (see the link). As we know from many passages, the return of our Lord will be a unique day, and will be attended by a supernatural darkness (see the link):
It will be a unique daya day known only to the Lordwith no distinction between day and night. When evening comes, there will be light.
Zechariah 14:7 NIV
The "blood" is therefore the darkened hue of the moon caused by the diminution of the sun's light in anticipation of that great event of our Lord's return.
I have heard some rumblings along the lines of what you are probably referring to in your email, namely, of something called a "blood moon" which is supposed to be a harbinger of future events. However, there are no unfulfilled prophecies of any sort said to take place before the Tribulation begins (the Church Age was not explicated in the Old Testament and so no prophecy therein relates to it; and the 6th trumpet does not occur until the end of the Tribulation), so any attempt to link up the celestial phenomena of today with biblical prophecy is going to lead to false conclusions. Even if there is some special coloring of the moon predicted to be visible in the near future, it is only a "blood moon" because someone other than God gave it that name; the actual darkening of the moon referred to in the passages above will be a unique occurrence coincident with the second advent and its foreshadowing during the not-yet-begun Tribulation. Please see the links:
Signs of the Tribulation
No unfulfilled prophecies remain before the Tribulation
Legitimate and false signs
Yours in Jesus Christ our dear Lord and Savior,
Bob L.
Question #20:
Hi Robert,
I've asked you this question before but you gave a very brief and vague response telling me, in so many words, it's complicated. It's not my intention, nor am I trying to bog you down with useless questions, but I really and truly would like to know how and why most in Christendom attribute that man of sin, the son of perdition to be that Antichrist? What I mean is that scripture says that he is the son of perdition; not that he is perdition. If you would be willing to answer this question I would be most appreciative.
I've studied this topic for years and consider to be one familiar with what scripture has to say on this topic. Do you believe that the man of sin, the son of perdition becomes Satan incarnate, or do you believe in another scenario?
In the love of Christ,
Response #20:
Happy to do so, but you'll have to bear with me in a somewhat technical, grammatical explanation. The phrase "man of sin" (KJV translation of 2Thes.2:3) is a Hebraism, and, specifically, a periphrasis. For example, in 1st Samuel 26:16 when David says "ye are worthy to die" (KJV), the Hebrew actually says "you are sons of death". In other words, this an emphatic way to attribute the quality of the qualifying construct noun (perdition / death) to the subject ( man / you). Here is how I translate the passage:
(3) Do not let anyone deceive you in any way. For [the 2nd Advent cannot come] unless the Apostasy [the great falling away of the faithful in the first half of the Tribulation] has already occurred, and the man of lawlessness [antichrist] has been revealed, that "son of destruction" (cf. Jn.17:12 of Judas), (4) the one who will oppose and exalt himself against every so-called god and object of worship to such a degree that he will take his seat in the temple of God and represent himself as being God.
2nd Thessalonians 2:3-4
It is very clear, moreover, from verse four that this has to be antichrist. He is the one who will represent himself as Christ and will take up his headquarters in Jerusalem enthroning himself in the temple during the Tribulation's midpoint. All these matters are discussed in detail in part 3B of Coming Tribulation: Antichrist and his Kingdom.
Yours in our dear Lord Jesus Christ,
Bob L.
Question #21:
Hi Robert,
I really appreciate you taking the time to respond to my question, and I understand your answer, but why do you attribute the Apostasy to occur in the first half of the Tribulation? I ask this because scripture teaches that a time would come (the latter times) when the corporate church would turn the truth of His gospel into a lie, which when it comes to the full in believing and teaching a false gospel, then that man of sin would be revealed, the son of perdition, as the gospel would be good for nothing, but to be cast out, and trodden under foot of men (Matt. 5: 13).
I don't see the Apostasy spoken of in 2 Thess. 2: 3 happening in the first half of the Tribulation like you do (although there will be individual believers falling away during this time; 1 Tim. 4: 1), but rather, it's because of the corporate church having fallen away from the true gospel, which falling away is the "beginning of sorrows," and that it's this event that brings about the coming of the man of sin, the son of perdition.
Personally I think the corporate church has become a presumptuous church thinking to be something they are not, which is keeping them asleep, and unable to discern the times we are living in, and to know just how close we are to the times spoken of in scripture.
In the love of Christ,
Response #21:
If we are down to discussing whether or not this event which I do teach will continue into the Great Tribulation starts, technically speaking, in the Tribulation's first half and mind you I absolutely accept that the co-opting of the church visible by antichrist will be a large part of the first half of the seven year's significant developments, then in my opinion we are not terribly far apart. In 2nd Thessalonians 2:3, Paul picks two major tribulational events to assure the recipients that the Tribulation has not yet begun. The apostasy comes first, and it precedes the session of antichrist in the temple at Jerusalem. That event occurs at the mid-way point of the Tribulation, which would mean that the Great Apostasy occurs or at least has to begin substantially before this point.
For my entire discussion of this issue, please do see the link in CT 3A: "The Great Apostasy" (where all the relevant passages are discussed).
Yours in our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Bob L.
Question #22:
Robert,
How are you? I hope all is well. This is not necessarily a bible study related issue but more about will of God and planning your life. Since I know via recent revelation, particularly your ministry about end times and its imminency, I have a question about goals as it relates to impending 2nd Advent. I know Jesus stated seek the kingdom of God first and everything else will be given to you based on His will. But how should one act as it relates to normal everyday living? For instance, in my situation, I want a another job because it means more money and will allow me to do certain things I want to do, some ministry related and others not. I know God wants me to have whatever glorifies Him. Being that we are nearing the end, should I even focus on asking Him for guidance on getting a new job or stay where I am and continue to focus on spiritual growth? I guess the question is how to plan normal earthly desires in-light of the days we are in even though it might be 15 yeas away?
I hope I am making myself clear. Once again, thank you for everything and may God continue to bless your ministry.
Response #22:
Good to hear from you. It's an interesting question one that demonstrates not only your attention to the truth but also your desire to put the Lord first in all things. I suppose that would be my answer! Continue with your good attitude in this regard and everything will go as God intends it to go. In other words, imminency is a consideration, but it has always been a consideration from the early days of the Church. Knowing that our Lord may come back at any time is motivation to put worldly things in second place and order our lives accordingly just as you are seeking to do. If you are guided, through prayer and careful consideration, to do something that has a longer term focus, then I certainly wouldn't let the imminency of the end be a determinative consideration:
"Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods."
Matthew 24:44-47 NKJV
Yours in our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Bob L.