What in the World is Going On?
Armageddon
Daniel 12
Da 12:1 ¶ "At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. 2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. 4 But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase."
Chapter 12 begins with 'At that time'. So, to refresh our memories let 's re-familiarize ourselves with the time. The king of the North makes a 'league' or agreement with the people of Israel, that is to cover a seven year span. The agreement that he makes permits (we think) temple worship to take place in Israel.
After the first year he attacks a stronghold, the king of the south. Peace-talks take place.
He returns to his homeland somewhat of a victor.
At about 2 ½ years into the 'seven' the Northern king attacks the south again. Because both kings lied at the peace-talk, the southern king is ready with a great army and navy and stands his ground.
The northern king returns home angry. He gains outside support to enlarge his armed forces. He is emboldened to show his true colors, enters Israel, stops their sacrificial system, goes into the temple and claims to be God.
Nothing is heard of the king of the south until near the end of the seven years. When the king of the south begins to take some kind of an action, the northern king obliterates him and all of his allied countries.
The northern king takes up his new headquarters in Jerusalem and then hears troubling news regarding approaching armies from the east.
An assembly of remaining world powers gather in the valley of Megiddo
'At that time' I believe is referring to the devastating mass destruction of the king of the south and his allies. That will be a time of destruction, says Daniel, such as never has been since the there ever was a nation ..
The population of the world has been reduced greatly during the tribulation period. One quarter of the population of the world in one event alone. But at the end with the destruction of the nations representing the king of the south, it looks like a third of everyone that was left alive, perishes.
But at that time Michael arises. And as this terrible devastation is about to take place, God's people are all delivered. Everyone written in God's book of life, every saved person is delivered.
And not just a deliverance of all the saved who are living at that time, but also a resurrection of the dead. Daniel mentions two parts to the resurrection: some to shame and everlasting contempt. In the Revelation it becomes clear that there is a first and second resurrection, and it is at this second resurrection where unbelievers are resurrected to judgment. This is after the 1000 year reign of Christ on this earth.
The way Daniel (Gabriel actually) treats this section makes it clear that he is now looking far beyond the tribulation period itself, and all the way into eternity.
3 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
This is the work of the body of Christ, to turn many to righteousness. In the church we each have our own function. But working together we understand that our mission is to bring others to Jesus for salvation and instruction in Godly living. God is wanting to bless us with a blessing that lasts forever and ever.
For a few moments lets go back and review this from the standpoint of the Revelation:
In the revelation account, the time line of the tribulation is repeated three times.
Seven seals of a scroll are opened one at a time … the last of which records the Great day of the wrath of God.
Seven trumpets blast and mark events as time moves through the tribulation period. The last of which mentions two things: It is time to reward believers at the judgment seat of Christ, and time to destroy the prostitute.
Seven bowls of judgment are being poured out onto the earth … the last of which is the great Day of God's wrath. In it He destroys the woman.
So as the king of the North wipes out the king of the South, while kings of the east are on the move to Israel … believers arrive in heaven.
45 “And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him.
To recap: There were three world powers. North, South and East. And then there were two. And one of them, the North has rocked the world economic system and has walked away with great riches. How will this affect the East? Presently the East is very much a part of trade and commerce worldwide. Much of their trade has been with the USA, Canada and much of the world. The East has even talked about making the Yen the standard currency, replacing the US dollar.
We can only guess what the 42 months of tribulation has been like for the East. Everyone, world-wide, has had to use the Mark of the Beast in order to make any financial transactions. What would this look like for China?
At any rate … the economic support system … the banking system has been destroyed. The North has walked away wealthy … and the East? They will want to get back into the picture. What better time than now? The beast is not 'weak' but is likely 'weaker', having just come through a battle with the South. So from the standpoint of the 'Kings of the East', this is the time to 'take their piece of the action'.
Meanwhile, as the Northern king sits in Jerusalem, as the kings of the east make their way to the holy land, believers are taken up into heaven. They have appeared at the judgment seat of Christ. They have celebrated a wedding feast with Jesus as his 'bride'.
And then it is time to follow King Jesus:
Re 19:9 Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.”
10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
11 ¶ Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.
14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.
15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
Armageddon
Daniel 11:45 yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him.
Re 19:16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, “Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, 18 “that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great.”
19 And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. 20 Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.
21 And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.
And the apostle Paul said it this way:
2Th 2:7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.
Jesus is coming back. Troublesome times are here and they are only going to get worse. But Jesus has promised to never leave us or forsake us. He calls on us to stand firm. He calls on us to encourage one another, and so much the more as we see that day approaching. He calls on us to be overcomers. John said, And we know what overcomes the world (1John 5.4) … our faith. Faith comes by hearing and obeying the word of God.
