Who has the last word?

"Remember" The 4th Commandment




Date: Mar 17, 2008 11:00 AM
Subject: Bible Study 7, What Time Is It, Part III
Body:






BIBLE STUDY #7 What time is it? PART III


So far we've studied the prophetic mechanism that reaches 1844 chronologically. Why is 1844 so important? What does the Bible mean when it says, "then shall the sanctuary be restored'? The answer to this question is not complicated when the underlying issues involved are properly understood.

Even though many people do not appreciate the prophetic importance of 1844 at this time, this is about to change! Interest in this subject will rise from obscurity to intense interest in the near future. As we will see, God has ordained that earth shall know that "the appointed time of the end has come!" For the sake of review, notice that the longest time prophecy in the bible is built solidly upon four historical moments confirmed in scripture:

1. The decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem occurred in 457 B.C. Ezra 7

2. 69 weeks later (483 years) Jesus was baptized and anointed by the Holy Spirit in 27 A.D. Luke 3

3. Jesus was crucified in 30 A.D. at the time of the Passover feast – right on time. John 19

4. Probationary time for the Jews as a nation ended in 34 A.D when the privilege of representing to the Christians. Acts 7-10.

According to Daniel 8:14, the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary began in 1844. The cleansing or restoration of the heavenly sanctuary is very similar to the ancient Day of Atonement service conducted in the wilderness sanctuary. What should this mean to us right now?

Two failures

To appreciate the importance of 1844, we look back to the 70 weeks of probationary time given to the Jewish nation. The 490 years must be contrasted with 1800 years of failed opportunities. Notice the diagram below:





The "appointed time of the end" follows a similar parallel. 1844 marks the beginning of the appointed time of the end (just as 457 B.C. marked the beginning of the 490 years) and the second coming marks the end of the appointed time of the end (just as 34 A.D. marked the end of Jewish probation). The 490 years granted to Israel and the appointed time of the end serve a similar function in that the appointed time of the end is earth's last time period for the Gentiles.

Remember, Jesus chose Israel to be a special people. He patiently dealt with them as a nation for approximately 1800 years. They rejected His love and affection, and ultimately crucified the One who chose them. The promised curses have come to pass. Jesus as His chosen people abandoned Israel in 34 A.D. – it was their choice. So Jesus chose twelve disciples to displace the twelve tribes.

If Israel would be stiff-necked and rebellious, He would have to start over. He formed a new group of people called "Christians." These were to accomplish what the Jews had failed to do. These were to represent His character and love before the world. These were to be channels through which His blessings of love could flow. These were sent out to the Gentiles of the world. The Gentiles were to have their day of opportunity! Jesus told his disciples, "They (the Jews) will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times (years) of the Gentiles are fulfilled." Luke 21:24

The times (or years of probation) of the Gentiles are not over yet! We will see in Revelation that Jesus intends that every gentile hear the gospel call. So, turning from the Jews, Jesus gave the gospel commission to the Christian Church. Maybe they would fulfill their opportunity. But history confirms that the Church also failed to do what Jesus wanted them to do! Here, in brief is the story.

Jesus starts over

For three and half years Jesus patiently taught the disciples about the kingdom of love. After His ascension, the disciples, endowed with the power of the Holy Spirit, labored for Jesus just as He commanded, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…" Matthew 28:19,20

Satan wasted no time in opposing the developing work of Jesus on earth. His desire for the destruction of Christians was as fierce and determined as it was against the Jews. Satan used every evil resource at his disposal to destroy the knowledge and love of God bestowed upon the Christian church. How did he do it?

Satan wages war

Satan began with torture and death. Those first Christians were defenseless against the rage of "that old serpent, the devil" and for the first three centuries of the church's history, both Jews and Romans relentlessly persecuted Christians. Ironically, persecution of the church accomplished what the Romans and Jews wanted least. As Christians scattered for their lives, they carried the gospel of Jesus with them throughout the world!

But after while, Satan saw that the more he persecuted the church, the larger and more dedicated it became. Persecution served to keep the church pure and its doctrines free of human sophistry. This was not the desired effect, so Satan launched a new form of warfare against the church. He applied the adage, "If you can't lick 'em, join 'em." Satan joined the church! Where he failed in destroying the truth through persecution he would succeed by leading the church to corrupt the teachings of Jesus. He corrupted the truth through educated and eloquent men in leadership positions. While these men outwardly claimed to be Disciples of Christ they were far less than "born again."

Daniel predicted the Christian Church would be antichrist centuries before it existed!

The prophecy recorded in Daniel 7 clearly identifies the corrupting influence of Satan upon the Christian Church and its destructive effects upon God's people. A few comments are presented on this amazing prophecy.

