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Daniel’s Vision of the Antichrist 4
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Forces from him shall appear and profane the temple and fortress, and shall take away the regular burnt offering. And they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate. He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action. And the wise among the people shall make many understand, though for some days they shall stumble by sword and flame, by captivity and plunder. When they stumble, they shall receive a little help. And many shall join themselves to them with flattery, and some of the wise shall stumble, so that they may be refined, purified, and made white, until the time of the end, for it still awaits the appointed time. And the king shall do as he wills. He shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods. He shall prosper till the indignation is accomplished; for what is decreed shall be done. He shall pay no attention to the gods of his fathers, or to the one beloved by women. He shall not pay attention to any other god, for he shall magnify himself above all. He shall honour the god of fortresses instead of these. A god whom his fathers did not know he shall honour with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts. He shall deal with the strongest fortresses with the help of a foreign god. Those who acknowledge him he shall load with honour. He shall make them rulers over many and shall divide the land for a price. (Daniel 11: 31 - 39 ESV)
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The man of sin will seduce with flattery
We learn in chapter 10 how the angel coming to Daniel was delayed 21 days because he was battling the prince of Persia, a demon. But now in chapter 11 the angel gives Daniel more insight into the future.
His prophetic message shows conflict and wars between the nations, as well as the conquests of the Antichrist. All of these would have been fulfilled initially back in the days of Antiochus Epiphanes. However it seems the future Antichrist does not have it all his own way but is confronted by other powerful ‘kings’, but is able to defeat them.
In chapter 11 not only do we learn more about the Antichrist but also the loyal people of God and their fate at the hands of this wicked man. When we look at God’s people we see death and suffering. They will also be strong and carry out great exploits. Many scholars believe these descriptions apply solely to the remnant Jews after the Christian church has been raptured out of this world. But nowhere does it say this here or in other books of the Bible. What is said, I believe, applies to both Jew and Gentile believer.
The text in chapter 11 declares that the people of God suffer, die or are thrown into prison. This fact is mentioned 3 times; so we cannot deny that this will happen to the Christian remnant. And in verse 35 we are told suffering is a process of purification. We know from the New Testament scriptures that many of the early Christians suffered persecution gladly. They saw it as a privilege to suffer for Christ, to complete His suffering. Enduring persecution and suffering develops patience, endurance and focusses attention and hope on the future world of peace and joy. We also read in Revelation how the saints at Jesus’ return will be clothed in white.
We also read in Daniel chapter 11 how God’s people will ‘carry out great exploits’, that they will understand the signs of the times, and will teach these truths to many others. They will be strong and bold in the Lord like the disciples on the day of Pentecost. Could this be a sign that God is going to revive His people in these last days? Much talk has been made about a last, and great revival at the end of the age. With God we know all things are possible. Let us hope and pray for this to happen.
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PeterF
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