The Time of the End

When I take the time to pray, thank you for that. I was mentioning to Mr. Griffin before services that he sings a sermonette every time, and it's a wonderful thing, and it adds so much to our service, so thank you very much for that. And prayers for Edna. Edna had a fall, but kind of an abrupt sit-down where she lost her balance and sat down, and so she's not here today, but continued prayers for her that she feel better from that. But thank you again for that special music, and thank you to Mr. Maggard for that message. I feel very thankful today. I know we thanked those that are contributing to the hall here, but I wanted to say thank you to all those Mr. Cowan for always giving of himself each and every day to us here in the congregation. So thank you to him for sure. Thank you for the songs, and all those. Thank you to those who prepare the meals, every Sabbath. That's a wonderful way to give. Thank you to those who come and look to give an encouraging word to someone. That's a way of serving, and a really important way of serving. Thank you for your prayers, for the messages, and the Sabbath service. So there's so many ways that so many are serving, so thank you for that. I do want to ask your continued prayers for Mr. Fulton Bush, of course, and Florence. Mr. Cowan and I went and visited a few days ago, and of course, Fulton's capacity, his lung capacity, is dwindling, it seems, more and more each day. So just your prayers for him, that he would know that God is with him, and he's such an encouragement. I can't tell you what an uplifting way that he gave to Mr. Cowan and I when we visited him. And of course, Florence is very faithful and strong, and so they just want to always extend their thanks to all of you for the prayers you're giving to them, even though they're not able to join us for services. So I do want to ask for your continued prayers for them and the family. I was looking at the upcoming schedule, I guess not next Sabbath, but the following Sabbath we'll have a Bible study. So we'll forego the sermonette and have another Bible study. Two Sabbaths from now. Oh, and I wanted to extend the invitation. We're having a Knoxville Congregational Picnic at our home, and we wanted to extend the invite to any of those who would be up for traveling. I know that's difficult, but we did want to extend the invitation. So Sunday, September 8th, I think that's two weeks from now. Sunday, September 8th, we're going to start at 11 a.m. and have lunch served at noon at our home. Maybe I could put this on the back. Our home address is 3233 Fraser Road, Knoxville. So that's 3233 Fraser Road, F-R-A-Z-I-E-R Road. And I sent this out in the email as well, and I can leave it back there. Knoxville 37914. So we'll be providing the hot dogs and hamburgers by the pool. We weren't looking for a pool when we bought this house, but it was there. We finally got it functional. It needed a new liner. It's been a pretty big headache, but we're hoping now we can actually enjoy it. So you can bring a side dish, also bring a drink or a dessert. And if you'd like to bring an additional or different main dish, you're welcome. We'll have the grill available to you, but we will be providing the hot dogs and hamburgers. Bring a camp chair, a folding chair if you have it, and if you'd like to swim, a beach towel. So we do hope any and all that would like to travel, you'll come and join us for the day. And you can get together with the Knoxville congregation as well. So that's Sunday, September 8th there.

I think that's all I had as far as housekeeping.

Well, the title of our sermon study today is The Time of the End. The Time of the End. And I invite you to open your Bibles with me, and let's turn to Daniel 12, if you will. You might start with putting a marker there. Daniel 12. As we look to wrap up our study series that's been going on for some time in the book of Daniel. And as we wrap up this series, I hope that we do not come away from Daniel with the view that it's simply or merely an ancient book, and it really doesn't have much relevance to us today in our contemporary lives. I hope that's not the case. Rather, I do think that many of us come to this book and we're compelled by the fact that despite it being written so long ago, and despite the time gap, it is more relevant today than ever, and is vitally important to us as we live our lives today. And the fact that this book is relevant today, it shouldn't be a surprise to us. We know Paul tells us that all scripture is written for our endurance, it's written for our encouragement, and that we find hope today by those things that were written many, many years ago. So with that, let's read this final chapter together to establish our study. It's this last chapter, Daniel 12, it's an incredible finish to a remarkable book. Daniel 12, let's begin in verse 1.

