Monthly Archives: September 2014

Prophecies for Our Time

Prophecies for Our Time-Daniel 9 – (7 Years Time of Trouble?)

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“And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.”

Daniel 12: 1

“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”

Matthew 24:21

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No doubt, there is predicted a “time of trouble” by Daniel and Jesus in these two verses, but how long is it?  Is it 7 years as surmised by Hal Lindsey and his followers?  What passages of scripture does he use to support this length of time?

There is no verse in the Bible that has the phrase “7 years of tribulation”, or “trouble.”,  The length of the time of trouble in the verses above is not specific.  It is just a “time of trouble.” The attempt to make it 7 years  comes from a fanciful interpretation of  Daniel 9: 24-27  prophecy.  Despite this, the Daniel 9 prophecy is powerful when interpreted in its setting and context.  It has helped  many believe that Jesus was the promised Messiah including me.

Hal Lindsey and his followers predict 7 years of tribulation before Jesus returns based on a part of this prophecy.  He states that since the church is “raptured” and the “saved” are spared from any uncomfortable situations i.e., the plagues, Anti-Christ, Mark of the Beast etc.  But, as we saw in the Bible in the previous posts, there is no biblical evidence for a 2nd Coming part A (Invisible) Part B (Visiable/Literal). Read carefully the verses that talk about Jesus’ return.  It is plain, He comes one time and not two.

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  Let’s read the prophecy in Daniel 9:24-27 and compare it with actual history and Biblically documented historical dates to see if there is a 7-year tribulation hidden somewhere in it.  In the process, we will discover the power of this prophecy written almost 500 years before Jesus came the first time!

Please follow closely.  When we are finished, I recommend you verify the dates at your local library or other resources.  Beware of the confusion of the internet.  Also, I have included a chart at the end in the “Appendix” to make these dates easier to see and follow.  There are also other helpful references.

Ready? Here we go:

“Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks (7), and threescore (60) and two weeks (2): the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

 And after threescore (60) and two weeks (2) shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week (1): and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”

Daniel 9: 24-27

If you count up the number is parenthesis, the sum will be  70 years mentioned at the start.  There is a reason why they are split up that way i.e., 7 weeks + 60 weeks + 2 weeks + 1 week.  This will be explained later.  For now, let’s figure out the starting date for the 70 years.

The setting for these verses is important in understanding the prophecy.  Daniel and his people (The Jews) had been taken captive by Babylon and the city of Jerusalem was destroyed and lay desolate as prophesied by Jeremiah.  It was predicted by Jeremiah that they would be in captivity for 70 years!

“In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.”

Daniel 9:2

As the 70 years drew near to the end, Daniel began to pray and confess his sins and the sins of the people (Verses 4-20). Then Gabriel (an angel) came and informed Daniel that he had come to

“give thee skill and understanding.” 

Daniel 9:22

Then Gabriel beings to explain verses 24:27 above.  But, this is part of the unexplained part of the 2300 days found in Daniel 8 (See the previous post)

From Daniel 9: 24-27 above, we observe the following:

70 weeks was given to Daniel’s people (Israelites) and the city of Jerusalem to:

  1. Finish the transgression
  2. Make an end of sins
  3. Make reconciliation for iniquity
  4. Bring in everlasting righteousness
  5. Seal up the vision and prophecy
  6. Anoint the most Holy
So God was giving the Jewish people 490 weeks to do all those  things. Impossible to do on their own, but achievable under the power of a mighty God.  With God’s bidding comes His ability to do it through His strength.
So let’s set this stake in the ground:  The 70 weeks are given to the Jews or “cut off” from the longer prophecy of Daniel 8 (2, 300 days).
An easy calculation shows that  70 weeks is 490 days (7 X 70).  This 490 years is for the Jews leaving 1810 years of the 2,300 days.  In Bible prophecy the day = year principle should be used to unlock the timelines for history.  The verses that supports this principle can be found in the passages below:
 “After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.”
Numbers 14:34
  “And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed thee each day for a year.”
Ezekiel 4:6
God was giving the Jewish people 490 years for their assignment.  During this time, he sent prophets and others to inspire and help keep them close to Him.  But as one reads their story, it is quickly seen that they often went after other gods and forsook the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob…the one and only true Creator God!
“Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city…”
Daniel 9: 24
If we can determine where the 490 years begins (with certainty) we can understand the other parts of the prophecy.
The time lines starts here:
“….from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem”
Daniel 9: 25
This command to restore and build Jerusalem can be found in Ezra Chapter 7 when Artaxerxes gave the commandment in 457 BC (**See the notes at the end).
So, now that we have a starting date, let’s see where it takes us:  The first stop is the coming of the Messiah the Prince
“Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince….
Daniel 9: 25
The Messiah the Prince can refer only to Jesus himself.  He is both the Messiah and a Prince
He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
John 1:41
Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
John 1:45
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
From this, we know that from the commandment to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Jesus would be a certain length of time.  How long?
Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks (7), and threescore (60) and two weeks (2): the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
From 457 BC to Jesus is 69 weeks or 483 days or 483 prophetical years.  Lets do some math:
Starting at 457 BC and moving through history 483 years brings us to the fall of 27 AD
This is the date Jesus was baptized by John (anointed) and he began his ministry as the prophecy predicted. Here is an important verse in connection with Jesus’ baptism:
“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:“
Matthew  3:16
A dove  represents anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Another interesting passage that makes sense in the light of Jesus beginning his ministry exactly on time according to Daniel’s prophecy some 500 years before Jesus is this one:
“But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son…”
Galatians 4:4
The time was “full.” In other words, Jesus came to this earth and began his ministry right on time.  It may be possible that this quote is in reference to this particular prophecy.  Whatever the case, we know that God knows the future  and will not do anything unless he reveals it by his prophets:
“Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”
Amos 3:7
69 weeks or 483 years of the 70 weeks or 490 years has been explained.  Isn’t it comforting to know that God, through the prophet Daniel let the world know when Jesus would come on the scene?
 Now let’s look at the last week or 7 years.  This is where Hal Lindsey and his followers use the 7 years as a period of tribulation.  They disconnect it from this time line and attempt to run it down to the end of time after Jesus “raptures the church.”
But we are going to  let the verses speak for themselves and maintain the time line that is constantly demonstrated in the book of Daniel.  If we keep the  last week as it was intended, we learn the most interesting part of this prophecy.
Daniel tells us after Jesus began his ministry that Jesus would be cut off:
“Messiah be cut off, but not for himself:….”
Daniel 9: 26
Jesus died for our sins and not for himself.  Would you not agree that this verse is a direct reference to Jesus?
But before He is cutoff he would do the following:
“And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease,
Daniel 9:27″
Jesus was to “confirm the covenant with many for 1 week or 7 days which is 7 years in prophecy. But He is “cut off” in the middle of the week or 3 1/2 days or 3 1/2 years
Jesus ministry was exactly that long (3 1/2 years) before He was “cut off” or crucified on a Roman cross in 31 AD.  He ministered from 27 AD to 31 AD.
As Daniel 9:27 stated, the sacrifices and oblations also ended at the time of Jesus’ death.  The law of ceremonies had served their purpose of teaching the Jewish nation about the price of sin, the sacrifice for it, and the plan of salvation.  Those ceremonial laws were the School Master to bring people to Jesus and help them understand the lesson of sin, forgiveness, and grace.  The School Master died forever the day Jesus died on the cross as the true Lamb of God.