Remember king Nebuchadnezzar's dream? He saw kingdoms of man outlined in the form of a man made of various metals. A few years after the king's vision, Daniel had a vision that essentially covered the same kingdoms and time periods. The prophetic process of repetition and enlargement is clearly seen here. The king saw a broad picture of future events and Daniel saw the same thing but with more detail!

Daniel see a lion, bear, leopard and a terrible beast

The vision is recorded in Daniel 7. You should read this entire chapter from your Bible to understand all that Daniel saw. Basically, Daniel's dream contained four strange beasts. They were unusual beasts in the features were added to their bodies to highlight certain characteristics: They were:

1. A lion with eagle wings

2. A bear with three ribs in its mouth

3. A leopard with four wings and four heads

4. A terrible beast with ten horns

Daniel was particularly awed at the fourth beast having ten horns because it had unusual power, was indescribable in its fury, and ultimately focused its wrath on the saints of God. The accompanying angel told Daniel the four beasts represented four kingdoms that would rise from the earth. Many historians agree that four beasts seen by Daniel represent the same kingdoms seen by Nebuchadnezzar. The Bible often parallels prophetic themes with additional information to help us understand the meaning of a prophecy. (Compare the beasts with lesson 6) So, the lion represented Babylon, the bear, Medo-Persia; the leopard, Grecia and the four beasts represent the fourth kingdom, Rome. The harmony of the chronological sequence and the contents of the visions with historical confirmation place this matter beyond reasonable controversy.

The fourth beast

Even though Daniel observed four beasts in his vision, he was most distressed and awed by the fourth beast, for it was very different than the other beasts. This beast persecuted the saints. The following is a brief summery of the fourth beast as described in Daniel 7 and the little horn that came out of the fourth beast:

1. It starts out as the fourth world empire.
2. It is unusual in strength and furious with enemies.
3. It has teeth of iron.
4. Out of this kingdom ten horns (or kings) arise.
5. After the ten kings appear, a little horn arises and, in so doing, uproots three of the original kings.
6. This new horn has all the fierce qualities of its parent, the terrible fourth beast.
7. The little becomes a great horn – much stronger than any of the remaining horns.
8. The little horn power blasphemes the God of heaven.
9. The little horn power wars against the saints for a specified time.
10. The little horn power "thinks" to change times and laws.
11. The little horn power endures until the end of the world.

Historically, the fourth beast has been clearly identified as Rome for almost 1500 years. The little horn power (items 5-11 above) has likewise been identified by students of prophecy for almost fifteen centuries as an antichrist power. There is no question concerning the character of the little horn. It is antichrist. The identity of this antichrist power is necessary because it has a leading role in the last day events!

The little horn power is the great spiritual power that came out of the fourth kingdom, Rome! For more than seven hundred years students of prophecy have called the little horn power the universal Christian or the Roman Catholic Church.

Note: The following is a brief description of what happened in the course of history to the Christian Church as it moved farther and farther away from the truth of God's Word by replacing the teachings of the Bible with man-made traditions or doctrines. The sponsor of this Bible study sincerely believe there are many wonderful and dedicated Christian people within the Roman Catholic Church who love their church and faithfully practice its teachings. Many of its members have not had an opportunity or sufficient reason to consider the Protestant view of the Church's history. Even further, many Catholics have little or no knowledge concerning the origins of its doctrines or teachings. Upon examination, many Catholics are shocked to learn that many Church doctrines have no Biblical basis whatsoever.

Process of identification

By what means did the Protestant Reformers identify the Catholic Church as being antichrist? A collection of writings calling for reformation within the Roman Church began to circulate about 1300 A.D. As time passed, the number of people calling for change significantly increased. Those denouncing teachings or doctrines promoted by the Church that had no biblical basis became known as "protestors" or "protestants." Their united plea was simple, "Away with the harsh and unjust rule of Roman clerics teaching mad-made traditions. Give us the Bible alone as the Word of God. Sola Scriptura!"

The pleas of the protestors provoked power church officials so that eventually, any or all protestors were condemned to the dungeon, stake or sword. Persecution, torture, discouragement and death are some of Satan's most persuasive tools!

Some of the better known reformers involved in the initial call for reformation were Wycliff, Huss, Jerome, Luther, Calvin, Knox, and Tyndale. As the conflict between the Protestants and the Catholic Church grew, educated men throughout Europe began identifying the little horn power in Daniel 7 as the Papacy. The following steps generally derived their conclusions:

Rome – Fourth beast

The terrible fourth beast in Daniel 7 is historically confirmed and recognized as civil Rome, the fourth universal kingdom of the world. Civil Rome came to power about 168 B.C. with the overthrow of Greece. The powerful teeth of iron belonging to the terrible beast (remember, the legs of Nebuchadnezzar's image representing this fourth kingdom in Daniel 2 were also made of iron) fittingly described the unusual strength of Rome's military legions since they were first to extensively use iron weapons.

