DEBATE
ON DANIEL’S MYSTERIES
A
Foreword statement prior to my introducing Daniel and his Mysteries, one of our
major terms that has been discussed in recent years in regards to the concept
that all Bible prophecy as far as events are concerned have been fulfilled {by
70 A.D.} Is the verb “mello”? There is disagreement as to what is meant in the
New Testament, especially contextually, and traditionally great hesitancy to
accept what the term means basically and etymologically. The first person
singular is regularly translated, “I am about to”, just as “baptidzo”, would
mean, “I immerse”. The root meaning of this verb certainly seems to show
nearness and closeness from the time it was being used by the Holy Spirit in
various subject matters. However, I aver that whether people accept this
particular verb “mello” and all its implications regarding fulfilled prophecy
or not, When we see the great knowledge that Daniel gives in revealing the
“mysteries” that he has come against, and to see the Holy Spirit at work with
Daniel, the truthful heart can only do as Abraham did in Gen. 15:6, “I
believe”.
But
human pride stands in the path of a legalist, it blinds him from seeing the
truth the reason is that legalism is a system in which one depends upon himself
for truth and righteousness rather than God.
The legalist sees himself as the only one right, and the
other person always wrong. Legalism is an insidious thing; it disguises itself
so that its victims do not recognize it.
The
next hours, days, or even weeks will be taken up in looking very closely at
Daniel and his “Mysteries”, I welcome Dr. Edward to this discussion, we had
previously agreed to debate the issue of fulfilled prophecy. Dr. Jessie affirms
total fulfilled prophecy. Dr. Edward denies. However, earlier we were able to
sit down and discuss our two positions, and decided that it would be more
profitable for the two minds to be able to talk, ask questions, make remarks,
or add to what is being said. It is to this end that these two minds will begin
to discuss the “Mysteries” of Daniel, which God revealed to Daniel, and will
accomplish that which has not been done yet in this Century.
Dr.
Edward, I now introduce you to a young man who was taken captive from
Jerusalem, his name was Daniel, and Daniel had three close friends who also was
taken captive; they being about the same age, no doubt on the long march to
Babylon they had many discussions in regards to why they are being carried
captive to Babylon chained together for some 800 miles. Daniel and his friends
were of the royal family, so the king ordered some of the youth of Israel be
brought in to him, Daniel and his three friends were among those carried to the
king, the king were impressed with Daniel and his friends
So they entered the king’s service; but now they must be
made eunuchs, and were to be fed the king’s food. But, something happened
Daniel must have remembered hearing his family teach about Abraham, Isaac, and
Jacob how that God saved them from many great problems in their life, and how
God used them to demonstrate the Spiritual Covenant which would come, not in
their life time; but in the future, so Daniel made up his mind not to defile
himself with the king’s food, or with any other entertainment. Daniel prepared
himself to be used by God in His service. Verse 8, chapter 1.
Notice
first that Abraham did not have a son; but in Gen. 15; 6, Abraham confessed
that he believed God. Now Abraham was made ready to really serve God, now he is
told the good news of a son; but not before he confessed his belief in God.
Notice secondly that God did not show favor to Daniel until he made up his mind
not to defile himself, even at the cost of death. This is another Spiritual
application you do not hear about, which cannot be denied. Daniel is now aware
that he is God’s servant, and God has plans for Daniel that is far reaching,
and only an intricate study of the “Mysteries” of Daniel” will reveal
God’s plan for mankind and what God has revealed, man cannot
interpret or change, 2 Pet. 2:20,21. Except through the means of the Holy
Spirit.
THE “MYSTERY” OF DANIEL CHAPTER 2
Daniel
chapter 2: 1ff, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon of Babylon had a terrible dream,
his spirit was troubled, and his sleep left him, verse 2 the King gave orders
to call in the magicians, the conjurers, the sorcerers and Chaldeans, to make
known to the King his dreams, verse 4, the Chaldeans spoke to the King in
Aramaic; O King tell us the dream and we will give you the interpretation.
Verse 5, the King said to the Chaldeans the command from me is firm; if you do
not make known to me the dream and its interpretation you will be torn from
limb to limb, and your houses will be made a rubbish heap. Verse 10, the
Chaldeans said to the king there is not a man on earth who could declare the
matter for the King.
King Nebuchadnezzar was furious and indignant and gave
orders to kill the wise men of Babylon.
