Lesson 12 - The End and a New Beginning
The book of Daniel ends in victory. God’s plan triumphs! God’s people triumph! God’s purposes triumph! Satan and the hosts of hell are defeated. All history is moving toward one great climax. The entire human race is being catapulted to one final destiny. There is nothing any individual can do to stop it. There is no way to hinder God’s ultimate goal for His people. Soon the universe will be free from the ravages of sin. Soon the unrighteous will finally be fully destroyed. Soon sickness, sorrow and death will be over. Soon songs of joy and gladness will resound through the universe. Soon time will stretch into eternity. Daniel, chapter 12, is a doorway into the new world.
Final Events: Questions 1-7
Daniel 7 describes an awesome scene in heaven. Thrones are placed in the Most Holy Place of heaven’s sanctuary. The Ancient of Days (God the Father) and the Son of Man (Jesus) sit as the judgment begins. If “sitting on the throne” indicates judgment has begun (Daniel 7:9, 10, 13), then “standing” must indicate the judgment has come to a conclusion.
Just as the three Hebrew youths went into the flames, but were personally protected by Jesus, so in earth’s final time of trouble, God’s people go into the flames. They pass through the time of trouble, but are protected by God—unharmed as a living witness to His almighty power. As this time of trouble bursts upon the world, God’s people find in Him their ultimate security.
The Second Coming of Jesus is the most spectacular event in the history of the world. As lightning shines from the east to the west, so His coming will dazzle the sky (Matthew 24:27). Every eye sees Him come (Revelation 1:7). Every ear hears it (1 Thessalonians 4:16). The earth shakes at the mighty glory of His coming (Revelation 6:14, 15).
The “wise” have made the most intelligent choice in life. Rather than living for themselves, they live to bless others for whom Christ died. They give their lives to share His love. Whatever their occupation, they are sensitive to the needs of those around them.