Monday: The 2,300 Days and the End Time
Read Daniel 8:17, Daniel 8:19, Daniel 8:26. What time period does the angel declare that the vision of Daniel 8:1-27 and the 2,300 days apply to, and why is that important to understand?
Some argue that the 2300 days are literal days.
Image © Philippians McKay at Goodsalt.com
They also believe that this little horn of Daniel 8:1-27 applies to the Seleucid military leader Antiochus Epiphanes (216 B.C. – 164 B.C.), who attacked Jerusalem and defiled the Jewish temple, even though 2,300 days does not fit even his time frame. This interpretation, however, is contrary to the angel’s clear instruction that the vision applies to the “time of the end.” Antiochus certainly did not live at the time of the end.
In Daniel 8:1-27, Gabriel begins his explanation of the 2,300-day prophecy. He names the ram as representing Media-Persia and the male goat as representing Greece (Daniel 8:20-21). Though not named, as were the two powers before it, the next entity, the little horn, is obviously Rome (Daniel 8:9, Daniel 8:23-24). He then depicts a kind of religio-political phase of Rome, which would “cast down the truth to the ground” (Daniel 8:10-12, Daniel 8:25) and interfere with Christ’s heavenly ministry (Daniel 8:10-12). The cleansing of the sanctuary in Daniel 8:14, the climax of the chapter, is God’s answer to the challenge of earthly and religious powers that have attempted to usurp the authority of God. It is part of God’s divine solution to the sin problem.
Gabriel is ready to explain the details in God’s prophetic timetable. At the end of Daniel 8:1-27, we can clearly see that Daniel did not understand the part of the vision about the 2300 days (Daniel 8:27). The earlier part about the ram, the goat, and the little horn had all been explained, even with the first two powers outright identified by name (Daniel 8:20-21). The cleansing of the sanctuary was, however, not explained.
The angel Gabriel, who appeared in Daniel 8:1-27, appears now in Daniel 9:1-27 and says to him: “At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision“ (Daniel 9:23, NKJV). What vision? As we will see tomorrow, the vision of the 2,300 days, the only part of the previous vision, in Daniel 8:1-27, that he hadn’t explained yet to Daniel.
| Gabriel called Daniel “greatly beloved.” What does this tell us about the intimate link between heaven and earth? |
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I have hesitated all day, thinking about what to write on this topic today. As a Seventh-day Adventist academic since the late 1960s I have been witness to the internal workings of the church and its various doctrinal struggles. I am in the fortunate position of not being a theologian, so I have been an interested bystander in many respects rather than an active participant. There are times when the events have been painful. I remember being at a particular Big Camp when a group of workers and their wives and families had a Sabbath lunch together. Within 1 year, I was the only one of those workers still working for the church. The others had left either through discouragement or by administrative "encouragement".
It is very easy to make statements about "shaking times" and sorting the "sheep from the goats" but when that occurs among your friends and colleagues and it is not exactly clear who is right and who is wrong, who is showing Christian love and who is being vengeful, it hurts and the wounds run deep.
Some of those events are now entering the history books of the church and looking back with the benefit of hindsight, I still think we could have acted more like Christ.
Much of the battle has been over the time prophecies, their fulfillment, and the relationship of the church to these. And I don't think that battle is going to be resolved easily if at all. There will be calls from the conservatives to stand by the old pillars, while the progressives will call for a re-evaluation and perhaps a discard of some of our interpretations. I seriously doubt that those two positions can be resolved amicably. They were not resolved in the 1970s and the 1980s and now 40-50 years later they are just as far apart as ever.
I am still a Seventh-day Adventist and that is a conscious considered decision, not just being lazy-minded and a procrastinator. I want to facilitate spiritual growth and understanding.
One of my theology lecturers at Avondale used to say that "All that is old is not gold! all that is new is not true!" We need to explore and grow rather than just recite. And in that vein, I would suggest we take a lesson from rock climbers. When climbing a rock face they make sure that they have at least two anchor points while looking for a new one.