At this point I wish for you to
see, that this “Mystery” which God gave to the King could not be understood by
mere men, neither could man give the interpretation of the dream; further, we
will see the hand of God working in this “Mystery” He has a man filled with
God’s Spirit, who can inform the king of what he wished to know. God has plans
for Daniel inside this government, for he has many people in this country,
which Daniel can help. God is about to place Daniel in a position in Babylon
that will give relief to the people in Captivity for 70 years. Here they were
in Captivity digging canals with their fingers, until the fingers were worn out
down to the hand. Verse 16, Daniel goes into the King and requested that he
would give him time, in order that he Daniel might declare the interpretation
to the King. Verse 17, Daniel goes to his three friends and asks them to pray
for compassion from the God of Heaven concerning this “Mystery”. In the first
place God had given the King this dream, and only God knew what the
interpretation was, and only God could inform Daniel of the dream and what it
meant. Verse 19, then the “Mystery” was revealed {made known} in a night
vision, then Daniel blessed the God of Heaven. Verses 20, 22, Daniel answered
and said, let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power
belongs to Him. And it is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes
Kings and establishes Kings; He gives wisdom to wise men, and knowledge to men
of understanding. It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things, He knows
what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him.
Dr.
Jessie, yes Dr. Edward, I hate to do this so early in the game; but I have a
thought that came to me as you were quoting verses 19-22, correct me if I am
wrong? God is the One who creates the “Mysteries”, only He, or someone whom the
Holy Spirit of God indwells can reveal the “Mysteries”, is that correct? By all
means that is correct. Go ahead. Well, I am thinking perhaps for the first time
serious, as I want to be, if this is the case, and it is. Then how can anyone
who qualifies as a legalist interpret the Scriptures by which they were spoken
by the Holy Spirit, I am thinking of 1 Cor. 2:10-16, the Scriptures has been
Spiritually appraised, how can an earthly man know the things of God? I am
thinking as I have forbid myself from thinking before; but this one thing bears
heavy on my mind. Dr. Edward, I believe that one must have a spiritual
relationship with God before he can Spiritually reveal God’s Word to any one.
We can have that gift of the Spirit.
Dr.
Edward, the thing you have just revealed is good news to me, I have written books
on Daniel I have written several lessons on Daniel, I have not thought of this
approach, or idea; but I will use it hereafter. Having said that, this will
help us when we get to other “Mysteries” we can realize this Spiritual Engagement, and we may just reveal something worthwhile to
brethren that have not reached maturity, and people who deny prophetic
fulfillment. Notice, God has not allowed mere man to give revelations, or
manifestations concerning the “Mysteries” of God; but men moved by the Holy Spirit
who spoke from God. Such is Daniel. And such was the Apostles that Jesus the
Messiah chose to follow Him.
One
thing for sure that we have learned thus far the prophets of the Old Testament
spoke as God gave them utterances, and likewise the Apostles was given
utterances from the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:4, as the Spirit gave them
utterances. Eph. 6:19, “and pray on my behalf, that utterances may be given to
me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the “Mystery” of the
Gospel”
Col. 4:3, “Praying at the same time for us as well, that God
may open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the “Mystery”
of Christ for which I have been imprisoned”. After the death of the Messiah all
the Apostles looked forward to a time when they would be filled with the Holy
Spirit, which would allow them to reveal all the “Mysteries” foretold by the
prophets.
Now, lets look at Daniel 2:24-26, Daniel went to Arioch and
said to him do not destroy the wise men of Babylon, take me into the Kings
presence, and I will declare the interpretation to the King. Arioch hurriedly
brought Daniel into the Kings presence, and said I have a man among the exiles
from Judah who can make the interpretation known to the King. The King answered
and said to Daniel, “Are you able to make known to me the dream which I have
seen and its interpretation?” Verse 27, Daniel answered and said, as far as the
“Mystery about which the King has inquired, neither wise men, nor conjurers,
magicians, nor diviners are able to declare it to the King. Verse 28, However,
there is a God in Heaven who reveals “Mysteries”, and He has made known to King
Nebuchadnezzar what will take place in the latter days. This was your dream and
the visions in your mind while on your bed. V 29, as for you O King,
While on your bed your thoughts turned to what would take
place in the future; and He who reveals “Mysteries” has made known to you what
will take place.
Again,
mere man cannot reveal God’s plan without God, or the Holy Spirit itself. I
suggest that the Apostles of the
New Testament indeed waited to be clothed
with the Holy Spirit, Acts 1:4-8; Acts 2:1-4, with this kind of evidence how
can mankind deny that through the Apostles the “Mysteries” of the New Testament
has not been revealed, or manifested to the saints? How can anyone who is not a
legalist deny Col. 1:26?
