Last time, our topic was “A Sensitive Society-A Sign of The End.”
We discovered from the prophecies of Jesus that society in the last days would be “sensitive” or easily offended. Here is the prophecy. It reads like today’s news:
“And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24: 10-14
Notice the order of the underlined words: The condition of society opens them up to false prophets (teachers) and deception abounds. This is where we find ourselves in 2020. Sadly, this deception includes both the political and the church. Why? The prophet Hosea gives us a direct answer.
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you
Hoseah 4:6
Today, we have a lot of information, but not much truth. The source of truth is rejected because it goes contrary to our feelings and our desires. Can anyone with eyes and ears not see Jesus is right? All we have to do is look at our TVs, newspapers, movies, social media….and, yes, even in the pulpits of our churches? The church will become less and less exempt from such feelings. Revelation tells us the worldwide religious society is moving towards a false church and a pure church. Another topic for another time.
All of these traits of the last-day people are because of selfishness and ungodly pride. It is all about “me.” On the other hand, for the sincere born-again follower of Jesus, it is not about you, but about others. You are driven to serve others and lead them to know the Jesus you know and the truth of God’s word.
Before we go on, an observation must be pointed out. Have you ever heard someone say, “These signs have always been around.” It is true, these characteristics of society have always been on planet earth. Our society is not unique to these sins. So, why make a big deal about these signs.
The difference is the scope and intensity. Our day is saturated with these sins and they are highly visible. Never has a generation had the information and ability to see and observe sin in action worldwide or the tools to quickly spread lies and deceit. The world has shrunk to the size of a smartphone. What generation of the past has been so immersed in sight, sound, and taste? Today’s highly paid and educated marketers and politicians use the science of understanding people’s desires and triggers to effectively sell their products and manipulate ideologies and worldviews of the masses.
The other day, I pulled up to a gas pump. When I inserted my debit card and began to pump gas, I was startled by the sound of a TV screen behind me; spouting out news and trying to get me to go in the store and buy something. Everywhere we turn, we see signs and hear the sounds of voices manipulating us. This is not a conspiracy theory, it is the fact of everyday modern life in a consumer society.
Before our time, communication was limited to mouth, mail, and manuscripts. Even in my youth, there were none of the devices that are taken for granted. My Grandfather and Grandmother could not Image an entire library of information and entertainment in your hand! Nor could they image a cashless society, banking on a phone or computer, nor travel in space; not to mention hundreds of TV channels (They had three channels and rabbit ears to get reception on their black and white TVs.)
Our youth’s “deep thinking” often goes no higher than the downward pose to their phone, tablet, or computer.
The availability of distraction and sin can not be found in any other age. Violence, death, perverted sex is now personal private entertainment for almost every age. As a society, we are not getting any better despite laws and the rhetoric of politicians. Paul put it this way:
But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
2 Timothy 3:13
To help us better understand why the signs of the end are more relevant to our current society, lets look at another prophecy of Jesus. He compares the generation before He comes with the days of Noah.
“And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.” Luke 17: 26-27
The eating, drinking, marriage, sounds no different than any other generation until you consider the context as recorded in Genesis:
“Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every intentof the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually (all day long). Genesis 6:5
All of these good things were taken to excess and became the main focus of life. Rich food, alcohol, and many wives. Instead of working to make a marriage work, they simply discarded their spouse like an empty wine bottle and got another sweeter tasting wine. The word “continually” is the Hebrew word for “all day.” Sin and evil were constantly on their mind all day long. From the time they rose until they went to sleep at night.
The marriage ceremony has always been a respected institution created by God for one man and one woman. It the year 2020, it is trivialized away and twisted into a political debate, political correctness, and fodder for confrontation and hatred.
So yes, sin, earthquakes, wars described by Jesus as the signs of our times have always been around, but like a woman in labor, the pains come faster and more consistent before the baby is born. So it is in our days. Our society is saturated with sins and at the same time ignoring and drifting further from God until the conscience is seared and the thoughts are evil every day.
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Now let’s listen to what Paul said would be the escalated trademark sins of the last day.
But know this, that in the last days perilous (stressful) times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful,unholy, unloving, unforgiving,slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. … always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth…”
2 Timothy 3: 1-7
Did you notice all of them have to do with selfishness? It is all about “me.” The focus of these sins is all about living with the thought of eating, drinking, and being merry…for tomorrow we die. 1 Corinthians 15:2. All of this is done to excess because that is their only reward on this earth. The reward for the follower of Christ comes when Jesus comes back:
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me.”
Revelation 22:12
These verses will be our focus next week. But today, I want to focus on one.
Perilous (Stressful times):
Our modern stress is unique from Noah’s day because of a couple of things:
Constantly Being Connected. Our phones remind us when news headlines pop us. Facebook, Twitter, TV’s scream out and make us aware of every bad thing that is happening and in an instant. Our minds are focused on the dictates of the screen. Often we find ourselves stressing over the negative, problems, and finding relief in the trivial. We are being taught how to hate and distance ourselves from those who don’t think as we do. The news and social media are full of deceptions for a society that wants quick simple answers that fit with their worldview.
What would it feel like if you were to detox yourself from all these devices and disconnect? But, let’s go further. How would you respond if you began to focus or think about things that are positive?
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8,9
What if you practiced this? Do you think your thoughts would change?
I will set nothing wicked before my eyes.
Psalm 101: 3
Despite all these signs, there is hope for the one who wants it. For the one who desires peace, joy, and truth. Regardless of your particular sin, God is able to save you to the uttermost. Though your sin be as red as scarlet, His righteousness and power can make your sins go away.
I will end with an important verse. This passage in 1 Corinthians starts out with what we call negative thoughts but ends with beautiful encouragement in Christ.
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. AND SUCH WERE SOME OF YOU. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6: 9-11
All of these sins are equal. They all will end in eternal death. But the people who once practiced them no longer indulge in them! All community churches are made of people who were once vile sinners but have repented and turned from their sins. Jesus is able to save us from both the penalty of sin AND the power of sin. We can be washed clean!
Want to be washed? Call on the name of the Lord and His word!
Jesus’ last church on earth will be washed by His word
…He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, Ephesians 5: 26
Bad news ends in good news for those who want it. The most powerful testimony that God’s word is truth is a transformed life.
How do you deal with the death of a loved one? Where does your comfort come from? If you are an unbeliever of Jesus and the Bible, your comfort is likely to come from within yourself, earthly philosophies, prescribed medication, empathy from close friends and family, or self-medication (illegal drugs or alcohol). Your worldview is likely: you die, return to dust, and that is the end forever. So the lifestyle motto is, “Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die.” 1 Corinthians 15:32
However, if you are a follower of Christ and a student of the Bible, you will not “grieve as do others who have no hope.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13. Did you know the Bible is extremely clear on where we are to find our comfort? In fact, regarding death, Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 4: 18 we are “to comfort one another with these words.” What words? Words like: “They are in a better place.” “They are finally reunited with their spouse.” “They are with Jesus and the angels now.” ”That they are in heaven hunting with their favorite dog.”
No! Those words are not to be given as comfort and should never be used. They are not Biblical! These are words made up by the imagination only. They are false words of comfort. As someone once said, “The Bible may make you uncomfortable with the truth, but it will never comfort you with lies.” Here are the words from the Bible that tells the follower of Jesus how they are to obtain peace of mind and comfort for someone close who has died “in Christ”:
“For the Lord, himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. WHEREFORE COMFORT ONE ANOTHER WITH THESE WORDS!”
Did you catch that? Our comfort comes from knowing and believing two things: 1.) When the Lord returns (“descend(s) from heaven”), it will be a loud event (“Trumpet of God” and the “voice from the archangel”)
2.) When the Lord returns, there will be a lot of activity on earth, particularly at graveyards or wherever the followers of Christ were buried/cremated. Those that “died in Christ” will be resurrected. And if we are alive to escape death, we will all meet up in the air to meet Jesus and eternity will begin (“so shall we ever be with the Lord.”) These are the words that are to bring comfort: not our imaginations or made up stories of the dead “looking down on us.” Over and over, God’s word points us to the return of Christ and the resurrection, not the death bed as the point where we meet Jesus.
Here is a well-known verse. Jesus’ own words:
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.In my Father’s 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 unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also”. John 14: 1-3
Please note: Our comfort is in the fact that when He comes again, He will then receive us and we will go to “where He is now”. We will be there with Him! Where is Jesus now? He is with the Father! “…I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.” John 20:17
What joy! Christ can resurrect a body that has turned to dust. He will then breathe into the newly formed nostrils and create a living, immortal soul. Then the “dead in Christ” along with those alive in Christ will return with Him to the Father in heaven! Even Job understood this. Listen to the hope of Job about his own death:
“\For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God, Job 19: 25-26
Job had the confidence that his Redeemer lives and even though his skin will be destroyed, he will see God when He stands on the earth! How clear is that? Does he see God at death? No! When the Redeemer comes to the earth!
Daniel also understood the same thing!
“And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. Daniel 12:2
Did you know that the Bible never says we have an immortal soul? But, we receive immortality when we are changed at Christ’s return. Hear the words of Paul who wants to clear up the mystery about death:
“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this Mortal must put on IMMORTALITY.So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this MORTAL shall have put on IMMORTALITY, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 1 Corinthians 15: 51-55
When the Lord returns, some will not sleep (die). They are alive in Christ. Both the alive in Christ and those who “died in Christ,” will be “changed” immediately (“twinkling of an eye”) at the sound of “the last loud trumpet”. It is then, and only then, that “the mortal will put on immortality.” It is at the return of Christ we become immortal, not at death!
Note the last question in 1 Corinthians 15: 55.
Please read in the context. This rhetorical question cannot be asked until the Lord returns.
Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
I have heard it asked at funerals about the deceased without mention of the second coming. To do so is to take it out of its beautiful context of Jesus’ return.
All of these clear passages plus many more are overruled and explained away by a few unclear and out of context verses like:“Absent from the body and present from the Lord.”
How beautiful is God’s words about the death of those who die! “He gives His beloved, sleep.” Psalm 127:2 It is like a sweet, dreamless, unconscious sleep where a long time is reduced to a microsecond. The Christian falls asleep like they would in surgery where the passage of time is not felt. They awake to the sights and sounds of the return of Jesus with all the holy angels. They come from the graves with new bodies and are made immortal. The families of the earth are reunited in the air and then taken to heaven by Jesus and the multitude of angels. Jesus then takes us to where he is now…the home of the Father…New Jerusalem.
One day (after 1,000 years), the New Jerusalem comes back to earth with the redeemed. God will make a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells and where there is no more pain or death! All tears will be wiped away! Earth will be the home of the redeemed where we will enjoy the works of our hands by building houses and planting vineyards. “From one Sabbath to another and from one new moon to another we shall come to worship.”
