DANIEL and REVELATION PROPHECY STUDY

[thecountrydoc]

Hello to all,

I'm going to start this study with an introduction as to what is the purpose of prophecy. It will be my intention to make this study easy to understand and follow along, but at the same time not leave anything out. So if anyone has questions or comments as we study, PLEASE feel free to ask anything that comes to mind or ask for clarification on any point. Please understand that I may or may not have the answers on the tip of my tongue but I'll sure find them if need be.

I'm also going to give you a little homework assignment before we actually get started with the book of Daniel. This homework assignment is one that I was given many years ago as an introduction into the study of the book of Daniel and proved very helpful.

The Assignment: For the next 3 days, each day read completely Daniel chapter 2. Also make notes about anything that, shall we say, sticks in your mind.


The Introduction Part One:


THEPURPOSE of PROPHECY
By Pastor Doug Batchelor

Why is prophecy so intriguing? Everywhere you turn, people are interested in knowing the
future. The Greeks consulted the Oracle of Delphi, inhaling vapors to gain some utterance of the future. Others have gazed into crystal balls, studied tea leaves, flipped Tarot cards, or invited somebody to evaluate the wrinkles in their palms. Some get mixed up in Ouija boards, and a few desperate souls even consult mediums who dialogue with demons masquerading as the dead.

Of course, all you have to do today for the latest-and-greatest predications is to check out at your local supermarket and scan the tabloid headlines. I hope you don’t take these seriously, but obviously, prophecy sells big. Why? Well, I think one reason is because people feel so powerless about the future. They want to know there is a plan and that life isn’t some big cosmic joke. Let’s face it, people are looking for a purpose; they are looking for a
reason to live for the future.

A Better Solution

An unbridgeable gulf lies between what humans can see in the future and what God can see. In Isaiah 42, God declares, "Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them" (v. 9).

The Bible teaches that God has the power to see into the future with perfect clarity. It’s nothing like the capricious people you see on television, straining to see through their foggy
understanding of world events and hoping that maybe a few of their predications come true. No. It has nothing to do with Tarot cards and tea leaves.

In The Time Machine, author H.G. Wells toyed with the idea of how changing one little feather in the past can alter all of history. Everything you do somehow affects every other molecule in the universe. It is a mind-boggling chain reaction that would require a powerful intellect to grasp.

For instance, Miciah the prophet warned Ahab the king that the wicked leader would die in a battle. The king tried to stay out of harm’s way. "I can prevent the prophecy from happening," he believed, only to have a stray arrow find a crack in his armor. By trying to avoid prophecy, Ahab helped make it come true. It is an almighty God who could know such a thing, who can declare

At times, Bible prophecy can seem both confusing and unbelievable, but time and again, it keeps coming true. And like The Titan, it serves as a warning to save lives for all eternity. exactly what will happen before it happens—taking in every subtle variation of wind and the twitching of a soldier’s arm.

That’s why God’s prophecy, found in the Bible, has so much more to offer than human prognosticating. If you don’t want to feel helpless, know that God knows your future. That also means He has a plan for you, even if we don’t completely know what that is. It’s a
very secure feeling to be in the hands of someone who loved you so much that He sent His Son to die for you, isn’t it?

"From everlasting to everlasting, thou art God" (Psalm 90:2). God can see the future
infinitely better than we can see today. It’s no problem for Him.

The Purpose of Prophecy

Yet I often get asked why prophecy can be so hard to understand. For one, I think God wants us to dig for truth, partly because you appreciate gold when you dig for it more than if it’s dropped in your lap. But more than that, God protects His message. Virtually all of the apocalyptic prophets, such as Ezekiel, Daniel, John the apostle, wrote as captives under a foreign power. Many of these prophecies addressed the destruction of those powers. Revelation talks about the fall of Rome, and Daniel details the fall of Babylon and Persia.

The more we understand what these symbols represent, the easier it becomes to unlock the prophecies. God enfolded some prophetic truths in symbols to hide the messages from the enemy.

Still, the honest searcher can discover the greater message. "Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear,
and not understand" (Mark 4:11, 12).

But don’t worry if you don’t understand the mysterious symbols at first. In John 16:4, Jesus says, "These things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you."

Dr. Leslie Harding wrote, "The better part of prophecy is better understood after
it is fulfilled." We often want to study the prophecies so we can know the future—yet prophecy is best understood after it is fulfilled. Only rarely in the Bible does anybody benefit from prophecy in advance, as when Egypt prepared for the famine revealed through the prophetic dreams that Joseph interpreted. Most souls didn’t take advantage of the prophecies of Jesus’ first coming. But others, like us, get the benefit after it is fulfilled. You sit back, take it in, and say, "Ah ha! He is God. There is a big plan. It is not all just an accident."

Another question I get is "Why spend so much time looking at prophecy? Aren’t there other, more important things to talk about?" Yes, there are. But prophecy is vital to our Christian experience, having the power to inspire others with confidence in God’s omniscient knowledge, and set those sailing off course back on track. Indeed, prophecy is more than just about knowing the future: "We also have the prophetic word made more sure, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts" (2 Peter 1:19 NKJV).

