November, 1 2020
FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:
OUTLINE OF DANIEL, WHICH IS SUPPLEMENTED BY REVELATION TO COMPLETE THE BIBLE PROPHECIES
Before going a step further studying the details of the parallel visions of Daniel (ch. 2; 7; 8-9; 10-12), It is indispensable that we see a full view of the book itself, it’s purpose, and why Revelation cannot be properly interpreted, understood and valued in these last days of earth’s history:
The Theme: “The Book of Daniel night appropriately called a handbook of history and prophecy. PREDICTIVE prophecy is a preview of history; history is predictive prophecy PASSING IN REVIEW. The element of prediction [1] enables God’s people to see the things of TIME in the light of ETERNITY, [2] alerts them for effective action [not merely reactionary] at appropriate times, [3] facilitates PERSONAL preparation for the FiNAL crisis, and [4] provides a firm basis for FAITH upon fulfillment of the prediction.
“The four major lines of prophecy in the book of Daniel set forth in BRIEF OUTLINE, against the backdrop of WORLD HISTORY, the experiences of God’s people from the days of Daniel down to the close of time. ‘The curtain is drawn aside, and we Behold, above, behind, and through the play and counter play of human interest and power and passions, the agencies of the All-merciful One, silently, patiently working out the counsels of His own will’ (PK 500).
“EACH of the four lines of prophecy reaches a CLIMAX when ‘the God of heaven’ sets ‘up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed’ (chap. 2:44), when ‘the Son of man’ receives ‘everlasting dominion’ (ch.7:13,14), when opposition to the ‘Prince of princes’ is ‘broken without hand’ (ch.8:25), and God’s people are delivered forever from their oppressors (ch.12:1).
“The prophecies of Daniel thus provide a DIVINELY CONSTRUCTED BRIDGE from the precipice of time to the boundless shores of eternity, a bridge over which those who, like Daniel, PURPOSE in their hearts to love and serve God, may pass by faith from the UNCERTAINTY and DISTRESS of the PRESENT LIFE to the PEACE and SECURITY OF ETERNAL LIFE.”- Commentary of the Book of Daniel, A Section of Vol. 4, SDA Bible Dictionary.
(More tomorrow), God bless all, NMF