8) The Last Days
Daniel's prophecies about the end time
The final chapters of Daniel reveal events of the last days. These prophecies prepare us for the end time and the return of Jesus. In this lesson, we will study the promises and warnings for our time.
The Time of the End
What was Daniel instructed to do with the prophecy?
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Answer: Seal the words and seal the book until the time of the end
Daniel 12:4: "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased."
What would happen in the time of the end?
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Answer: Many will search the book and knowledge will increase
Daniel 12:4: "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased."
“The portion of his prophecy which related to the last days, Daniel was bidden to close up and seal ‘to the time of the end.’” — Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 355, par. 3.
In the time of the end, the understanding of Daniel’s prophecy would become clearer for those who faithfully study the Word of God.
Michael Stands Up
What will happen when Michael stands up?
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Answer: A time of trouble such as never was
Daniel 12:1: "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book."
Who will be delivered at this time of trouble?
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Answer: Everyone whose name is written in the book
Daniel 12:1: "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book."
Resurrection and Final Destiny
What will happen to those who sleep in the dust of the earth?
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Answer: Many will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame
Daniel 12:2: "And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt."
What will happen to the wise?
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Answer: They will shine like the brightness of the sky and like stars
Daniel 12:3: "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever."
The Wise Will Understand
Who will understand the prophecies in the time of the end?
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Answer: The wise (faithful ones who seek to understand)
Daniel 12:10: "Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand."
What will happen to the wicked?
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Answer: They will act wickedly and none of them will understand
Daniel 12:10: "Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand."
“To every honest soul who will lay aside prejudice and will seek God for light, it will be given.” — Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 527, par. 2.
Therefore, the lesson of Daniel 12 is not only chronological. It also calls for humility, purity, perseverance, and readiness before God.
The Final Promise
What was promised to Daniel at the end of the book?
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Answer: Rest and resurrection to receive his inheritance
Daniel 12:13: "But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days."
Blessed is the one who waits and reaches how many days?
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Answer: 1335 days
Daniel 12:12: "Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days."
And Now?
Daniel concludes with promises for the time of the end:
- Michael (Christ) stands up: Delivering His people
- Time of trouble: But the faithful will be delivered
- Resurrection: To everlasting life or shame
- The wise will understand: Seeking to understand prophecies
My Decision
I desire to be among the wise who seek to understand God’s prophecies. I want my name to be written in the book of life so that I will be delivered in the time of trouble. I await with hope the resurrection and eternal life promised to the faithful.