Prophecy Keeps You Safe

Prior to the devastation of New Orleans, the Louisiana government knew for days that serious trouble was coming with Hurricane Katrina and pleaded with its citizens to flee. While granting that some were simply not able to evacuate, there were also many doubting, stubborn souls who ignored the warnings. They remained behind and were trapped by the ensuing floods, and many of them died needlessly.

The hurricane watchers are something like prophets, getting their "visions" from satellite technology. They can see the dangers forming over the ocean long before we can, and they’re also fairly accurate now about where and when a storm will make landfall. If they say a dangerous storm is coming, you might want to go ahead and at least get out your umbrella. Right? Because not listening to their predictions with their superior perspective is foolish.

Regarding the second coming, Jesus said, "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled" (Luke 21:20–22 NKJV).

Christ foretold the destruction of Jerusalem very clearly. But was He just tantalizing those listening to Him with His predictive ability or impressing us with how precisely God can predict the future? No. Everything Christ said had deeper meaning. This prophecy and others He gave His people would save them, if they would only heed the warnings. Today, we study last-day prophecy so we too can prepare for what is coming so that our eternal lives might be saved.


________________________________________________
Published July 1, 2006


Don't forget to read Daniel chapter 2 each day or the next 3 days.


Your brother in Christ,
Doc

 

[thecountrydoc]

Prophecy Prevents Deception

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:4, 5). Jesus’ warning tells us
that another purpose for prophecy is to protect us from deception.

In Matthew 24, Christ speaks about the signs of His coming and the and of the world in an effort to keep us from following those who contradict His Word and His law in the last days. Just a few verses later, He adds, “Many false prophets will rise and deceive.”

This prophecy has certainly come true: Many have come claiming to be Christ or say they come in His name while using that platform to deceive and exploit. Sadly, this is one reason that so many are suspicious, unbelieving, or jaded about prophecy. Yet Jesus said it would happen like this exactly, so those who decry Bible prophecy don’t really have an excuse if they’re ultimately deceived by the devil.

“Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son
of man be.” Jesus predicts that we will all face great deceptions in the end, such as attempts to impersonate His coming. He doesn’t want us to be deceived, following smooth-talking preachers or lying spirits.

It is important to note that Jesus is not implying there will be no need for prophecy or prophets in the last days. On the contrary! He is!

What Are Dual Prophecies?

The Word of God is simple to understand, but it is also extremely broad and comprehensive. God can be in more than one dimension, yet we always try to stuff Him into a little box. When God delivers a prophecy through a prophet or an angel, we naturally try to make it
address just one narrow point. But God’s Word is so dynamic and alive that one prophecy can have more than one application, as long as they don’t conflict.

That’s why some prophecies have what is called a dual application. For instance, in 1 Chronicles 17, Nathan gives a prophecy to King David. “And it shall be, when your days are fulfilled, when you must go to be with your fathers [when you die] that I will set up your seed
after you, who will be of your sons; and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build Me a house, and I will establish his throne for ever” (NJKV). This comes about because David wants to build a temple, a physical house of worship, to honor God.

We know that David’s son Solomon did in fact build a temple after his father died, so this prophecy was fulfilled. But is there more to it? Absolutely! Jesus is called “the son of David,” and He also said, “Destroy this temple made with hands and in three days I will make
one without hands.” A temple is also a church, and Christ built up His church after His resurrection. So the “seed” whose throne will be established forever is more completely fulfilled in Jesus.

This is one utterance of prophecy that is fulfilled in more than one way, yet they don’t conflict. In most cases, these can be broken down into a physical or historical and a spiritual fulfillment. We find another example in Matthew 24. Referring to the destruction of Jerusalem, Jesus says, “There will not be left one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” The disciples, confused and troubled, had a threefold question for Jesus: “When will these things [the destruction of Jerusalem] be? What will be the sign of your coming
and of the end of the world?”

Jesus doesn’t answer these as separate questions; rather, He gives them a combined answer. He mingles the whole answer into one discourse. Why? Because a lot of the same things that happened in advance of the destruction of Jerusalem are also going to happen just
prior to the end of the world.

The spiritual state among God’s people during Christ’s first coming, His organized church, could be very similar to the spiritual condition of His organized church before His second coming. There are many parallels. Some prophecies, though not all, have more than one fulfillment. Some saying that we need to watch out for false prophets because there will also be genuine prophets. Otherwise, Jesus would have simply warned us to beware of any prophet.

Prophecy Warns the Lost

When Moses went before Pharaoh, God sent a series of
frightening plagues to encourage the devilish ruler to act. However, these plagues were not meant to destroy; rather, they were sent to first save the Jews from captivity, but also to help the Egyptians avoid utter destruction.

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and
say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me. And if thou refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs” (Exodus 8:1, 2).

Why was it necessary for Moses to warn Pharaoh in advance that a plague of frogs was coming? If Moses had not said anything and a plague of frogs suddenly came swarming out of the great river, Pharaoh’s counselors could have said, “This is just a natural
occurrence.” If Moses had gone after the plagues and said, “See all these frogs? That’s because you won’t let my people go!” Well, anybody can do that.