These are the words that give me comfort! They are Biblical and make sense to those who know Jesus. God’s own words are much better than our imagination!
Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.
Last time, we reviewed from the Bible how the church today was given examples and warnings so that we don’t make the same mistakes. The entire chapter of 1 Corinthians 10 is dedicated to warnings to the early church and these certainly apply to us in modern times:
Now, these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.
Nowall these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition (instruction or warning), upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 1 Corinthians 10: 6-11
Paul also adds that the things written in the scriptures that gives us reasons to endure and be encouraged we can have hope. If we are not students of the Old Testament stories of Israel, we are missing the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and the things they did right.
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. Romans 15:4
Conclusion: The Old Testament experience of Israel and how God dealt with their weaknesses is highly relevant to those who take the name of Christ and are part of the body of Christ…His church.
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This time, we will explore a prophecy that gives Israel a period of time to repent and accept the Messiah. If not, their mission will end. We will also understand when and how it ended. Jesus confirms the end of their mission in several parables. We looked briefly at three last time. Of particular impact is the parable of the wicked Vinedresser in Matthew 21, Jesus ends the message with this prophecy:
“Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.” Matthew 21: 43-44
Embed in this statement is the desire of God and points out the failure of Israel….”bearing the fruits.” God desires the mission to produce results. If our church is not effective, then we are no better than the centuries God worked with Israel. We are repeating the same mistake. We have become religious….form without substance…a facade hidden behind grand buildings, suites, and shining white teeth. Programs that do not have Jesus in it anywhere.
In this study, we will look at an amazing prophecy found Daniel and the core message which is primarily a warning to Israel to prepare for the first coming of Jesus. This is a wonderful study that gives historically accurate times lines for the coming and mission of Jesus. But, most of all, it gives us a warning.
As we read the prophecy in Daniel 9:24-27 and compare it with actual history and Biblically documented historical dates. We will discover the power of this prophecy written almost 500 years before Jesus and we will understand more about Israel and even end-time events!
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 included.
“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 in parenthesis, you will have the 70 years mentioned at the start. There is a reason why they are split up that way. I will not go into those historical reasons in this writing.
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
This statement by the angel refers back to the previous chapter’s vision of the Ram, Goat, and the 2,300 days of the sanctuary being cleansed. As stated by Daniel himself in the last verse of Chapter 8, the dream was not completely understood.
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
Then Gabriel gives the explanation of the time element not understood in the previous Chapter (as stated in Verses 24-27 above.) This is the skill and understanding Daniel needed other than simply knowing the Jews would soon be freed after 70 years of captivity.
70 weeks was given to Daniels people (Israelites) and the city of Jerusalem to:
Finish the transgression
Make an end of sins
Make reconciliation for iniquity
Bring in everlasting righteousness
Seal up the vision and prophecy
Anoint the most Holy
So God was giving the Jewish people 70 weeks or 490 days to do all those things; ending with anointing the most Holy. We shall see that the anointing of the most Holy is not in regards to the apartment in the sanctuary necessarily, but the Holy One of God-Jesus The 70 weeks given to the Jews are calculated in the verses in sections: threescore (60) and two weeks (2) 7 weeks (7) and 1 week (1) Quick addition shows this is 70 weeks or 490 days (7 X 70). But in Bible prophecy, the day = year principle should be used to unlock the timelines for history. The verses that support 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 gave 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 began (with certainty) we can understand the other parts of the prophecy. The timelines start here:
“….from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem”Daniel 9: 25
This chart should help in the understanding of the prophecy lines.
The glorious temple of Solomon had been leveled by the Babylonians when they conquered Israel. King Nebuchadnezzar’s army took captives to Babylon including young Daniel and his friends. But, at the end of the literal 70 years, a command would be given to restore and build Jerusalem. The actual command is 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
So 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 to Jesus is 69 weeks or 483 days or 483 prophetical years. Let’s 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. 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 timeline 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. We will keep the last week on the timeline as intended. If we do, 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
But before He is cut off 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 given unto 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 interesting 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
For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace,
Ephesians 2: 14-15
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 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!
God has a stopping point when we harden our hearts and refuse to believe His word and follow Him. When our only interest is in ourselves, our heritage, our traditions, and ceremonies instead of being the light on the hill, we become nothing more than a sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
Will the church make the same mistake as Israel and assume God will ignore our continued failures to follow Him and His Word seriously. Will the uselessness of rounds of self-serving religions acts become our savior rather than the One who created us? Will the sinner die for eternity because we did not “Go …, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:” Matthew 28: 19-20
Below is information if you want more detail otherwise I hope this prophecy helped you see how God is in control.
*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 the 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 referenced 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 be 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 person who fails to learn from history is destined to repeat it.”
This thought or phrase is thought to have originated from the writer-philosopher George Santayana. However, this is the exact warning given to the church by Paul regarding the failures and consequences of Israel’s story:
“Now, these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as were some of them…These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us…” 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11
Other writers have said similar things,
“We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.” EG White
“The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.” – Winston Churchill
As I write these, there is rebellion in the land and the unlearned are destroying American history. History is a teacher. They are killing the teacher and attempting to purge the land of the mistakes this country has made. But, they don’t understand if the mind were to be wiped clean of all the bad history, we would be destined to repeat it.
The Bible student or local church who seeks God and His will must look at the story of Israel’s faults to become more Biblically grounded in Christ so that the same mistakes are not by Christ’s church.
Despite the mistakes and failures of Israel, God was long-suffering towards them. He desired them to listen and obey, but they chose to trust in their own heritage, traditions, and lusts. In our study next time, we will see that God gave them a period of time to repent, but they did not. For now, let’s look at a few warnings from the New Testament delivered by Jesus to religious leaders in a parable and then from a couple of short sermons by Peter and Paul.
Jesus’ Instructions to the Disciples
Jesus said something that is confusing until it is understood in the light of a prophecy in Daniel. We will study that next time. Jesus told his Apostles:
“These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans.”But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel ” Matthew 10: 5, 6
Why would Jesus tell the Apostles to NOT go to the Gentiles? Here is another similar statement by Jesus as recorded later in Mathew:
But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Matthew 15: 24
If you continue to read the story in Matthew 15, you see that a woman from Cannan (Gentile) who was pleading with Jesus to cast a demon that was in her daughter. Jesus said something to her that would be considered racist or at least disrespectful in today’s sensitive world:
“It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” V. 26
The woman was very cleaver in her answer:
“Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” V. 27
Jesus eventually complimented her on her faith and healed her daughter. Even though Jesus had a priority i.e. the lost sheep of the house of Israel, he did not neglect those in need regardless of their nationality, race, or otherwise. God is no respecter of persons as Peter stated after learning through a vision that God does not call the Gentile unclean those whom he has cleaned:
God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean…Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth, I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: Acts 10:28, 34
Jesus’ Teaching on Israel
To the Religious leaders, Jesus was much more firm. They had no cleaver answer nor did they understand the mission of Jesus. But he sent a strong message that the end for them was in sight and the mission of God would be turned over to the Gentiles. Let’s look at the proof of that from a parable Jesus delivered to them. It is found in Matthew 22: 1-14
You can read the entire parable, but here is a summary:
1.) The King (God the Father) arranges a marriage for His son (Jesus). Jesus is often referred to as the bridegroom and the church is His bride. (See Isaiah 61:10, Matthew 9:15, Matthew 25:1, Rev. 21:2
2.) Those who were supposed to be His friends and close to Him were invited by His servants (The prophets). They either ignored the invitation and went back to work (V. 4, 5) or they killed the servants (The prophets)
3.) The King was furious and sent His armies to burn and destroy the “murderers” and “burn up their city” (V. 7)
4.) God counted those who were invited as “not worthy” “The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy.” (V. 8)
5.) At this point, The King (God the Father) tells the servants (Prophets) to invite all those who were not invited, “both good and bad.” They gladly came and “filled the wedding hall.” (V. 10)
It is clear from this parable and the two preceding it in Chapter 21 (Parable of the Two Sons and the parable of the Wicked Vinedressers) that…
“the kingdom of God will be taken from you (Israel) and given to a nation (Gentiles) bearing the fruits of it.” Matthew 21: 43
Again, the King in the Parable of the Wedding Feast said,
“…those who were invited were not worthy.” Matt 22: 8,
This became to theme of Paul and Barnabas when Paul said the same message of unworthiness in Acts 13: 46:
“It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.“
What makes the difference between the people of promise (Israel) and the Gentiles? It is one thing alone. It is not different promises or covenants, it is Jesus:
And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:29
Did you catch that? If we belong to Christ and have a saving relationship with him through faith resulting in obedience, all the promises given to Abraham belong to you. That would mean the literal nation of Israel does not receive the promises since they rejected their Messiah as a nation. But as shown in the parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21). Repentance is necessary for an individual Jewish person just like it is for anyone else. The leaders, on the whole, didn’t like the story of a sacrificial Savior and rewrote the story according to how they wanted it to end.
Does the modern church do the same thing as Israel when they hold to traditions and how they would prefer the story to end?
Paul goes on to tell us this truth:
For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God. Romans 2:28, 29
Does the Christian church signify they belong to Christ? What is that signification? Is it a lot of words, beautiful music, seminars, and endless rounds of ceremonies? How do we become lights to the world?
The Jews had turned to righteousness by works. They sought to make themselves acceptable to God by their works. This was never the desire of God. He desired works to come from righteousness by faith in Jesus and by a changed heart of trust rather than righteousness by their own efforts.
Paul and Peter’s Sermons
Both Peter and Paul began to understand that the gospel burden would go from a nation that rejected the Son of the King (Israel) and then go to a people appreciative of the history of Israel who understood that Jesus was the promised Messiah.
In a vision given to Peter, he exclaimed the meaning of the vision of the sheet of unclean animals in these words:
Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean Acts 10:28
Peter was breaking from tradition and accepting all who would come into the fold of God’s people..
The separation between Israel and “another nation” was meant originally to keep the relationship between Israel and God healthy, safe. and a light to the world (See Isaiah 61). They were to be the teachers and priests of God. God’s desire was to bring every nation to an understanding of the true God through Israel who was led by God Himself. The sanctuary and the sacrificial systems were their training ground for understanding sin and its forgiveness by the “lamb of God which takes away the sin of the word.” John 1:20. The sanctuary covered it all, including the ministry of Jesus in heaven for us now…even the day of judgment and the end of sin.
But one day, God would do something that should have provoked Israel to jealousy (Romans 10:19). Instead, it made them more stiff-necked.