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

Galatians 3:24, 25

All the festivals, drink and meat offerings and special Sabbath days (Not the weekly Sabbath) were shadows pointing to  the body of Jesus.   All those had served their purpose and were fulfilled in Christ:

“Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.”

Colossians 2:17

On the other side of the cross, the people looked forward in faith to Jesus (the Messiah) and what He would do for them.  All of us on this side of the cross look back in faith at what Jesus has done for us.

 Something extraordinary occurred at the crucifixion of Christ to demonstrate the truthfulness of the two verses above:

Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

Matthew 27: 50, 51
Thus ended the rounds of ceremonies and the laws put in place by Moses to teach about Jesus.  Please note:  These laws did not include the 10 commandments as some would assert.  A study for another time.
Jesus told His disciples this:
 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.“
Matthew 15: 24
Jesus was “confirming the covenant” with the children of Israel during His ministry.  With them he spent most of His time.  His plea of the coming Kingdom of God was a message primarily to the Jews.
He also told His disciples to do the same:

“These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Matthew 10: 5, 6

This the disciples did for 3 1/2 more years after Jesus was “cut off” or crucified in 31 AD.

This takes us 3  1/2 years forward to the end of the 70 weeks or 490 years.

In the year 34 AD some interesting things happen to mark the end of the 490 years “determined”  or “cut off” for the Jewish nation:

In this year Stephen was martyred and Paul was converted to be the teacher to the Gentiles

“I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.” 

2 Timothy 1:11

A very interested passage of scripture also marks the end of 70 weeks given to the Jews to do all those things of the covenant listed in Daniel 9.  It is a point where the burden of carrying the gospel to the entire world is taken off the shoulders of the Jews and given to the Gentiles. It is the point where God determines who is a real Jew or seed of Abraham.

Paul and Barnabas were preaching to a large group, but were interrupted by the Jews because of the large following of the two disciples.  Those religious leaders who were interrupting contradicted Paul and Barnabas  and actually blasphemed God!  But it is what Paul and Barnabas say that marks the transition from Jew to Gentile or Spiritual Jew:

 “But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

Acts 13:  45, 46

The appointed people of God had failed to keep the covenant (agreement) and God turned to the Gentiles and made them heir to the promises of God:

“And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.“

Galatians 3:29

No longer was there a distinction between literal Jew and the God’s chosen people simply identified as belonging to Christ:

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.“

Galatians 3:28

 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Romans 2:28, 29

Thus the 70 week prophecy came to an end! There is no room or context in the prophecy for 7 years of tribulation or the Anti Christ. It is simply not there.  To try to force it takes away from a beautiful and important part of the ministry of Christ.

While Hal Lindsey has everyone looking at Jerusalem for the rebuilding of the temple to mark the soon return of Jesus, the Anti Christ is at work elsewhere in the world.  this we will see in future studies.  This is so deceptive that almost the whole world is taken in.  What a great diversion by the enemy of mankind!

In conclusion, the 70 week prophecy of Daniel 9 is mishandled to try and support 7 years of tribulation at the end of time and the work of the Anti Christ.  If the prophecy is kept in its context, it becomes a prophecy to support Jesus as the Messiah, his crucifixion, the spread of the gospel, and God’s long suffering with the lost sheep of the house of Israel!

Below is a summary chart of the dates we have discussed above:

We find in the time prophecy of Daniel 9, the curtain pulled back to allow us to see the movement of God and history towards that great day when Jesus came upon the earth to reveal the true nature of God.  Jesus demonstrated in the flesh a God of compassion and forgiveness eager to save people from the wages of sin- eternal death.

The prophecy does not stop with Stephen, Paul, and the gospel burden moving to those who are Christ….the new heirs of the promise.  It continues for 1810 years.  490 years were given to the Daniel’s people. What happened 1810 years after 34 AD?  The attending angel told Daniel that the “Sanctuary would be cleansed.” What does that mean?  Next time, we will explore.

“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.”

Daniel 12:4

My friends, we are in “the time of the end.”

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APPENDIX

Below is information if you want more detail, otherwise I hope this prophecy helped you see how God is in control.

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*Notes about the dates described above:

Ezra has three decrees with different dates that could be used.  Nehemiah has a date also.  But the decision as to which one to use, you must keep in mind the key words of the prophecy: “the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem.”

The four decrees are :
The decree of Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-4)
The decree of Darius I (Ezra 6:1-12)
The decree of Artaxerxes I (Longimanuus) (Ezra 7: 12-26)
The decree of Artaxerxes (Nehemiah Chapters 1 and 2)
Let’s eliminate some of the dates  based on the guiding verse of Daniel 9:25
Ezra 1-gave instruction only for the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Said nothing about the whole city.  We can eliminate this date.
Ezra 6-simply the endorsement by Darius of the decree of Cyrus.  Only mentions the building of the “house of God.” We can eliminate this date.
Ezra 7 makes provision for complete restoration of the Jewish state, including the right to appoint magistrates and judges, hold trials, and pass and execute sentence upon violators of the own national laws. This is the date that fits the idea of “restoring and rebuilding Jerusalem.” 
Nehemiah 2-Wording has not been preserved, but was simply a reinstatement of Artaxerxes original authorization to Ezra recorded in Ezra chapter 7.
Determination of the date of the decree:It was in the seventh year of Artaxerxes’ reign (Ezra 7:7,8)
Biblical evidence for the 457 BC start date:
The dates for Artaxerxes reign are well documented in the ancient sources: Greek historians, Ptolemy’s Canon
The Babylonian business tablets
Elephantine papyri from Egypt
From the above documents, we know that Xerxes was killed in late December of 465 B.C. and the reign of Artaxerxes began at the time.

Artaxerxes Reign

Fall to Fall
First year 464/463 B.C.
Second year 463/462 B.C.
Third year 462/461 B.C.
Fourth year 461/460 B.C.
Fifth year 460/459 B.C.
Sixth year 459/458 B.C.
Seventh year 458/457 B.C.

Therefore, the seventh year of Artaxerxes, according to Jewish reckoning, extended from the fall of 458 to the fall of 457 B. C.

