Sunday: The Structure of Revelation
Among the many things that Daniel and Revelation have in common is their two basic divisions: historical and eschatological (end-time events). Both these concepts are intricately linked in each book.
Copyright by Lars Justinen Goodsalt.com
We may view the historical events as precursors, or examples, even if on a smaller scale, of grand and global events in the last days. That is, by studying what happened in Old Testament history, we can have insights for what will happen in our days and beyond. This principle, however, is not limited only to Daniel and Revelation.
Read 1 Corinthians 10:1-11. In these verses how do we see the principle talked about above?
As we found last week, some of the stories in Daniel (Dan. 3:6, Dan. 3:15, Dan. 3:27; and Dan. 6:6-9, Dan. 6:21-22) were localized historical incidents that reflect, somewhat, the end-time events depicted in Revelation. By studying these stories, we can get glimpses and insights into some of the things that God’s people will face on a broader scale in the end. Perhaps, though, the most important point is that, regardless of our immediate situation here, we are assured of ultimate deliverance. Whatever else Revelation teaches, it assures the faithful of victory.
Though there are some exceptions, the historical portion of Revelation is chapters 1-11, followed by the end-time chapters 13-22.
Read Revelation 12:1-17. Where should we place this chapter, historical or end events, and why?
As we can see, this chapter belongs to both segments. Why? Because it talks about historical conflicts — the expulsion of Satan from heaven (Rev. 12:7-9), Satan’s attack on baby Jesus (Rev. 12:4), and the persecution of the church in subsequent church history (Rev. 12:14-16) — followed by a depiction of the devil’s attack on the end-time remnant (Rev. 12:17) .
| It has been said that one of the lessons we learn from history is that we never learn from history. The idea is that regardless of when they live, people keep making the same mistakes. With so much history behind us to learn from, how can we avoid making the same mistakes? |
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Answer to the blue box question is to develop a relationship with Christ that we would rather die than mis on a daily basis. Have faith in God, a faith that is backed up by knowing God and believing in Him. This faith of ours is seen in our deeds and actions. This facilitates us to be born again, repenting, being forgiven, and growing in Christ, sharing Him with others.
Life of Daniel taken from his home. Far away in a foreign country. No complaints.
The Israelites forty years in the wilderness with the presence of God
1 Corinthians 10
Nor let us commit sexual immortality
nor let us tempt Christ
Nor complain
How often I complain.
How merciful he has been to me.
We will be called to stand. We will be separated from each other.
Romans 8:31-39
Dare to be a Daniel,
Dare to stand alone!
Dare to have a purpose firm!
Dare to make it known.
"It has been said that one of the lessons we learn from history is that we never learn from history. The idea is that regardless of when they live, people keep making the same mistakes. With so much history behind us to learn from, how can we avoid making the same mistakes?"
Maybe we can avoid the mistake of thinking that knowledge has any ability to create a new heart within us. Whatever "lessons" we might take from history, they are not capable of making any real change in our heart, which is naturally bent to self will, pride, envy, and everything else that is at odds with God.
Perhaps the knowledge we need today is to know that without Christ we can do nothing - including, and especially, expecting that doctrine or any other knowledge (of prophesy, or even the deep mysteries of scripture) will prepare us to meet God face to face. Mankind, in general, has continued from the beginning of history to insist upon having our own way, without submitting our plans to God and being subject to His revealed will. The results repeat accordingly.
The answer is: "blessed is he that reads...and hears...and keeps those things which are written..."
Thank you Ken. Your comment is right on target It is refreshing to read such truth and understanding of the way to the Righteousness of Christ. Without Christ we can do nothing.
The two books,Daniel and Revelation are like the key and lock and should be studied inseparably.What's the length of time between two books?
Daniel believed to have been written approx 165 BC and Revelation 60-65 AD. So, something in the order of 225-230 years between the two books.
The dead sea scrolls place the book of Daniel in the 6th century BC. So there would be close to 600 years between them.
Keep in mind that Daniel did not compile "his" book. It is believed that Ezra did this at some time later, yet it's records were written when they happened, such as chapter 4, written by Nebuchadnezzar himself. Notice how most of the stories concerning Daniel are written from the 3rd person perspective. Only the accounts of His visions seem written by Daniel himself(chapters 8-12) which were written in Hebrew, and not Aramaic, as the previous 6 chapters(chapter 1 was also written in Hebrew, but it seems not by Daniel himself).