"By this shall all men know ..."
Maurice, your statement: “I am in the fortunate position of not being a theologian, so I have been an interested bystander in many respects rather than an active participant”. For you to use the word 'furtunate' really surprises me. I think that we need to take this 2.300 day-prophecy just as we take all other prophecies; we need to take it personal.
Are not all believers called to search the scriptures and come to a better understanding of the Truth through the Light it provides for us? Studying the Scriptures in the morning with my fellow participants of this blog is the highlight of my day. Every day I deepen my resolve that, by faith in Him who loved me first, I can follow His call to love Him and be comfortable with ‘loving’ strangers. Yes, not everyone dedicates their life to the study of Scripture as a 'professional', but all benefit spiritually when studying them – Acts 17:11-12.
If the truth of “The 2.300 Days and the End Time” is still being debated, are we not doing exactly what is needful? Is not all our studying based on that what ‘theologians’ have found so far to be the correct interpretation and shared it with us? I think as long as spiritual insights are considered to be revealed by the Holy Sprit and 'empirically' assimilated, we will benefit from all ongoing revelations.
May I also touch on the Scripture quote at the end of your post: “By this shall all men know … “, I believe this wholeheartedly because it is the hallmark of Christ's Gospel. Though, in my understanding of Scripture, a 'condition' is implied as we engage in this special love of one's fellow sister and brother in Christ, and in extension of our fellow man.
Without us first fully understanding and believing the Truth about God and His plan for our Salvation, that His loving kindness expressed through us is the sign that we have already been ‘rescued’ out of this world, how can others distinguish an act of kindness as coming from God's love for them versus ourselves?
I believe that we cannot become spiritually motivated to engage in a 'loving and caring relationship with our fellow man' until we accept first wholeheartedly the love the Father has shown His children.
Yes, 1 John 4:20 speaks to us about loving our fellow man. Though, if you desire to love your fellow man, you need to make sure that you first accepted God's love for you. A Christian does not ‘love the fellow man’ in a spiritual vacuum. Those who want to worship God in Spirit and Truth, express the Love the Father has shown His children through their acts of kindness.
Maurice, if of interest to others, as I wrote the reply to you, I realized that I do not know for certain what the definition of ‘theology’ is, and who would be considered to be a ‘theologian’.
The Oxford dictionary defines it as:
‘Theology is the systematic study of the nature of the divine and, more broadly, of religious belief.
‘The study of the nature of God and religious belief.’ ‘Religious beliefs and theory when systematically developed.’ (Are we not engaged in 'theology' as we study the Scriptures?)
‘A theologian is someone who dedicates her or his life to the scholastic vocation of seeking after knowledge of God and the things of God.’ (A very honorable vocation)
My comment that "I am in the fortunate position of not being a theologian, so I have been an interested bystander in many respects rather than an active participant." was meant to imply even though I was an employee of the Seventh-day Adventist church, I was not a paid theologian of the church.
I am however a student of the word of God and I am fortunate because I am not paid to do that,
Thanks, Maurice - now I understand this statement better. I can see it in the context of the many controversies the church experienced and you were able to avoid by not being a theologian. 🙂
Still, one would think that those among the believers who have a greater dedication to learning all about God and His Word would think of studying to become a theologian and teach others to appreciate the Truth found in His Word.
Beautifully & succinctly clarified, Maurice.
Thank you.
I love your share, both your personal observations & learning.
I especially love that 'All that is old is not gold & all that is new is not true."
Love the encouragement 💕 "By this all men shall know that you are my disciples, that you love one another."
So true, unless God's Love is at the forefront of how we deal with doctrinal issues or any other issues, we fail to declare the Truth of Jesus' Words.
Thank you Maurice.
