History Yet To Be (Part 2)

Last time, we looked at what was future for Daniel, yet past history for us. Today, we’ll be looking at that which is future for us, as well, when the church is removed.

Again, I need to remind us that Whatever is happening or will happen in history, God will deliver and bless those who obey and follow Him.

In the first part of this message, we’ve already looked at Prophecies About Surrounding Nations, as well as Prophecies Regarding the Greek Empire. Daniel then focused specifically on Prophecies about Antiochus IV Epiphanes. That brings us to today, as we look at Prophecies about the End Times.

Prophecies About the End Times - 11:36 - 12:3

These verses no longer seem to refer to Antiochus. The context would strongly suggest that this particular leader is one who will be living in the last days. This is seen also in statements made by Jesus in the Gospels, 2 Thessalonians, as well as the book of Revelation. We’ve been briefly introduced to this person in Daniel 7 and 9 as the little horn . . . the ruler who will come. In the New Testament, we have been introduced to him as the man of lawlessness, the Antichrist, the Beast.

Gabriel breaks down the information about the Antichrist in two parts: his evil character and his wars. There are many similar descriptions and expressions given to the Antichrist that were also seen with Antiochus IV. However, there is a huge factor that has to be considered; the Antichrist makes Antiochus look like a bad dream. The Antichrist seems to think that he doesn’t need God, or even the manmade false gods. Most likely, Antichrist will be an atheist that will use religion to get a position of power. If he were not an atheist, he couldn’t believe himself to be above God.

The phrase speak monstrous thing against the God of gods, shows that what he will say is beyond anything imaginable. He will actually speak shockingly blasphemous words against Christ. Verse 37 speaks of the fact that regardless of what his spiritual heritage may have been, he is going to reject it completely. He will demand that everyone on earth will worship him and no other form of god.

God of fortresses is actually a worship of war, itself. He will spend whatever is necessary to increase the size and strength of his army. If he were to have a god, it would be that of war. We know from various places in the Bible that Antichrist will engage in war. He will use this military power to destroy anyone who would dare to challenge him. He will flex his mighty muscles in such a way that the whole world will be required to submit to him.

In verses 40-45, we see the wars described a bit more in detail. This will go on to the very end of the age. The battle that is the last battle will take place, according to verse 45, in the Promised Land. Here, the Antichrist will be destroyed. The North and South mentioned in these verses is most likely those powers in their relationship to Israel. There are multiple theories about the timing and the battles, as well as who the participants might be. I choose to go with a very simple approach and believe that this final battle and that described in Ezekiel 38-39 are the same, but from different perspectives. This occurs immediately before the coming of the Lord. This is what is usually referred to as the Battle of Armageddon.

Regardless of the perspective one takes, there will be no escape for Antichrist when God’s judgment comes on him and those who follow him.

Chapter 12:1 uses the phrase, along with other passages, at that time. Jewish scholars state this phrase refers to the remote future which will herald the advent of the Messianic era. But before that time happens, Gabriel remarks that for God’s people, who are still on the earth during that period, there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time. When Jesus spoke in Matthew 24, it seems He was referring to this time period. How bad will it be? Zechariah 13:8 suggest that only 1/3 of the people of Israel will survive.

Let’s look a little further in verse 1, as Gabriel reminds us about Michael being the archangel charged with the protection of Israel. In fact, this assurance comes before the promise of dark times in Israel. Dr. Sweeting of Moody Bible Institute used to tell us, Never doubt in the dark what God has revealed in the light.

Now, we’re not certain of what type of battle Michael is involved. So, when we cross-reference to Revelation 12:7-9, we’re told that Michael and his angelic forces are engaged in battle against Satan and his angels. It seems to be during the last 3 1/2 year period which is the Great Tribulation. Israel will be going through times such as has never before been experienced by any nation prior to this. It appears from 2 Thessalonians 2:9 and Revelation 13:2 that Antichrist is going to be empowered by Satan himself.