Then I will say to those who were not My people, ‘You are My people!’ And they shall say, ‘You are my God!’ Hosea 2:23
God’s people would be the people of other nations. Paul picked up on this when he quoted from Hosea:
As He says also in Hosea: “I will call them My people, who were not My people, And her beloved, who was not beloved.” Romans 9:25
This brings us to the sermon of Paul in Acts 13:. This will help us understand why Jesus told the Apostles to not go to other nations, but to “the lost sheep of the House of Israel.” Matt 10:6 and Matt 15:14:”
Paul’s Sermon-Israel’s Unworthiness
Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch in Pisidia. This was a gentile city and the home of a gentile Christian church, but there was also a Jewish Synagogue. Paul and Barnabas go in and sit down. But after the reading of the Prophets and the Law (a tradition of the Jews. V.27), they were invited to talk.
Paul directs his sermon to “Men of Israel, and you who fear God.” There were two groups there: Jews and Gentile believers. He then begins to review the history of God’s people Israel:
The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it. V. 17
Here he signifies that the nation of Israel was favored and their fathers were “chosen and exalted when God performed miracles to keep His promise to rescue them out of Egypt after 450 years of slavery. He talks about their 40 years in the wilderness and the destruction of seven nations in Cannan in order to give the land He had promised hundreds of years earlier.
Next he goes through some of the highlights of their history:
1.) The appointment of a King at their request through a reluctant Samuel
2.) From the seed of David, “according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior—Jesus V. 23. Notice that the Savior was “for Israel.”
3.) Next Paul moves quickly to John the Baptist who preached “the baptism of repentance TO ALL THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL
4.) Then Paul ties Jesus into the Prophets and the law and particularly things they thought referred to their highly honored King David. Example:
Therefore He also says in another Psalm: ‘You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.’ “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption; V. 35, 36
Paul quotes this to show that Jesus was resurrected, David was not.
5.) Paul warns that what is written in the prophets may come upon them
Next the “Jews went out of the synagogue.” V. 42. Then “the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. Also V. 42
An interesting point here. This was in the year 48 AD or about 18 years after the ascension of Jesus. If the disciples of Jesus were meeting on the first day of the week (aka Sunday), Paul had the perfect opportunity to to preach to the Gentiles the next day. But he didn’t. The reason? The day to remember in the 4th Commandment had not been forgotten or changed. It is not a Jewish commandment, but a commandment for everyone that has been changed by tradition and force alone. Sunday observance would not start until about 300 years later when there was a combining of pagan and Christian practices. Another topic for another time.
What happens next leads us into the topic next time. Here are the exact words:
On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us:
‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ” Acts 13: 44-47
Almost the exact wording of Jesus parable about the Wedding Feast. The nation of Israel on the whole “counted themselves unworthy… “since they rejected the word of God.” Consequently, the gospel burden and to be a light to the world passed to the Gentiles who became the heir of the promises to Israel.
Their opportunity to repent as a nation and to embrace the promised Messiah had come and ended. Did you know there is a time-line prophecy predicting these things including the coming of Jesus, his crucifixion, and His directions to “go only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel,” which they did until Paul’s sermon above?
Is Christ’s bride making the same mistakes as Israel prompted by disobedience and writing a story of how they want it to be rather that how it will be. We will see next time. Blessings as you consider these things.
Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition (counsel or warning), upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 1 Corinthians 10:11
Review of Part 1-What is Church?
Biblically, we determined:
1.) Jesus loves the church. We know this because He gave Himself for her. The relationship is so protective that He compares Himself to a loving husband.
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;Ephesians 5:25.
In another place He calls Himself the Bridegroom in Luke 5: 34, 35
And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?
But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days. Luke 5: 34-35
He is so much a part of the church that it is considered part of his body.
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. Colossians 1:18
Jesus also compares himself as the most important part of a building: The Cornerstone.
*The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone: Mark 12:10
*The “scripture” He refers to is both Psalm 118:22 and Isaiah 28:16
We also saw clearly that the church is not built on, nor belongs to Peter. In fact, His church is built on the Apostles, the Prophets,and His believers:
Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been BUILT ON THE FOUNDATION OF THE APOSTLES AND PROPHETS, Jesus Christ Himself being the CHIEF CORNERSTONE,in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, n whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Ephesians 2: 19-22
We looked at the words in the Bible for literal buildings like Temple, House of God, Synagogue, Sanctuary. etc. These were places the children of Israel learned about the coming Messiah and received forgiveness of sins by faith in the coming of the “lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.” Sinners on this side of the cross receive forgiveness by faith also in what Jesus did at the cross. The cross is the focal point for both Old and New Testament believers.
Purpose of Israel-God’s People
The Mission of Israel
What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed theoracles (scriptures) of God. Romans 3:1
There was a purpose for the buildings and services in the Old Testament. It was to be a Schoolmaster or Shadowy examples of the purpose and the coming Messiah (Galatians 3, Hebrews 10). The School Teacher showed them in literal ceremonies the nature of Christ’s mission. He was to be a sacrifice like the lamb of God. But, because of the tough lesson of trusting in God and also the blood sacrifices, they came to dislike what the teacher was illustrating and looked for a different story…a conquering king on a large white horse who comes to rescue them from their enemies. They changed the story. We must learn from them. If we don’t like the story, we shouldn’t try to change it. Embrace the truth and it will make you free.
The Schoolmaster also helped the people understand about sin, its penalty (death, and even the eventual Day of Judgment and the end of the story of sin (Atonement and cleansing of the Sanctuary)
So the literal buildings and its laws of sacrifice and ceremony had a purpose to prepare the people of God to know the truth. Some did and some didn’t. As a whole, they rejected the truth, failed to follow, and obey God. When their Messiah came, they didn’t like Him because they didn’t like the story.
But the purpose of Israel was to do the same as Jesus commanded his disciples. They were to be a special people who followed God and were blessed for it.
Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising. Isaiah 60: 1-3
If they obeyed God, not for the purpose of eternal salvation, but out of love and respect for Him and his laws, they would be blessed, educated, healthy, and happy. They would have been a contrast to the world and the knowledge of God would show the world the truth as it is in Him. People would be drawn to them by their love and blessings then bestowed upon them. This is how God worked (and I might say still works) to get the people’s attention: He draws them to Himself.
“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” Jeremiah 31:13
When a person sees and understands God’s love for them and his eagerness to forgive and help, they will be convicted of their sins, repent, and turn to Jesus. Out of a grateful heart will come to a following and obedience to His will. This has always been God’s method to draw people to him. The Cross is the ultimate illustration of God’s capacity to love and forgive sinful men.
“And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will DRAW all peoples to Myself.” This He said, signifying by what death He would die.” John 12: 32-33
This gospel was also part of the Old Testament and the children of Israel.
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: Exodus 19:5
The same for the people of the New Testament. 1 Peter refers back to the Old Testament verbiage to call us to be lights to the world.
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 1 Peter 2:9
Who is this referring to? Verse 5 tells us:
you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5
These “lively stones” are the Christian believers who were sojourners in various cities. They too are part of the “spiritual house.” This is the church! This would include those today that are followers of Jesus. They are not a denomination, they are a congregation of believers everywhere!
Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture,
“Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”Verse 6
Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,Verse 7
Did you notice that Jesus is precious to those who believe in Him, but those who are disobedient, they “disallow” Him. Is it not clear that the children of Israel were disobedient and that they did not glorify God nor the lamb that takes away the sins of God.”
“A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.”
They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.
Jesus became a stumbling block to them (and it happens today). Why did Jesus become a stumbling block? Because they stumbled at the word. They did not want to believe and follow God’s plan word. Therefore they made their excuses and became disobedient. They don’t like the story.
Purpose of the Church
Trust and Obey
The purpose of the church of Jesus Christ is to do the opposite, they are to not stumble at God’s word and become obedient. Please don’t fall for the false teaching that obedience is not required for the New Testament believer. While obedience alone can not save you from eternal death, obedience is proof that you truly love and respect Jesus and desire to follow Him. The first act of conversion is an act of obedience i.e. baptism. Jesus confirms that we are to follow Him and the words that God the Father gave Him.
In fact, we can’t call Jesus Lord if we don’t follow his commands:
But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? Luke 6:46
He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 1 John 2:4
Individuals who make up the church who do not obey are building a house on sand and will not stand.
“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: Matthew 7:26
I want to end here with two verses. The first one points to the last-day people of Jesus’ church. They are identified by three things; 1.) Satan (the dragon) is enraged at them because 2.) they are obedient to God’s commandments and 3.) they have a personal testimony about Jesus. Remember, the church of Jesus Christ is redeemed believers everywhere in different denominations who follow Jesus. It is not a denomination it is a universal Jesus’ congregation.
And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 12:17
There are no differences for those who are “In Christ.”
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28
The next verse was troubling for the Jew and encouraging for the Gentile in the time of the early church.. This we will discuss over the next couple of studies as we begin to understand the mission of the church…particularly in the last days.
Paul was talking to the Jews when he said,
“It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us:
‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”
Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed Acts 13: 46-48
Something prophetical happens here. A new sense of urgency in the mission and the identification of God’s people and His church.
Next time we will learn from the mistakes of Israel, as the scripture encourages us to do so.
Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 1 Corinthians 10:6
Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition (counsel or warning), upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 1 Corinthians 10:11
The things about Israel are meant to be council and warning for the church living in the end of time.
“Nevertheless they were disobedient And rebelled against You, Cast Your law behind their backs And killed Your prophets, who testified against them To turn them to Yourself; Nehemiah 9:26
May I ask a few questions about your understanding of Church? When you think of Church; what comes to mind? Here are a few of the typical answers I would anticipate. I am sure there are more.
A majority would probably think of a building they attend weekly to worship, sing, learn, and socialize with people of like faith. It is a place you go to be fed spiritually. Maybe your thoughts about the church are less endearing. Do you think of a building only? Do you think it is a place of hypocrites? Do you believe a church is not a true church if it’s not your denomination? Perhaps your thoughts are very negative. When you think of church, you think of hurt and disappointment. Maybe you were forced to go to church as a child and now have no desire to be part of “organized religion.”
These are all real and legitimate feelings, but from a Biblical perspective, what did its Creator design it to be? What is the purpose of the Church? When did “church” begin.? Is it only a New Testament experience.? Are His people only in one church/denomination or are they in many places? What is meant by phrases such as “the body of believers?” These are the questions we will examine over the next few weeks.
Hopefully, with study and prayer, we can come to some new conclusions about the church that will give us hope and focus on the mission or intentions of God to build up “His church.” His desire is that :
He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.Ephesians 5:27
Along the way, in the study, we will begin to see the hand of God in working with “His people” throughout scripture. The Bible is filled with stories of how God works with “His people” and a rebellious planet. Who are “His people” anyway? Why so much division and denominations? Was Jesus’ prayer for unity unanswered? It seems to the casual observer it was never answered. People will point at the two large main divisions between Catholics and Protestants. Then there are about 200 different Protestant denominations in America alone, not to mention the many different sects and schisms within Catholicism!
