Hello Friends!
Welcome back to our Encouraging Concepts Bible study series focused on the powerfully PROPHETIC picture portrayed in the Old Testament book of Daniel painted as a panoramic landscape of World History in FIVE successions “written” in ardent ADVANCE some 2,600 years ago… “The Book of Daniel: Prophecy PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE!”
The Book of Daniel: Prophecy PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE (Chapter 12: Verses 2-4)
2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. 4 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 12:2-4
OPENING POINTS TO PONDER: The heralded HISTORICAL events powerfully proclaimed in this perfectly PROPHETIC passage absolutely MUST have occurred before the “finished” year of 70 A.D. in full. WHY? Because the Divinely directed “desolation” of dire DESTRUCTION sent by “God” unto jaundice “Jerusalem” upon His “holy people” is the amazingly “accomplished” complete climatic compilation…
And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth forever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished – Daniel 12:7
The “scriptures” abundantly ADMONISH all true “believers” to “rightly divide the word of truth” in an enormous EFFORT to aptly avoid egregious ERROR through a firm “understanding” of the CONTEXT captured. And in “considering” this caustic climactic end of “Daniel’s” final powerful PROPHECY provided, “we” should NOT be seemingly surprised with the FIGURATIVE language of which was quite – CHARACTERISTIC of the Prophets!
Shut & Sealed!
The perfectly PROMISED powerful “preaching” of the great “gospel of the kingdom” would confidently CONFRONT the myriad “many of them” of whom slumber in their SPIRITUALLY slothful saddened “sleep” within the negligent “nation” of insolent “Israel” and carelessly cause a great DIVISION among the pious “people” of this “Hebrew” house:
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt – Daniel 12:2
“And” now here “Daniel” is transcendently TOLD that only “some” of “them” would SPIRITUALLY aptly “awake” unto an eager “everlasting life” eternal. WHY? Because “they” have personally rightly RECEIVED their mandated “Messiah” manifested in the magnificent God-man arriving as “Jesus Christ” incarnate. Conversely, “some” of “them” would SPIRITUALLY acutely “awake” unto “everlasting contempt” by their willful woe complete. WHY? Because “they” have personally rankly REJECTED their “Messiah” the “Lord Jesus Christ” Himself as perfectly – PROPHESIED to arrive!
THEOLOGICAL THOUGHTS: It is immensely IMPORTANT to note that the final PHYSICAL resolute resurrection of the “saved” and the “lost” soul of the “Jews” themselves is definitely NOT intended here. WHY? Because this incredible EVENT has yet to take place for (at least) some 2000 years after the sordid “scattering” of the “Jews” in the year 70 A.D. as perfectly PROPHSIED within verse 7 and does NOT include the “dispensation of grace” encompassing the “church” body itself during the trying “times of the gentiles” told. Rather, this vital verse verifies that at that tumultuous “time” in heralded “Hebrew” harkened HISTORY concerning “Israel” is when “many” of the “Jews” alive during the first-coming INCARNATION of the “Son of God” of whom would senselessly “sleep in the dust of the earth” in such spiritual spite “shall awake” from their – Spiritual SLUMBER!
Indeed “God” has always justly JUDGED the nigh “nation” of insatiable “Israel” with a “drunken” stupor and “spirit of deep sleep” upon BOTH the heady hearer and thoughtless teacher alike as they cantankerously “cry out” in kind…
Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink. For the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered – Isaiah 29:9-10
BIBLICAL BACKGROUND: After 400 years of Sovereignly surmised silence stemmed by “God” through the “scriptures” melded between the Old Testament and New Testament narratives, “John the Baptist” and “Jesus Christ” Himself had burst on the sordid scene of the “lost sheep” within the “house of Israel” and fully found this nimble “nation” to be abashedly “asleep” in complete ingrained ignorance and worthless worldliness of heart. Therefore, “John” and “Jesus” both powerfully “preached” that the trusting “time is at hand” for EACH of them to avidly AWAKE and fully receive their perfectly PROPHESIED mandated “Messiah” manifest. As a righteous result, “some” had boldly BELIEVED on Him unto “everlasting life” eternal. However, “some” had rankly REJECTED Him unto “shame and everlasting contempt” complete – CONDEMNATION Commenced!
There was horrible SHAME unto the “generation” of jaded “Jews” to whom would be amazingly “ashamed” of the Sovereignly sent “Son of man” when the “whosoever” had neglected personally to confidently CONFESS Him…
For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God – Luke 9:25-27
The great “gospel” message Divinely divulged unto insolent “Israel” to boldly “believe” on the “only begotten Son of God” developed a dire DIVISION dictated between enjoyable “eternal life” and demonic “darkness” of a deeply DAMNING consummated “condemnation” commanded…
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God… He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him – John 3:18-21 & 36
And the “Apostle Peter” along with the “Apostle Paul” had woefully WARNED these jaded “Jews” of their justified JUDGMENT aptly awaiting “them” for rankly REJECTING their magnificent “Messiah” Himself…
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation – Acts 2:38-40
And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you – Acts 13:39-41
And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves – Acts 28:25-29
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God – 1 Corinthians 1:18-24
Therefore, the “Gentiles” began to “believe” the wonderful “word of the Lord” as lauded. Conversely, the jaundice “Jews” had foolishly chosen to CONDEMN themselves…
And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. 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. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost – Acts 13:44-52
“And” in fact MANY were “saved” by the real RIGHTEOUSNESS of our loving “Lord Jesus Christ” in full…
And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also – Acts 17:6
Even the engaging enemies reigning as rash “rulers of the city” had themselves adamantly ADMITTED that all of “these” found among the “certain brethren” had indeed “turned the world” completely – Upside DOWN!