Hi, Maurice. I have been a baptized Christian and member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church since 1974. Since the time prophecies were instrumental to our purpose and existence as a church, I would ask you to elaborate on what battle you are talking about. I am familiar with the Ford controversy. My understanding is that his tenets struck at the very foundation of the doctrinal understanding bequeathed to this church. If we can be loving like Jesus without the other doctrines that have made us a unique people, then we might as well discard them as excess baggage. I have been to many, many evangelistic meetings through the years, and when it comes to the time prophecies, I have never heard a a discordant message.
The Ford issue is only one example of divisive controversy in Adventism. The nature of inspiration, women's ordination, the age of the earth, and perfection, are some of the others where there is a conservative/progressive divergence within the church.
As a young teacher in a Seventh-day Adventist Academy I sat with my students through years of faith, grace, works, justification, sanctification, perfection controversy in church, Sabbath School, vespers, mid-week chapels, and so on. I saw the spiritual growth of my students turn into uninterested cynicism. It was a discordant message.
My faith survived, but the faith of many of my students faded. I want to teach faith survival strategies in the face of controversy.
Thank you, Maurice. I really look forward to, and appreciate your insight and comments.
Maurice,
I attended SDA Georgia-Cumberland Academy in the late 1970’s. The internal conflicts on doctrine were unhelpful.
As I am now under great conviction to honor God and share Christ, the seeds planted so many years ago are sprouting.
Thank you and other teachers in our academies who planted those seeds. May you see the spring and future harvest.
Stay strong.
Gil
Why is God different in the first angel of Revelation 14 by a so called "Loud voice," and not like with Elijah with a "Still small voice?" Personally I see a "Still small voice," to that angel in the part of "Judgment." There was judgment in Elijah's experience. But God was not anywhere for him except in "The still small voice." That is where God is for me in John 16:33. God is there with His Son Jesus' "Peace," right in the middle of "Tribulation." And again the "loud voice" of the first angel starts with "Fear God," respect and honor God. And then after that angel's "judgment part," I think that part is an interjection of a "Small voice," there with the angel's voice again loud for "Worship Him..." But judgment is there as a small voice like it was for Elijah's experience and God was not in the earthquake or whirlwind either there but God was in the "Still small voice," for him. And I doubt that God is different with the "Loud voice," of the first angel of Revelation 14 about "Judgement."
Thank you for sharing, Pete. I can relate to your small voice God that brings a sense of peace and comfort. Still, I remind myself that God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is both the God of the small voice and the big voice. Whichever voice he choices to use in the circumstance, it is always in love. Could it also be that sometimes it is not the sound of voice God uses, but our personal experiences that impact whether we perceive it as something to run to or run from? Moses witnessed the same glory of God on the mountain, but while others ran in fear, he drew close and even begged God to let him see Him. May we be open to hearing God speak to us today whatever voice he chooses to speak in.
The three angels message should be understood to be proclaimed by God's endtime people his remnant church which keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of jesus christ. The greek word angelos it messenger. This messages came through the advent movement which was a great awakening of the churches of protestantism. The first angel fear God and give him glory for the hour of his judgement is come and worship him who created the heavens and earth. This message is two first its a call to worship and second its reminder that the judgement hour of God is come. Of cause we know that this message is dealing the investigative judgement this is the hour of God's judgememt which God is deciding our cases either heaven or eternal demnation. There are books of record of the deeds of men.
Taking part in controversies in the church is not what's needed now in these last days, although many Adventists may be involved in such.
We are witnessing the great controversy of the ages play out dramatically, so we don't need to add any of our own. I agree, what each Adventist needs, young or old, is to look at Christ, not the church members. The memory verse this week is an appropriate one from Romans 13:11-12.
These verses are so filled with end-time significance, but there's no space or time to unpack the present-day meaning. We need to put on the full armour of God to be able to stand in these evil days. Stop fighting against each other, people. The church members are not the enemy, Satan is. Let's fight on our knees.