Da 12:4 But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase."
Gabriel makes it clear that Daniel's prophecies are for the time of the end. In one short sentence he describes our time. Compared to having to walk everywhere, or use horses and wagons … we most certainly are 'running to and fro'. And regarding the increase of knowledge from 1900 onward … unbelievable! The so-called 'promise' that the serpent made to Eve … was that we could become as gods. God put a stop to the tower of babel … and he will put a stop to this 'knowledge quest' to become as gods.
Da 12:5 ¶ Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others stood, one on this bank of the stream and one on that bank of the stream.
6 And someone said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, "How long shall it be till the end of these wonders?"
7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished.
We are about to get some specific details from these angels.
First is mentioned the three and a half years. What about the whole seven years? Apparently the battles and events of the first three and a half … terrible as they are, are nothing compared to the last three and a half. During the second three and a half years the believers have been receiving some help. Two witnesses have been tormenting and irritating the kingdom of the beast. At the very end the beast open full fury against them and actually kills them. Their dead bodies lie in the streets for 3 and half days. This is enough time for the world to celebrate to the extent of sending gifts to one another.
I believe this is what the angel is referring to: shattering of the power of the holy people.
The encouraging help of these two is over. Can you imagine the thoughts going through the minds of believers who know the Word … “Just a few more days and we will be going home!”
And then at the end of the 3 and a half days … their bodies 'stand up'. They ascend through an open 'window' in the sky. All believers living and dead go up at that same moment, “And so shall we ever be with the Lord!”
Da 12:8 I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, "O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?"
Daniel has come through an incredible experience. He fasted. He prayed. He struggled with the meaning of the revelations he was given. And now he is desperate to know more. Likely he did not expect this answer:
Da 12:9 He said, "Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end.
The angel now gives a summary. He says, 10 Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand.
The believers in the tribulation are going to go through a time of refinement. They are born again and spotless in their souls. But their lives not so spotless and pure. This sounds much like the church of today. If we were to find ourselves in the midst of this terrible time, a time of refinement would separate the genuine from the false. A time of refinement would separate between my will and God's will for my life.
Jesus told the luke-warm self-satisfied church in Laodicea,
Re 3:18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.
Jesus is saying that it would take a time of suffering to fix the problems of the Laodicean church. How important is it to not wait for suffering to purify our lifestyle? We should be walking a 'spirit-filled' (spirit-lead) life now.
Da 12:11 And from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be 1,290 days. 12 Blessed is he who waits and arrives at the 1,335 days.
Immediately we notice that the angel gives a slightly different number of days than what we read in the Revelation:
Re 12:6 and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days.
Re 11:3 ¶ And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth."
The two witnesses minister for 1,260 days … and then they are taken up to heaven. But Daniel mentions 1,290 days. Thirty extra days. That is when Armageddon happens. Believers have been in heaven and have experienced the judgment seat of Christ, the Marriage supper of the Lamb (Jesus and his church celebrating) and at the end of 30 days descend with him. Jesus takes care of the unbelieving, rebellious, God-hating nations. The nations had gathered to fight with one another … but when they come together everything changes:
As John describes the ten horns as they join up with the beast, he takes us right to the end and gives us a picture of the final battle, Armageddon.
Re 17:12 And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they hand over their power and authority to the beast. 14 ¶ They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful."
So as the remaining nations gather in the valley of Megiddo, they find Jesus waiting for them. Actually the scene is a bit different from what I just stated.
Zechariah 14:3 Then the LORD will go forth And fight against those nations, As He fights in the day of battle. 4 And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, From east to west, Making a very large valley; Half of the mountain shall move toward the north And half of it toward the south.
Imagine what that will look like. Armies approaching one another. A massive war about to begin … and then something in the air! Jesus descending. Satan, through the beast will utter one last war cry. I am God! Get this impostor!
1,290 days have elapsed from the defiling of the temple. Jesus is back to rule and reign on this earth. But what is this 1,335 days? Forty-five days later is referred to as a time of blessing. Something special to look forward to. I believe this to be the time of the dedicating of the 'Millennial' temple that Jesus will utilize for a thousand years.
This day is coming. All signs point to it as being very near. The curse that was placed on this earth will be lifted. The desert will blossom like a rose. Animals will become tame. Everything that is wrong with the world will be fixed. The devil will be chained up for a thousand years. The beast and the false prophet, at this point, are in the lake of fire.
I will close with a scripture that calls on us to look into our own souls and respond to our Father in Heaven.
Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 2Peter 3:11,12
Next time: The Rapture Question
Chapter 12 begins with 'At that time'. So, to refresh our memories let 's re-familiarize ourselves with the time. The king of the North makes a 'league' or agreement with the people of Israel, that is to cover a seven year span. The agreement that he makes permits (we think) temple worship to take place in Israel.
After the first year he attacks a stronghold, the king of the south. Peace-talks take place.
He returns to his homeland somewhat of a victor.
At about 2 ½ years into the 'seven' the Northern king attacks the south again. Because both kings lied at the peace-talk, the southern king is ready with a great army and navy and stands his ground.
The northern king returns home angry. He gains outside support to enlarge his armed forces. He is emboldened to show his true colors, enters Israel, stops their sacrificial system, goes into the temple and claims to be God.
Nothing is heard of the king of the south until near the end of the seven years. When the king of the south begins to take some kind of an action, the northern king obliterates him and all of his allied countries.
The northern king takes up his new headquarters in Jerusalem and then hears troubling news regarding approaching armies from the east.
An assembly of remaining world powers gather in the valley of Megiddo
'At that time' I believe is referring to the devastating mass destruction of the king of the south and his allies. That will be a time of destruction, says Daniel, such as never has been since the there ever was a nation ..
The population of the world has been reduced greatly during the tribulation period. One quarter of the population of the world in one event alone. But at the end with the destruction of the nations representing the king of the south, it looks like a third of everyone that was left alive, perishes.
But at that time Michael arises. And as this terrible devastation is about to take place, God's people are all delivered. Everyone written in God's book of life, every saved person is delivered.
And not just a deliverance of all the saved who are living at that time, but also a resurrection of the dead. Daniel mentions two parts to the resurrection: some to shame and everlasting contempt. In the Revelation it becomes clear that there is a first and second resurrection, and it is at this second resurrection where unbelievers are resurrected to judgment. This is after the 1000 year reign of Christ on this earth.
The way Daniel (Gabriel actually) treats this section makes it clear that he is now looking far beyond the tribulation period itself, and all the way into eternity.
3 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
This is the work of the body of Christ, to turn many to righteousness. In the church we each have our own function. But working together we understand that our mission is to bring others to Jesus for salvation and instruction in Godly living. God is wanting to bless us with a blessing that lasts forever and ever.
For a few moments lets go back and review this from the standpoint of the Revelation:
In the revelation account, the time line of the tribulation is repeated three times.
Seven seals of a scroll are opened one at a time … the last of which records the Great day of the wrath of God.
Seven trumpets blast and mark events as time moves through the tribulation period. The last of which mentions two things: It is time to reward believers at the judgment seat of Christ, and time to destroy the prostitute.
Seven bowls of judgment are being poured out onto the earth … the last of which is the great Day of God's wrath. In it He destroys the woman.
So as the king of the North wipes out the king of the South, while kings of the east are on the move to Israel … believers arrive in heaven.
45 “And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him.
To recap: There were three world powers. North, South and East. And then there were two. And one of them, the North has rocked the world economic system and has walked away with great riches. How will this affect the East? Presently the East is very much a part of trade and commerce worldwide. Much of their trade has been with the USA, Canada and much of the world. The East has even talked about making the Yen the standard currency, replacing the US dollar.
We can only guess what the 42 months of tribulation has been like for the East. Everyone, world-wide, has had to use the Mark of the Beast in order to make any financial transactions. What would this look like for China?
At any rate … the economic support system … the banking system has been destroyed. The North has walked away wealthy … and the East? They will want to get back into the picture. What better time than now? The beast is not 'weak' but is likely 'weaker', having just come through a battle with the South. So from the standpoint of the 'Kings of the East', this is the time to 'take their piece of the action'.
Meanwhile, as the Northern king sits in Jerusalem, as the kings of the east make their way to the holy land, believers are taken up into heaven. They have appeared at the judgment seat of Christ. They have celebrated a wedding feast with Jesus as his 'bride'.
And then it is time to follow King Jesus:
Re 19:9 Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.”
10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
11 ¶ Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.
14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.
15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
Armageddon
Daniel 11:45 yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him.
Re 19:16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, “Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, 18 “that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great.”
19 And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. 20 Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.
21 And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.
And the apostle Paul said it this way:
2Th 2:7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.
Jesus is coming back. Troublesome times are here and they are only going to get worse. But Jesus has promised to never leave us or forsake us. He calls on us to stand firm. He calls on us to encourage one another, and so much the more as we see that day approaching. He calls on us to be overcomers. John said, And we know what overcomes the world (1John 5.4) … our faith. Faith comes by hearing and obeying the word of God.
