religion_prophecies

FLOYD HAYES

RELIGION

CAN THE PROPHECIES OF DANIEL AND REVELATION BE UNDERSTOOD?

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. -Daniel 12:10

     Prophetic Panorama. Two �books� of the Bible provide prophetic panoramas of last day events: Daniel and Revelation. Both obviously employ symbols whose significance is widely debated. Some say they cannot be understood. Others, however, claim that by using the principle of allowing the Bible to interpret itself, the symbolism can be understood. Chapter 12 of Daniel clearly revealed that the book of Daniel was �sealed till the time of the end� (verse 9), meaning that it could not be understood until then, but promised that �the wise shall understand� (verse 10). Chapter 1 of Revelation promised a blessing for those who studied the book (verse 3). This essay briefly reviews and provides an interpretation of the prophetic panorama of world political powers presented in Daniel and Revelation.
     Four Kingdoms Prophesied in Daniel. We begin with chapter 2 of Daniel, which describes a dream given to the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar in which he saw a large image of a man with (1) a �head� of gold, (2) �breast� and �arms� of silver, (3) �belly� and �thighs� of brass, and (4) �legs� of iron and �feet� mixed of iron and clay. A �stone� smote the image, breaking it to pieces, and the stone became a �great mountain.� The interpretation of the dream was then revealed to Daniel, thus illustrating how the Bible can be used to interpret itself. The image represented four kingdoms, one succeeding another, in which a few characteristics of each was described. The first kingdom was identified as representing Nebuchadnezzar�s Babylonian empire (�Thou art this head of gold�; Dan. 2:38). But what were the other three? As we shall see, further clues were provided in later chapters. The stone becoming a mountain represented a kingdom established by God that would destroy earlier kingdoms and last forever.
     Next we turn to chapter 7 of Daniel, which relates a vision seen by Daniel. Four ferocious, flesh-eating beasts arose from the sea: (1) a �lion� with wings, (2) a �bear� raised up on one side with three ribs in its mouth, (3) a four-headed �leopard� with four wings, and (4) a dreadful ten-horned �beast� with teeth of iron. Amongst the ten horns of the fourth beast, a �little horn� grew and plucked up three of the horns. Again a few details were provided for each beast. An angel then arrived and briefly explained the beasts as four kingdoms which would arise, basically paralleling those in Daniel 2, but did not specifically identify them. The angel further described the �little horn,� which would subdue three kings, speak great words against the most High, persecute the saints, think to change times and laws, and be given �a time and times and the dividing of time.�
     Chapter 8 described a vision of a �ram� and a �he goat,� in which the latter rammed into and killed the former. The he goat had a great horn that broke and produced four more. Then a �little horn� arose and challenged the host of heaven and the prince of the host. The angel Gabriel then arrived to explain the vision, clearly identifying the ram as the Median-Persian empire (Daniel 8:20) and the he goat as the Greek empire, in which the first horn represented its first king whose kingdom was later divided among his four generals (Daniel 8:21-22). History reveals that Alexander the Great was the first Greek conqueror whose empire was divided among his four generals: Cassander, Lysimachus, Seleucus, and Ptolemy. The �little horn� is further described as a proud, mighty king who would confront the �Prince of princes� (Jesus) and persecute and destroy the saints. Obviously the �little horn� power is the same in both chapters 7 and 8.
     At this point three of the four earthly kingdoms mentioned in chapters 2, 7 and 8 have been specifically identified: the Babylon, Median-Persian, and Greek empires. The clues provided in these chapters all fit these three empires, illustrating once again how the Bible can be used to interpret itself. But what was the fourth? Its identity seems fairly obvious: the Roman empire, which vanquished the Greek empire and was exceedingly powerful until it became divided into ten rival factions in Europe (represented by the ten heads), and remained partly strong and partly weak as represented by the feet mixed with iron and clay. The remnants of the Roman empire (Europe) still remain strong but divided, and prophecy indicates they will remain divided until Jesus comes. But what was the �little horn� power? Before answering this question we first need to consider further revelations about two beasts in Revelation.
    Two Kingdoms Prophesied in Revelation. Turning to Revelation, chapter 12 describes a vision given to John. A noble �woman,� apparently representing the true church of God (a whore represented a false church), was pregnant and gave birth to a �man child� destined to rule all nations with a rod of iron. However, a �great red dragon,� identified in verse 9 as Satan, was poised to devour the child who obviously represented Jesus. Recall that king Herod of the Roman empire tried to kill Jesus. The woman (or church) then fled into the wilderness where she found shelter for 1260 �days.� Realizing there was little time left, the dragon (Satan) persecuted the woman who flew into the wilderness, where she was nourished for �a time, and times, and half a time� (Rev. 12:14). The dragon was wroth with the remaining offspring of the woman (remnant church at the end of time) and fought against those who kept the commandments of God and had the testimony of Jesus Christ.