Note: the references in this prophecy to destruction of the city and temple and desolations:

“….the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined… for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate”

Daniel 9:27

This is not reference to a small historical character called Antiochus or a future Anti-Christ, but to the total destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 70 AD as predicted by Jesus himself when he told the disciples.  There has never been a temple since then and never will be!

“Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”

Matthew 24:2 

“Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains,.  Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes.  But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! And pray that your flight may not e in the winter or on the Sabbath.   For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.”

Matthew 24: 15-22

The total destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman soldiers was horrible.  Many who tried to escape were crucified outside the city.  At one time, the number of crosses outside the city almost made it look like a forest of trees.  Those who heeded the advice of Jesus escaped the city and remained alive.

The abomination of the fourth beast of Rome made desolate the once proud city of Jerusalem.  The rebellion of the Jewish nation was humbled forever.

The church of Jesus replaced the Jewish nation as His witness.  Now if you are Christ’s, you are a person of the promise.

The temple and the city were destroyed never to be rebuilt again.  The next city is the Holy City New Jerusalem built by the Lord Himself.  It will come down from heaven and set up on the new earth.

 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

Revelation 21: 1 – 3

Prophecies for Our Time

Prophecies for Our Time-The connection of Daniel 8 and 9

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“O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you skill to understand...consider the matter, and understand the vision:”

Daniel 9:23

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These visions of Daniel and their explanations by the attending angels are powerful and methodically presented in  a timeline, starting with Daniel’s day  up to our time. The prophecies of Daniel, as we have discussed, repeats and expands. It adds more detail with each vision.  I have used the same approach in sharing with you.

The concept of the events of Daniel’s vision staying in a timeline is extremely important in understanding the prophecy of Daniel 9.

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This Daniel 9 prophecy has become very popular in the last few decades.  Through Hal Lindsey and others, a distinct scenario related to the second coming of Christ is painted through the time prophecies in Daniel 9 in particular.  The misguided understanding about 7 years of tribulation are forced from this chapter.

The depiction of the events by Hal Lindsey and his followers  have been made into books and movies, but there is a fatal flaw as I will attempt to demonstrate in the next two posts.

But more than an argumentative approach, I hope to demonstrate the sovereignty of God and the accuracy of his word.

  Because many good people are lead astray through the current popular interpretation, a very key component of the prophecy is missed.   Also, the  confidence we can gain in the reliability of Bible prophecy is  pushed aside in favor of a Hollywood-like second coming. Therefore, I will go along very systematically using as many related Bible verses as possible.  My hope is that the truth from God’s word will be presented and we all will have more confidence in our great Creator.

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The words from Daniel 9:23 (see above) come from the angel Gabriel as he is commissioned from the heavenly throne to encourage Daniel and explain what was not understood by Daniel and his friends.

But, what has Gabriel been commissioned to explain?

Many interpreters of Daniel 9 have not connected Daniel 8 with it.  This is one mistake.  Let’s talk about that for a moment.

From the following verses, we see that Gabriel came to complete what was lacking in Chapter 8.   This conclusion is strengthened by the angel’s instructions.

And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, “O Daniel, I have now come forth to  give you skill to understand. At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision:

Daniel 9: 22-23

 There are no visions in Chapter 9 only Daniel’s prayer and the angel’s explanations.   The unexplained portion is, therefore, of the vision in Chapter 8.  Is that a fair statement?  Let’s see.

When we left Daniel 8, we hear these words from Daniel in the last verse:

And I, Daniel, fainted and was sick for days; afterward I arose and went about the king’s business. I was astonished by the vision, but no one understood it.

Daniel 8:27

Those last words of Daniel confirms the vision in Daniel 8 is the purpose of Gabriel’s visit.  The visit is also for encouragement to Daniel from the throne room of God!

At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision.

Daniel 9:23

Wouldn’t you love to hear the words from heaven, “You are greatly beloved?”  God used more than words to tell us this.  He sent His Son to tell us and to prove it.  Let us never forget,“we are greatly beloved.”  The live, death, and resurrection tells us “we are greatly beloved.”  But there is another reason. : It is the ministry of Jesus in the heavenly sanctuary:

For Christ did not go into a Holy Place made by human hands, which was a copy of the real one. He went into heaven itself, where he now appears on our behalf in the presence of God.

Hebrews 9:24

One day, Jesus will leave this part of his ministry as mediator and return as King of Kings!

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Why did the angel have to explain Daniel 8?  It had already been explained….That is all but one section….

The elements of Daniel’s dream in chapter 8 included a ram with two horns, a goat with a notable horn that broke into 4 horns and the little horn that appears.  This little horn persecutes the things and people of God.

ram and goat

Not only does the attending angel interpret the strange beasts in Chapter 8, leaving no doubt about who they represent, but it is also confirmed by history.

These historical events are explained in Chapter 8 starting with verse 15 as pointed out in the previous post.  We can clearly verify from history the succession of powers and world events as foretold by Daniel.  They are established in Chapter 2 and repeated in Chapter 7.

Chapter 8 begins to add even more detail and focus. It is very important to remember that these powers and events are all in succession…on a timeline.  This is an important point as we enter Chapter 9 

The powers and events occur in this order:

1. Babylon

2. Medes and Persians

3. Greece

4. Rome

5. Ten Divisions of Rome

6. Papacy that comes from Rome

7. Three of the ten divisions annihilated by the Papacy with support of Rome.

8. Persecution of the truth by the Papacy

9. The return of Jesus during the divisions of Rome

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All of this is explained, but what is it that Daniel said“no one understood?”

Looking back in Chapter 8, we see a question that has a strange answer and was not explained.  Here it is:

“Then I heard a holy one speaking; and another holy one said to that certain one who was speaking, How long will the vision be, concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation, the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled underfoot?”

And he said to me, “For two thousand three hundred days; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed.”

Daniel 8: 13 – 14

The angel that is talking is asked by an angel who is listening.  Daniel did not ask it, but he surely must have thought it.  The great concern expressed in the question by the angel is due to the little horn’s exceeding power and the “daily sacrifices“ including the “transgression of desolation.“

As we have seen this beast that exercises these religious powers  is different from the rest. What makes it different is that it did not rise from wars as did the other, but rather assumed a position through the Roman Beast and through its own deception, religious persecution, and control.

“The mighty Catholic Church was little more than the Roman Empire baptised … The very capital of the old Roman Empire became the capital of the Christian empire. The office of Pontifex Maximus was continued in that of the pope.”

Alexander Clarence Flick, The Rise of the Medieval Church, pp. 148, 149.

This is the background for Chapter 9

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 The 9th chapter of Daniel starts off with an earnest prayer by Daniel for the people of God who were in captivity.  Daniel knew from the study of Jeremiah that they would be in captivity for 70 years.  That time was coming to a close.