At that time, Michael shall stand up. Of course, Michael being the great defender of God's people throughout the years. The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people, and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. But you, Daniel, shut up the words, seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase. Verse 5. Then I, Daniel, looked, and there stood two others, one on this riverbank and the other on that riverbank. And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, How long shall the fulfillment of these wonders be? Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore to him, who lives forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time. And when the power of the holy people have been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished. Although I heard, I did not understand, and then I said, my lord, what shall be the end of these things? And he said, Go your way, Daniel, for these words are closed up and sealed, until the time of the end. Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly, and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand. And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be 1,290 days. Blessed is he who waits and comes to the 1,335 days. But you go your way till the end, for you shall rest, and will rise to your inheritance at the end of the days. Let's stop there.

Quite a chapter, I'm sure you agree. And as we open this final chapter of Daniel, we quickly see that we do come to the time of the end, and it will be a time of incredible trouble. Verse 1, it'll be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation. So this trouble will affect greatly the nation of Israel.

And this here, this time of trouble, is the trouble that the Bible refers to as the time of Jacob's trouble. We won't take the time to turn there, but this time referred to as Jacob's trouble is referenced in Jeremiah 30 verse 7. Jeremiah 30 verse 7, if you'd like to look that up later. Jacob's trouble. And Jacob's trouble is something that you and I should know about, because what is written about Jacob's trouble directly relates to our nation today.

The prophecy of Jacob's trouble here is, in fact, our trouble in the time of the end. Let me explain. As the time of Christ's return draws near, Satan will direct his wrath not only to those who are faithful to God everywhere, but he will also direct his wrath toward the physical descendants of Israel. The physical descendants of all Israel. Again, this trouble, this wrath, will come not only to God's faithful everywhere, but Jacob's trouble refers to the wrath that is going to be directed toward the physical descendants of all Israel. So this wrath, this trouble, will come upon our nation as well. Let me read you a quote from our UCG website. It's titled, The Time of Jacob's Trouble. I believe this is also included in our booklet, The United States and Britain in Bible Prophecy. Listen to this carefully of how this end-time trouble directly relates to our nation.

Quote from the UCG article, The Time of Jacob's Trouble.

God indicated to Jeremiah that while he would eventually rescue them from it, that he would allow the future descendants of the ancient kingdoms of Israel and Judah to fall into captivity. Scripture calls this end-time catastrophe the time of Jacob's trouble. Again, that's Jeremiah 30 verse 7. Continuing from the article, God revealed to Daniel that such a time of trouble would occur at the time of the end. This and other prophecies indicate that Satan's wrath during these last days will be directed not only toward the faithful Christians, but also toward the ethnic descendants of all of Israel. This includes the Jews as well as the descendants of the lost ten tribes, whose identity Satan has never forgotten. It will be especially directed toward the United States, Britain, Canada, and other British descended peoples who are the modern-day descendants of Joseph's sons Ephraim and Manasseh.

So, although the United States and Britain do not appear under their present names in end-time prophecies, we shouldn't think that God has ignored them in details of the prophetic future. Rather, God identifies them clearly in prophecy according to their ancestry. Throughout the long history of the lost ten tribes of Israel, God has always known who they are and where they are. He promised to the the ancient forefathers, and he has given the modern descendants of Joseph, again Britain and the United States the family birthright, many many blessings. However, the Bible also speaks of them falling into captivity in a trouble such as never was since there was a nation.

So, this is the dark prophetic future of our nations and these nations. This is Jacob's trouble, as written here and mentioned in verse 1. So, Daniel chapter 1 chapter 12 verse 1 is a verse unmatched in its impact to the descendants of Israel, including the descendants of Joseph, the nations of Britain and the United States included. So, verse 1 is very sobering to say the least. Continuing the end of verse 1 and verse 2, another very impactful verse here.

The end of verse 1, and at the time of your people shall be delivered. Everyone who's found written in the book, verse 2, and many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt. Let's stop there. Very broad prophecy here in in one verse, verse 2 there, and this speaks of future resurrections, doesn't it? And it gives this contrast here of two future resurrections. One to everlasting life. That's the the hope of God's firstfruits, of course. But on the other hand, we know that there will be some raised to shame and everlasting contempt.