Jesus even refers to this time period in Matthew 24:21: For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. Likely, Jesus had the Daniel passage in mind when He stated this. A few verses later, Jesus says: Immediately after the distress of those days [the peoples of the earth] will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.

In the last part of Daniel 12.1, The book would most likely be the book of life. This is where all those who have trusted in Jesus Christ as their Savior have their names written. This is the true list of Kingdom citizens. This had to be encouraging to Daniel, and should be encouraging to us, as well. Many saints will suffer and die during the Tribulation. That is not the second death, however. The second death refers to those who die and will experience the wages for their sin, in eternal punishment in hell.

Verse 2 speaks of those who have experienced physical death. Sleep seems to always refer to physical death only. As a side note, 2 Corinthians 5:8 and Philippians 1:21-23 teach us that when the spirit of the believer leaves the body (for the spirit never dies), it goes directly into the presence of the Lord. Since the spirit never dies, we’re also taught from Luke 16:22ff that the spirit of an unbeliever who dies goes immediately to a place of conscious torment. So those bodies that are buried, burned or drowned will be resurrected and reunited with the spirit. 1 Corinthians 15:51-55 reminds us that when this happens, is when the Lord raises the physical body, glorifies it, and reunites it with the spirit. Matthew 10:28 states: “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” This teaches that those who rejected Christ and are dead, their bodies will also be resurrected and joined with their spirit and will spend eternity in bodily form; though it will be in eternal torture and torment.

Even John 5:28-29 is in agreement with Daniel 12.2, in that the believers will rise to enjoy eternal life in their new bodies and will reign with Christ. Those who have rejected Christ are those described as, others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. Isaiah 66:24 speaks of this eternal state of horror, as well. This reminds us of the choices given to all humanity. One either accepts Jesus Christ or rejects Him.

In all of this, it is obvious that there will be a bodily resurrection and it will be an immortal body.

What is the insight or wisdom which is seen in verse 3 of chapter 12? These are those who are the resurrected believers, most likely from the Tribulation period. A simple explanation given by one commentator stated: This wisdom includes the recognition of the truth of God and willingness to act upon it. Even today, when we live lives of holiness in surrender to Christ, opportunity is given so that others will see this and possibly experience the Holy Spirit doing a work in their lives as they repent of their sins and turn to Jesus.

Conclusion

Let me do a brief overview or review of some things I want us to take with us today.

God is very real. In the first 35 verse of chapter 11, there are a minimum of 135 prophecies that have already been literally fulfilled, which history validates every one. Only God can truly know the future. God is omniscient and omnipotent. God foretold all the events which have already occurred. He has supreme knowledge and power over history. I am convinced that will be seen one day at the end of time. Since the prophesied events in those verses have already taken place and been fulfilled, the promises of deliverance and triumph will be just as true. Since those prophecies have been fulfilled, it stands to reason that the Bible we have is truly a product of Divine Revelation.

This is all to encourage us as believers that we can trust the Word of God. We can trust even more the author of the Bible, the One True and Only God. This is the good news. The Jewish remnant and all those who trust in the Lord will ultimately be delivered. That deliverance is from the second death. Though this upcoming period will be horrible, the purpose is to give the Jewish people the opportunity to receive Jesus as the Messiah. Many throughout the world will experience salvation.

We’re also encouraged to see that through our actions and our speech we are able to influence and impact others for the cause of Jesus Christ.

The Hebrew scholar, Keil, states: this passage demonstrates that the ungodly kingdoms of this world will not endure, trials purify the church, and the people of God will ultimately be delivered.

Remember, Whatever is happening or will happen in history, God will deliver and bless those who obey and follow Him.

Is it worth serving Christ today, knowing that we’ll most likely be persecuted, misunderstood, misrepresented, overlooked and under-appreciated by others? Absolutely! Following Jesus Christ and putting His kingdom first will always be rewarded.