A lot of people have weighed in on 9/11, Katrina, and the Indonesian tsunami after the fact. How much more compelling would their testimony be to others had they spoken prior to the events? People would have really sat up to take notice. Moses gave these prophetic warnings to save the lost and to warn the rebellious, showing that God is really in control.

Prophecy Strengthens Faith

The metal image in Daniel 2 is an incredible prophecy. It
outlines the kingdoms of the world in perfect order—Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, the divided Roman Empire, and ultimately the Lord’s coming. To date, it has happened exactly as God said it would.

It is simply not possible for a person, in their own power,
to predict which nations of the world are going to rule over others, especially hundreds of years from now. We might suggest that Daniel wasn’t pressed too hard when he mentioned Medo-Persia as the next global empire. Everyone could see it was a rising power in those
times. But Greece was just a country of warring tribes, and the Romans were nothing more than a virtual village. It must have been a ridiculous notion to even Daniel, who was faithful enough to report it nonetheless. And yet it came true, even down to the important details, such as each one lasting successively longer than the one before and the divisions of the Roman Empire.

How does that make you feel about God and His Word? It strengthens your faith. It certainly gives me courage! It suggests that other Bible prophecies can be trusted,
and that God’s Word does not fail. Jesus said, “Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he” (John 13:19).

In short, Jesus gives prophecies so that you will
believe in Him. We have something to cling to so that our faith will remain strong even as tribulation comes.

Prophecy’s Ultimate Purpose

Revelation can be such a perplexing book. I’ve known a few dear souls who don’t even like to glance over it because it intimidates them. But while most people know Revelation as a powerful yet cryptic book penned by John on the island of Patmos, they skip right over the most telling part of the book—the first verse.

It reads, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” That’s enough, really, to get to the ultimate purpose of prophecy. Whether you’re reading prophecies found in Revelation, Daniel, Ezekiel, or Genesis, never forget that Jesus is the focus. He’s the ultimate point. Just read
Isaiah 53 to see what I mean, and if you still don’t believe me, trust what Jesus did: “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27).

In John 5:39, He says, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” Jesus is in the warp and woof of every fiber of Scripture; all true prophecy ultimately
points to Christ. He is the fulfillment of the Word. More than 300 Old Testament prophecies deal with Christ’s first coming alone.

Given time, a Bible, and a person who is honest and logical, I’ve always believed that I can convince a searching soul that the Bible is true based on the fulfillment of its prophecy. In fact, I used to
be that person—an atheist who thought the Bible was nothing but a sad joke on deluded people. But we know that the prophecies in the Old Testament were written long before Christ appeared on the scene, and they came true. The timing of His birth, the place, the mother, and all the details of His ministry—His betrayal, His death, and His burial—were spelled out in amazing detail long before Jesus was born.

And if the Bible is right about the when, the where, the how, and the why, then we can also trust that it is right about the who. Jesus is the Savior, the only way to the Father.

The Principal Principle

The ultimate message of prophecy is redemptive. The reason that God tells you the future is not so you will know when to take your money out of the bank or so you can know when you’re supposed to run for the hills and stock up on food.

He tells you all this more than just to let you know when Christ will come the first time or the second time—or what happens during the millennium. He tells you so you will know He is God and to help you allow Him to come into your heart. And that’s true whether you are familiar with the many secrets of Revelation or whether you are
just beginning to read the Bible. The joy and peace you feel when you know that God has a plan for you is one of the most faith-building experiences you can have.

Yes, He has numbered every star in the universe and knows what’s going to happen in the ceaseless ages to come. Yet despite this infinite knowledge of God, He has a hope and a plan just for you.

God is in charge, and He’s proven it with prophecy. He can be trusted, because His Word has never and will never fail. “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away” (Luke 21:33). You can bank your life on Him and His Word, especially as you go out to tell others of His wondrous power.

Without Limits

Not only does God know the future, He can take you back to the past. Not all Bible prophets see just the future. For instance, in the book of Revelation, not only is John taken into the future and shown visions, he also witnesses the battle between Michael and the dragon at the beginning of their great cosmic conflict. God can see all eternity—past, present, and future—with perfect clarity.
________________________________________________

I pray that this will be of help as we study these extreamly important books of prophecy.

Don't forget to read Daniel chapter 2.
_____________________________________________

Your brother in Christ,
Doc

 

[icedtea]

subscribing.
Howard, who has read about a hundred books on Revelation.
It never gets old.
Thanks doc.
off to do homework

 

[icedtea]

Have not forgotten. Will be back in about an hour with my homework.

 

[icedtea]

I was struck by a verse I had never paid much attention to. Where a stone cut out of a mountain (without hands) comes and destroys the 10 toed figure.
This must be Jesus.
Also noted that the soothsayers of the time had been proven frauds (as they are now) as they needed the dream to make their interpretation.
Only true knowledge could know the dream without being told.
Thankfully, the king gives honour to Daniel and his friends as they have done the right thing.

 

[thecountrydoc]

Hi HD,

Just a couple of points that we should consider here. The first is the maening of the phrase "...a stone was cut out without hands,..." In our modern way of speaking we might say in place of "cut out," we might say "quarried," or "broken out." "Without hands," indicates that it was done without the aid of human agencies. In other words it was a divine act that could have only been done by a divine power.