Now notice there at the end of verse 2, a quick notice, it does not say some will be awake, awakened to everlasting life in contempt. So it doesn't say that. Nor does it say some will awake to everlasting life in hell, let's say. It doesn't say that. It says some will awake to shame and everlasting contempt. Also important to note that it does not say that those raised to life and those raised to shame and contempt are raised at the same time. It doesn't say that as well. Two important things to point out there. And of course from other passages, namely 1 Corinthians 15, verse 22 and 23, we won't take the time to turn there. 1 Corinthians 15, we know Paul elaborates that there is an order of those who will be raised, multiple resurrections indicating that. Revelation 20, of course, speaks of a first resurrection, those faithful being raised at the return of Jesus Christ to live with him for a thousand years. A second resurrection after the thousand years. Those who will be raised in that group will be those who never completely understood the truth of God. They will be raised after the thousand years in a second resurrection to be taught by God and those helping God of his ways. And then those in the second group upon understanding, upon accepting the truth, upon repentance, will have their opportunity to receive the gift of eternal life, to join those who were made immortal in the first resurrection.

However, scripture speaks of a third group. Seems to indicate a third group, a resurrection to shame, if you will. It'll be those who, after being enlightened by God, will turn away from that gift. After being enlightened, they will not repent. They will turn away from the heavenly gift. This group is referred to in Hebrews 6, and I'd like to turn there now. Hebrews 6, if you'll keep your marker here in Daniel 12, let's turn to Hebrews 6, verse 4 through 6. And look at this third group spoken about, a group who will be raised to shame. That's a resurrection to shame. Hebrews 6 speaks about this. Those who refuse to accept God, his way of life will be resurrected to a final destruction. In the lake of fire. And we're kind of taking a high overview of this, of course, before we get into the the meat of Daniel chapter 12. Hebrews 6, let's go ahead and read verse 1 through 6. I think this is important for us as we prepare to go into this 12th chapter of Daniel. It's really important for us. This will be a good foundation. Hebrews 6, verse 1 through 6, therefore, leaving the discussion of elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying down, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And if we will do if God permits. Verse 4, here it is, For it is impossible for those who are once enlightened to have tasted the heavenly gift, to have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put him to an open shame. Let's stop there. So I wanted to read that as we begin again to move into this final chapter of the book of Daniel. And as we prepare for these end time events, which will shake the very elect, if God would not return when he does, it's a great call out because we who have been enlightened, we need to be moving on to perfection. So important. Making progress through a higher level of righteousness. We're not called to par. We're called to a higher level. Very important. We need to be moving on to perfection if we are to remain faithful through all the trouble that is coming to our nation, and through all the trouble that is coming to God's people. We won't stand. We won't be able to stand unless we're moving on to perfection and making progress in this way.

So a good foundation to stand upon as we move through Daniel 12. So let's go back to Daniel 12, if you will. Daniel 12. Let's pick back up at verse 3.

If we are faithful and if we do persevere through all this, then we will be those in the first resurrection, verse 3. Daniel 12, verse 3. We will be those who are wise, shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. That'll be written of us. Then we see Daniel in verse 4 is instructed to shut up the words, seal the book until the time of the end. One of the reasons to do this is to preserve it. To preserve it for a later time. This is going to be an important message. Chapter 12 is an important message for those that are going to be here on earth. God's people at his return, at Christ's return. This is a very important chapter for us. Perhaps our era. Perhaps our era.

Now, this vision that Daniel has been experiencing and recording for us, this vision comes as a result. We know of a visit from the angelic visitor. He's already described in great detail in chapter 11 the wars that have been fought. It speaks of the wars wars that will be fought. future tense. Last time we took a secular history, read alongside chapter 11. We can do that and we can see the events unfold and histories pass. But as we moved toward the end of chapter 11, we remember we realized that this historic figure, Antiochus Epiphanes, who had been given this central place in the chapter, we realized as we began to read and saw at the end of chapter 11 that Antiochus's frame would no longer support, was no longer sufficient for the individual that is described there at the end of chapter 11. And that verse 40 of chapter 11, we saw this prophecy leaves history and it moves forward to from that of a historic Antiochus Epiphanes to a future Antiochus Epiphanes. A future in time Antiochus, if you will. An Antichrist. A man of lawlessness.

A man who will transcend the wickedness of anything previously known. The embodiment of evil.