In this Biblical study, we will see God pulling back the curtain to reveal the conflict between His church and the church of the Beast in Revelation 13.
Jesus’ Thoughts about the Church
Love
To start, let’s examine some important statements about the Church from Jesus and His Apostles. The most important statement Jesus gave us is mixed in with a command about how a husband should treat his wife:
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her…” Eph. 5:25
There is no doubt that Christ’s love for the church is sacrificial…He “gave Himself for her.” It is important to understand, also, that the church is referred to as a “her.” This will become important in understanding symbols later which will give us a more detailed view of the church and its relationship to Christ.
Peter and the Church
Matthew recorded a conversation between Jesus and Peter in the 16th chapter that illustrates something very important about the church. But the misunderstanding of the words of Christ, taken without reference to other Bible scriptures, created a very false understanding about His church. Let’s unpack this a little here, but it will be examined in detail later.
Starting in the 13th verse, Jesus ask his disciples,
“Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”
They gave him the answers…all wrong! People said He was John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets. Then Jesus made His question personal:
“But who do you say that I am?”
As a follower, ever person must settle this personal question in their own mind. Peter gave an answer that brought joy to the Savior:
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
This answer was correct…but the mission of Jesus’ life would not be completely understood by Peter anytime soon resulting in his denial of Christ three times (Matt. 26: 69-75) and Paul’s criticism for his hypocritical actions (Gal 2: 11-13). For now, however, one can feel the excitement and encouragement from Jesus in His response to Peter.
…“Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” Verse 17
Jesus tells Peter how blessed he is to have a revealing from God The Father which cannot come from human beings. There is no record of Peter having a dream or a vision to reveal this to him. Peter understood the answer because he had been living with Jesus! The truth about Jesus always comes from God through His word and being with Jesus. We all need to learn how to be with Jesus even though physically He is not here (John 20:29).
Jesus continues to direct His words to Peter in the hearing of the other disciples:
“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” Verse 18
Wow! At first glance it sounds like the church is going to be built around and on Peter. But notice that Jesus says He will build “My church.” The church does not belong to Peter nor can he be the basis for it along. Also, consider this: Why would Jesus state the obvious in this conversation by saying, “you are Peter…“? The answer is found in the contrast between the Greek word for Peter and the phrase “this rock” The word for Peter (Petros) means a stone or a piece of rock. “This rock” is a different word. It is Petra, which means a massive or large rock.
Indeed Peter would become a piece of the rock. But, the basis for the church is the fact revealed to Peter by the Father:
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
All of Apostles Are Part of the Foundation for the Church.
Paul provides a pivotal understanding of the foundation of the church and its relationship between ALL of the disciples, prophets, the Gentile believers, and even you and me regarding His church in one powerful statement to the Ephesians:
Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners (that us Gentile believers), but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been BUILT ON THE FOUNDATION OF THE APOSTLES AND PROPHETS, JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF BEING THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom ALSO ARE BEING BUILT TOGETHER FOR A DWELLING PLACE OF GOD IN THE SPIRIT..Ephesians 2: 19-22
Notice that the Household of God (the church) has been built on ALL of the apostles and prophets! Jesus is the firm large rock of the Cornerstone. Peter is a piece of the rock foundation along with the apostles and (don’t miss this) the prophets. The old testament Prophets also contributed to the church or “Household of God.”
Then, here comes the personal part: “you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”
You and I are part of God’s dwelling place in the Spirit if we belong to Christ the Son of the living God!
“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” 1 Corinthians 6:19
Please note the command just before this verse.
“Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.” Verse 18
This is an important message, particularly TO “His people” and secondarily to a world that thinks there is no such thing as “sexual immorality.”
The Real Rock
Peter is never referred to as The Rock (Petra) in the Bible, but God the Father and Jesus are referred to as the rock several times in Scripture. Here are a few:
There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Psalm 18:2
And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:4
As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Romans 9:3 (KJV)
God’s House-The Building
When you think of places of worship, several words from the Bible will come to mind depending on who you are and your upbringing. Let’s look at some of those words and a summary of its usage (in alpha order):
Word
# times in Old Testament
# times in New Testament
Notes
Church
0
86
Mostly Acts (20)
God’s House
1
0
Gen. 28:22
House of God
81
6
Sanctuary
150
5
Hebrews Only in NT
Synagogue
0
41
Mostly Acts (17)
Temple
245
111
Congregation
331
1
Acts 13:43 (NT)
*King James used in research
A few observations about the words used above:
“Church” was a new word for the believer at that time. Jesus uses the word for the first time as recorded in the writings of the gospels, but He probably spoke it in Aramaic. The Greek translation is ekklēsia. It means a gathering or those called out. It does not reference a building. The other words in the chart above mostly signify a physical building, but can also refer to almost any place where God shows up! (See Genesis 28:22 and Jacob’s dream).
“Congregation” almost always refers to the congregation of the children of Israel.
“House of God” and “Sanctuary” are often used interchangeably and are the same. The Sanctuary was built upon the pattern given Moses on Mt. Sinai as shown below:
And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it. Exodus 25: 8-9
A pattern insinuates an original. Paul confirms this with these words:
…who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” Hebrews 8:5
Note that the purpose of the earthly sanctuary was so God could “dwell among them.” It was a physical place for a spiritual God.. The spiritual application of our bodies being the temple of God is also for the reason that God would “dwell among” us.
…do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit…
1 Corinthians 6:19
The temple is the same as Sanctuary. We are a temple or sanctuary for God. A place for Him to dwell and to be made known (glorified). But how does God dwell in a person?
Let the word of Christ DWELL in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3: 16
Let this mind BE IN YOU which was also in Christ Jesus, Philippians 2:5
Here is where so many fail at understanding how to be part of the church for the purpose of the mission. God must dwell in us, but not for us only. It must be for others (particularly the lost) When it becomes all about ourselves and following denominational dogma, ministers, preachers, teachers regardless of how much we might like them or respect them, we become cultic in our nature instead dwelling in Him as a part of the body of Christ. Jesus’ last words were Go!
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28: 19-20
Here is the purpose of the church. If it has any other purpose (no matter how good and needed) it has missed the mark.
Christ Prayer For Unity-Answered
Finally consider this, Jesus’ prayer for unity WAS answered. We are one as individuals who are IN CHRIST. Being IN CHRIST is not about going to church or a denomination, it is dwelling in Him and following Him:
so we, being many, are ONE BODY IN CHRIST, and individually members of one another. Romans 12:5
If we are IN CHRIST, we are one body possessing different gifts as Paul goes on to explain in this chapter. Jesus told his disciples:
And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. John 10: 16
Another time, John wanted to stop the ministry of someone who was not part of the disciples, but Jesus told him to not stop him, thereby illustrating that God’s people are not all in one little fold.
“Now John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.”But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side.”Luke 9: 49,50
These two verses alone illustrate that God’s people are working for Him in most if not all denominations who lift up Jesus and His word.
Next time, we will study God’s People (the Church) and their mission. Who are they? Were they before Jesus walked the earth or only in the New Testament?
The image of Daniel 2 unlocks the Prophecy of Daniel 7 & Revelation 13
“I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit within my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things:
Daniel 7: 15:16
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Daniel 2 Review:
In Daniel 2, King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that he did not understand and it troubled him greatly. None of the wise men, I call the “Fakers,” could help the King! But, God worked through Daniel and his three companions to remind the king of his dream and also give him the interpretation.
This interpretation comes straight from God to Daniel and needs “no private interpretation.”
Quite simply, Daniel told the king that four (4) great powers would arise. He identified the first two in scripture as Babylon, then the dual kingdom of the Medes and Persians. After Daniel’s time, the other two powers appear on the scene as history tells us: Greece (Belly and thighs of brass) and finally Rome (Legs of iron).
Rome was the ruling power when Jesus was on the earth teaching and dying for our sins. It was a Roman decree and a Roman cross upon which our Lord died. Rome continued to rule as the disciples went forth with the power of the Holy Spirit and built up the church.
Also, during this time, the church began to receive persecution as we will see later.
The king’s dream does not stop here. The legs of iron were followed by the feet and toes of iron and clay. These symbols identifie the fall of Rome and breaking into 10 divisions. Some of these countries are strong and some are weak just as clay is weak and iron is strong. Three countries (powers) were annihilated and there are no current countries that have roots in these three tribes: The Heruli, Vandals, and Ostrogoths were the 3 countries (tribes) eliminated by Rome.
The prophecy ends with these startling words:
And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay.
And in the days of these kings (The divisions of Rome or what we now call Europe) the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. Inasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold—the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure.”
Daniel 2: 43-45
Never again will the old divisions of Rome (Europe) be joined together. Many have tried and failed, either through wars or marriage.
Over and over, the Bible talks of the 2nd coming as a time of destruction from the Lord. More specifically, it is described as a time of surprise to the lost and utter destruction to planet earth.
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.
2 Peter 3:10
It also includes the unsaved. Their fate is symbolized by what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah.:
…turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly;
2 Peter 2:6
“For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,” Says the Lord of hosts, “That will leave them neither root nor branch.
Malachi 4:1
So when all the kingdoms of the earth are destroyed, God will create a new heaven and a new earth. The”Rock” and God’s kingdom will fill the whole earth. God will be our God and we will be his people.
“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind.”
Isaiah 65:17
And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.
Revelation 21: 3
“The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure.” History has proved the dream is “certain” and we can rest in the knowledge the interpretation is correct.
In Daniel 7, another dream or vision is given. But, this time, it is given directly to Daniel. Like king Nebuchadnezzar, the dream troubles Daniel and he does not know what it means. This time, it is interpreted by the attending angels.
Like Daniel 2, we will let the Bible interpret itself and then we will check it out through history.
In this vision of Daniel, we will see that God has a way of revealing the truth and the future in a way as to prepare the heart to receive it.
In Daniel 7 God uses the principle of repeating and expanding about the meaning of the prophecies. We will see the same four powers of Daniel 2, but with more detail about the nature of the beast powers and we will see the addition of a terrible and strong entity arise that comes up (not from the sea) but from one of the powers described in Daniel 2. It does not get its power from conquering wars over people and multitudes (illustrated by the symbol of the sea)
This vision of Daniel 7 is like meat and not milk. It will be new to many who read this and you might not be ready to receive it or digest it. But, the words are certain and are supported by the Bible and history. As we begin, let’s pray for the Spirit of Truth and let the story reveal itself to us. Truth from God’s word is always meant for good, for life, and for comfort. Keep in mind, we have a loving and forgiving Savior who desires us to find peace and assurance in Him and his revelation.
