Daniel 12

Daniel 10+11 summary

Daniel has spent 3 weeks in deep prayer for answers to the visions and the angel Michael is sent to him

Daniel has what is recorded as one of the most specifically accurate visions about the coming empires in Daniel chapter 11

The prophecy was so particular and so specific about each kingdom, that there is a number of scholars who believe it was added later on due to its historical accuracy

Daniel has now received vision on the specifics of the coming empires, but there is a “final piece” about the end times that he receives in the final chapter

Eschatological vision about the end times

Non-essential doctrine

Tier list of doctrinal issues

V 1-3

Prophecy about the rapture

there is to be a time of tribulation and persecution towards God’s chosen people

The most important point to take out of this section: eternity is on the line

Daniel sees a vision of both those found in everlasting life and everlasting contempt

Everlasting simply means enduring/eternal

When we see prophecies about the rapture in scripture, it should not inspire fear in us. But rather it should serve as a reminder of our eternal perspectives

Bottom Line: Why do we care so much about what Christ has to say and spreading the gospel?

Because souls are on the line. Plain and simple

V 4-7

100 years Movie

Daniel’s words were important, but their importance would increase in future generations in a time of vast knowledge

Shut and sealed

it would remain a mystery, but the authority of the author being Daniel would remain in tact

Daniel doesn’t give an explanation as to this vision. Yet we see consistently in Daniel, he both gives his vision, then gives his explanation

There is a predicted time of tribulation of suffering for the church that will be intense (time, times, and half a time = 3 years)

Final exam type- different from all other things as it will show character

When Satan appears to have won, and all hope seems lost, the Messiah will return to deliver his people once and for all

Bottom Line: Christ has final victory in all things. In sin, in death, and in the end of days that will be no different

V 8-12

I heard but I didn't understand

Confused? So was Daniel. The one who has received and interpreted numerous visions

Promise of clarity to come regarding these visions in the end times. These things would make more sense to an audience in the tribulation period than to Daniel’s audience

There is a promise that as righteousness increases (likely in reference to the cross of Christ) so will evil

Stats graph

Numbers given for years:

Debated depending on which person you talk to. A bunch of factors that will influence this

Bottom Line: We are not meant to know all things. Passages about end times serve as a great reminder that though we lack understanding, we can take confidence that God knows all things.

V 13

Daniel’s mission is complete

He has done exactly what the Lord has asked him to do in being faithful.