That stone does indeed represent Christ and the New Jerusalem coming to establish His kingdom and destory Satan, his followers, and sin once and for all. If we now take a look at verse 44 it confirms this.

"And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever."

You may also want to read verse 45 as it also confirms this and the interpretation of the dream.

I also find it interesting how when we read and reread the same pssage we start to see things we had never noticed before. I've been way behind the last couple of weeks but I hope to get the next portion of the study entered tomrrow.

Respectfully, your brother in Christ,
Dc

 

[icedtea]

Good. I wondered what happened to you.
This is interesting.
The word is alive!

 

[icedtea]

God led me to 1 Peter this evening, and heres a reference of the stone.
1 Peter 2:4 Come to Him, a living stone...

 

[thecountrydoc]

The Unsealing of Daniel
Study Number 1​

A Book of Atonement and Reconciliation
​

Do you ever wonder what the future holds? Theories abound and vary. Some say we’re headed for atomic disaster. Others assure us that an era of worldwide peace is soon to be ushered in. Most of us have heard opinions from various sources, perhaps unsolicited, offering some prophetic analysis of man’s destiny. There are groups that point to the need for a more careful use of earth’s resources in order to ensure future survival. At the same time various religious movements around the world believe survival depends on enforcing their code of ethics on the masses.

Let’s face it. When it comes to predicting the future, confusion and misunderstanding surround us like fog surrounds London. Even religious leaders come up with so many diverse interpretations of the Bible that the average person might as well give up. But wait! There is Someone who holds promise for unraveling the confusion–and in such a way as to establish our belief in Him as the true Source of prophetic utterance. Note His challenging words: "And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it come to pass, ye might believe"(Jesus Christ, John 14:29).

Just before His death, Christ drew His disciples close about Him on the Mount of Olives. His discerning eye pierced the fog of false prophecy and looked down through time to it’s very close (see Matt.24:1-3). His prophetic message, recorded in Matt.. 24; Luke 21; and Mark 13, was broad and comprehensive. It set aside false teachings, revealing a reasonable, consistent, and hopeful understanding of future events.

Yet what Christ began to unfold was so unlike the religious teachings of the time that His disciples could hardly bear to hear it all (See John 165:12). But understand, dear friend, it is His undying love for humanity that compels Christ to tell us all we can bear to hear about the future. He knows the subtle deceptions of the enemy. His first prophetic communication in Matt. 24 includes a warning against false prophets, sent in His name, seeking to deceive if possible the very elect (see Matt.24:4, 11, 24).

How true these words have proven to be, for we are presently saturated with false teachings claiming to be heaven-sent. In contrast to this warning, Christ points us to a true prophet whose words were to be read and trusted. This prophet was Daniel. Jesus placed His divine approval upon the prophetic book of Daniel, encouraging us to read and understand (see Matt.24:15). In doing this Christ throws out a life preserver to keep us afloat in an ocean og error. He directs us to truth that will bring us comfort and safety for the future.

The book of Daniel holds in its twelve brief, yet comprehensive, chapters the most powerful theme found in Scripture—God’s reconciling, atoning love. The apostle Paul says this love provides the only motivation strong enough to save us (see 2 Corinthians 5:14). Daniel was shown this love in the symbolic language of Bible prophecy.

He saw a mysterious stone that would finally crush the cruel tyranny and corruption of all earthly kingdoms (seeDaniel 2:34-35). He witnessed the Son of Man coming into the presence of the Father to make intercession for sinners (see Daniel 7:13). The cleansing of the sanctuary, through the sacrifice of the Lamb for the sins of the world, was opened to Daniel’s view (see Daniel 8:14; 9:26). And he saw the final deliverance of all those who put their trust in Christ (see Daniel 12:1). The entire plan of redemption was revealed in symbolic language to this much beloved prophet and admired statesman.

As we study Daniel’s writings, looking for the ever–recurring, inexhaustible truth of redemption, the message of the book promises to become one of the most rewarding spiritual experiences we can have.

Daniel: Prophecy for the End of Time

When speaking of the events concerning His second coming and the end of time, why did Jesus point His followers to the prophetic book of Daniel? (see Matt, 24:3, 15). Because Christ Himself had uncovered truths in this book of the most sublime import. His own ministry had been affected and directed by the longest prophetic time prophecy recorded in Scripture. In Daniel 9, the 2300–day prophecy so clearly confirms the Messiahship of Christ, that some Jews to this day prohibit it’s study. This prophecy, along with other visions in the writings of Daniel, flows in a grand succession down the stream of time to disclose events yet to transpire in our day. This is why, on numerous occasions, Daniel is directly told that His visions apply not only to his time, but also to ours. Consider the following verses:

"Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days" (Daniel 10:14).

"He said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision" (Daniel 8:17).

"And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the end of indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be" (Daniel 8:19).

"But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased" (Daniel 12:4).

"And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand" (Danbiel 12:9-10).

"But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of days" (Daniel 12:13).