     Chapter 13 of Revelation describes two new beasts. The first, which arose from the sea, was a seven-headed �beast� with ten horns. It resembled a leopard, a bear, and a lion�obviously similar to the same four beasts seen by Daniel, but presented in reverse order as John looked backward in time. The dragon (Satan) gave this new beast his power, seat, and great authority. The new beast then received a deadly wound to one of its heads; after the wound was healed, the world admired the beast. Despite blaspheming God and persecuting and killing the saints, this new beast was worshiped by those who were not the true followers of Christ. However, the beast was given only 42 �months� to rule (Rev. 13:5). Note that the characteristics of this beast resemble those of the �little horn� beast described in Daniel 7 and 8, and could be considered to represent the same power. What does this beast represent?
     After the first beast of Revelation 13 was killed, a second �beast� arose from the earth rather than the sea. But rather than being a flesh-eating beast like its carnivorous predecessors, it was gentle, possessing two horns like a lamb. However, it began to speak like a dragon and forced the world to worship the first beast whose wound was healed. To convince the world it performed miracles, even causing fire to come down from heaven in the sight of men. It persuaded those that dwell on the earth to make an �image� to the first beast, and threatened to kill all who refused to worship the image. To accomplish this goal, it provided a �mark� for all to receive and prevented those who refused to receive it to buy or sell.
     Identifying the Little Horn and First Beast of Revelation 13. Combining the clues for the �little horn� power in Daniel 7 and 8 with the first beast of Revelation 13 helps us identify this new beast. First, it would arise from the fourth beast (Roman empire), which would give the new beast its power, seat, and great authority. Second, it would pluck up three of the fourth beast�s horns. Third, it would blaspheme against God. Fourth, it would persecute the saints. Fifth, it would be worshiped by many. Sixth, it would �think to change times and laws� (Dan. 7:25). Seventh, it would rule for a specific period of time variously stated as �a time and times and the dividing of time� (Dan. 7:25), �a time, times, and an half� (Dan. 12:7), �forty and two months� (Rev. 11:2, 13:5), �a thousand two hundred and threescore days� (Rev. 11:3, 12:6), and �a time, and times, and half a time� (Rev. 12:14). Eighth, it would receive a deadly head wound. And ninth, its deadly wound would be healed.
     For the final time we ask what is this power? The following paragraphs attempt to identify this beast. If, however, you are offended by the identity presented here, please see my comments at the end of this essay.
     These 13 clues clearly pinpoint a new political and religious power that arose in �Pagan Rome� during the fifth century: �Papal Rome,� converted to Christianity and ruled by a succession of popes based in Rome (clue 1). History reveals that three groups of people were exterminated at this time: the Vandals, Ostrogoths, and Heruli (clue 2). The popes claimed the power to forgive sins, to represent God on earth, and to hold the keys to heaven and hell, thus blaspheming God (clue 3). For centuries the papal power (directly or indirectly through secular kings who dared not disobey it) withheld the Bible from the people and persecuted, tortured, or martyred millions of reformers who followed the teachings of the Bible rather than those of the Roman hierarchy (clue 4). The papacy was worshiped by many who believed it could obtain or even purchase forgiveness and salvation within its gates (clue 5). The Roman emperor changed the �times� of a day from the biblical evening-to-evening to midnight-to-midnight, and the church claimed to have changed the �laws� of God by eliminating the second commandment prohibiting the veneration of idols and transferring the Sabbath of the fourth commandment from the seventh to the first day of the week (clue 6).
     The papal power ruled for a period of 1,260 years, from 538 (when it became established) until 1798 (when Napolean Bonaparte�s general Berthier captured the pope and imprisoned him in France). Using the prophetic principle of one day representing a year (Ezekiel 4:6, Numbers 14:34), this time period fits the prophetic time stipulated by Daniel and Revelation (clue 7). �A thousand two hundred and threescore days� (1260) is the equivalent of �forty and two months� (month = 30 days; 42 � 30 = 1260) and �a time, and times, and half a time� (time = 1 year; 1 year of 360 days + 2 years of 720 days + � year of 180 days = 1260). At the end of this time period the papacy received a deadly head wound when the pope was taken captive (clue 8). The papacy was essentially crippled by secular powers it could no longer control and divided by rival popes who even fought wars against each other. However, its death wound began to heal in the 1930s when the Italian emperor Mussolini restored the papacy to the Vatican in Rome (clue 9). In recent decades the vigorous ministry of Pope John Paul II has greatly advanced the healing of the death wound.