So, we move into chapter 12. It becomes clear we're moving toward a final future, prophetic destination. It's a prophetic future that we're brought to here. And that the destruction that the Jews experienced in the initial fulfillment is not going to be any comparison to the severity of God's people and what they experience in the persecution that's going to be unleashed in the end time. So, this is the end time that we've come to in this chapter. The period right before Christ returns. In reading this chapter, we see daily sacrifices being initiated because they're stopped in this time period right before Christ returns. We see an abomination of desolation that's going to happen just as it happened in the initial fulfillment. And all this happens around, and is described by Jesus Christ, is this is a great tribulation period here that we're going to be experiencing. And even Christ talked about this, and Christ referenced Daniel in talking about this time. Christ even references the abomination of desolation. So, Christ backs up all these words that we're reading here in chapter 12, and I want to show you that. So, let's keep your marker here, but let's turn to Matthew 24, if you will. Matthew 24 verse 3. And we're going to see this term. Christ is going to use this term, great tribulation, and he's going to speak of this abomination.

And these are things that Christ is reiterating that Daniel's given us for us to look for. And in a way, Christ wants us to point us to Daniel, so that we know what to expect here. So, Matthew 24, let's pick up in verse 3, as Christ is going to echo Daniel somewhat here. Matthew 24 verse 3, Now he, that's Christ, set on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, so Christ is speaking to his own here, tell us when these things will be, and what will be the sign of your coming, and end of the end of the age. I'm going to stop there for a moment because verses 4 through 14 describes religious deception, earthly calamities, false religion, speaking of the end time. But I want to pick back up at verse 15 here, as Christ begins to speak specifically about the final days that will begin the three and a half years of tribulation here. And you'll notice he gives the same sign, same time marker, if you will, to look for, the abomination of desolation. That's going to be a big indicator for us of where we are in history once we see it. So, staying here in Matthew 24, let's read verses 15 through 22. So, Christ continues here, speaking of answering the question of his disciples. What will be the sign? What can we look for? When will these things be? When will they end? Verse 15, Christ says, Therefore, when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet standing in the holy place, whoever reads, let him understand. When you see this, this end time Antiochus standing in the holy place, verse 16, then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop do not go down and take anything out of his house. Let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes, but woe to those who are pregnant and those who are nursing babies in those days. Pray that your flight might not be in the winter or on the Sabbath. So, verse 21 then, why respond in such a dramatic way when you see the abomination? Why respond this way? Well, verse 21, For then there shall be great tribulation, such has not been seen since the beginning of the world until this time. So, he's echoing Daniel, No, nor ever shall be, and unless those days are shortened, no flesh shall be saved, but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened. So, we'll stop there. So, Christ's words here are extremely important to us. Verse 15 again, when you see this marker, when you see this time marker, when you see this event, the abomination of desolation, respond dramatically. Don't go back in. Don't get your clothes. Go. This is your flight time, you know, if you will. If you're pregnant, it's going to be a very difficult situation. Pray that your flight is not in winter or on the Sabbath. Why do God's people need to move immediately when they see this abomination? Well, verse 21, For then shall be great tribulation, such has not been seen, such has not been since the beginning of the world until this time. No, nor ever shall be. So, again, Christ echoes Daniel. It's going to be nothing like we've ever seen in the world. This is it. This is the beginning of the end time tribulation period here, the beginning of the end of the world as we know it, the beginning of the end.

Christ is saying, when you see the abomination of desolation, the great tribulation is now going to begin. So, we do have this event.

Some like to call it a time marker for us to look for. When the abomination of desolation occurs, this is going to be right before the great tribulation.

And, of course, we've studied in previous chapters of Daniel the abomination of desolation. What does that refer to? Well, as Christ mentions it, as Daniel mentions it, it's the time when God's sanctuary or his temple is defiled by an individual. Someone evil sitting in it. He's not going to represent God. He's not going to make sacrifices to God. Rather, he's going to make defiled, ugly sacrifices. And, he's going to make God's sacred place desolate.

So, that's what Jesus Christ refers to in verse 15, Daniel's words about the abomination there. So, in a way, Christ is pointing us back to the book of Daniel. And, for us to know and to look for events that are going to occur. So, let's go back to Daniel, if you will.

Let's do what, essentially, Christ is instructing us to do, referring back to Daniel, his writings, to learn more about this time of the end. We do see the abomination of desolation as one specific event, the time marker, that's going to happen right before the Great Tribulation.

But, when you read Daniel, you realize this is only one of the time markers that's revealed to us as God's people. There's actually other events that is given to us to look for, so that we can be aware, we can be prepared, we can be confident when we start to see these things happen.

And, actually, before we go back to Daniel 12, let's go to Daniel chapter 8, if you will. So, just go back a few chapters. I want to show you this and remind ourselves of this event, this time marker that Daniel gave us back in Daniel chapter 8. We're going to be looking at some of these markers that Daniel brings out to us, and there is one particular period of time that we need to note here in Daniel 8.

