The Truth Of The End Times Series

The Truth of the End Times

Daniel Speaks to Us Today

By Greg Johnson

January 10, 2007

http://www.LovingGodFellowship.org

Daniel 11 and 12

Eschatology can be confusing. There are some people that spend a lot of energy time trying to figure out the end times. It is possible that some become so consumed with trying to predict end time events that they lose sight of what they are left on earth to do. There are certain truths concerning the end times that we can know, but let us never lose focus on our mission which is to continue the ministry of Jesus until He comes.

The book of Daniel ends by talking about the end time truths of the Antichrist, the tribulation, and the resurrection. It concludes with specific instruction to Daniel and to us in our day.

THE ANTICHRIST

The spirit of Antichrist was birthed at the cross. Every thing the devil could throw at Christ, he did at the cross. At the end of Daniel chapter 11, reference is concerning an individual rising to power in the end times. (Daniel 11:36-45 NIV) "The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined must take place. {37} He will show no regard for the gods of his fathers or for the one desired by women, nor will he regard any god, but will exalt himself above them all. {38} Instead of them, he will honor a god of fortresses; a god unknown to his fathers he will honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts. {39} He will attack the mightiest fortresses with the help of a foreign god and will greatly honor those who acknowledge him. He will make them rulers over many people and will distribute the land at a price. {40} "At the time of the end the king of the South will engage him in battle, and the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet of ships. He will invade many countries and sweep through them like a flood. {41} He will also invade the Beautiful Land. Many countries will fall, but Edom, Moab and the leaders of Ammon will be delivered from his hand. {42} He will extend his power over many countries; Egypt will not escape. {43} He will gain control of the treasures of gold and silver and all the riches of Egypt, with the Libyans and Nubians in submission. {44} But reports from the east and the north will alarm him, and he will set out in a great rage to destroy and annihilate many. {45} He will pitch his royal tents between the seas at the beautiful holy mountain. Yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him."

This end time Antichrist will have great military and economic power. He will exalt himself above all. The devil will utilize this individual to bring great destruction on God’s creation and will try to annihilate God’s inheritance. But just like at the cross of Christ, the devil will not succeed! God’s Word tells us that this Antichrist "will come to his end, and no one will help him."

THE TRIBULATION

There will be a great tribulation period. (Daniel 12:1 NIV) "At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people--everyone whose name is found written in the book--will be delivered."

There will be a great tribulation period, but the followers of Jesus will be saved. They have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus and their name is found in the book of life.

THE RESURRECTION

At the cross the devil tried to defeat Christ through death. At the empty tomb of Christ, death, hell and the grave were conquered through the resurrection. There is a great resurrection to come. (Daniel 12:2 NIV) "Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt." Jesus Himself talked about this. (John 5:28-29 NIV) "Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice {29} and come out--those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned."

THE RELEVANCE

How is this relevant to us in our day? Daniel asked the angelic messenger the very same question. (Daniel 12:8 NIV) "I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, "My lord, what will the outcome of all this be?"