Wise & Shine!
“And” there would aptly ARRIVE a wonderfully “wise” wisp of “people” purposely pulled from insatiable “Israel” and “they” would be keenly KNOWN for their beautiful “brightness” regarding a real “righteousness” that will “turn many” unto our great “God in heaven” Himself:
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever – Daniel 12:3
THEOLOGICAL THOUGHTS: These “wise” workers wonderfully wooed by the helm of “heaven” were greatly gifted with the worthy WISDOM to tactfully “teach” those particular “people of God” the much needed salvific saving KNOWLEDGE sent unto “them” through the grand “grace of God” from on High…
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him – Luke 2:40
For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist – Luke 21:15
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake – Acts 6:8-10
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory – 1 Corinthians 2:6-7
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon – 1 Corinthians 3:10
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit – 1 Corinthians 12:8
Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence… That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him – Ephesians 1:8 & 17
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God – Ephesians 3:10
Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus – Colossians 1:28
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you – 2 Peter 3:15
“And” these also trustingly “turned many” men unto our great “God of heaven” for soul-saving SALVATION in an eternal looming “life” lauded…
And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord – Acts 9:35
And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord – Acts 11:20-21
And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways – Acts 14:15-16
Wherefore my
sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned
to God – Acts 15:19
Moreover ye see
and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul
hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which
are made with hands – Acts
19:26
To open
their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of
Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance
among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and
throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should
repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance – Acts
26:18 & 20
For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come – 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10
In fact, “Jesus Christ” Himself had Sovereignly said of His PROPHESIED fore-runner “John” the baptizer that “he” was indeed a “burning and a shining light” of the HISTORICAL helm to whom had “turned many” unto “God” in full…
Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that
ye might be saved. He was a burning and a shining
light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light – John 5:35
And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord – Luke 1:16-17
Subsequently, the “twelve apostles” of whom were also of “Jewish” descent are aptly ADDED to the ranks of the “twelve fathers” set over “Israel” as the CULMINATION of the “twenty-four elders” set in heaven…
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches – Revelation 1:20
These presiding PASTORS of the solemn “seven churches” founded in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) were rightly represented as the “seven stars” all said to be SEATED safely – IN His Hand!
Time & End!
Next, “Gabriel” firmly instructs “Daniel” to surely “shut up” this vivid VISION and to soundly “seal the book” of these weary “words’ of woeful WARNING until the tumultuous “time of the end” concerning “Israel” and the “city” of “Jerusalem” when “many” would readily “run to and fro” bringing increasingly insightful “knowledge” to the forefront:
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
HISTORICAL HINTS: “But” just as the ANGELIC assistant appropriately anticipates, this powerful PROPHECY was intended to NOT be ultimately “understood” completely UNTIL the tantamount “time of the end” concerning this PROMISE proclaimed unto the “Jews” when “John” and “Jesus Christ” had appeared. WHY? Because they both had frightfully FORETOLD these very same events, with an emphatic EMPHASIS placed upon that jaundice “generation” being deeply DESTROYED at that trying “time” in their horrible – HISTORY Heralded!
Our “Lord Jesus Christ” Himself decisively DECLARED that during the “time of the end” for that terminal lamenting “last generation” of jaded “Jews” alive at that point in HISTORY would ultimately “understand” this perfect PROPHECY put forth by “Daniel the prophet” proclaimed…
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:) – Matthew 24:15
Our “Lord Jesus Christ” also deeply DECLARED unto insolent “Israel” that absolutely ALL the woeful “words” of visited VENGEANCE set adamantly against them by “God” was soon to be FULFILLED as such…
And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled – Luke 21:20-22
The “apostles” had righteously “ran to and fro” upon their “beautiful feet” being boldly COMMISSIONED as “they” wonderfully “went forth” to tactfully take the great “gospel” gift powerfully “preached” practically “everywhere” encompassed…
And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen – Mark 16:20
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! – Romans 10:13-15
In fact, “Paul” willingly “went forth” working THROUGHOUT the provinces spanning from Syria to Illyricum, from Asia over to Rome and from Cyprus unto Crete as he longingly “labored more abundantly than they all” of whom were “running to and fro” for our loving “Lord Jesus Christ” abroad…
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me – 1 Corinthians 15:10
For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company – Romans 15:18-24
And “Paul” had great “understanding” of the SUPERNATURALLY sound “knowledge in the mystery of Christ” during this “dispensation of the grace of God” also PROPHETICALLY provided unto the “Gentiles” as finished “fellowheirs” in which had been keenly “kept” a Sovereign SECRET since the “beginning of the world” before the creation account…
For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ – Ephesians 3:1-9
Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily – Colossians 1:25-29
The New Testament account concerning the great “gospel of Jesus Christ” bring sweet SALVATION of the soul through the eternal “knowledge of the grace of God” unto absolutely ALL of whom – Believe IN Him!
PROPHETIC PROMISE: Beloved, “we” are soon arriving towards the “end” of the pictured PROPHECY to which began back in chapter 11 verse 2 and literally NO important HISTORICAL event will be left out from the devoted “Daniel’s” deemed “day” determined up “until” the final calamities concerning the desperate DESTRUCTION of jarred “Jerusalem” dated during the year – 70 A.D.
Praise the Lord Jesus Christ!We
are not guaranteed tomorrow – tomorrow may be too late! If you haven't
yet made that most important decision of your life, won't you make Jesus
Christ your personal Lord and Savior today - before it's too late? Today is the day of Salvation!
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Shane K. Morin <><
"Living Life From a Biblical Worldview"
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