I was studying the sacred books and thinking about the Seventy years that Jerusalem would be in ruins, according to what the Lord had told the prophet Jeremiah.

Daniel 9:2

It is interesting that Daniel was, in effect, studying the Bible or the sacred books.  He had great confidence in the validity and accuracy of God’s word through the prophet Jeremiah.  Shouldn’t we?

As we have seen in previous studies, Babylon had conquered Jerusalem and demolished the city and the temple.  Many of Jerusalem’s brightest people, including Daniel and his three friends, were taken captive. But, they would not remain in captivity forever.  It would last only for 70 literal years according to Jeremiah.

And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.

And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the Lord, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations.

Jeremiah 25: 11 – 12

It is important to understand perpetual desolations.   It means there is no one there (desolation) and it is ongoing (perpetual). This was the fate of Babylon:  perpetual desolations.

Therefore the wild beasts of the desert with the wild beasts of the islands shall dwell there, and the owls shall dwell therein: and it shall be no more inhabited for ever;  neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation.

Jeremiah 50:39

This bit of information will help us to understand Jesus when he said,

When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take anything out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.

Matthew 24: 15 – 18

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Daniel prayer is a moving prayer for himself and his people.  Please take time to read it (Verses 1-19). He begins by acknowledging the faithfulness of God, who never fails in any of His dealings with His followers. It was not from any lack on God’s part  that the Jews were then in captivity but only on account of their sins.

Although Daniel had suffered long for others’ sins (70 years of captivity), he lived a godly life, and received honors and blessings from the Lord. Despite this, he brings he accuses on no one! In addition, he pleads no sympathy for himself as a victim of others’ wrongs, but classes himself with the  others, saying, “We have sinned, and unto us belongs confusion of face.” He acknowledges that they had not heeded the lessons God designed to teach them by their afflictions.

Herein lies a great lesson in how we are to relate to others and our own sins.

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Daniel’s prayer is interrupted by Gabriel with a message and an explanation as shown above.   Verse 24 becomes critical in understanding the unexplained portion of Daniel 8.  It reads:

“Seventy weeks are determined
For your people and for your holy city,
To finish the transgression,
To make an end of  sins,
To make reconciliation for iniquity,
To bring in everlasting righteousness,
To seal up vision and prophecy,
And to anoint the Most Holy.

Daniel 9: 24

Please notice the word “determined.” It is the Hebrew word “chathak”  It appears one time and it means to “cut” or “divide” The angel Gabriel is telling Daniel that 70 weeks are cut or divided from the longer prophecy (left unexplained in Daniel). So of the 2,300 days described in Daniel 8,  70 weeks are cut off or divided for Daniel’s people, the children of Israel.

With the start of verse 24, the angel is explaining the question and answer in Chapter 8 as repeated here:

“How long will the vision be, concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation, the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled underfoot?”

And he said to me, “For two thousand three hundred days; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed.”

Daniel 8: 13-14

So as I mentioned at the start, we have an answer to the question, but it is unclear.  What does it mean?  If Daniel and the angels desired to know, shouldn’t we?  Of course!

But, staying true to the principal of repeating and expanding.  The 2,300 days is part of the detail the angel adds in this chapter.

It is obvious the angel is explaining the 2,300-day prophecy because in the next verse of Daniel 9, the angel says the words,

“Know therefore and understand,….”

Daniel 9:25

So, we have two time periods:  2,300 days for the Sanctuary to be cleansed and 70 weeks “cut off” (determined) from this period. The purpose of the 70 weeks was for the children of Israel to accomplish 6 things:

To finish the transgression,
To make an end of sins,
To make reconciliation for iniquity,
To bring in everlasting righteousness,
To seal up vision and prophecy,
And to anoint the Most Holy. 

Daniel 9:24

For this prophecy to have any meaning, we must know when it starts.  We find our answer in the next verse:

“Know therefore and understand,
That from the going forth of the command
To restore and build Jerusalem
Until Messiah the Prince,…”

Daniel 9: 25

When the command goes forth to restore and build Jerusalem it becomes our starting point.  From this command, it takes us to Messiah the Prince.  How long does it take us to get to the Messiah (Jesus)?

There shall be seven (7) weeks and sixty-two weeks (62);
The street shall be built again, and the wall,
Even in troublesome times.

Daniel 9: 25

For us to understand the events and timelines, we must use the day- for-a -year principal in interpreting Bible prophecy.  If, however, we try to take this time period as literal, the verse above would indicate that from the time the command goes forth to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the advent of Jesus would only be 70 weeks or about 490 days.  As we will see the command to restore Jerusalem occurred in the fall of 457 BC.  Jesus appeared on the scene in 27 AD

So, when we see a day in Bible prophecy, we can translate that to a year.  This will be explained in detail in the next study.  Here is a chart showing the longer line of time (2,300 days or years) and the 70 weeks (490 years):

We will stop here and I will give you a few days to digest.  I urge questions.  In a few days, I will re-post a detailed explanation of the 70-week prophecy and the 7 years of tribulation error.  If you want to to read an early study, see: Part 3-Second Coming Predictions (7 Years of Tribulation?)

Until then, blessings my friends….

Prophecies for Our Time

Prophecies for Our Time-Daniel 8

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” And I, Daniel, fainted and was sick for days; afterward I arose and went about the king’s business. I was astonished by the vision, but “no one understood it.”

Daniel 8:27

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Introduction

Daniel ends chapter 8 with a startling statement:

“….no one understood it.”

No doubt, Daniel told others about the vision he received because he said, “no one“ could understand the vision, or at least the part unexplained.  Ironically, this becomes a big point in understanding Daniel 9.  Because in Daniel 9 the angel comes back to uncover the part of Daniel 8 that was not explained.

Quite likely, Daniel discussed the vision with his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego who stood the test of the fiery furnace.

What is odd about Daniel’s statement is that almost all the prophecy is interpreted by the attending angel.  This is what we will study today.  But, there is part that was left open and revealed in chapter 9.

So when the chapter ends, Daniel and those that discussed it with him are confused, this confusion is the reason for the events of Daniel 9

“O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you skill to understand. At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision”

Daniel 9: 22, 23

The angel starts by encouraging Daniel who was made sick by the visions.  The angel reminds him that he is “greatly beloved.”  My friends, what an encouragement to us is to know that we are “greatly beloved!”.  Let us never forget this!

Then the angel begins to lead Daniel through the time part of the prophecy.

With this in mind, let’s do a quick review and consider Daniel 8.

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Quick Review

As one studies the book of Daniel and the visions, it becomes clear there is a time line of world events throughout. The starting point is when Daniel and his friends are taken captive by Babylon and Daniel reveals to Nebuchadnezzar a succession of nations and kings that would arise.  At a designated point the end would come and Jesus would reign without end.  The dream of Daniel 2 sets up the structure on which the remaining prophecies are built:

1.) Babylon

2.) Medes and Persians

3.) Greece

4.) Rome

5.) 10 Divisions of Rome (Never to be reunited)

6.) Return of Jesus (Rock that breaks the image and fills the whole earth.)  We live in this part of the image!  The next big even is the return of Jesus!