Christ knew this little book held truth essential to the destiny of individuals in the latter days. And, in light of this fact, Christ’s words in Matt. 24:15 are particularly significant. "When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation,spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand." In the context of this discourse, Christ was speaking not only of Jerusalem’s destruction, but of the condition of the world just before His second coming (see Matt. 24:3). In a special sense, those living on the very borders of eternity have, in Christ’s words, a divine admonition to study and understand the prophecies of Daniel. This is significant because Daniel is the only book of the Bible that was actually declared to be sealed by God (see Daniel 12:4, 9). And now, by divine declaration of Christ, in prophetic utterances have been officially opened to "whoever reads" (see Matt. 24:15 NKJV). Yet the awesome truths of the book of Dasniel remain closed to the comprehension of multitudes.

Daniel: A Book of Hope

The name Daniel means "God is my Judge" or "God is my Vindicator." Therefore the very title for this prophetic book speaks a message of hope for sinners. Vindication and judgement through the advocacy of Jesus Christ is a pillar of the gospel, the very purpose of atonement (see 1 John 2:1-2). Through His intercession as High Priest in our behalf, Jesus purposes to apply His atoning sacrifice for the eternal good of every believing sinner (see Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25).

In fact, the words "atonement" and "judgement" were synonymous terms to the Hebrews. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, was also known as the Day of Judgement. It was a time when God vindicated those who put their trust in Him, cleansing them by faith from all their sins (see Lev. 16:29-30).

As we consider this little book of prophecy, we will find that its underlying message is reconciliation or at-one-ment with God. Through Christ merit alone, God offers us the gifts of "righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption" (see Cor. 1:30). He purposes to draw us back to complete at-one-ment with Himself (see John 13:32). From different angles andin various forums, this grand and vital theme is carried through every chapter of this book, from beginning of Daniel’s message to its close.

A Brief Overview

Before delving into a chapter-by-chapter study of the book of Daniel, let’s consider a brief outline of Daniel’s basic content and message. As we do this, we can expect to encounter the gospel of "good news" of Christ Jesus as Redeemer of sinners, acentral theme of the Old Testament as well as of the New (see Hebrews 4:2).

I must take a break. When I return we will take a brief look at what to expect in each chapter as we study this exciting book of Daniel.

Your brother in Christ,
Doc

 

[icedtea]

Okay!

 

[thecountrydoc]

Chapter 1: Reaching the World Through Captivity

In chapter 1 we find the professed worshipers of the only true God taken captive by a nation of devout pagan idolaters. Why? It seems God is interested in revealing Himself to those who do not know Him, but His people are not cooperating. From the beginning, God’s people were called blessed so they could be a blessing to the world (see Gen. 12:2). In the symbolic language of a parable, Isaiah spoke of this divine purpose and the failure of God’s people to fulfill it (see Isaiah 5"1-7).
In this context, after years of pleading with Israel to be a holy nation that would make His character known to the world, that God tries a different method of evangelism. And it is here we find Daniel and his three friends. Through the devotion and steadfast commitment of four faithful youth, God will bring His atonement plan beyond Israel, to the Gentiles (Isaiah 49:6). Nebuchadnezzar, the highest human authority in the world, is impressed. With hearts of purpose, unyielding conviction and the wisdom of God, these four Hebrews occupy the highest positions of power and influence in the world. They stand in the presence of the king (see Daniel 1:19).

Daniel 1 reveals God’s overruling providence in positioning His faithful followers to do evangelism among the nations.

Chapter 2: God’s Initiative for Atonement Recorded Through History

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Gen. 1:1). That’s how the account of human history opens. Yet the pages of our ancestral annals record anything but God’s oroginal intent on that blessed creation morn. Disobedience brought alienation, fear, distrust, jealousy, hatred, murder, pain, suffering, and death–just to name a few of it’s atrocities. Domination, subjection, tyranny and enslavement are the earmarks of nearly six thousand years of human history. Against the principals of evil empires, God has been at work to draw mankind back to His original design.

The second chapter of Daniel lays out a framework of our history and of the final triumph of God’s atoning work for the human race. Taking us down through the channels of time, Daniel’s first prophecy brings us to the joyous climax, the full establishment of the kingdom of God (see Daniel 2:44). In a brief, yet comprehensive, narrative, we see the effects of sin come to an end. The stone, representing Jesus Christ, shatters the image of all earthly kingdoms to fragments and becomes a great immovable mountain (see Daniel 2:34-35, 44; 1 Peter 2:4-8).

Daniel two unfolds an outline of God’s overruling redemptive power down through history from Daniel’s day to the end of time.

Chapter 3: Atonement Through Truth

When Jesus prayed for the unity of all who would believe on Him in John 17, He was praying an at–one–ment prayer. "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word. That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one on Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me" (John 17:20-21). The context of this atonement prayer is the truth of the Word of God (see John 17:17). Here Christ reveals that atonement with God comes through His Word of truth.

In Daniel 3, Nebuchadnezzar chooses to turn from God’s atoning truth to exault himself. Though he knows better, this proud king refuses to give glory to God for His saving truth and makes an image completely of gold (see Daniel 3:1). Nebuchadnezzer then commands all the people to worship this image made in honor of himself (see Daniel 3:2-7). Where is God in all of this? He is with Daniel’s three friends, who in refusing to worship the image, reveal to all that atoning truth cannot be compromised (see Daniel 3: 16-18).
This chapter offers a powerful lesson in the necessity of keeping the truth of God’s Word pure.