Ten horns overtake Rome

The ten horns that overcame Rome were recognized by reformers as the ten kingdoms into which civil Rome (Europe) was divided around 476 A.D. They were: Ostrogoths, Heruli, Franks, Vandals, Lombards, Visigoths, Suevi, Burgundians, Alamanni and the Anglo-Saxon.

Little horn overtakes three horns

According to Daniel, the little horn power was to become prominent after the ten horns were active. While it may be said the Christian Church began at the time of Christ. It must be understood that the church grew from infancy to great political power over a period of about 5 centuries. According to Daniel's prophecy, the little horn power would become stronger than any of the ten kingdoms represented by the ten horns! A major point is made that after the ten horns are in power, then the little horn rises to power.

According to the prophecy, the little horn would distinguish itself from the other kingdoms, by "plucking" up of the original ten horns or kingdoms by their roots. The Roman Church (the little horn) plucked up three horns (three tribal nations) known as the Ostrogoths, Vandals, and the Heruli as it rose to power. These three tribal nations were destroyed over a theological dispute on the deity of Christ. Historically, this dispute is known as the "Arian controversy." The dominating influence of the emerging Christian Church upon the remaining seven tribal nations is clearly demonstrated in this portion of the prophecy for the war against those holding "Arian" views was concluded by 538 A.D.

Little horn wages war on saints

According to Daniel, the little horn power would have the same fierce qualities as its parent, the fourth beast. The little horn would become stronger than all the other horns. It would have a mouth that spoke against the Most High and it would have eyes like a man.

As the church became politically powerful, she became lord over the nations of Europe. It was the Church that appointed Kings and Queens. The Church decided political issues.

The Church eventually ruled the world. The Church claimed the right to determine eternal life or death upon her subjects. She was as determined and cruel in conquering her foes as the pagan parent was. To expand her power and influence, the Pope promised forgiveness of sin – past, present and future along with eternal salvation to anyone willing to fight for the Holy Roman Empire. Millions perished in crusades fought in the name of God. The Roman Catholic Church conquered Europe and literally ruled with an "iron" fist for almost 13 centuries.

The Church exercised a number of spiritual prerogatives that blasphemes God's truth. For example, the Church claims infallibility for its leader! "We teach and define it to be a dogma divinely revealed that the Roman Pontiff, when he speaks ex cathedra, that is, when action in his office as pastor and teacher of all Christians, by his supreme Apostolic authority…he enjoys that infallibility with which the divine Redeemer willed His Church to be endowed in defining doctrine concerning faith and morals; and therefore such definitions of the said Roman Pontiff are irreformable of themselves, and not from the consent of the Church" (Quoted from a booklet titled The Papacy, Expression of God's Love, page 29, published by the knights of Columbus).

Little horn empowered 1260 years

Daniel predicted the little horn power would persecute the saints of God for a time, times and half a time. This phrase represents three and a half years. A "time" equals one year. A "times" represents two years, and "half a time" represents half a year. We know these terms represent 1260 days because John uses these time periods in an interchangeable way. See Revelation 12:6,14 If we use the day/year principle described in previous lessons, the 1,260 days of the prophecy represents 1,260 literal years. The day/year principle must be followed in this chapter because certain scenes in this vision correspond with the timing of the 2,300 years. This point will be studied in the next lesson.

Protestant reformers as 538 A.D. established the beginning of the 1,260-year period when the Pope began exercising authority of life and death over the subjects of the fragmented Roman Empire. Emperor Justinian had previously granted absolute power as "Corrector of Heretics" to the Pope through an imperial decree in 533. Giving such power to the Church set the stage for the beginning of a terrible reign of terror by Roman Pontiffs that would become known as the "dark ages."

If 533 is the correct commencement date of Papal authority, and the day/year principle is applicable, a break or termination in the power of the papacy should occur 1260 later in 1798. A significant number of Protestants wrote years before the fall of the Papacy that Church power should be broken some time in the 18th century! Writers such as Thomas Parker, 1646; Increase Mather, president of Harvard, 1723; William Burnet, 1724; and Richard Clark, 1759, and others anticipated the prophetic collapse of the Roman Church power during the 18th century!

Napoleon unwittingly fulfilled the 1260-year prophecy by capturing the Pope and putting him in prison in February 1798. Thus the predicted 1260 years of Papal rule and persecutions described by Daniel were fulfilled.