Sonia, any serious reading of Seventh-day Adventist Church history will tell you that controversy has always been there. The 1888 conference on righteousness by faith is perhaps the most well-known and documented but there have been others. Where a spirit of tolerance and understanding has prevailed, the church has grown and developed. But where accusation and intolerance have driven the conflict, people on both sides of the argument have left the faith.
Conflict resolution is difficult and we should be praying not that the other side will come around to our way of thinking but that we work peaceably together.
Hi, Maurice. You wrote that:
To my mind, depending on the issue, we might have to be praying for both at times. After all, there are at least a few doctrinal hills worth dying on, including (in my personal estimation), some that you have mentioned in recent comments as bones of contention. That said, if we can't behave as Christians, it does all become rather meaningless, doesn't it?
Perhaps, Maurice, we should be praying that both sides will come around to seeing issues as God sees them because there are, after all, issues that are a matter of eternal life or death.
As an example: Paul was willing to die for the teaching of righteousness by faith, which was central to the 1888 General Conference session. Ellen White threw herself into advocating the message, along with the young E. J. Waggoner and A. T. Jones.
I read a good portion of the messages she gave in connection with the conference and its aftermath, but her message was not so much on the right *message,* though she fully agreed with Waggoner and Jones, but the right attitude towards those with different views. Brotherly love appears to have been more important in her mind than to get the "teaching" right. Both sides erred in the matter of attitude, and the right teaching is not "right" unless the heart is in tune with the heart of God.
So, yes, I agree with what I sense to be the intent of your message - that brotherly love is more important than to be "right." At the same time, we need to strive to understand God's will in matters of eternal consequence. That will involve some discussion, as happened at the Sabbath conferences in the very early days of our founders before the church was even named. If they had only prayed to "work peaceably together" with those who disagreed with them, there would not now be a Seventh-day Adventist church - a people looking forward to Christ's Second Coming while honoring the seventh-day Sabbath that provides rest and peace while reminding us that we belong to Him both by creation and redemption.
We need to continue to study and pray and invite the Holy Spirit to enlighten our minds and soften our hearts.
Prophecies are given to announce future facts. Love is what connects us to heaven. Through the work of love, we can understand any prophecy. We have "the map"!
Prophecy is more than telling the future. The true meaning of (noun) prophecy is "a message from God". To prophesy (verb) is to declare a message from God.
Also, Biblical prophecy isn't a whole collection of strange and interesting unrelated things-- there is a golden tread that ties them all together in one story, the story of redemption. It includes the perfect creation by a loving God, the entrance of the enemy, the enslavement, the deceptions, the amazing action of God risking all heaven and suffering intense pain to reach down and rescue the enslaved. It includes the desperate work of the enemy to keep people enslaved, and the powerful work of the Holy Spirit to bring people to Christ and free them from sin. It also includes the final eradication of all sin.
The word "love" is a subjective term. The enemy will use that word to defend sin as being the loving thing, insinuating God's laws are too restrictive and too legal, opposing love.
God allowed sin, to demonstrate to the universe that His law (which is part of His very character) is love, and helps us understand what love is, and that obedience to this law is the only way to real happiness and peace. The law is not a hammer to beat people down, but a gracious path out of the darkness we can invite people to walk.
Also, Jesus pointed out in John 3:17-21, that sinners are already condemned by default. God is not looking to see whom He can condemn, but is seeking to save and redeem all who come "to the light" in belief and trust in Him.
Thus the pre-Advent judgment isn't seeking to condemn. Yes, it is a ministry of love for the people in a world already under condemnation and rushing headlong into destruction. The purpose is to find every single person who reached out and took the lifeline given to earthlings from the throne of heaven, and to show the universe that through Christ they are as brands plucked from the burning. Clothed in His robe of righteousness, they are worthy of eternal life with Christ.
I thank God for the comments given. They have been helpful and insightful. God bless you all.