Chapter 4: Rejecting Atonement

Atonement with God comes only through humility (see Hebrews 12:7-10). Even after being forewarned of God through Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar was hard pressed to accept this important principle. In Daniel 4 we see how a proud king finally becomes one with his Maker through the process of humiliation. This chapter communicates the tremendous yet sometimes frightening fact that God will do whatever it takes to save us and, for that, we will praise Him in the end (Daniel 4:2-3).

Chapter 5: Rejecting Atonement

Daniel 5 gives us a glimpse into the bounds of God’s mercy (see Gen. 6:3, Matt. 24:37). In relation to the atonement, there is a limit to God’s forbearance, a line we are cautioned not to cross (see Mark 3:28-29). While God is longsuffering to us, not willing that any should perish, this chapter reminds us that there are many who will not be vindicated by professed faith in God. Chapter 4 shows us the very worst of rebels saved. This chapter uncovers the very worst of rebels lost and shows that our persistence in sin and rejection of God does have an ultimate negative consequence.

Chapter 6: Atonement Through Intercession

The very essence of atonement is the intercession of Christ on behalf of sinners (see Hebrews 7:25). Here, in Daniel 6, a whole chapter is devoted to underscoring the significance of prayer as a vital part of vindication. This chapter reveals the height of God–likeness that mankind can attain when their entire reliance is upon God. Because of his immovable trust, Daniel is vindicated not only in God’s sight, but also in the eyes of earthly rulers and leaders, who can find no fault in him. The judgement of finite man isw powerless to accomplish what God’s judgment has not decreed.

Chapter 6 discloses a picture of the peace and trust a firm reliance upon God can bring, even when we are thrown into the pit of adversity.

Chapter 7: Complete Atonement of God’s Kingdom

In this chapter, as in chapter 2, we find an account of the history of nations with some added insight. The process of dominion, one kingdom to the next, is expounded to include the judgment that will inevitably fall upon evil. Because atonement assures the complete restoration of God’s kingdom, it promises the complete annihilation of every aspect of evil (see Malachi 4:1, 3).
This truth must have its part in the at–one–ment process of all who would be saved. Mankind, and even un-fallen angels, find it necessary to understand God’s fairness in dealing with the sin problem. And we, too, must know there is Someone who will make all things right, that a day of accounts is awaiting this earth (see Matt. 12:36-37). We must understand God’s intent and His right to judge, we can leave room for Him to adjust all wrongs and vindicate life’s present injustices (see Romans 12:19-21).

In Daniel 7 we see that God will be the final court of justice before whom all will someday be called to give an account (see Romans 14:10).

Chapters 8 and 9: Atonement and Cleansing Through the Cross

Daniel 8 and 9 focus on the very foundation of the plan of salvation. In these two chapters we find the climax of God’s atonement process for humanity. The cleansing of the sanctuary and the cross of Christ, so clearly spoken of in these chapters, are the central themes of our final vindication and at–one–ment. That the sanctuary can be cleansed and made right is the miracle of God’s grace. The essence of this grace is that this is done through the gift of His only begotten Son (see Hebrews 9:11-15; 22-28).

Whether or not you and I are saved, it isawesome just to realize that through God alone, the whole sin problem that we chose to plunge ourselves into is totally reconciled. That yhe Sovereign God of the universe would take the initiative to save us while we were His enemies is enough to cause even the lost to bow before Him and confess the glory of His character (see Plilippians 2:5-11).

These two chapters disclose the love of God, despite a world bent on opposing His purposes and rejecting His tender pleas.

Chapters 10 through 12: Final Atonement

The last three chapters of Daniel are linked together. Chapter 10 is a clear and sobering revelation of the fact that there is nothing in us that can recommend us to God. Righteous as Daniel’s character was, all becomes corruption before the spotless purity of Christ (see Daniel 10:8).

Chapter 11is the beginning of Daniel’s final vision. A brief summary of human history is given–past, present, and future. In this way, God offers proof positive of His omnipotence and thus reveals His right to judge mankind. Here, also, as in chapters 7 and 8, is shown thework of those who fight against the new covenant, God’s vehicle of at–one–ment (see Daniel 11:30-31; 7:21, 25; 8:9-13).

In chapter 12 redemption is complete. Michael stands for His people (see Daniel 12:1). This is the ultimate purpose of God, the finished product of His grace (see Ephesians 5:25-27). Being chosen, cleansed and sealed, the redeemed of God have nothing to fear for the future, for God has healed their p0ast (see Hosea 15:4).
Those chapters show God alone to be holy, fully omnipotent and able to save all who come to Him by faith in Jesus Christ.

In Conclusion

With these insights as an overview, we can look forward to a faith–fortifying study through the book of Daniel. Of course, we will be touching on many other books of the Bible as we sort through Daniel’s prophetic thoughts. In fact the Bible itself will be our tour guide. Christ’s words, especially as recorded in His last–day–events discourses (Matt. 24, Mark 13, Luke 21), were directly linked to Daniel’s prophecies, making these words of the Savior key to our study. Also the "Revelation of Christ" to John on the isle of Patmos must hold an important part in any investigation we attempt, for at least these three reasons:

1) The books of Daniel and Revelation are both symbolic, prophetic writings.