The book of Daniel 7 is about 4 animals (kingdoms) that give fear and wonder to Daniel. Daniel 2 was about four metals (kingdoms). But, in Daniel 7, Daniel is particularly interested in the fourth beast and the little horn power. This is the first time we see this “little horn power” in scripture. The interpretation is given to Daniel and it goes far beyond the time he is living even until the coming judgment of planet earth.
In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head while on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream, telling the main facts.
Daniel 7:1
This first verse is important because it gives the time and Daniel’s dream. The first year of Belshazzar would be 540 BC.
Here is what Daniel saw that year:
“I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the Great Sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea, each different from the other.”
Verse 2 and 3
As the beasts are described, they look something like below. Very strange! Wouldn’t you agree? They are animals with something unusual about each.
When we read and study the Bible, we should read it as literal unless there is some overall reason to apply symbolism. Here we have good reason to apply the rule of symbolism because of the unusual and unimaginable description of the beasts. Even more compelling is the fact that there is an interpretation of the beasts given by the attending angels. To think in literal terms would lose the message God is giving. Is that a fair statement? I will explain as we go along.
To help us with the beginning of this prophecy, let’s look at some passages that unlock the symbolic meaning of this prophecy and others. In Daniel’s vision, he is seeing “the four winds stir up the Great Sea.”
What does the four winds and the Great Sea represent? We can get our answer from Revelation where these same beasts appear. Daniel explains Revelation and vice versa. Perhaps, this is why the book of Daniel ends with these words,
“But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end.”
Daniel 12: 4
The book of Revelation had to be written and its message understood in the light of Daniel and history before these books could be “opened”
Revelation describes the four winds in this passage:
After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree…”Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.”
Revelation 7:1, 3
Here is a picture of 4 angels symbolically holding back winds that would harm the earth, sea, or trees. What does that sound like? Revelation does not leave any doubt
From this passage in Revelation, we can see that the 4 winds represent turmoil, strife, war, and destruction. Another passage supports this interpretation:
Thus says the Lord of hosts:
“Behold, disaster shall go forth From nation to nation, And a great whirlwind shall be raised up From the farthest parts of the earth.”
Jeremiah 25:32
Even more important is the self-interpretation from this chapter about the beasts. In its interpretation we can see that logically the winds and sea would indeed represent nations arising out of turmoil and wars:
What are the four beasts? Let’s let the angel of Daniel 7 tell us:
“Those great beasts, which are four, are four kings which arise out of the earth.”
Daniel 7:17
If four kings or kingdoms arise, where do they come from? The sea of people and the winds of war.
So early in this prophecy, we can conclude that Daniel is seeing four kingdoms arise from the many people and the results of conquering wars. King Nebuchadnezzar also saw these four kingdoms: Babylon, Medes/Persia, Greece, and Rome. Then Rome is divided into 10 kingdoms (toes in Daniel 2 and heads in Daniel 7). It is in the days of these 10 kingdoms (countries) that our Lord returns. Never in history could mankind see how close the 2nd coming is until these books were opened.
Daniel 7 goes on to describe the four beasts in more detail. They correspond to the four metals of Daniel 2, but God is adding more detail and explanation.
The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings. I watched till its wings were plucked off; and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a man’s heart was given to it.
Daniel 7: 4
The wings on the lion represent the rapidity by which Babylon conquered its foes under king Nebuchadnezzar. But, the wings are plucked and a man’s heart is given to it. The boldness of the Lion wanes as it comes to a close of its earthly domination. The man’s heart compared to the Lion illustrates the weakness that came about as it lay dormant and exposed caused by wealth and luxury.
It is now a perfect target for the next power to arise and take its place. This power is the dual kingdom of the Medes and the Persians and is represented by the bear that raised itself up on one side and had three ribs between its teeth.
And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.
Daniel 7:5
Eventually, the Persians dominated the kingdom and became stronger than the Medes. Like a bear putting his weight on his strong side, the Persians came up “last” as we will see in the prophecy in the 8th Chapter. The Persians also become the dominant power. The command to devour much flesh was obeyed and it left nothing but three bones. These represent the three conquests of the Medes and Persians: Babylon, Lydia, and Egypt
This power represented by the bear ruled from the conquest of Babylon by Cyrus in 538 BC to the battle of Arbela in 331 BC. A time span of 207 years. It fell to the next kingdom represented by the four-headed leopard with four wings of a fowl,
After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.
Daniel 7:6
If two wings represent speed, then 4 wings on the quick-footed leopard must represent an extremely rapid course of conquests for the next kingdom of Greece under Alexander the Great. This corresponds with the Daniel 2 prophecy and history.
Alexander has no parallel in historical annals for suddenness and rapidity.
Rollin, Ancient History, b.15, sec.2, gives the following brief synopsis of Alexander’s marches:-
“From Macedonia to the Ganges, which river Alexander nearly approached, is computed at least eleven hundred leagues. Add to this the various turnings in Alexander’s marches; first, from the extremity of Cilicia, where the battle of Issus was fought, to the temple of Jupiter Ammon in Libya; and his returning from thence to Tyre, a journey of three hundred leagues at least, and as much space at least for the windings of his route in different places; we shall find that Alexander, in less then eight years, marched his army upward of seventeen hundred leagues [or more than fifty-one hundred miles], without including his return to Babylon”
Alexander the Great succeeded his father Philip II at age 20 and lived to reign only about 11 1/2 years more. He died at age 32. His life spent in the fast lane of wars and debauchery.
The four heads of the leopard represent the division of Alexander’s empire among his four leading generals:
Cassander (Macedon and Greece in the west)
Lysimachus (Thrace and parts of Asia on the Hellespont and Bosphorus in the North
Ptolemy (Egypt, Lydia, Arabia, Palestine, and Coele Syria in the south)
Seleucus (Syria and all the rest of Alexander’s dominions in the east.)
Next to arise on the world scene is Rome illustrated as the “dreadful” and terrible beast.” It was different from the other powers in a way that is more than mere appearances.
After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.
Daniel 7: 7
There is not a beast in nature that Daniel can use to describe this fourth beast and how “dreadful and terrible” it is. It’s great teeth devour and “brakes” to pieces the other countries. It has 10 horns that correspond to the 10 toes of part iron and part clay of Daniel 2.
The nature of Rome was cruel. They perfected the tortuous death of crucifixion believed to have been invented by the Persians. Death by crucifixion could last up to 6 days! Rome merciless stamped on and conquered all that would oppose it.
It was on a cruel Roman cross that Jesus took the shamefulness of our sins upon himself. This act by the Creator was the ultimate demonstration of the sacrificial love for His creation. It was part of the good news. But, the fact that Jesus arose a victor over the death of the cross that the good news message is most nearly complete. The other part of the good news is that Jesus will one day return to change us and to rescue us forever from the pull and presence of sin. The good news cannot be captured by a list of events in the life of Jesus. it is an experience initiated and propelled by the Lord and the work of the Holy Spirit.
Like Daniel, let’s turn our attention to the little horn that arose:
And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows.
Daniel 7:20
Who was this power that captured the attention of Daniel? This horn had eyes and a mouth that spoke great things and was more stout than the others.
This horn displaces three horns and speaks great things. Like the 10 toes of Daniel’s image, it is in the day’s of these kings, that God will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. His kingdom will consume the entire earth. This is the second coming of Jesus!
Revelation 13 is a composite of the beasts found in Daniel 7:
Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion.
Revelation 13: 1,2
This little horn power that speaks great things exists today! It will bring the final deception of many people on this earth. It is the beast of Revelation 13. In the next post, we will discover the identity of the little horn and how it is described in Revelation 13 as the Beast that the “whole world wonders after.”
Despite the little horn’s power, we can trust in the One who is greater. Terrible times will come, but we can find peace in our Lord both day and night.
“By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life.”
“When all this comes true—and it surely will—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.”
Ezekiel 33:33
AUTHOR NOTE: THE KEY THAT UNLOCKS REVELATION STARTS IN DANIEL. TO OPEN THE BOOK OF REVELATION WITHOUT READING DANIEL PUTS THE READER AT A DISADVANTAGE. THIS IS WHY WE START IN THE GREAT BOOK WRITTEN CENTURIES BEFORE THE BOOK OF REVELATION
Have you ever had a dream you could not remember? Did you feel that the dream was very important, but you just could not remember it?
This is exactly what happened to an ancient king. His name was King Nebuchadnezzar. In his second year as king he “had dreams” which troubled him so much that he could not sleep. His story is found in Daniel 2.
The Fakers
He needed help in remembering his dream so he sent for the people who claimed to know about dreams and spiritual matters:
Then the king gave the command to call the magicians, the astrologers, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans to tell the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king. And the king said to them, “I have had a dream, and my spirit is anxious to know the dream.”
Daniel 2: 2-3
These wise men tried to impress the king so they spoke in his language “Aramaic” and made a simple request,
“Tell your servants the dream, and we will give the interpretation.”
Daniel 2:4
Here is the first sign, these guys were fakes. If they were so knowledgeable of matters of the spirit, etc., why did they not know ahead of time that the king did not remember the dream? They were not even good listeners because the king was anxious to “know the dream.” This meant he couldn’t remember the dream!
They were anxious to give an interpretation and get back to whatever they were doing, but they did not realize that the true God of heaven would soon separate the true prophets from the false prophets.
These men had something new thrown at them. The king had never before asked them to tell him the dream. Usually, he would tell them a dream and they would interpret. Interpretation is easy. You can make it up so it sounds plausible. But reading the mind of someone else is something altogether different. Only God has that ability.
“My decision is firm: if you do not make known the dream to me, and its interpretation, you shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made an ash heap. However, if you tell the dream and its interpretation, you shall receive from me gifts, rewards, and great honor. Therefore tell me the dream and its interpretation.”
Daniel 2:5-6
They couldn’t believe what they were hearing so they requested again that the king would tell them the dream,
“Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will give its interpretation.”
Daniel 2:7
But the king was wise to their tricks and he said,
“I know for certain that you would gain time, because you see that my decision is firm: if you do not make known the dream to me, there is only one decree for you! For you have agreed to speak lying and corrupt words before me till the time has changed. Therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that you can give me its interpretation.”
Daniel 2:8-9
The fakers then informed the king that his request was not fair. But, unwittingly they said a couple of things that were true:
“There is not a man on earth who can tell the king’s matter; therefore no king, lord, or ruler has ever asked such things of any magician, astrologer, or Chaldean.”