It seems quite logical that Ezra communed with Daniel, or with someone well acquainted with him, if in fact it was Ezra who wrote the related accounts given by Daniel himself.
If we accept that the historical Daniel wrote the book, it must have been written some time before his death around 538 BC. And if we accept that the disciple John wrote the book of Revelation, it must have been written some time before 100 A.D. No one actually knows for sure when either book was written. But the time between the two books must was likely some time longer than 600 years.
When we read commentaries (even introductions to the biblical text) it's helpful to know whether or not the commentator believes that the book of Daniel was actually written by the Daniel in the book before the events happened. Others believe that it was written some time later with the advantage of historical hindsight. They will place the writing of the book hundreds of years later.
I happily stand corrected.
I didn't look at a single commentary alone, but at an aggregate of commentaries. Yes, there is a lot of difference of opinion - as is frequently the case.
If Revelation 12 is a linear and continuous narrative, then the expulsion of Satan from heaven (Rev. 12:7-9)happens AFTER the baby was born.
The woman appears on the scene pregnant --> child is born ---> dragon tries to destroy child ---> child escapes to heaven ---> there is war in heaven --> dragon loses and is kicked back to earth ---> dragon persecutes the woman and her offspring. Rev. 12:7-9 must then refer to the conflict that took place at Calvary when Satan's head was crushed, not the original conflict in heaven because why would God choose to cast Satan to the earth and not another planet? Why would there be "brethren" in heaven rejoicing that Satan was cast to earth? Why would Satan be determined to have a short time if his destiny was not already decided?
Ray, if we understand the nature of the "war", we realize the proper answer to all your questions.
The war is over the allegiance of all God's creatures with a choice to obey God or not. The weapons are lies or Truth. Satan was in all places tempting the sons of God from every world. Once these worlds witnessed Jesus' death at the instigation and deceptions of Satan, they no longer desired to hear him, and their rejection of Satan "cast" him down to the only world that listens to his lies about God.
Does that nutshell version make sense? The other worlds rejoice because they see the final outcome when Satan will be no more and sin will be banished from all creation. Unlike many still on earth, they know Satan has been defeated. Yet this world still needs to come to a settled choice, and that will take place as outlined in Rev 13. Then God will settle the controversy for good as each soul has chosen.
The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:2 mentions God's people as having been baptized into Moses. then, Jesus, speaks about the baptism of John. then we have the baptism of Jesus by John The Baptist. Then we have God's people being baptized into his Son Jesus. Then we have the baptism of the Holy Spirit. And finally we have God's people to be baptized into the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
wonderful summary
1 Corinthians 10:1-11. In these verses how do we see the principle talked about above?
Apparently it is not enough to just be baptized. We have to then stay away from 1. Sexual sin, 2. idolatry, 3. Tempting God, 4. Complaining, 5. Or lust after evil things.
If the principal it is referring to is how do we learn from history - I think Paul is saying that the Israelites/Jews of his time did not learn from their own nation's history or even the Scriptures which were an intrinsic part of their community, but not something held within their own hearts. God had shown them time and time again through scripture what not do and what to do, yet the Israelites still hadn't learned from those examples
Is that a trick question or what! "We learn from history that we never learn from history?!?!" If that's not depressing.....we, as a nation; as human beings, need humility. And we can only get that by asking God for it.
Just by way of information: The original quote reads: “We learn from history that we do not learn from history.” and was attributed to Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, an influential but divisive German philosopher who lived from 1770 - 1831. The quote is often quoted and misquoted.
There is no black or white. There is only humility or pride. Jesus only gave us TWO types of worshipers in the temple: A pharisee full of self satisfaction, pride, self glorification and seeking absolutely nothing from God. And a tax collector full of self disgust, humility, recognizing his sinful condition and seeking God's mercy and righteousness. Jesus did not even give us any examples of these two worshipers' righteous deeds or works worthy of commendation to God. And the only one of the two worshipers that Jesus said went home justfied was the tax collector because of his humility towards God, his recognition of his sinful condition and his seeking God's mercy towards him.