2) Daniel and John were shown some of the very same symbols (see Daniel 7:1-8; Revelation 13:1-2).

3) Both books speak of events which are to transpire just before the second coming of Jesus.

With all these thoughts in mind, prepare yourself for a journy through the Bible that promises to be interesting, challenging and rewarding.

Let’s go!
______________________________________________________________________________

Your brother in Christ,
Doc

 

[Telaquapacky]

Hi Doc!
A bit late with my Daniel 2 homework, sorry.

What struck me were the parallels between Daniel 2 and Genesis 41

1. Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar had dreams about the future
2. Their wise men could not interpret them
3. A servant of the ruler spoke up for a young Hebrew captive who could interpret the dream
4. Both Joseph and Daniel made clear to the ruler that it was not them who were revealing the interpretation of the dream, but God.
5. Both Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar realized that God had spoken through their Hebrew servant-captive.
6. Both Joseph and Daniel were given gifts and elevated to positions of high authority in the kingdom.

7. Another parallel outside Daniel 2 and Genesis 41 is that in time, both Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar were eventually succeeded by rulers who rebelled against God. In each instance the rebel ruler was overthrown and God's people were delivered.

I especially appreciated what you posted on the purpose of Prophecy. One important part of the purpose of prophecy is that it is to make the people hear God's word and turn from wrongdoing:

Jeremiah 23:21,22
21 I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied.
22 But if they had stood in my council, they would have proclaimed my words to my people and would have turned them from their evil ways and from their evil deeds.

This is why a true prophet is usually unpopular (Mark 6:4 and John 4:44). In contrast, if someone prophesies "smooth things" (Isaiah 30:9,10) or writes interpretations of Bible prophecy that satisfy people's self-serving wishful thinking, they win a larger audience and a place on the bestseller list.

I want to encourage you, Doc, and also you, other readers- whenever you bring Daniel and Revelation to view in all their truth, it excites opposition (especially on the web). It's important to keep in mind the purpose of prophecy and test every interpretation- that it doesn't serve a human agenda but that it reveals and glorifies God and inspires us to greater obedience and devotion.

 

[thecountrydoc]

Hi Telaquapacky,

It's good to hear from you and know you are enjoying this study. I, as well as all who are participating here, really do appriciate your comments.

You have mentioned just one of the amazing correlations between these two books of prophecy and other parts of the Bible that we will find.

As SDAs, we agree that the books of Daniel and Revelation compliment and explain each other. However, far too many Christians (yes including SDAs), seem to miss the direct correlations that there are throughout, what I shall call, the three 'main sections' of the Bible. Those being, the writings of Moses, the prophets and the kings in the Old Testament, and the entire New Testament.

Two of the most important areas that I hope will become clear as we study are: First, the fact that the entire plan of salvation can be found in it's entirity in each section. Second, the one that I personally find to be most intresting, is the fact that the account of creation, and the sequence of events, as found in Genesis, is completely reversed in the book of Revelation.

In Genesis the earth comes from being without form and is void wrapped in darkness into a state of prefection. Man is also created in a state of prefection. Sin enters and everything starts to degenerate.

In Revelation this earth, including mankind is rapped in the death throws of sin and evil. From that condition, when Christ returns, God recreates both man and earth to prefection. Exciting? You bet!

I should also mention that I'm still trying to get my scanner and computer to "talk" to each other. As soon as that happens I'll be abe to enter each lesson much faster. Doing the entery by hand makes me feel like I'm wandering with Moses in the wilderness.

Your brother in Christ,
Doc

 

[icedtea]

Anyway, I am leanring here, in fact, found some cool verses this evening while reading; fascinating.
Colossians 1:22,23.
There is always something to learn in His word.

 

[icedtea]

I await the next installment, doc!

 

[icedtea]

awaits doc's teaching.

 

[thecountrydoc]

THE
UNSEALING of DANIEL
Study Number 2​

Captive Evangelism

Itwasapproximatelyone thousand miles on foot that Daniel and his three friends had to travel to reach Babylon. Modern travel time to reach most of the world is just a few days or hours. By the time he reached Babylon, Daniel was probably two months from his homeland.


Why was Daniel taken captive and Judah overthrown by a heathen nation? Part of the reason is found in the opening verses of Daniel 1:"In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinsr to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god" (Daniel 1:1–2).

Daniel and the Hebrew captives were taken to Babylon because God gave Judah into the hands of the Babylonians. The Sovereign Lord of the Universe allowed His chosen people to be taken captive. From our perspective, it may seem terrible that God would allow such tragedy to come upon His own nation. But from God’s perspective, it is never a tragedy. In His omnipotence God always works on the principle of love. Even His "chastening" is for our "profit" (Hebrews 12:6-11).

Jeremiah, a contemporary of Daniel, wrote, "Thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel; Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge them that are carried them that are carried away captive of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans for their good" (Jeremiah 24:5). The 195–stripe–beaten, twice–rod–beaten, once–stoned, ship–wrecked apostle Paul, who eventually died a martyr, could say, "And we know all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according His purpose"(Romans 8:28).