So, before we read Daniel 8, a few verses here, we do want to keep in mind, it bears to reiterate, that a key to understanding prophecy is the principle of duality. Prophecies can have more than one fulfillment. It means that a prophecy may be partially fulfilled, partially played out by men at a certain period of time in history, but that also that prophecy can have a future fulfillment as well later on. So, there's duality here, and that this is what we see throughout Daniel. So, let's pick this up. Daniel 8, let's read verses 11 through 12 here. Daniel 8 verse 11 and 12, and we're going to see a time marker here as well as the abomination referenced.

So, Daniel 8 verse 11 and 12, he, and the he here in history was Antiochus, the first fulfillment, he even exalted himself as high as the prince of the host. By him, the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of his sanctuary, that's capital H, God's sanctuary, is cast down, that's when the abomination happened, because of transgression an army was given over to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifices, and he cast truth down to the ground, and he did all this and prospered. Again, very interesting. This has duality of fulfillment here. This evil one who would exalt himself as high as the prince of hosts. The prince of hosts, of course, is the one who became Jesus Christ.

So, this man exalted himself like God. We remind ourselves in history, this was, the initial fulfillment was Antiochus Epiphanes during the Greek Empire, 168 to 165 BC. Syrian leader who came to Jerusalem and carried out all these despicable events, took over the temple, defiled it, stopped the sacrifices, erected an idol of Zeus, it said. Sacrifice swines blood in the temple. Incredible abomination in God's sight, made it desolate. But, there's duality in these verses.

Antiochus then was a forerunner of the false prophet that is going to come in the end time. There is yet a second major fulfillment, a second abomination of desolation that is going to occur at the time of the end, just prior to the great tribulation. So, let's read verse 11 and 12 again, but with this prophetic future in our mind, from what is to happen. And then we'll read verse 13 and 14 as well. And we're going to be giving some really good information here about how long this period of time will last. So, let's read verse 11 through 14 again here, staying in Daniel 8. He even exalted himself, so think prophetically now, as high as the Prince of Host, and by him the daily sacrifices were taken away.

The place of his sanctuary was cast down. Because of transgression, an army was given over to the Horn to oppose the daily sacrifices, and he cast truth down to the ground. He did all this and prospered. Then, verse 13, I heard a Holy One speaking, and another Holy One said to the certain one who was speaking, how long will this vision be concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation, the the abomination of desolation, and the giving, the giving up or the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled under foot?

How long will all this be? Will this occur? Verse 14, and he said to me, for 2,300 days, then the sanctuary shall be cleansed. So, the future fulfillment of this will occur when the false prophet to come will exalt himself above God, sit in the sanctuary, sit in the temple, exalt himself above God. When we see verse 13 and 14, this moves us to this future fulfillment. The Holy One says there in verse 13, how long will the vision be concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation? Verse 14 again gives us this period of time, this time marker. 2,300 days. Verse 14, for 2,300 days, then the sanctuary shall be cleansed.

So, this is an incredible prophecy of 2,300 days. 2,300 days. A little period of over six years. This speaks of how long will you allow this to happen? All this incredible evil. Well, the period is going to be 2,300 days, it says. A little over six years.

And if we look at these two verses, we see two things are going to happen in the last 2,300 days before Christ returns. Some of the things we see, we see the daily sacrifices have begun. They're set up at the beginning of these 2,300 days. Daily sacrifices will begin. The daily sacrifices are then taken away. An abomination occurs. Trampoline underfoot. God's people. They're in verse 13. So, all these things happen in this little over six years. This period of 2,300 days after the sacrifices begin. So, evil is allowed to occur and go on 2,300 days, a little over six years. At the end of that period, though, the temple will be cleansed. And, in fact, the whole earth will be cleansed. Christ will return. Cleans the whole earth. Again, he said to me, for 2,300 days, then the sanctuary shall be cleansed. So, the temple or sanctuary will be built. Sacrifices will begin. An evil one is allowed authority during that period. When the 2,300 days is over, Christ will return. The temple will be cleansed. In fact, the whole earth will be cleansed.

Now, we do not see a sanctuary, do we, being built in Jerusalem at this time. But, these two verses seem to indicate that at the time of the end, a future fulfillment, the sacrifices will begin.