Verse 10
Truth #1-There IS no man “on earth” who can help the king. Only the Omnipotent God of heaven has answers about the future.
“…there is no other who can tell it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.”
Verse 11
Truth #2 -The “gods” do not dwell with flesh. Why? Because they are not real. They are not alive. They are dumb idols, but the Creator Himself would one day become flesh and dwell among flesh. In fact, He would come in the flesh:
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
None of this mattered to the king. He was extremely angry. He was furious and made a decree to have all the wise men killed. In the king’s mind, he knew they were all fake, they would attempt to deceive him and therefore they were useless to him.
For this reason the king was angry and very furious, and gave the command to destroy all the wise men of Babylon. So the decree went out, and they began killing the wise men;
Verse 12-13
In today’s world, there are many who claim to know more than they really do and surprisingly there are many who know the true God who are given wisdom by Him. They are confident and humble in their knowledge and wisdom. Daniel was such a man.
True Prophets
Daniel asked the king for more time, which was obviously granted even though the fakers wanted time too, but I think the king had heard of the God of Daniel and gave them extra time expecting they would deliver.
Daniel went back to his three friends and they had a prayer session and sought God.
“Then Daniel went to his house, and made the decision known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, that they might seek mercies from the God of heaven concerning this secret, so that Daniel and his companions might not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Then the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. So Daniel blessed the God of heaven.”
Verse 17-19
These four men, asked for mercies regarding the secret. The secret was revealed to Daniel. His first action? “Bless the God of heaven.” May we never be in such a haste that we fail to stop to thank our Creator for His mercies. There is a blessing for us when we take time to thank God.
Daniel’s prayer of blessing to the God of heaven is below. In his blessing, he describes God’s abilities.
“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him.
“I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, And have now made known to me what we asked of You, For You have made known to us the king’s demand.”
Verses 20-23
Notice the things Daniel confirms about God:
1.) Wisdom belongs to God
2.) He changes “times” and “seasons”
3.) He sets up kings and removes kings
4.) He gives wisdom to the wise (Notice who gets the wisdom. It is the wise! Who gets the knowledge? Those who have understanding!)
5.) He reveals secret things (This fits with our opening verse from Amos 3:17-He reveals His secrets to His servants the prophets.)
Next, Daniel intercedes for the wise men, even the fakers! He could have just saved himself and his three friends, but the character trait of the person who knows the true God of heaven is to save life, not destroy it, even if the “wise men” are fakers.
Therefore Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wisemen of Babylon. He went and said thus to him: “Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon; take me before the king, and I will tell the king the interpretation.”
Verse 24
Daniel is taken in before king Nebuchadnezzar. The king asks,
“Are you able to make known to me the dream which I have seen, and its interpretation?”
Verse 26
Before Daniel answers the king, he demonstrates, with power, the comparison between the fakers and the true God in heaven.
“The secret which the king has demanded, the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, and the soothsayers cannot declare to the king. But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days.”
Verse 27
Daniel has a mini-sermon before he starts to reveal to the king what he wants to know. The mini-sermon is this: There is a God in heaven (He is real). He reveals secrets or things that man on earth would not know. These secrets are given to man through God’s servants the prophets. It is not only for the prophets benefit, but also it is for the benefit of the ones who are hearing the message from God through His prophets.
I can image the king on the edge of his seat. He can sense through Daniel’s confidence that what he is about to hear is the truth and there is no guile (falsehood or fakery) from the mouth of this prophet of God. It is one man (Daniel) and his God (Jehovah) in comparison to the many astrologers, magicians, and soothsayers.
Truth does not come through the majority. It comes from the God of heaven and His prophets. It has always been a testimony to the power of God, that one with God is stronger than the majority.
Daniel begins to explain the dream:
Your dream, and the visions of your head upon your bed, were these: As for you, O king, thoughts came to your mind while on your bed, about what would come to pass after this; and He who reveals secrets has made known to you what will be. But as for me, this secret has not been revealed to me because I have more wisdom than anyone living, but for our sakes who make known the interpretation to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your heart.
Verse 28-30
The dream is for the benefit of both the prophet (who makes known the interpretation) and the one who is receiving the interpretation so that the thoughts of the heart may be revealed. Notice the phrase:
“for OUR sakes…”
What a wise and powerful Creator! Daniel is telling the king that God’s revealing of the dream and God’s secrets are for both the speaker and the hearer!
When I read Bible prophecy, it has a strange effect of letting me know where my heart stands with God. The effect can be fearful or it can be comforting. All people have the invitation to move from fearful (lost) to comforting (saved from the penalty of sin i.e., eternal death)
Daniel tells they king the topic of the dream. It is about
“….what will be in the latter days.”
“The term “latter days” is simple to understand in the context of the dream. Since this dream will be about the “latter days” of the kingdom of Babylon and its kings we can use it in that context. But, it is also about the end of all kingdoms as well. So the “latter days” can also refer to the end of time and this earth as we know it.
The Dream Revealed
To the amazement of the King, Daniel begins to recount the dream for him. As he talks, the king starts to remember and cold chills run throughout his body:
“You, O king, were watching; and behold, a great image! This great image, whose splendor was excellent, stood before you; and its form was awesome. This image’s head was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs[ of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay.[ You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; the wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.”
“This is the dream.”
Verses 31-36
An artist’s idea of the image the king saw:
The king must have been amazed as he recalled each detail. Before the king could say anything, Daniel began the interpretation. We will let Daniel interpret for us. Then we will look back at history to see if it was true. Finally, we will look into the future using the foundation of the interpretation.
Here is how Daniel interpreted the king’s dream as God showed it to him:
“Now we will tell the interpretation of it before the king. You, O king, are a king of kings. For the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, strength, and glory; and wherever the children of men dwell, or the beasts of the field and the birds of the heaven, He has given them into your hand, and has made you ruler over them all—you are this head of gold.”
Verses 36-38
So what does the head of Gold represent? Daniel said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “you are this head of gold.”
Nebuchadnezzar and the kingdom of Babylon are represented in both time and space as the “head of gold.” Could there be any other interpretation with something so plainly spoken?
The King must have been proud as he thought, even if just for a moment, that he was the top and the most valuable metal in the image. But, he was soon to be disappointed. Daniel continues with the interpretation of the great image,
The Interpretation
But after you shall arise another kingdom inferior to yours; then another, a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth.
Verse 39
As great and wonderful as was King Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon, it would fall to another. Not just another, but an inferior kingdom. Just as silver is of less value and strength as gold, the next kingdom was to be inferior.
The Second Kingdom
Does the Bible tell us who this next kingdom was to be? Yes! The story can be found in Daniel 5. It is an interesting story about Belshazzar (The son of Nebuchadnezzar and the then current king of Babylon) The king and his subjects were having a feast with debauchery, and disrespect for things God had made holy. During the drunken sacrilegious feast, a man’s finger appears and writes a message on the wall.
This supernatural act made the king’s “countenance” change. Like his father Nebuchadnezzar, he was troubled as to what it meant so he called for the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. Remember them? They are the fakers. Just as they could not see Nebuchadnezzar’ s dream. They were unable to read the writing and make an interpretation. Sound familiar?
Fortunately for the king, the queen remembered Daniel. She told the king,
There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the Spirit of the Holy God. And in the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him; and King Nebuchadnezzar your father—your father the king—made him chief of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans,and soothsayers. Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation.”
Daniel 5:11-12
Daniel’s interpretation confirms what he had told King Nebuchadnezzar with the image of God falling to an inferior kingdom,
And this is the inscription that was written:
MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.
This is the interpretation of each word. MENE: God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it; TEKEL: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting; PERES: Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.
Daniel 5:26-28
The king was slain and Babylon fell to the dual kingdom of the Medes and Persians led by Cyrus and Darius.
That very night Belshazzar, king of the Chaldeans, was slain. And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.
Daniel 5: 30-31
The Medes and the Persians were represented by the arms and shoulders of silver. (Two arms-two kingdoms)
It is interesting and shows the foreknowledge of God as to how Babylon fell and the way the enemy was able to get into the walled city.
Also, before Cyrus was born, God called him by name as the conqueror of Babylon
Thus saith the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut…
Isaiah 45:1
So how were Cyrus and Darius able to get into the walled city of Babylon?
*They dried up the river Euphrates (a familiar prophetic term in Revelation! )! This diverted the river that ran under the walls and through the city. Along the river within the city was another set of walls with gates. The citizens were protected should someone swim in under the outer walls. The enemy swimmers would then need to get through the second set of gates. But on the night of Babylon’s fall, the gates had been left open due to drunken feast! So the Medes and Persians were able to walk under the walls and up the banks through the leaved gates and into the city!
God is so amazing! He knows the end from the beginning!
* See pages 265, 266 of Volume 1 of the book The Great Events by Famous Historians in the chapter on “Conquests by Cyrus The Great B.C. 538,” by George Grote. — University Edition, copyrighted 1905, by The National Alumni. See also The Golden Age, as of June 7, 1922. page 572.
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Third Kingdom
But, there was to arise yet a third kingdom represented by the belly and thigh of brass.
“And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.”
Verse 39
The deciding point in the fall of the Persians was reached on the field of Arbela, B.C. 331, in which the Grecians, were entirely victorious; and Alexander became absolute lord of the Persian empire.
More could be said on this third kingdom, but let’s move on. We will talk more about each kingdom as we study the prophecies that provide more detail.
The events really pick up when the powerful fourth kingdom comes on the scene,
And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others.
Verse 40
History tells us that this fourth power of legs of iron is none other than the “iron monarchy” of Rome. Rome became the world power after it crushed the third kingdom of Greece.
Rome was in power during the life of Christ on earth and continued on for hundreds of years afterward.
4th Kingdom-Forever Division
But the prophecy does not stop there, there was to be a time when this iron would mix with clay (partly strong and partly weak substances)
It is interesting that Rome eventually was divided into 10 divisions by the invading nomadic tribes. These divisions became the modern day countries of Europe. Three of these 10 divisions were eventually annihilated so that there was only 7, but even those events are part of the prophecy were will study later in Daniel and Revelation. Those divisions of Rome are as follows:
10 Toes or Divisions of Rome
Heruli
Ostrogoths
Vandals
Franks
Visigoths
Burgundians
Lombards
Anglo Saxons
Alamanni
Seuvi
Daniel continues on and informs the king of something that stands to this day. These divisions of Rome would attempt to unite, but as iron does not mix with clay, they would never unite:
Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay.
Verses 41-43
This 4th kingdom would be divided and would never reunite. Throughout recent history, there have been attempts to reunite the old divisions of Europe, but it has always failed and it always will because the God of Heaven has spoken. Those who have tried were:
Charlamagne, 8th Century;
Charles V l6th Century;
Louis XIV l5th Century;
Napoleon, l9th Century;
Kaiser Wilhelm and Hitler, 20th Century.