These 6 major events is the framework for the succeeding related chapters. The prophecies repeat and expand.  With each chapter we learn a little more detail and the detail focuses on the period at the end of the statue i.e., the 10 divisions of Rome.

Some might wonder why other great countries like China are not mentioned.  The reason is simple.  The focus of the visions are on the apple of his eye-His people! It is these countries and these events that have a world-wide effect because of the great controversy between Christ, Satan and their followers.

It is not until chapter 7 that the dream of Daniel 2 has detailed added.  In this chapter , we see the same countries and the same outcome, but there more detailed is revealed.

In Daniel 7, the four great monarchs of our history are now shown as animals rather than metals.  Animals are used to demonstrate their character, speed of conquest, and details of their territory.

Also introduced is more detail about the 10 divisions now called horns.  Horns represented power.  These horns are nations that would arise.  We can now see that 3 of the nations would be destroyed by the new character added to the basic vision.  It is a little horn power that spoke and did “great” things!  This little horn would rage war “against the saints and prevail against them” all the way until the next event, the judgement scene just before the return of Christ.

“I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them, until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom.”

Daniel 7:21 – 22

Daniel wants to know about the 4 great beasts, but particularly the 4th beast and the little horn.  He recognized how different it was and the impact they would have on the earth before the return of the Son of Man.

Daniel 7 is interpreted for us as we saw

“Then I wished to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its nails of bronze, which devoured, broke in pieces, and trampled the residue with its feet; and the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up, before which three fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth which spoke pompous words, whose appearance was greater than his fellows.”

Daniel 7: 19 – 20

The time part of the prophecy has to do with the length of time the 4th beast (Rome and the papacy) would rule.  It is expressed in prophetic language as a time, times, and a half of time.  This was explained previously. See Prophecies for Our Time-The Beast and Little Horn of Daniel 7

At the end of Chapter 7, Daniel understands everything, but he is troubled and he keeps the dream to himself and does not talk to anyone about it.

“This is the end of the account. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly troubled me, and my countenance changed; but I kept the matter in my heart.”

Daniel 7:28

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The same principle of repeating and expanding on the basic prophecy of Daniel 2 continues in Daniel 8 as it did with Daniel 7.

In Daniel 8, the dream starts with the Medes-Persians and Greece.  They are represented by the ram with two horns and the male goat with on large horn that broke into 4 “notable horns”

The ram which you saw, having the two horns—they are the kings of Media and Persia. And the male goat is the kingdom of Greece. The large horn that is between its eyes is the first king. As for the broken horn and the four that stood up in its place, four kingdoms shall arise out of that nation, but not with its power.

Daniel 8: 21 – 22

We know from history Greece conquered the Medes and Persians (Doubled-horn Ram).  Greece is depicted as a goat with a notable horn.  The prophecy tells us this “notable horn” was the first king.  History tells us that the first king of Greece was Alexander the Great!

We also know that after the death of Alexander, his brother and sons became the heir apparent, but were murdered, thereby eliminating the Alexander heritage.  Instead, the kingdom was divided among Alexander’s 4 generals as the prophecy foretold by the symbolic language of 4 horns.  Those generals were:

1. Cassander, who had Greece and the neighboring countries;

2. Lysimachus, who had Asia Minor;

3. Selecus, who had Syria and Babylon, and from whom came the line of kings known as the “Seleucidae,” so famous in history; and

4. Ptolemy, son of Lagus, who had Egypt, and from whom sprang the “Lagidae.”

These held dominion toward the four winds of heaven as predicted. Cassander had the western parts, Lysimachus the northern regions, Seleucus the eastern countries, and Ptolemy the southern portion of the empire.

But, here is where it gets interesting.

And out of one of them came a little horn which grew exceedingly great..

Daniel 8:9

History again reveals the beginnings of the powerful little horn that came from one of these generals.

Many who subscribe to the popular Rapture scenarios point to Antiochus Epiphanes as this little horn power.  But he does not fit the description.  Antiochus was one of 26 kings and was a weak king who had very little influence during his reign.  Remember, this little horn was to have influence all the way until the Lord returns.  (For those desiring more information on the error of identifying Antiochus Epiphanes as the little horn, please contact me)

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The little horn can represent none other than the powerful nation of Rome.  It is in the same line as that of Daniel 2.  After Greece was to come Rome.  Chapter 8 tells us the beginnings of Rome.

As we look at the actions of the little horn and we will see that if fits Rome perfectly:

And out of one of them came a little horn which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Glorious Land.

Daniel 8:9

This power would grow “exceedingly great” toward the south, east and the “Glorious Land”

South:  This was true of Rome. Egypt was made a province of the Roman Empire in 30 B.C., and continued such for some centuries.

East: This also was true of Rome. She conquered Syria in 65 B.C., and made it a province.

The pleasant land:  Judea is called “the pleasant land” in many scriptures. The Romans made it a province of their empire in 63 B.C., and eventually destroyed the city and the temple, and scattered the Jews throughout the earth.

 And it grew up to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the ground, and trampled them.

Daniel 8: 10

In this expressions two figures are introduced, “the host” and “the stars.” When used in a symbolic sense concerning events taking place on earth, these figures refer almost always to the people of God and their leaders. In verse 13 of this chapter, we read that both the sanctuary and the host will be trodden under foot. Here, undoubtedly, reference is made to God’s people and the place of their worship. The stars would naturally represent the leaders of the work of God.

In Matthew 24, the Lord warned the people of the coming destruction of Jerusalem by Rome and its comparison with the end of the world. Jerusalem was destroyed as well as the temple.  It has never been rebuilt and it never will be despite the predictions of of Hal Lindsey’s  and  his followers regarding the rapture theories.

He even exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host; and by him the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of His sanctuary was cast down.

Daniel 8: 11

The little horn “exalted himself even to the Prince of the host.” Rome alone did this. In the interpretation (verse 25) the little horn is said to “stand up against the Prince of princes.” This is clearly an allusion to the crucifixion of our Lord under the jurisdiction of the Romans.

Because of transgression, an army was given over to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifices; and he cast truth down to the ground. He did all this and prospered.

Daniel 8: 12

Out of Rome came the papacy.  The papacy suppressed the truth from God’s word by taking it from the people in order to perform her craft. It was not until Martin Luther found a Latin bible chained to a monastery wall that the truth was uncovered and the craft of the “prospering” and powerful Roman Catholic revealed.  Thus began the reformation which produced the protestant churches as we know today.  Even today, the error of the papacy can be uncovered by simply comparing its teachings with the Bible.