     A few additional clues are provided at the end of Revelation 13 and in Revelation 17. Tenth, its number would be 666 (Rev. 13:18). Eleventh, it would be symbolized by a great whore sitting on a scarlet colored beast; the whore was dressed in purple and scarlet, decked with jewels, and holding a golden cup (Rev. 17:1-4). Twelfth, it would be regarded as the mother of harlots (Rev. 17:5). And thirteenth, it would be located on seven mountains (Rev. 17:9).
     The world has long been intrigued by the significance of 666, �the number of the beast.� The official title of the pope in Latin, the language of the Roman empire, is �VICARIVS FILII DEI,� meaning �Vicar of the Son of God.� Intriguingly, the values of the Roman numerals in this title (I = 1 � 6; V = 5 � 2; L = 50 � 1; C = 100 � 1; D = 500 � 1) add up to 666. Others, however, point out that seven is God�s number and six is man�s number, falling short of perfection; thus, 666 could represent the repeated but vain efforts of man to obtain salvation by works (clue 10). The symbolic great whore dressed in purple and scarlet, decked with jewels, and holding a golden cup, eerily resembles the priestly service of mass; the beast it was sitting upon is indicative of its support from secular governments (clue 11). The Catholic church is generally regarded as the �mother� Christian church from which the Protestant churches arose, and therefore could be considered �the mother of harlots� (clue 12; note the implications for her daughter churches). And finally, the papacy was established in ancient Rome, historically known to have been built on seven hills (clue 13).
     Identifying the Second Beast of Revelation 13. Several clues help us identify this beast. First, it gained prominence after the first beast received its death wound. Second, it arose from the �earth� in contrast with its predecessors which arose from the �sea.� Third, it resembled a gentle two-horned lamb in contrast with its flesh-eating bestial predecessors. Fourth, it would speak like a dragon. Fifth, it would force the world to worship the first beast after its wound was healed. Sixth, it would deceive the world through miracles, including fire coming down from heaven. Seventh, it would make an image to the first beast. Eighth, it would threaten to kill all who refused to worship the image. And ninth, it would prevent all who refused to receive the dreaded �mark of the beast� to buy or sell (see the consequences in Revelation 14:9-11).
     Since 1990 there has been only one �superpower�: the United States of America (USA). Could this be the second beast? When the papacy received its deadly head wound in 1798, the USA was a youthful country rising gradually to prominence as a world power (clue 1). In Revelation 17:15, the �waters� or �sea� from which earlier beasts arose is interpreted as representing �peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues�; thus, the �earth� from which this new beast arose would represent the opposite�a relatively uninhabited area. The four beasts of Daniel and the papacy (�little horn� power of Daniel and first beast of Revelation 13) arose among populous, ancient civilizations that were generally more technologically advanced than contemporary civilizations elsewhere. In contrast, the USA became established on a continent sparsely populated by relatively primitive indigenous tribes whose populations had been rapidly decimated by new diseases inadvertently introduced by the Europeans (clue 2). The USA became established by simply displacing indigenous tribes or defeating them in small skirmishes, and subsequently maintained a relatively isolationist foreign policy for more than a century; thus it resembled a peaceful lamb-like beast. In contrast, the preceding flesh-eating beasts obtained their power by ruthlessly conquering large, well organized armies (clue 3). The two horns probably represent the division between secular and religious powers mandated by the Constitution�s first amendment.
     The remaining clues refer to more recent events currently taking place or soon to take place. As a predominantly Christian nation, Americans vigorously preach throughout the world a corrupted brand of religion cleverly mixing truth and falsehood, thereby speaking with the voice of Satan (clue 4). By preaching a brand of religion that venerates the first rather than the divinely appointed seventh day of the week as the Sabbath, the USA is essentially promoting worship of the first beast�papal Rome�which first instituted Sunday worship (clue 5). Many are deceived to adopt the corrupted brand of religion through miraculous healings, appearances of dead loved ones, speaking in tongues, and blessings of prosperity (clue 6). The technological wizardry developed by the military of the USA is unparalleled and may one day �maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men� (Rev. 13:12). As natural and anthropogenic disasters (including acts of terrorism) inflict casualties and threaten economic collapse in the USA, Protestants and Catholics of the conservative religious right will join hands and achieve a political victory to save America from secular liberals. By combining religious and political power, the USA will attempt to force all to adopt its government-approved brand of false religion, thereby attempting to control the conscience of all and effectively forming an �image� of Papal Rome, which did the same (clue 7). As further disasters threaten its survival, the USA will impose a death penalty upon all lawbreakers who refuse to obey its decrees (clue 8). Finally, by ruthlessly controlling the economy through its electronic system of banking, the USA would prevent law breakers from buying or selling goods, thereby forcing all but the most stubborn to receive the dreaded �mark of the beast� (clue 9).