All of these men invested enormous resources and countless lives in their efforts to unite Europe, but each one failed. Even today the leaders of Europe are trying to unite as one, but God says this will never happen!
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Our Day-The Soon Coming Eternal Kingdom
Daniel ends the interpretation of the dream with a dramatic ending!
You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; the wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.
Verse 34, 35
Jesus is the Rock that was cut out without hands.
For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.
I Corinthians 10:4
Daniel takes the king and the reader of this chapter to a time when God would set up his kingdom that would never end:
And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.
Verse 44
My Friends, we are living in the “days of these kings.” The old divisions of Rome!
When Jesus returns the earth is melted and no trace of anything left on this earth will be found. Then He will make a new heaven and a new earth.
About 500 years before Jesus came to this earth the first time as a lamb to pay for the sins of a planet in rebellion, we see a prophecy concerning his second coming when he comes to “break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms.” It will stand forever!
And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Matthew 24:30
When Jesus returns the earth passes away.
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Matthew 24:35
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
II Peter 3:10
And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
Mark 4: 62
When God destroys the earth, he creates a new heaven and a new earth that will last forever:
“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind.
“The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure.”
Verse 45
After hearing Daniels recalling of the king’s forgotten dream and the interpretation, there wells up in the heart of this heathen king both fear and joy!
Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, prostrate before Daniel
Verse 46
This is what each of us should do as we see that God is in control of the history of planet earth and of our own lives. He knows the exact number of hairs on your head. He is all-powerful but most important, He loves each one of us so much as to send His son to pay for the sin we have committed.
His law, that can never be changed, shows we are sinners and deserve to die for eternity, but God makes a substitutionary sacrifice (atonement) for us so that we might live and enjoy the greatest gift he could have given us: Life to the uttermost!
The king understood that there is a God in Heaven who reveals secrets
The king answered Daniel, and said, “Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, since you could reveal this secret.”
Verse 47
One day, Like King Nebuchadnezer, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord:
For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” Revelation 14:11
My short Jesus Journey has been dramatic. Today’s events have taken me to a deeper place in my experience. I am not sure my words can bring light to the darkness and disappointment of what I saw. But, behind the darkness is the approaching light of redemption. I can feel it! My heart and God’s word has been shown what is the truth about Jesus. Now, I chose to put all my trust in Him! It is said, it is darkest just before the dawn. I am reminded of the words of the prophet Zechariah:
It will be a unique day—a day known only to the Lord—with no distinction between day and night. When evening comes, there will be light.
“And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him.” Luke 23:33
A vast multitude followed Jesus from the judgment hall to Calvary. The news of His condemnation had spread throughout Jerusalem, and people of all classes and all ranks flocked toward the place of crucifixion. The priests and rulers had been bound by a promise not to molest Christ’s followers if He Himself were delivered to them, and the disciples and believers from the city and the surrounding region joined the throng that followed the Saviour. But, most of Jesus’ disciples had fled.
As Jesus passed the gate of Pilate’s court, the cross which had been prepared for Barabbas was laid upon His bruised and bleeding shoulders. Two companions of Barabbas were to suffer death at the same time with Jesus, and upon them the hard crosses were placed.
The Saviour’s burden was too heavy for Him in His weak and suffering condition. Since the Passover supper with His disciples, He had taken neither food nor drink. He had agonized in the garden of Gethsemane in conflict with satanic agencies. He had endured the anguish of the betrayal, and had seen His disciples forsake Him and flee. He had been taken to Annas, then to Caiaphas, and then to Pilate. From Pilate He had been sent to Herod, then sent again to Pilate. From insult to renewed insult, from mockery to mockery, twice tortured by the scourge,–all that night there had been abuse that would the soul of any mortal man to the uttermost. Christ had not failed. He had spoken no word but that tended to glorify God. All through the disgraceful farce of a trial He had borne Himself with firmness and dignity. But when, after the second scourging, the cross was laid upon Him, human nature could bear no more. He fell fainting beneath the burden.
The crowd that followed the Saviour saw His weak and staggering steps, but they manifested no compassion. They taunted and reviled Him because He could not carry the heavy cross. Again the burden was laid upon Him, and again He fell fainting to the ground. His persecutors saw that it was impossible for Him to carry His burden farther. They were puzzled to find anyone who would bear the humiliating load. The Jews themselves could not do this, because the defilement would prevent them from keeping the Passover. None even of the mob that followed Him would stoop to bear the cross.
At this time a stranger, Simon a Cyrenian, coming in from the country, meets the throng. He hears the taunts and ribaldry of the crowd; he hears the words contemptuously repeated, “Make way for the King of the Jews!” He stops in astonishment at the scene; and as he expresses his compassion, they seize him and place the cross upon his shoulders.
Simon had heard of Jesus. His sons were believers in the Saviour, but he himself was not a disciple. The bearing of the cross to Calvary was a blessing to Simon, and he was ever after grateful for this providence. It led him to take upon himself the cross of Christ from choice, and ever cheerfully stand beneath its burden.
Not a few women are in the crowd that follow the Uncondemned to His cruel death. Their attention is fixed upon Jesus. Some of them have seen Him before. Some have carried to Him their sick and suffering ones. Some have themselves been healed. The story of the scenes that have taken place is related. They wonder at the hatred of the crowd toward Him for whom their own hearts are melting and ready to break.
And notwithstanding the action of the maddened throng, and the angry words of the priests and rulers, these women give expression to their sympathy. As Jesus falls fainting beneath the cross, they break forth into mournful wailing.
This was the only thing that attracted Christ’s attention. Although full of suffering, while bearing the sins of the world, He was not indifferent to the expression of grief. He looked upon these women with tender compassion. They were not believers in Him; He knew that they were not lamenting Him as one sent from God, but were moved by feelings of human pity. He did not despise their sympathy, but it awakened in His heart a deeper sympathy for them.
“Daughters of Jerusalem,” He said, “weep not for Me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.”
From the scene before Him, Christ looked forward to the time of Jerusalem’s destruction. In that terrible scene, many of those who were now weeping for Him were to perish with their children.
From the fall of Jerusalem the thoughts of Jesus passed to a wider judgment. In the destruction of the impenitent city He saw a symbol of the final destruction to come upon the world. He said,
“Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us. For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?”
By the green tree, Jesus represented Himself, the innocent Redeemer. God suffered His wrath against transgression to fall on His beloved Son. Jesus was to be crucified for the sins of men. What suffering, then, would the sinner bear who continued in sin? All the impenitent and unbelieving would know a sorrow and misery that language would fail to express.
Of the multitude that followed the Saviour to Calvary, many had attended Him with joyful hosannas and the waving of palm branches as He rode triumphantly into Jerusalem. But not a few who had then shouted His praise, because it was popular to do so, now swelled the cry of “Crucify Him, crucify Him.” When Christ rode into Jerusalem, the hopes of the disciples had been raised to the highest pitch. They had pressed close about their Master, feeling that it was a high honor to be connected with Him. Now in His humiliation they followed Him at a distance. They were filled with grief, and bowed down with disappointed hopes. How were the words of Jesus verified:
“All ye shall be offended because of Me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.” Matt. 26:31.
Arriving at the place of execution, the prisoners were bound to the instruments of torture. The two thieves wrestled in the hands of those who placed them on the cross; but Jesus made no resistance. The mother of Jesus, supported by John the beloved disciple, had followed the steps of her Son to Calvary. She had seen Him fainting under the burden of the cross, and had longed to place a supporting hand beneath His wounded head, and to bathe that brow which had once been pillowed upon her bosom. But she was not permitted this mournful privilege. With the disciples she still cherished the hope that Jesus would manifest His power, and deliver Himself from His enemies. Again her heart would sink as she recalled the words in which He had foretold the very scenes that were then taking place. As the thieves were bound to the cross, she looked on with agonizing suspense. Would He who had given life to the dead suffer Himself to be crucified? Would the Son of God suffer Himself to be thus cruelly slain? Must she give up her faith that Jesus was the Messiah? Must she witness His shame and sorrow, without even the privilege of ministering to Him in His distress? She saw His hands stretched upon the cross; the hammer and the nails were brought, and as the spikes were driven through the tender flesh, the heart-stricken disciples bore away from the cruel scene the fainting form of the mother of Jesus.
The Saviour made no murmur of complaint. His face remained calm and serene, but great drops of sweat stood upon His brow. There was no pitying hand to wipe the death dew from His face, nor words of sympathy and unchanging fidelity to stay His human heart. While the soldiers were doing their fearful work, Jesus prayed for His enemies,
“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
His mind passed from His own suffering to the sin of His persecutors, and the terrible retribution that would be theirs. No curses were called down upon the soldiers who were handling Him so roughly. No vengeance was invoked upon the priests and rulers, who were gloating over the accomplishment of their purpose. Christ pitied them in their ignorance and guilt. He breathed only a plea for their forgiveness,–
“for they know not what they do.”
Had they known that they were putting to torture One who had come to save the sinful race from eternal ruin, they would have been seized with remorse and horror. But their ignorance did not remove their guilt; for it was their privilege to know and accept Jesus as their Saviour. Some of them would yet see their sin, and repent, and be converted. Some by their impenitence would make it an impossibility for the prayer of Christ to be answered for them. Yet, just the same, God’s purpose was reaching its fulfillment. Jesus was earning the right to become the advocate of men in the Father’s presence.
That prayer of Christ for His enemies embraced the world. It took in every sinner that had lived or should live, from the beginning of the world to the end of time. Upon all rests the guilt of crucifying the Son of God. To all, forgiveness is freely offered. “Whosoever will” may have peace with God, and inherit eternal life….
The spotless Son of God hung upon the cross, His flesh lacerated with stripes; those hands so often reached out in blessing, nailed to the wooden bars; those feet so tireless on ministries of love, spiked to the tree; that royal head pierced by the crown of thorns; those quivering lips shaped to the cry of woe. And all that He endured–the blood drops that flowed from His head, His hands, His feet, the agony that racked His frame, and the unutterable anguish that filled His soul at the hiding of His Father’s face–speaks to each child of humanity, declaring, It is for thee that the Son of God consents to bear this burden of guilt; for thee He spoils the domain of death, and opens the gates of Paradise. He who stilled the angry waves and walked the foam-capped billows, who made devils tremble and disease flee, who opened blind eyes and called forth the dead to life,–offers Himself upon the cross as a sacrifice, and this from love to thee.
He, the Sin Bearer, endures the wrath of divine justice, and for thy sake becomes sin itself.