The “daily sacrifices” taken away refers to the institution of confessionals to a priest rather than directly to Jesus who is our mediator.  Later, we will see that this is the work of the Anti-Christ or Beast of Revelation 13.  It sets up itself as a block between the sinner and Christ.  It becomes a power that sets itself up as a person “in the place of” of Jesus.

Only Jesus can forgive sins.  Sins are forgiven freely through him without the need to perform penance!

But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

Matthew 23: 8 – 9

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Acts 4:12

It is clear from God’s word that there is only one Father (in the context of religion) and that is our Lord.  He alone can forgive our sins and provide us help.  Powerless is the confessional booth, the priest, and a set of beads!  Forgiveness is given freely without any works to earn it.  It was earned by the sacrifice of Jesus.

“Ho! Everyone who thirsts,
Come to the waters;
And you who have no money,
Come, buy and eat.
Yes, come, buy wine and milk
Without money and without price.”

Isaiah 55:1

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Next Daniel hears the angels asking a question:

“How long will the vision be, concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation, the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled underfoot?”

And he said to me, “For two thousand three hundred days; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed.”

Daniel 8: 13 -14

Immediately following these verses, Gabriel comes and explains the vision as has been pointed out above in verses 20-26.  Daniel does not see the literal fulfillment of the vision, but he understands “in part” the vision.  He knows there are rising and falling of powers but, he doesn’t understand the time part of this prophecy.

The question asked by the angel and the another angel’s response is left uninterpreted, at least at this point.  The chapter ends by the angel telling Daniel that the vision of the “evenings and mornings” is true.  This is a reference to the 2300 days (i.e., evenings and mornings).  The understanding is  to be sealed up until the time of the end.  No one would understand it until the time of the end.

“And the vision of the evenings and mornings
Which was told is true;
Therefore seal up the vision,
For it refers to many days in the future.”

And I, Daniel, fainted and was sick for days; afterward I arose and went about the king’s business. I was astonished by the vision, but no one understood it.

Daniel 8: 26 – 27

My friends, it IS the time of the end and the unexplained time prophecy of Daniel 8 has an explanation.  We find the answers in Daniel 9.  Next time, we will let the Bible interpret itself and we will review history to see how it all fits together.  Most importantly, we shall pull back the curtain to reveal the workings of our enemy and the powerful work of our Savior that is “greater than he that is in the world.”

Until then, be blessed and seek God’s wisdom, power, and mercy.

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Inspiration

Living and Moving in Christ

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Let’s take a break from the Bible Prophecy and turn our eyes to Jesus.  I plan to continue the series on Bible prophecy but, this morning, I was reminded of something that happened to me about 16 years ago.  Here is the story.

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Those who DWELL under his shadow shall return;
They shall be revived like grain,
And GROW like a vine.
Their scent shall be like the wine of Lebanon.

Hosea 14:7

Have you ever heard a sermon that stayed with you for a very long time?  Perhaps it comes to your mind when triggered by a verse here or there.  Or maybe the reality of it lingers until it finally sinks in and you are transformed. The verse above triggered something I heard a long time ago and it has never departed from my thoughts.

About 16 years ago at the funeral of my step-brother (David), the family set up a TV and VHS machine in the entrance to the church where it played a video of one of David’s weekly Bible classes.  I paused to listen to this gifted teacher. His words have been on my mind ever since.

David was one of 4 sons and a daughter of a family run by a tough ex-Army Sargent father, made callous by WWII. My brother and I was drafted into the family in 1963 when my mother remarried.  My step-father took a particular interest in toughening me up, but that is a different story. Of all the sons, I like David the most.  He was  quite, but intelligent and athletic.  David and I played basketball almost every day.

David went off to fight in Viet Nam in 1969 and came back as wild as could be.  When he returned, he bought a brand new 1969 Chevy SS with a 396 engine that was strong and wild like him.

He drank and smoked pot almost daily and soon the car was a pile of twisted metal.  He and my cousin walked away unharmed.  He was hardened from what he saw and did in the war. He would laugh and tell me stories of how they would fly the helicopter low and kick the locals off their bicycles.

But, Jesus came into his life and David was transformed into a wise and gentle teacher of God’s word around 1974. This was about the time I gave my life to Christ. He and I often talked of spiritual things although we were of two different denominations.  I remember one night, we were discussing the timelines of the 70-week prophecy in Daniel.  We were in the parking lot of the apartments where I was staying.  We drew our respective charts of the timelines in the dust on the trunks of the parked cars under the street light.  When we needed more space, we just moved to the next car hood or trunk!

 Although we had some difference, we both were certain of one thing.  Jesus had come into our lives.  We were forgiven and we both had great joy in knowing and working for our Lord! We loved to talk about Jesus. We were both babes in Christ, but growing in leaps and bounds in the word of God and our relationship with Jesus.

Sadly, David was killed in a car accident on his way to work around 1998.  A young lady on her phone swerved and sent David and his van tumbling down the freeway.  He was not wearing his seat belt.   What a tremendous loss for God’s kingdom!

At the entrance to the church, where they had the funeral, one of David’s classes was on a loop and played over and over. On the screen, you could see the calm and Christ-like face of my brother in Christ. He was talking to the class about “continuing” in God. He cited different Bible characters who “continued” with God. His point was clear. We are to “continue” with God. We should not set our hand to the plow and look back. To do so makes us unworthy of the kingdom.

But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Luke 9:62

David said, we are also to “dwell” in Christ like you would in your house. To “continue” in Christ is to move forward in our God no matter the circumstance (grow). Our God will finish the work that he started in us as we “dwell” and “continue” with Him.

…for in Him we live and move and have our being…

Acts 17:28

How I wish I had that tape!

Hosea concludes his book after spending 13 chapters of exposing the sins and rebellion of His own people.  It ends with the encouragement to them, and us, to “dwell” and “continue” (grow) in the true God. Many Christians have said, “it is too hard for me” and they give up. They took their hand off the plow and went back. Maybe they should have started by simply “dwelling” before “continuing.”

The wise person in Christ will know the importance and necessity of “dwelling” and “continuing” in Christ no matter the circumstance…no matter how rebellious and wild they may have been at one time or the challenges of the moment.

From Steps to Christ, p. 68, 69: “Jesus teaches the same thing when He says, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. . . . Without Me ye can do nothing.’ John 15:4, 5. You are just as dependent upon Christ, in order to live a holy life, as is the branch upon the parent stock for growth and fruitfulness. Apart from Him you have no life. You have no power to resist temptation or to grow in grace and holiness. Abiding in Him, you may flourish. Drawing your life from Him, you will not wither nor be fruitless. You will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water.”

Prophecies for Our Time

Prophecies for Our Time-The Little Horn and Judgment of Daniel 7 and Revelation

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Jesus and Judgment

The court was seated, And the books were opened.

