Eschatology 101 Part Six
In our sixth post in Eschatology 101, we now come to a critical juncture that many who attempt to understand Bible prophecy fail to recognize. Those who fail to understand are susceptible to false doctrine and even be pulled into cults such as Mormonism, Jehovah Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventist, and other non-Christian groups. To understand this, we need to remember our previous lessons and the terms described. If you have not been following along to our series on Eschatology, please go to our previous posts.
When people ask what the future holds, in part they are asking the wrong question. What they really mean to ask is, “Why what is happening is happening, and what is this going to get worse or better?” Commonly known as a “Double Barrel Question.” Two questions in one sentence, that emphasize what subconsciously all humans ask. No matter the religion, upbringing, culture, sex, and age; these thoughts will eventually come across. The world would give their answers, Proverbs 9:14-18 “She sits at the doorway of her house, On a seat by the high places of the city, 15 Calling to those who pass by, Who are making their paths straight: 16 “Whoever is naive, let him turn in here,” And to him who lacks understanding she says, 17 “Stolen water is sweet; And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” 18 But he does not know that the dead are there, That her guests are in the depths of Sheol.” Yet, those in God’s Word have the knowledge before them, and the capability to understand when we take His Word seriously, Proverbs 3:1-8 “My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments; 2 For length of days and years of life And peace they will add to you. 3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones.”
We know that Satan is doomed, and this entire saga of events has been an orchestrated rescue plan of God calling to humanity to come to Him. Yet, God has given the blueprints for us, in fact there was a politician, historian, philosopher, scholar, theologian, and dutiful praying man who put on view the humanistic events culminating to their final outcome. His name was Daniel from the tribe of Judah. Based on his education in today’s standards he would have been called a doctor in each of the previous listed categories. The events of his life can be found in the book of Daniel; however, today I want to briefly bring to light one term that is foundational for us to understand. To my own limits a simpler term has not come to mind, thus for simplicity this term is identified as a Perfect Prophet.
The term is defined as “A person identified, called, and used by Yahweh to reveal errorless information otherwise not known by the messenger and the targeted audience.”
Daniel is a perfect prophet. Three times we see him in his career identified as such.
Daniel 2:24 “Therefore, Daniel went in to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon; he went and spoke to him as follows: “Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon! Take me into the king’s presence, and I will declare the interpretation to the king.”
Daniel 4:19 “Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was dismayed for a while, and his thoughts alarmed him. The king answered and said, “Belteshazzar, let not the dream or the interpretation alarm you.” Belteshazzar answered and said, “My lord, may the dream be for those who hate you and its interpretation for your enemies!”
Daniel 5:17 “Then Daniel answered and said before the king, “Keep your gifts for yourself or give your rewards to someone else; however, I will read the inscription to the king and make the interpretation known to him.”
We know that God cannot change, this is described in Isaiah’s Law of God Eternality. Thus, when a Perfect Prophet announces what God has intended for humanity to know, we should take notice. Before we get into more regarding Daniel, we needed to understand what a Perfect Prophet is. In 2024, we will pick up our second half of this discussion regarding what God has declared to the world through Daniel. God has made a commitment He is going to act upon. There is a timeline that has been put into motion that God must now fulfill.
Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,
JL