Article

In this our final study, I want us to particularly consider chapter 8, verses 10 to 27.

I will be seeking to bring together other prophecies from different parts of Holy Scripture, which are parallel to that recorded by Daniel, and I hope to be able to do that with some degree of clarity and cohesion.

At the close of our last study we noted what chapter 8, verse 9 says. “And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.”

I suggested that these geographical directions indicated that the “little horn”, the Antichrist, will approach the land of Israel from the north west. I further suggested that to travel from the land of Turkey to Israel would require just such a direction to be taken.

I. THE ANTICHRIST WILL BE AN INTELLIGENT MAN, SPEAKING GREAT THINGS!

This we are told in chapter 7, verse 8. “In this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.” The eyes and the mouth suggest human intelligence.

We are further told in 8:10-11. “And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them. Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, . . .”

This is explained for us, leaving us without cause to guess and theorise as to what is meant.

“And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end,” verses 25-26.

The phrase “a time and times and the dividing of time” is explained in out last study and is that three and half year period of the ‘great tribulation’ for the Jewish people that will only end when Christ returns.

1. A chief feature of the Antichrist is his blaspheming of the Lord. The “great things” he will speak are great blasphemies against God! This will take place during the ‘great tribulation’. (more…)

“While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.”  Matthew 25:5-6.

This chapter begins with the word ‘Then’. We must ever remember that the Bible was written without chapter divisions. They were added and are very helpful in finding our way through it but sometimes they tend to divide that which should be seen and read and understood as a continuing discourse.

Chapter 24 and 25 of Matthew is just such a case.

Olivet discourse

Chapter 25 is a record of the Saviour continuing His ‘Olivet’ discourse in answer to the disciples’ questions: “And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world (age)?” Matthew 24:3.

So, in Matthew 25:1, we are given the state of the ‘ kingdom of heaven’ here on earth, just before the Saviour returns. “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto . . .”

I. IN THE FIRST CENTURY, THE REDEEMED ARE SEEN TO BE WAITING TO GREET THE SAVIOUR ON HIS RETURN.

1. This is made clear in the epistles of Paul.

“And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body,” Romans 8:23.

Paul said of the believers in Corinth: “Ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 1 Corinthians 1:7.

“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.

“And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ,” 2 Thessalonians 3:5.

2. This is not to be understood as the first generation Christians expecting the Saviour to return in their day.

I can say that because Paul corrects some who were mistaken about this matter. (more…)