Daniel 7:10

“But the court shall be seated,
And they shall take away his dominion,
To consume and destroy it forever.”

Daniel 7:26

Over the years, I have noticed many misconceptions about God and spiritual things by well meaning people.  The confusion often comes when they forget to recognize that there is an enemy of God.  To  further muddy the water,  many do not recognize that we are born with a sinful nature.  A nature and a path that leads to destruction unless God intervenes.

Both Satan and our sinful nature set us up for all kinds of problems and misunderstanding related to spiritual things.  It is only when we are born of the Spirit can we understand life on that level.

God is often blamed for the work of the enemy.  This is the way Satan would have it.  But, Satan is the father of lies, death and destruction.  He deceives and often will use something that appears to be saintly to accomplish his purpose of destruction.  His one goal is to block the way of eternal salvation for every person on planet earth and by any means available to him including dressing up and acting like a minister of righteousness!  But he does this through human beings.  This is an important point as we consider the craft and deceit of the Little Horn of Daniel 7 and 8.

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

2 Corinthians 11: 13-15

As we study God’s word, we can see the enemy of the church and  individuals at work through kingdoms, powers, and rulers.  In our time, the sudden rise of the hateful and demonic ISIS is an example.  But, have we considered the work of Satan through a system  that seems gentle and Christ-like?  Is everyone who proclaims to be of God, really of God? While it is true that:

…we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Ephesians 6: 12

It is also true that we battle against deception in a spiritual venue.  Jesus warned us that near the end, many would come “in His name” to deceive:

“Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them.”

Luke 21:8

The little horn of Daniel and the Beast of Revelation use  not only deception, but also the power and authority given to them by Satan himself.

Just because someone looks and speaks spiritual things does not mean they are so.  Many  say, “I will just wait for someone to claim to be Christ and then I will know it is not true.”  But, the warning against deception goes deeper and even to the point that the deception is so great that even those who know God and have a personal experience with Him could be deceived…..if it were possible.

Are we prepared to deal with falsehood that appears in a nice package, in a nice building, and accepted by the majority.

Our only hope against the work of the enemy and our own sinful nature is to be prepared in Christ:

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Ephesians 6: 13

Regardless of our beliefs about eternal security, we are encouraged by the word to put on the whole armour of God so that we might stand and resist the devil.  If there was no worry after you were “saved,” then we would not have to been warned.  The warnings we see in the Bible are primarily for God’s people rather than the entire world who consider it foolishness anyway.  There is hope for them, but the time is growing short.

 The continuance of the verses in Ephesians 6, directs the followers of Christ to “suit up” for battle.  Why?  Because…

“….your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

1 Peter 5:8

To understand the battle plan of the enemy, the word of God provides the best source of information about the work of the enemy,  and the final events before and after the Lord returns.

Within this context of Satan working through nations, political powers,  deception, as well as our own sinful nature, let’s explore what the Bible has to say about the workings of the Little Horn and its appointed time for dominance: and the events leading up to the judgment.

Knowing what the Bible has to say will put us at a better advantage against the enemy of our souls and put us on solid ground so that we “might stand” in any circumstance.

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Timing of the Judgment (Overview)

As has been pointed out,  Satan, the once anointed cherubim of heaven who was perfect in all his ways until iniquity was found in him is the enemy of God’s people.  He is the father of lies, the originator of death, and a roaring lion that seeks to destroy and mar the image of God in Man.  He is also the originator of the sinful nature that has been passed down to us from the beginning.

Because of this, there is confusion about many spiritual events including the judgment.  Many believe that immediately after death, each person consciously and individually stands before God and a decision is made about eternal destiny.  This can be substantiated from verses such as:

And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,

Hebrews 9: 27

At some point after death, there is a judgment.  The Bible talks about a specific time when the Ancient of Days (God) opens the books and judgment begins.  This judgment must take place before the Lord comes, because He brings his reward with him.

When the Bible uses the term judgment, it can be investigative in nature.  In other words, many believe that everyone must be judged worthy to enter heaven.  All our sins are considered (reviewed or investigated) and weighed against God’s 10 commandment law and even the life of Christ himself.  How could anyone stand in this type of judgment if it were not for Christ?  All of us have sinned and come short of the glory of God.  There is none worthy, not one except Christ.  Glory to his name!

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

2 Corinthians 5:10

It is Christ who “takes up” for us.  He is our lawyer, our intercessor:

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7:25

Because of this fact, those in Christ have the assurance that Christ’s perfect record of righteous is ours before and during the judgment hour.  He is our lawyer.  Let us never forget, that he “saves us to the uttermost.” That means our most sinful habit can be overcome in Christ now.

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The idea of purgatory or pending judgment as taught by the Roman Catholic church teaches that a person is in a “holding” place and can be prayed or payed up to heaven!

Is this the truth about judgment?  In Daniel 7 there is an aspect of judgment we may have never considered.   It is found in the  pronouncement:  “The judgment is set.”

“the judgment was set, and the books were opened.“

Daniel 7: 10

there comes a specific time when “the books” are open.  What are these books?  When is the “judgment set?”

In context, Revelation tells us that Jesus brings his reward with Him:

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me , to give every man according as his work shall be.

Revelation 22:12

If Jesus brings his reward of eternal life when He comes, then there must be a judgment already completed even for those who are “alive and remain” (1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17).  It must have had a starting point and an ending point. Those who have died in Christ are resurrected to receive this reward.  (Please see study  A Substitute for the Resurrection?).

Many wonder about the great white throne judgment.

 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened,  which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

Revelation 20: 11-15

Did you catch that?  The “books were open.”  This is the same phrase used by Daniel as he observed the beginning of the judgment scene in heaven.

This white throne judgment is a judgment for those dead. but at some point, this judgment by the books will move to those who are alive.

Judgment and the end of the little horn power are related.  Let’s pause our discussion on Judgment and go back to the life of the little horn for just a moment or two.

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Workings of Satan with the Little Horn and Judgment

In Daniel 7 and 8, we can see Satan’s craft in the workings of the little horn power. Just as the metals of the image in Daniel 2 and the animals of Daniel 7 digress into worthless iron and clay and an animal cross-bred to produce a non-descriptive destroying freak of nature so the enemy of God seeks to kill and maim the creation of God. Of most importance to Satan is to block the way to a knowledge of only true God and the path to eternal life for mankind.

The enemy is described in Revelation 13 as the dragon who gives the seat and great authority to the Beast.

” the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

Revelation 13: 12

Satan works stealthily behind the scenes moving upon circumstances and sinful men to reach his objective.

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Destiny of the Little Horn

When Daniel saw the little horn he watched it at work all the way to the time of judgement.  The following verse, along with other passages, let us know that this little horn power is at work even today!

