“In the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors have reached their fullness, a king shall arise, having fierce features, who understands sinister schemes.” [1]
Bad rulers are a symptom of this sin laden world. When good people do nothing to restrain the progress of a person with sinister schemes, that person with fierce features prevails.
“His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; he shall destroy fearfully and shall prosper and thrive; He shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people.” [2]
The last bad ruler of this sin laden world receives his power and might from the prince of darkness. He shall destroy mighty and holy people, reminiscent of the bad kings of Israel who slew God’s prophets for daring to challenge their treatment of God and of God’s people.
“Through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; and he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without human means.” [3]
He is a deceiver and a promoter of deception. He is deceived by the power that Satan gives him to assume that he is more powerful than the Prince of princes a reference to the Messiah. But he will be broken without human means.
“They [Gog and Magog] went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” [4]
The good news is Messiah and His followers win.
“I watched then because of the sound of the pompous words which the horn [antichrist] was speaking; I watched till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed and given to the burning flame. As for the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away, yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.”
“I was watching in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed.” [5]
“The saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.” [6]
“I was watching; and the same horn [the antichrist] was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them, until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom.” [7]
“The [heavenly] court shall be seated, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and destroy it forever. Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.” [8]
Our part, at this time is to proclaim faith in Christ, and convince as many as possible to embrace a personal relationship with Christ. Only He can save us, and He will do so gloriously.
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” [9]
[1] Daniel 8:23
[2] Daniel 8:24
[3] Daniel 8:25
[4] Revelation 20:9-10
[5] Daniel 7:11-14
[6] Daniel 7:18
[7] Daniel 7:21-22
[8] Daniel 7:26-27
[9] John 16:33
Bearing witness to the Word of God and to the testimony of Jesus!
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