And, the sacrifices will begin. And, it indicates at the beginning of this time marker of 2,300 days. So, when you see these things happen, God's people will have an expectation at the end of these 2,300 days, won't they? You may say, I don't know if this points to the end time. How do we know that this is pointing us to the end time? Well, let's continue to read, verse 15 through 17, these next verses. Is this, in fact, referring to a future time of end, the end time? Verse 15 through 17? Then it happened, when I, Daniel, had seen the vision, and was seeking meaning, that suddenly there stood before me one having the appearance of a man. And, I heard a man's voice between the banks of the Eli, who called and said, Gabriel, make this man understand the vision. Verse 17, so he came near where I stood, and when he came, I was afraid and fell on my face. But he said to me, understand, son of man, that the vision refers to the time of the end.

So, this is a remarkable period of time revealed to us this 2,300 days, when the sacrifices will begin until the cleansing occurs.

But, did you know, there are some even other events that are revealed to us for God's people to look for during this period of time? So, let's turn forward to Daniel chapter 12, a few chapters forward again. Let's get back to Daniel chapter 12, and look at two other events, two other time markers. In fact, there's going to be three that are going to be listed here for us to look for that will be within this 2,300 day period that will occur prior to the cleansing. We're going to see here, back in chapter 12, in verse 11 and 12, two major other events or time markers that will happen at 1,335 day mark. And another at the 1,290 day mark. Daniel 12, verse 11 and 12, and from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. Blessed is he who waits and comes to the 1,335 days. So blessed is he who waits and comes to the 1,335 days. So, let's stop there. So, two time markers here that will happen within the 2,300 days from the time when the sacrifices begin. Remember, we're counting down sort of to the cleansing, to the time of Christ's return. So, let's first talk about this blessing to God's people in verse 12. So, blessed is he who waits, verse 12, and comes to the 1,335 days. So, a blessing occurs at the 1,335 day mark before Christ returns. So, we see the sacrifices begin. We know there's a 2,300 days. So, when we get to 1,335 days prior to Christ's return, we can have an expectation of a blessing here.

What is this time marker? Well, Daniel's telling us that God's people can expect a blessing, special blessing at this time. What is the blessing? We don't know. We don't know. It doesn't say. Some have speculated. Speculation. I want to make that clear.

This could be the time in which maybe God's people are advised where the place of safety will be.

At this point, perhaps that's the case. That would be a wonderful blessing. But whatever the blessing is, whatever the blessing is, at this moment, at the 1,335 days, God's people are going to need a blessing. Absolutely. Because of what comes next, this next time marker, we're going to need a blessing because look what comes next. Verse 11. Verse 11. And from the time of the daily sacrifices taken away and the abomination of desolation is set up, when that's set up, there shall be 1,290 days until Christ returns to the cleansing. So, 45 days after the blessing, the blessing comes 1,335 days before the cleansing. 45 days later, at the 1,290 mark, the abomination of desolation will be set up.

So, let's review. We have the period of time, 2,300 days spoken of in Daniel 8, from the time the sacrifices are set up to the time when the sanctuary is cleansed. Within that 2,300 days, we are coming and counting down to the 1,335 days a blessing is given to God's people. 45 days later, 45 days closer to Christ's return, at the 1,290 day mark, sacrifices are stopped and the abomination of desolation occurs.

So, it does seem like we have a 45-day period from the blessing before the abomination of desolation occurs. Again, I think we'll need a blessing just before that occurs. Because we'll need a blessing because you remember Matthew 24. Christ said, when that abomination comes at the 1,290 day mark, you better run. This is essentially what Christ was saying. Don't go back! Flee! So, Daniel was saying the abomination will occur at the 1,290 day mark, 1,290 days before the cleansing. We believe it's 1,290 days before Christ returns. So, this abomination occurs. It gets really, really bad after that because it gets really bad after the 1,290 days because the Great Tribulation begins at 1,260 days.

1,260 days is referred to as the time times in half a time. So, abomination occurs 1,290 days before the cleansing. The Great Tribulation, we know, occurs at the 1,260 days, which is time times in half a time. The Great Tribulation, the three and a half year period. We see this referenced again in Daniel 12 verse 7. If you allow your eyes to go up again to verse 7, Daniel 12 verse 7, then I heard the man clothed with linen, who was above the waters of the river. He held his right hand up. He held his left hand up. He swore by him who lives forever that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time. And that's when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered. All these things shall be finished.