Little horn "thinks" to change law of God

Daniel predicted the little horn power would "think" to change times and laws. In 787 A.D. at the Second Nicean Council, the second commandment was entirely removed from the Ten Commandments and the tenth commandment was divided into two separate commandments so ten would remain. This was done so questions about the use of images or icons in worship would not come up. In addition, the fourth commandment was reduced to just a few words so questions would not be raised about the day of worship. Compare the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3-17) with a Catholic Catechism for confirmation on these changes.

Little horn claims to be God on earth

As a capstone for identification, Protestants for 400 + years have argued that the blasphemous title of the Pope, which in Latin is "Vicarious Filli Dei", and means "in place of the Son of God", was a fulfillment of prophecy. In English, differing forms of this title are used: for example, "Vicar of Jesus Christ" or, "Vicar of God." Regardless which term is used, the meaning is still the same, "in place of the Son of God."





"Anti" Christ

Historically speaking, Protestants found only one organization that met all the specifications of the little horn of Daniel 7. It was the Papacy. (Even though there is debate within Protestantism today as to who the little horn power is, the chronological and historical harmony of the prophecy leaves no room for misinterpretation.) The point is that Satan succeeded again. He so corrupted the Christian Church that it became "anti" Christ. The Church sentenced well over 100 million people to death during it reign for refusing to receive its doctrines. For some time Satan had what he wanted all along – control of earth! The devil has ever worked to have people worship anything or anyone but Jesus. Revelation predicts that the Antichrist (Satan himself) will yet appear on earth and claim all power and authority that rightfully belongs to God! This will be the final blasphemy! Webster defines blasphemy as "taking the prerogatives of God."

History repeated

Again, it is said that Satan is the Antichrist. He led the Jews to become antichrist during a period of 1,800 years and he succeeded in causing the Christian Church to do the same in about the same length of time! In both cases, he achieved his goals by putting self-centered, ambitious and unprincipled men into leadership. Love of money and power hold greater reward and satisfaction to the carnal nature than following the teaching of the humble and meek Carpenter from Nazareth.

Jesus starts over a final time

Jesus did not give up even though the Jews and the Christian Church became "antichrist."

Just as He called men and women out of Judaism to begin the Christian Church, He called those who loved and sought truth out of a Christian Church to a new movement.

Historically, this new organization is called the Protestant Reformation. Thus Jesus passed the responsibility of giving the gospel from the Christians to Protestants.

Note: The term Christian as used in this review of history applies to Roman Catholic Church, which still claims to possess the one and only true Christian faith. Even though Protestants claim to be Christians, there is a vast theological difference between Catholics and Protestants.)





Incredible timing

The timing of prophetic events is incredible! The Catholic Church was "wounded" in 1798 when General Breathier captured the Pope and placed him in prison. The iron grip of Rome was finally broken. The Protestant Movement would rapidly grow and become a dominant world influence. Truth could ever flourish The Dark Ages were over. Jesus rose up the Protestant Movement so that men and women could hear "more" Bible truth.

Truths such as salvation by faith, the ministry of Jesus in heaven instead of priestly ministry through Rome, the second coming and the prophetic meaning of 1844 are among these truths! The Roman Catholic system was brought down so that truth might prosper.

Bibles could be printed and freely distributed, and freedom of worship became an inalienable right. No longer would people have to be separated from the knowledge of God by a priest. Everyone could own a Bible and have the liberty to search for truth!

Even though the point has not yet been clearly made, the contents of this lesson sets the stage for 1844 and beyond, for the Bible predicts a healing or future restoration of Papal power! (A rapid process which is being observed at this very time.) The first rise and fall of the Papacy occurred on time as predicted in Daniel and the second will be just as timely. Notice that less than 50 years separate the fall of Papal rule in 1798 and the completion of the 2,300 year prophecy in 1844. These two events are related and our next lesson will study this interesting relationship.

Summary

For 1800 years the Christian Church had an opportunity to accomplish what the Jews failed to do. But alas, the roman Church became as evil and "anti" Christ as their predecessors the Jews. The Holy Roman Empire was brought down at the end of the 1,260 years in 1798 by a dictator refusing to believe in God. Even though Napoleon, like Nebuchadnezzar, didn't know the God of heaven, history and waterloo confirms again that there is a God that sets up kings and takes them down. (Daniel 4:25)

Jesus then rose up the Protestants. They received the responsibility to proclaim the truth of God's Word. This point is most important for somebody on earth has to be able to tell the rest of the world about "the appointed time of the end." You will see the critical reason for this point in a future lesson. Looking at the pitiful condition of Protestantism today, we may be able to guess why Revelation refers to the saints at the end of the world as a "remnant."