In silence the beholders watched for the end of the fearful scene. The sun shone forth; but the cross was still enveloped in darkness. Priests and rulers looked toward Jerusalem; and lo, the dense cloud had settled over the city and the plains of Judea. The Sun of Righteousness, the Light of the world, was withdrawing His beams from the once favored city of Jerusalem. The fierce lightnings of God’s wrath were directed against the fated city.
Suddenly the gloom lifted from the cross, and in clear, trumpet like tones, that seemed to resound throughout creation, Jesus cried,
“It is finished.”
“Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit.”
A light encircled the cross, and the face of the Saviour shone with a glory like the sun. He then bowed His head upon His breast, and died.
The secular community, as well as Christians, pretentiously poked fun at Harold Camping’s prediction of the “Rapture.” He said it would occur on May 21, 2011. The day came and went as usual. Christians all over the world knew from the words of Jesus himself that Mr. Camping’s prediction was in error.
“But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.”Matthew 24:36
Just one verse in scripture is enough for anyone who would attempt to narrow down the Second-Coming to a particular day or hour. Most Christians can quote it by heart! We can trust in Jesus’ word on this. But it is just one verse among many others Jesus had to say about His coming! Matthew 24 is a great source of plain language about the Second Coming if read in its context (without adding or subtracting) will prepare the sincere seeker of truth to be prepared for that great day!
Even though the faithful watchers can discern the times, Jesus will come at a time when they do not expect it, but they can be prepared!
“So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors!” …”Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:33, 44
On the other hand, those not prepared are not looking for Jesus and are going about their normal routine. To them, Jesus will come as a thief in the night…totally unexpected. But to the watchers, they will not be overtaken as a thief as we shall see in this study.
Second Coming Shams
There are a host of other shams thrown at us by the enemy more complicated and tougher to unravel. Many rely on non-biblical reasoning or sources concerning the Second-Coming. Examples:
“If my grandmother believed it, that is good enough for me.”
“If it is on the internet, it must be right. “
“The religious programming and books can’t be wrong.”
“The nice preacher on the TV is telling the truth. Look at his big church!”
But, the enemy is at work with trickery that is so deceptive that even the best of Christians could be deceived.
“For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.“Matthew 24:24
This warning by Jesus tells those who will listen that false christs (Messiahs), and false prophets (teachers, forecasters) will use the platform of religion to promote falsehoods that could deceive the “elect.” The word for “elect” as translated from the Greek is the word, “eklektos.” It means those “chosen by God”
These events and teachings are a strong delusion, but the implication is that the “elect” are not deceived. What makes this group different? Very simply, they listen to the voice of Jesus and His word. Their guiding principle is Sola Scriptura. The Bible alone. Scripture comes first before the words of any person, book, movie, or institution.
“To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”Isaiah 8:20
The situation in the last days is very profound. The magnitude of the deception is revealed through God’s word. Paul gave an important warning when He wrote to the Corinthians, He stated plainly that evil appears to be good! The bad guy is in a white hat!
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.II Corinthians 11:14.
This verse tells us that Satan and his servants can look like an angel (messenger) of light! Satan can even use scripture to lead people down the wrong path. He certainly tried with Jesus during the days of temptation in the wilderness. But, Jesus knew His Father and He knew the word of God.
As Christians were quoting Matthew 24:36 when Camping made his prognostication, it would have been well for all of us to read the entire chapter and listened closely to the instruction Christ gave his disciples when they asked,
“…what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? Matthew 24:3.
His answer?
“Take heed that no man deceive you. Matthew 24:4
The very first words out of Jesus’ mouth regarding the sign of His coming and the end of the world is a warning to LISTEN so that no man deceive you!
Deception in the Manner of His Coming
As we have seen from Matthew 24:36, Jesus himself does not know when he will return, but He knows there will be deception involved. But the deception is not just only the timing, but the way He comes back to earth.
The whole of Matthew 24 and the parallel chapters in the other Gospels tell of Jesus as He described to the disciples how He would return. It is straight forward with no ambiguity! Why is this important, especially to Christians? Could it be that even Christians could be deceived and thereby lost? If you read Jesus’ warning, it is primarily to His followers. The lost of this world could care less.
“For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. ” 1 Thessalonians 5: 3
Recently, I heard a well-known TV evangelist say he doesn’t look at the signs or worry about the mark of the beast and other end-time-events because that is for those in the tribulation to worry about. Is this true? Isn’t this a dangerous way to prepare for Christ’s return? Is this not the object of the enemy’s falsehood to feel secure in something that is opposite from the teaching of Jesus?
We will use primarily Mathew 24 for this first study. Jesus’ return is not just about the “when” but the “how.” Rest assured, the “elect” will know that his coming is near; by the signs he left us. If they are a student of the word of God, they will have stored up the truth in their minds and walked in the light.
“But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 1Thessalonians 5: 4-6
Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. Revelation 3:3
How We Got Confused
There was a time when Christians knew how Jesus would come and many of the events of His coming by simply reading the portions of scripture that plainly tell of His coming. In the last several years, there are books, movies, radio programs, preachers and teachers with a different story that is not based on plain scripture but rather on a script from Hollywood or a book.
In the study of Jesus’ Second Coming, there is no need for any fanciful interpretation or any deep study. It is plain and simple; written for all men, women, and children, not just university theologians or popular TV preachers.
Staying in Matthew 24, Jesus goes on to describe his Second Coming in verse 27-31:
For as the lightning comes out of the east, and shines even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
For wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together.
Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Matthew 24: 27-31
What do you see in the words of Jesus regarding his coming? Is it secret? Are only a few Christians affected by it? Is it in two parts or just one? From the verses above, we can plainly see:
His coming is bright like lightning! While lightning is quick, the comparison here is not the speed but by the brightness (shining)! The reference to shining involves sight. Is there anything quite or secret about lightning that lights up the whole sky from east to west?
There is a tribulation before he comes and the sun is darkened and the moon does not give her light and the stars fall from heaven (massive meteorite shower?) and the powers of the heavens are shaken! Can anyone miss this? Is the tribulation before or after he comes? It is before he comes!
Those who are lost see the sign of the Son of man in heaven and the people of the earth mourn! They see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. They are not left to wonder. They see Him!
He sends his angels with a great sound! You can hear it! The angels gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other! Will this gathering be secret? No! There is no indication here that this will be at the speed of lightning. The process of gathering is for both the alive and those who died in Christ.
A Clear Picture
The clearest picture of the 2nd Coming is found in the letter to the Thessalonians by Paul. Here he provides more detail to the canvas of this event.
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”
1 Thessalonians 4: 16-18.
From this verse, we can plainly see:
Jesus comes down from heaven (where he went to prepare a place for us-John 14: 2, 3) and there is sound in the form of a shout, a voice, and a trumpet. So can we conclude there is sound involved with the Second Coming? Yes!
Those that died in Christ are resurrected. The resurrection of the saved is the beginning of literal eternal life. It is the reward Jesus brings with him (Revelation 22:12).
Those who are alive when Jesus comes will begin to ascend up into the heavens and meet both Jesus and those who were resurrected. Here is the “rapture.” It means to be caught up, but there are two groups that meet the Lord in the heavens. Those who were in their graves asleep in Christ and those who did not experience death. (1 Thessalonians 4: 13, 14)
This is where immortality is given. Eternity with Jesus starts here at this event! (Notice it is not at death)….”and so shall we ever be with the Lord!”
Paul”s further explanation of these events are found in his letter to the Corinthians.
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump(et): for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
1 Corinthians 15: 52, 53
Notice that when Jesus returns, immortality is given instantly at that point…not at death. As mentioned above, this is the reward Jesus brings with Him…It is out of context and in error to use the following verse at a funeral (as I heard) because the saying can only come to pass when Jesus returns and gives us immortality.
“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”
1 Corinthians 15: 55
The context of this quote is found in the verse just before (v. 54)
“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed…
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.”
1 Corinthians 15:54
Very plainly…it is at the second coming that Jesus takes the dust of the dead and shapes them back into life. The sleep of death is but like a mere second. When Jesus resurrects those who are asleep in death, they are instantly (a twinkling of an eye) given the gift of immortality and bodies that will never decay.
There is a lot going on in these verses to let us know there is nothing secret and it is not in two parts. Other verses from the other writers further describe the glory of his coming, Here are just a few:
Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Mark 8:38
Jesus does not come in his glory alone, but the glory of his Father and with the holy angels! With all that glory, there is nothing secret or invisible about His coming!
The lost have a different response to His coming:
And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
Revelation 6: 15-16:
The unsaved will hide in the darkest places of the dens and rocks of mountains and pray for them to fall on them to hide them from the face of Jesus! No secret coming here! This was also foretold by Isaiah:
“Go into the rocks, hide in the ground from dread of the LORD and the splendor of his majesty!”
Isaiah 2:10
“Behold, he comes with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.”
Revelation 1:7
From the verses above, we can see:
When he comes, he comes in His own glory and the glory of the father and the holy angels. It only took the glory of one angel to make the soldiers at the tomb of Jesus drop to the ground like dead men (Matthew 28: 2-4). Imagine the whole sky full of the glory of millions of angels and the glory of the Father and Jesus!
Those that are lost cannot bear to look upon the sight of Jesus’ coming and try to hide from the face of Jesus by calling for the rocks and mountains to fall on them.
Every eye sees him coming! Much like every eye can see the sun as the earth turns. It is possible that his coming is seen up to as long as a 24 hour period!
Nothing secret about this!
Notice the contrast of the words of those that are saved.
“And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.
Isaiah 25:9
In the next writing, we will study out where Hal Lindsey and others came up with the idea of a sudden snatching away of the church and the 7-year tribulation.
Another topic we will study is the fate of the lost. The reason for the Lord’s apparent delay in coming is because when he comes, there will be those who perish in the destruction of the earth:
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
2 Peter 3: 9, 10
The Second coming is both rejoicing and destruction for this earth as we know it. Nowhere does the word of God split the return of Christ into two parts. But, as we shall see, the saved spend a honeymoon of one thousand years with Jesus in heaven (where he is now) before He creates the new heavens and the new earth prepared in the saved of the redeemed.
“Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3: 13
In conclusion, the Lord taught his disciples about the deception regarding the timing and manner His second coming. This deception would be very tricky and inspired by the enemy himself with the intent to take as many as possible with him, especially those who give up on the return of Christ and return to their former life:
But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of,..Matthew 24: 48-50
It is critically important for the follower of Christ to know what Jesus and the writers of the Bible have to say about this grand event when all the saved will meet the Lord in the air and begin eternity with each other never; to experience sin and death ever again. What a day that will be! It will be glorious! We shall behold Him!
Listen to the correct theology of Christ’s second coming in Sandi Patty’s version of “We Shall Behold Him.” May the Lord bless you as you listen.