“I watched till thrones were put in place, And the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, And the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, Its wheels a burning fire; A fiery stream issued And came forth from before Him.
A thousand thousands ministered to Him; Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, And the books were opened.“

Daniel 7: 9 – 10

Daniel’s vision actually takes him on past the judgement scene.  Daniel sees the outcome of the investigative judgment.  He sees the execution of the guilty verdict, particularly as it relates to the beast (Rome).

“I watched till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed and given to the burning flame.”

Daniel 7: 11 

The rule of this beast and the little horn comes to an end when the Lord returns and sends it to the burning flames (a.k.a. the lake of fire).

And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

2 Thessalonians 2: 8

And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

Revelations 19: 20

Here is the fate of the beast (Rome) and the false prophet (papacy). Please see Prophecies for Our Time-The Beast and The Little Horn of Daniel 7

So we can see that the little horn power is active all the way up until Jesus returns and ends his reign.

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While this is the end of the story for the Beast and Little Horn, let’s back up a little and look at the earthly rule of these two characters:

As we discovered last time.  Papal Rome in its rise to power eliminated three of the ten horns.  This gave him space for the beast  to prosper.  Those that opposed the papacy were the

 Heruli, Vandals, and Ostrogoths

Like the lifted heart of King Nebuchadnezzar, the papacy began to speak great things against (or in the place) of God.

And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

Daniel 7: 25

History  has well-documented the acts of the Roman Catholic church who violently persecuted anyone who opposed her.  Those considered heretics were often burned at the stake, buried alive, or otherwise tortured if they did not recant their belief in God’s word and His ways.  Many were tortured for their faith in God and  for having access to a Bible.

The “Protestant” movement was highlighted by Martin Luther finding a Bible written in the little known language of Latin and chained to a monastery wall.  It has been the plan of Satan to keep this book and the knowledge it contains about the only true God away from people.

Martin Luther saw the great infested errors of the church that looked good, but were inside full of bones.  It is that way when man’s opinion and worldly desires take the place of God’s eternal word.

“Moreover, the papal system has opposed the march of civilization and liberty throughout the world, by denouncing the circulation of the Bible and the general diffusion of knowledge. Turn to every land where popery predominates, and you will find an ignorant and debased peasantry, a profligate nobility, and a priesthood, licentious, avaricious, domineering and cruel.” 

― John Foxe, Fox’s Book of Martyrs Or A History of the Lives, Sufferings, and Triumphant Deaths of the Primitive Protestant Martyrs

We have talked about how the Roman Catholic church attempted to change times and laws, but what of this last statement in Daniel 7:25?

“they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.”

In Bible prophecy a time equals a year.  Times (plural) is two years and a dividing of time would be half a year.  Now why would this matter?  Let’s do a little math and compare this passage with other relevant passages.  Some  quick additions calculate that the little horn would rule for 3 1/2 years.

But as we have learned, a day in Bible Prophecy equals a year. 1 year is 360 days (Jewish Calendar).  2 years is 720 days. 1/2 year is 180 days.  360+720+180 = 1,260 days.  This translates to 1, 260 years in Bible Prophecy.

Did the Little Horn rule for this amount of time?

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In 538 A.D. the Ostragoths abandoned their siege of Rome — and this left the Bishop of Rome to exercise the prerogatives of Justinian’s decree of 533 A.D. the power and the authority of the Papacy grew, and grew, and grew.

Exactly 1260 years later the Papacy suffered its “deathblow.”

The spectacular victories of the armies of Napoleon in Italy placed the Pope at the mercy of the French Revolutionary Government, which now advised that the Roman Religion would always be a persistent enemy of the Republic.

The government urged Napoleon to destroy the center of unity of the Roman church, and Napoleon did just that.

In 1798 the French general Berthier, with a French army, marched into Rome and proclaimed the political rule of the Papacy at an end and took the Pope prisoner. The Pope was removed to France where he died in exile.

The 1260 year rule of the Papacy was finished.

But this deadly wound was to receive a healing as we will see in later studies.

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This time period of a time, times and a half a time is again mentioned in Daniel 12:7

“It will be for a time, times and half a time. When the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all these things will be completed.”

Daniel 12:7

This time period of 1, 260 years is expressed in different ways in the Bible:

But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months.

Revelation 11:2

42 months = 42 X  30 (days)  or 1,260 days/years

In the next verse, it repeats this time period but without the need to calculate:

And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

Revelation 11:3

This is 1,260 days ( a score is 20 days).

Here are the many places that mention the 1,260-year prophecy:

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The Fall of the Papacy and the Beginning of Judgment

At the end of the 1,260 years of the papacy’s dominance, we see these words:

…Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.

A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

Daniel 7: 9, 10

The timing of the judgment makes sense when the events of the second coming are understood.

But, Hollywood and the work of the enemy have confused many by the Rapture theory and many other Hollywood types of productions concerning end-time events.

After this investigative judgment another pronouncement is made in heaven in preparation of the coming of Jesus:

He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

Revelation 22: 11

This is the point in earth’s history where the fate of every person who has ever lived is sealed.  The hourglass has run out.  Then the very next event is the return of Jesus as shown in the verse proceeding verse 11

And, behold, I come quickly;  and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

Revelation 22: 12

Those who have not accepted the teachings of the Beast, but kept true to the commandments of God will be able to enter through the gates of heaven and have access to the tree of life that perpetuates eternal life:

Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Revelation 22:13

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Summary:

The little Horn power (the papacy) comes from the 10 divisions of Rome .  As it rises to power, it takes out 3 of the horns and continues its persecution against all who would fall on the side of God and His word rather than the traditions and religion of the church.

The papacy speaks great words by changing the 10 commandments of God to suit its own needs and to demonstrate its power over the church.

The  papacy’s rule extends from 538 AD to 1798 AD.  Shortly thereafter the Ancient of Days (God) sits and the books are open to signify the beginning of the judgment and preparation for the 2nd return of Jesus.

When the proclamation is made that all have been judged, then Jesus returns.

When Jesus returns his reward of eternal life in heaven, as opposed to eternal death,  is executed

The lost are raised in the 2nd resurrection after the 1,000 year period where the saints are all in heaven.  For this study see,  Second Coming Predictions-1,000 Years?Second Coming Predictions-1,000 Years?

Friends, I know this is some very deep information, but the Lord would not have included it in His word if it was not important.    I have tried to be fair with God’s word.  Much of this may be confusing.  But rest assured the important thing to know is Jesus.  If you have an ongoing trust in Him, then knowing the details of the events of the last day are of less importance.  But, the spirit of the events are important to keep you from deception.

The Lord is preparing His people to finish the work of carrying the good news to the entire world for a witness and then shall the end come.

Next, we will look at the longest time prophecy in the Bible.  Blessings to you and your family!

Eddie