I’m sure that Daniel would say "Amen" to Paul; for, as we are about to see, Daniel would also give anything, including life itself, to bring honor to God. And that degree of commentment comes only when the selfish human heart has seen something of the grace and love of the Savior. "We love Him," said John the beloved, a former son of thunder, "because He first loved us"(1 John 4:19; Mark 3:17). When we fall in love with God, we long to please Him. "If ye love Me," said Christ, "ye will keep my commandments (John 14:15, RSV). Love comes first, obedience always follows, for true faith in God "worketh by love" (Galatians 5:6).

Revelation 12:11 points to a people who have a similar experience. Having tasted of the forgiving power of the blood of the Lamb, "they loved not their own lives unto the death" (see Rev. 12:11). Their love for God is no silent, comprising witness. It is a testimony calculated to give glory to God by overcoming the devil (see Rev. 12:12). This was the experience of Daniel. Whether in life or death, his destiny was to give glory to God. And what a destiny! There is none finer in this world, nor in the world to come.

Captivity Prophesied

The events of Judah’s captivity, which opens up the book of Daniel, can be understood as the climax to an important series of events that began someone hundred years earlier. Considering the significance og Daniel’s prophecies, especially to our time, the issues leading up to the overthrow of Jerusalem by the Babylonians deserve some consideration.

The beginning of the end for the nation of Judah actually started with a prophecy giving to King Hezekiah by Isaiah. "Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the Lord. And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall be taken away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of Babylon (Isaiah 39:6–7).

Hezekiah had been sick unto death. But through faith and prayer, God brought healing to the king of Judah, giving him a miraculous sign as evidence (see Isaiah 38:1–8). When the news of this wonderful deed, marked by the turning back of time itself, reached the Babylonians, they were very impressed. The prince of Babylon sent ambassadors with letters and gifts to Hezekiah. It was a perfect opportunity for the king of Israel to draw their attention to the true God of heaven and give Him glory (see Isaiah 39:1–2).

But instead of showing the Babylonian ambassadors God’s glory, Hezekiah showed them his own. The treasures and earthly wealth accumulated by Hezekiah became the theme of his witness to these men. These Babylonian ambassadors came to Judah with an interest in the heavenly, but they left with an interest in the earthly. Babylon eventually conquered Judah to acquired its wealth.

What a lesson for Christians today! When people come to us looking for our God, do they leaved dazzled with a vision of us? Does the Christianity we represent offer others financial prosperity and worldly advantages, or a faith which gives peace and assurance in spite of them? (See James 4:4; Revelation 2:9). If Christians offer unbelievers the world in the church, then they can expect the world to take over the church, as Babylon took over Judah!

Temptation on the Point of Appetite

The fateful day finally arrived. Daniel and his friends were probably teenagers, perhaps 15 or 16 years old. We can only imagine how frightened these young men must have taken from their families and made to serve in a foreign nation of people whose lifestyle, culture and religion differed from their own. Leaving the family today to do mission work can be difficult, but Daniel and his companions had two added trials(1) It was forced, and (2) it was lifelong. But there are advantages to being in the mission field. When afloat on the water of a world that has no knowledge of faith, pleanty of opportunities arise for witnessing. Daniel’s entering wedge for witnessing was on the point of appetite: "And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king...But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunichs that he might not defile himself" (Daniel 1:5, 8).

The importance of understanding this area cannot be underestimated. We can appreciate God’s counsel to us concerning our dietary habits, if we will remember that mankind’s fall in the Garden of Eden was upon this point (See Gen. 2:16–17).Consider also that Christ, after fasting for six long weeks, was tempted upon the point of appetite in order to gain in our behalf what Adam had lost (see Matt. 4:1–4).

In fact, the Bible’s warnings to those who live just prior to the second coming of Christ include direct instruction concerning our habits of eating and drinking. Christ says, "But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and ]drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites there shall be weeping and gnashing o9f teeth" (Matt. 24:48–51).

Well folks I must take one of my little breaks. Got to give the ‘ol body a little rest. When I return we will pick up where we’ve left off, with Pulse to Eat.

Just as an aside, if any of you have read any of the threads about diet here on these boards as I have, tell me if I missed something. Did anyone use any of this information about Daniel on the subject of apitite?

Makes you wonder just how many more biblical principals we’ll unearth as we study these books of prophecy?

Be back later.
________________________________________________

Also don't forget that every text given, may or may not, give the complete passage. This is a very good opportunity read the entire passage and to use additional translations if you can. Especially study Bibles and chain refference Bibles.

Your brother in Christ,
Doc

 

[LogosRhema]

just subscribing dont know how to otherwise

 

[icedtea]

Off to read the whole book of Daniel, thinking on the passages.

 

[thecountrydoc]

Hi LongosRhema,

Welocome to the Bible Study Sub-Forum.Glad to have you with us.

You have subscribed in the best way possible and that is by making a post.

Please feel free to ask questions or make comments at any time. If this is your first time here it might be well to go back and start from the begining. You will find it to be an easy and very interesting study.

You may also notice that the first homework assiginment was to read the 2nd chapter of Daniel completely through each day for a minimum of at least 3 days. It will really help to give you a firm footing for what is to follow.

Once again, glad to have you aboard!

Your brother in Christ,
Doc