How do we know it's 1,260 days? Well, God's calendar is not 365 days. God's calendar is 360 days. God's calendar is 360 days in a year. So, time refers to a year 360 times another 360, and 360. So, time times 360, 360, 360. Half a time, 180.

It gives you the Great Tribulation. The three and a half years will last 1,260 days. 1,260 days.

So, if the abomination of desolation occurs at the 1,290 day mark, just 30 days later, the Great Tribulation begins that three and a half year period. A time when the power of the holy people will be completely shattered in those three and a half years of Great Tribulation. So, that last three and a half years, those last 1,260 days, are going to be really, really bad. The beast's power, the false prophet, will be given authority during those three and a half years.

And it's going to be a time as such the world has never seen.

So, I think at this point, it may be important for us to direct our eyes to some comfort during this period of time. A little bit of comfort. So, keep your marker here. And I'd like us to turn to Revelation 12, verse 13 and 14.

Revelation 12, verse 13 and 14. I got to this point in my preparation. I just realized it was feeling very heavy. But I do want us to have some hope here and some understanding that God is going to be with us here. And while this is going to be a horrible, horrible three and a half years, these last 1,260 days, the time, times, and half a time, God's people can have an expectation of comfort here. Again, this may be the blessing at the 1,335-day mark. We're not sure. But Revelation 12, verse 13 and 14 speaks of a protection and a nourishment for God's people. Revelation 12, verse 13, Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman, the church, who gave birth to the male child. Verse 14, But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time, times, and half a time from the presence of the serpent. That's a wonderful, comforting scripture, isn't it? God's church nourished for 1,260 days, those last three and a half years. You know, scripture does reveal that there will be those who will experience the tribulation as God's will, a remnant. But we are told here that also there will be those that were given protection, many of God's people, given her place, nourished for a time, times, and half a time. I hope that gives us comfort. So as we conclude, let's turn back to Daniel 12 and pick back up at verse 13. We want to conclude this incredible book.

You know, Daniel 12 here, verse 13, the Lord responds to Daniel's not understanding here. I think he responds with some great comfort. Daniel 12, verse 13, he says, but you, so Daniel wanted to know understanding. Give me understanding, Father, of these things. And he responds, but you, verse 13, go your way till the end, for you, Daniel, shall rest, and you will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.

So Daniel was an incredible instrument used in revealing the information that is all packed in here in Daniel 8 and Daniel chapter 12. These events to look for, these time markers, if you will, provide wonderful comfort in the end. When we start to see these things, we're going to be able to say, ah, this is happening exactly like God said it would. He's here in these events. He's here with us. I don't have to be fearful. I want to be on God's side.

But Daniel, he says, you rest, rest until you will arise to your inheritance at the end of these days. That's a wonderful image. You know, some of us may be around at this end time, although some of us may be resting, just like Daniel. We don't know if that's God's will. But if we're faithful, if we're faithful, no matter, we will rise in the end at the end of days, just like Daniel. He'll be there with us. It's interesting, after writing in Aramaic, all the way from Daniel chapter 2 to Daniel chapter 8. Daniel writes in Aramaic. But beginning in chapter 8 and through these prophecies, Daniel switches to writing in Hebrew. Very interesting. People speculate that maybe it's because he wanted to get across this message and these prophecies and these things to look for to God's people, to his own people, the Jews and the Israelites, preserved for us today. Spiritual Israel. Daniel cared for his people.

And as God was revealing through Daniel, Daniel wanted to make it clear and record all these things for our comfort, so that we would be wise, so that we would be the wise, be able to look with a discerning eye and understanding for these things. How remarkable these prophecies are. And if we're not around for these things, our children may be. We need to teach them. We need to teach them of these things. Be educated by God in this manner how wonderful it is to know, despite the trouble, we can be given an expectation, even an expectation of a blessing. We shouldn't read by those words. We should let those comfort us. And to know that an inheritance is coming to all those who remain faithful. How wonderful. So therefore, in knowing these things, in being enlightened, we're enlightened to these things. We should be then one, let's be one of those who are delivered.

Let's be one who is found written in the book.

Let's be one who will awake, not to shame, but to everlasting life. Let's be one who will shine like the brightness of the firmament. Let's be one who turned many to righteousness. And let's be one that will shine like the stars forever and ever.