     Contemporary Evidence. These interpretations of biblical prophecy are nothing new. Centuries ago Martin Luther King and more recently Isaac Newton believed that the first beast of Revelation 13, often referred to as the �Antichrist,� represented Papal Rome. By using the Bible to interpret the Bible, its identity appears obvious. The identity of the USA as the second beast of Revelation 13 seems less obvious. Nevertheless, some students of Bible prophecy identified the USA as such a century and a half ago, shortly before it fought a bitter civil war and long before it became a world superpower. Events during the past few decades provide further evidence that the second beast represents the USA.
     In our own lifetimes we can see many trends supporting the interpretations presented herein, which were accurately predicted and described in much further detail in the mid- to late-1800s by Uriah Smith in Prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation, first published in 1873 [for online version click here; see especially chapter XIII of section on Revelation] and by Ellen White in The Great Controversy, first published in 1888 [for online version click here; see especially chapter 25 beginning with p. 438, and chapter 36]. These include: (1) the rising influence of the Papacy, especially during the reign of Pope John Paul II; (2) the rise of the USA as the predominant world superpower, especially after the 1990 dissolution of its chief rival, the Soviet Union; (3) the rise of the �religious right� in American politics, whose avowed goal is to take over the government and thus save America from godless secularists; (4) the rise of charismatic religious movements in the USA that are spreading around the globe, which emphasize miraculous healings, appearances of dead loved ones, and speaking in tongues; (5) the warming relationship between the Vatican and the government of the USA, which established diplomatic relations in 1984 with hardly a whimper from anybody after centuries of anti-Catholic bigotry among the Protestant majority; (6) the warming relationships between Protestantism and Catholicism, which view each other as less of a threat today than in the past and are uniting on common doctrines; (7) the rising influence of Spiritualism among Christian denominations, most of which believe that the spirit is immortal, thus rendering believers vulnerable to deceptions from demons impersonating dead loved ones; (8) the growing threats to life and economic prosperity by natural calamities, fueled in part by environmental degradation (e.g., air pollution causing global warming); (9) the growing threats to life and economic prosperity by war and international terrorism, fueled by religious, political, and ethnic polarization, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; (10) the loss of civil liberties and due process for suspected lawbreakers in response to international terrorism, ostensibly justifiable for the collective good of society; and (11) the worldwide integration of financial transactions through computerized control systems, which could potentially be used to prevent suspected lawbreakers from buying or selling.
     What next? Of course these interpretations could be wrong. There are other schools of prophetic interpretation that differ in their understanding. Which is exactly the strategy of our adversary, Satan, who wants to confuse us as much as possible. I think it�s imperative that we never stop searching for the truth, wherever it may lead us. That while comparing various interpretations of doctrine or prophecy we should compare scripture with scripture, and search for internal consistencies. That we should seek wisdom from God through prayer before studying these themes. And that we should seek a gold standard of truth�premised upon the revealed word of God rather than human tradition or whim.
     Membership in the Catholic church or one of its Protestant daughter churches, or even in a non-Christian church, does not necessarily condemn one to receive the �mark of the beast.� God�s true church transcends any single organization; His sheep are scattered throughout �Babylon,� the system of false religions, and in Revelation 18:4 a voice from heaven beckons �Come out of her, my people.� The identity of the pure church of God is described in Revelation 12:2 as those �which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.� In Revelation 14:11, the saints are described as �they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.� Yet many churches today teach that the commandments of God (Exodus 20:3-17) are no longer binding, especially the one that begins with the word �Remember.� Consider for a moment what Satan�s strategy might be: getting people to think that they need not obey God or spend time with him. Could it be that many have been deceived into believing they are worshiping God on His terms rather than their own?
     Which church do you belong to? Are you sincerely searching for truth? Do you understand what is at stake? As Daniel wrote in chapter 12, verse 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.� Let us pray for wisdom!

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