End Times

What is the significance of the number 666 in Revelation 13?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, End Times, General .

QUESTION: Can you explain something to me from chapter 13 of the book of Revelation? I have heard many sayings about the 666 (the mark of the Beast) and microchip implantation, etc. I would very much like to clarify this. ANSWER: Revelation 3:18 “This calls for wisdom: Let the one who has insight calculate the […]

Please explain about the star named Wormwood in the Bible (rev.8.11)

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, End Times, General .

Question: Please explain about the star named Wormwood in the Bible (rev.8.11) Answer: I am assuming you are aware that the book of Revelation is written in a highly symbolic style. The technical term is apocalyptic literature. In normal writing, the reader is to assume a literal meaning of something unless the context suggests a […]

What is the evidence of the 2nd coming of Jesus?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in End Times, General .

Question: What is the evidence of the 2nd coming of Jesus? Answer: I am afraid that there is no physical evidence to confirm the second coming of Jesus. This is obvious, given that the second coming is in the future. It is, by definition, impossible to produce evidence of an event which has not yet […]

Who exactly was Paul referring to as ?the lawless one? in 2 Thessalonians 2:8?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, End Times, General .

Q: Who exactly was Paul referring to as “the lawless one” in 2 Thessalonians 2:8? A: Here is the relevant passage in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12: “Now regarding the arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to be with him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, not to be easily shaken from your […]

Will only 144,000 be in heaven with God, and will others reign in an earthly kingdom with Jesus?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, End Times, General, Other Religions .

Question: It is taught that by some that only 144,000 people will receive eternal life in heaven with Jesus Christ as co-rulers over the earth. Witnesses believe that in the war of Armageddon, which they believe to be imminent, the wicked will be destroyed. The survivors of this event, along with individuals deemed worthy of […]

When will the end of this world come according to the Bible?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in End Times, General .

Question: When will the end of this world come according to the Bible? Answer: That is a great question. Jesus made it clear that no one knows the time of his return. Anyone who tells you when he will come again is deceived. You should not listen to such people. Here is what Jesus said: […]

Are prophecies in Ezekiel and other books about what is happening in Israel today?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, End Times, General .

Question: I hear a lot of talk about prophecy concerning Israeland that what is going on with current events invloving Israelas fulfilling this prophecy. I suppose they are referring to scriptures such as Ezekiel 37:21 and Psalm 83:4. I always interpret these scriptures about the “nation” or “people Israel” as being symbolic for true Christians, […]

What is the meaning of the locusts torturing people and of the 1260 days and the 42 months in Revelation chapter nine?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, End Times, General .

Question: Is the book of Revelation prophesying what is going to happen or stating what happened a long time ago? Also, in Revelation it says that the locusts were not given power to kill the people with the gold seal on their head but to torture them so does that mean God’s people will be […]

Please help me understand the prophecy about 666. Is it literal? Will some people really get forehead markings?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, End Times, General .

Question: Please help me understand the prophecy about 666. Is it literal? Will some people really get forehead markings? Answer: As far as I know, the only use of the number 666 is in Revelation 13:18. Almost without question this number is to be taken symbolically, not literally. Of course, many have used the actual […]

Can the two witnesses in Revelation 11 be symbolized by the two olive trees in Zechariah 4? Why do you think Revelation 4 is about Joshua and Zerubbabel? Could the two witnesses be Elijan and Enoch?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, End Times, General, Historical and Messianic Prophecy .

Question: My question is on your interpretation on the two olive trees on pg 102 of you book “From Shadow to Reality.” You said ” The two who are anointed are a reference to the high priest Joshua and the governor Zerubabbel, both of whom were foreshadows of the anointed one: the Messiah”. I was […]

Could Daniel 12:11 be a prophecy about the building of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, Daniel, End Times, General .

Question: I was looking on the internet and i saw some intresting books in PDF form at this website, http://www.ellisskolfield.com/downloadable-books.shtml, they are intersting but I would like to know what you think of them. Answer: This person’s arguments work as long as he is only talking with people who already agree with him and who […]

Could the Islamic idea of the messiah/perfect one who will return to lead an Islamic world be the antichrist?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in End Times, General .

Question: Some Muslims believe that soon everyone in the world will be Islamic, and this will be started by the return of the perfect one who they regard to be Jesus. Could this supposed Jesus be one of the anti-Christs, who we are warned of repeatedly in the Bible? I was also thinking that maybe […]

Could the earthquakes and famines happening today be evidence that Judgement Day is near?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, End Times, General .

Question: Do you think that it is possible that Judgement Day is near because many of the signs are happening such as earthquakes famines and pestilences? Also, it is now possible to have battles of 200,000,000 men as described in Revelation. Answer: I think it is possible that Judgement Day is near, but I do […]

Is Partial Preterism wrong?

Dr. John Oakes wrote in Bible Interpretation, End Times, General, Theology and Doctrinal Questions .

Question: Is Partial Preterism wrong? Answer: If partial preterism is wrong, then I am wrong as well, as that is a fair description of how I view the book of Revelation. I am confident you know the meaning of this term, but for the sake of anyone else reading this question and answer, let me […]