MANUAL FOR LIVING IN THE END OF TIME. Have you ever wondered what the Bible has to say about the end of the world? There are two prophetic books considered the go-to sources for answers.

In this series of videos, we have been looking at God’s Judgement as good news in the context of the times in which we are living. As we consider His judgment, we must remember that our orders for the present day are centered in the three angels’ messages of Revelation chapter 14.

These messages make up the core of the gospel of Jesus Christ and are the present truth for our time. Therefore, in this series, we are studying the messages surrounding the three angels of Revelations 14 and their relevance to the gospel (the Good News) for the times in which we are living.

If you want to review any of our previous videos, you can find them at SabbathSchoolDaily.com. Additionally, you can obtain the study guide for these lessons at Sabbath.School or ssnet.org.

Inviting God’s Presence

Heavenly Father, open our hearts and minds. Give us wisdom and guidance as we explore your word. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Daniel and Revelation are two companion books that offer a glimpse into the unfolding events of the last days of earth’s history, including the judgment of God and the establishment of His everlasting kingdom of righteousness.

These two books, Daniel and Revelation show us what will happen in the last days of Earth’s history. The book of Revelation announcing that the hour of God’s judgment has come, lets us know that we are living in the time of the end when God will judge the earth. On the other hand, the book of Daniel helps us understand when God’s judgment began.

In Daniel 7, God shows Daniel the history of the earth. Daniel 7 also provides compelling information about the rise and fall of the kingdoms that have ruled the earth. These kingdoms include Babylon, Media-Persia, Greece, Rome, and the breakup of the Roman Empire. Daniel 7:25 tells us about the persecution of the church that lasts for 1,260 years, Revelation 12:6 and 14 talk about the church fleeing from religious persecution.

Daniel 7:25

25 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High, And shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand For a time and times and half a time. (Daniel 7:25)

Revelation 12:6

6 Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days. (Revelation 12:6)

A day in prophecy equals one year. Thus, the people of God were persecuted for 1,260 under the influence of Roman power.

Revelation 12:14

14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. (Revelation 12:14)

The church, represented by the women, was forced to flee into the wilderness, a desolate land. This desolate land was the United States which was sparsely populated at the time.

Although the Bible was written long before our history books, World History confirms the rise and fall of these empires in exact order.  

How interesting is that for confirming that we can trust with is written in the Bible?

Then God shows Daniel another powerful scene. He shows him a glorious celestial event that is still in the future.  Daniel’s attention is directed from the rise and fall of nations and the oppressive powers of the Earth to the very throne room of the universe and God’s final judgment.  At this time, God will right every wrong. Then God will give Jesus the kingdom that rightfully belongs to Him. This kingdom will last forever.

You see, while in vision, God directed Daniel from the chaos and conflict of the earth to the His sanctuary in heaven. In other words, Daniel observes the setting of the supreme court of the universe. In the court, Christ is the Rightful Ruler, and His Father gives him his kingdom, which is rightfully His.

Daniel 7:9, 10, and 13 describe that scene.

Daniel 7:9-10

9 “I watched till thrones were put in place, And the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, And the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, Its wheels a burning fire;

10 A fiery stream issued And came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, And the books were opened. (Daniel 7:9-10)

Daniel 7:13

13 “I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him. (Daniel 7:13) (Split)

And Daniel 7:14, 26, 27 provides more detail about this future event.

Daniel 7:14

14 Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed. (Daniel 7:14)

Daniel 7:26-27

26 ‘But the court shall be seated, And they shall take away his dominion, To consume and destroy it forever.

27 Then the kingdom and dominion, And the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, Shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And all dominions shall serve and obey Him.’ (Daniel 7:26-27)

The decision on what will happen to everyone who has ever lived will be final. God is the one who will make this decision as He presides in the heavenly courtroom. This scene is one of the most beautiful and amazing scenes in the whole Bible.  Jesus approaches His heavenly Father in the presence of the entire universe. Angelic beings crowd around the throne of God. The entire universe of unfallen beings stands in amazement at this judgment scene. The age-long cosmic battle between good and evil is over. The battle for who will rule in the universe is completely decided.

Righteousness and Truth will be victorious, and Justice will reign eternally. Everything ends well for God’s people. In faith, they serve Jesus. They are cloth not in their righteousness but in His righteousness. Their hearts are made pure and just before God.

If you trace History, you will find that Daniel was right about the ruling empires. They came and went just as predicted. It makes sense that we should trust the Word of God about what it says about the final kingdom, “the everlasting kingdom” that shall never “pass away.” To the people of God, this is Good News.

The Judgment Scene is magnificent! Who would want to miss out on it? John, in Revelation 4, had a similar experience to that of Daniel. What did John see?  

Find out in the next Video: Day 5: A Glimpse of Heaven

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