Da 12:4 But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase."
Gabriel makes it clear that Daniel's prophecies are for the time of the end. In one short sentence he describes our time. Compared to having to walk everywhere, or use horses and wagons … we most certainly are 'running to and fro'. And regarding the increase of knowledge from 1900 onward … unbelievable! The so-called 'promise' that the serpent made to Eve … was that we could become as gods. God put a stop to the tower of babel … and he will put a stop to this 'knowledge quest' to become as gods.
Da 12:5 ¶ Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, two others stood, one on this bank of the stream and one on that bank of the stream.
6 And someone said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, "How long shall it be till the end of these wonders?"
7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished.
We are about to get some specific details from these angels.
First is mentioned the three and a half years. What about the whole seven years? Apparently the battles and events of the first three and a half … terrible as they are, are nothing compared to the last three and a half. During the second three and a half years the believers have been receiving some help. Two witnesses have been tormenting and irritating the kingdom of the beast. At the very end the beast open full fury against them and actually kills them. Their dead bodies lie in the streets for 3 and half days. This is enough time for the world to celebrate to the extent of sending gifts to one another.
I believe this is what the angel is referring to: shattering of the power of the holy people.
The encouraging help of these two is over. Can you imagine the thoughts going through the minds of believers who know the Word … “Just a few more days and we will be going home!”
And then at the end of the 3 and a half days … their bodies 'stand up'. They ascend through an open 'window' in the sky. All believers living and dead go up at that same moment, “And so shall we ever be with the Lord!”
Da 12:8 I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, "O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?"
Daniel has come through an incredible experience. He fasted. He prayed. He struggled with the meaning of the revelations he was given. And now he is desperate to know more. Likely he did not expect this answer:
Da 12:9 He said, "Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end.
The angel now gives a summary. He says, 10 Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand.
The believers in the tribulation are going to go through a time of refinement. They are born again and spotless in their souls. But their lives not so spotless and pure. This sounds much like the church of today. If we were to find ourselves in the midst of this terrible time, a time of refinement would separate the genuine from the false. A time of refinement would separate between my will and God's will for my life.
Jesus told the luke-warm self-satisfied church in Laodicea,
Re 3:18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.
Jesus is saying that it would take a time of suffering to fix the problems of the Laodicean church. How important is it to not wait for suffering to purify our lifestyle? We should be walking a 'spirit-filled' (spirit-lead) life now.
Da 12:11 And from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be 1,290 days. 12 Blessed is he who waits and arrives at the 1,335 days.
Immediately we notice that the angel gives a slightly different number of days than what we read in the Revelation:
Re 12:6 and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days.
Re 11:3 ¶ And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth."
The two witnesses minister for 1,260 days … and then they are taken up to heaven. But Daniel mentions 1,290 days. Thirty extra days. That is when Armageddon happens. Believers have been in heaven and have experienced the judgment seat of Christ, the Marriage supper of the Lamb (Jesus and his church celebrating) and at the end of 30 days descend with him. Jesus takes care of the unbelieving, rebellious, God-hating nations. The nations had gathered to fight with one another … but when they come together everything changes:
As John describes the ten horns as they join up with the beast, he takes us right to the end and gives us a picture of the final battle, Armageddon.
Re 17:12 And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they hand over their power and authority to the beast. 14 ¶ They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful."
So as the remaining nations gather in the valley of Megiddo, they find Jesus waiting for them. Actually the scene is a bit different from what I just stated.
Zechariah 14:3 Then the LORD will go forth And fight against those nations, As He fights in the day of battle. 4 And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, From east to west, Making a very large valley; Half of the mountain shall move toward the north And half of it toward the south.
Imagine what that will look like. Armies approaching one another. A massive war about to begin … and then something in the air! Jesus descending. Satan, through the beast will utter one last war cry. I am God! Get this impostor!
1,290 days have elapsed from the defiling of the temple. Jesus is back to rule and reign on this earth. But what is this 1,335 days? Forty-five days later is referred to as a time of blessing. Something special to look forward to. I believe this to be the time of the dedicating of the 'Millennial' temple that Jesus will utilize for a thousand years.
This day is coming. All signs point to it as being very near. The curse that was placed on this earth will be lifted. The desert will blossom like a rose. Animals will become tame. Everything that is wrong with the world will be fixed. The devil will be chained up for a thousand years. The beast and the false prophet, at this point, are in the lake of fire.
I will close with a scripture that calls on us to look into our own souls and respond to our Father in Heaven.
Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 2Peter 3:11,12
Next time: The Rapture Question