Dan.
2:30, listen how Daniel describes himself, and then do as I do, examine self,
who am I that I can reveal God’s mind except by the gift of the Holy Spirit,
and by that which has already been revealed?
That we have record of, but as for me, this “Mystery” has
not been revealed to me for any wisdom residing in me more than any other
living man {God is not revealing this event to me for my benefit, or to make me
great;} but for the purpose of making the interpretation known to the king, and
that you may understand the thoughts of your mind. {And by knowing the
interpretation you may save the lives of many men, and their families; their
homes} Verse 31, You, O King were looking and behold, there was a single great
statue; that statue, which was large and of extraordinary splendor, was
standing in front of you, and its appearance was awesome. Verse 32, the head of
that statue was made of fine gold, its breast and its arms of silver, its belly
and its thighs of bronze; its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly
of clay. You kept looking until a stone was cut out without hands, and it
struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay, and crushed them.
What
has caught my interest here is this stone being cut out without hands, I
suggest that this is the spiritual establishment of the spiritual kingdom
spoken of in Dan. 2:44, which will replace the physical.
Kingdom’s existing during especially the period of the
fourth and last part of this great statue, which represents the fourth kingdom,
which will arise from the earth; Rome, and Judah of Israel, Verse 35 seems to
confirm this suggestion.
Verse
36, it is clear here that God has spoken through Daniel, and has revealed the
dream to the King, now Daniel says to the king, this was the dream; now we
shall tell its interpretation: [we who? God using Daniel for a mouthpiece makes
the thought of “we” complete.} Verse 37, You O King, are the King of kings, to
whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, the strength, and the
glory; and wherever the sons of men dwell, or the beast of the field, or the
birds of the sky, He has given them into your hand and caused you to rule over
them all. You are the head of gold. Babylon the great!
Now
after Babylon another kingdom will arise inferior to Nebuchadnezzar. This will
be Medo-Persia. Then another third kingdom of bronze, which will rule over the
earth Alexander the great of Greece. Then there will be a fourth kingdom as strong
as iron; inasmuch as iron crushes and shatters all things, so like iron that
breaks in pieces, it will crush and break all these pieces. Verse 41ff begins
to inform the king that this fourth kingdom will be a divided kingdom; but this
kingdom will be tough as iron, its rulers will have problems reigning over the
kingdom, the seed of men will not combine with one another, and during this
fourth kingdom the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be
destroyed, and will not be left to other people. {This kingdom, is the kingdom
of Christ, and the kingship will never be passed on to another, and it will
never be destroyed, it has no end. Now what does those who are calling for the
end of the world to come, do? Remember the futurist position is destroyed at
this point, for this kingdom would be established during the kingdom of the
fourth beast Rome!}
Its
time to notice verse 48, after the king praised the God of heaven, and Daniel,
then he bestows on Daniel great gifts, and power in the kingdom as ruler over
the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the wise men, he also appointed
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego over the administration of the province of
Babylon. So Daniel now knows what will happen in Babylon in the near future;
but what is troubling to Daniel, is that God made known what would happen to
his people during the reign of the second kingdom, as well as the third kingdom
of Greece; but the interpretation by God really spelled out some sad thoughts
for Daniel. Replacing the physical kingdoms with one spiritual kingdom, which
will not be given to another people, so these are sad thoughts for Daniel.
However, Daniel knows that he, nor mankind cannot circumvent God’s plan, why?
Because they were completed before the foundation of the earth, Heb. 4:3. Yes,
Dr, Edward, Jessie something here begins to weigh heavy upon my mind, have I
gone through life believing that I can interpret God’s Word, and preach what I
feel. I am not half the man that Daniel was he has said something that I have
not said, “the God of heaven can”. Thank you Jessie.
I suggest that when we take a break that you read 2 Pet.
2:20-21.
Ramifications of the “Mystery of Dan. 2: 1-49.”
Daniel
has been careful not to mislead the king in what he could do, instead Daniel has
been very honest in saying that without God he could do nothing; but with the
God who gave the dream in the first place, that he only knew the
interpretation, and that God would use him to reveal the interpretation.
Because of this honesty, and Daniel holding on to his faith the king now
promotes him as ruler of all the Province of Babylon, and this promotion would
follow him through the other kingdom of Medes and Persians, it will help Daniel
in other “Mysteries” which will come before him to render proper questions in
order to acquire a better understanding of the end time. Not the end of the
world; but the end that is spoken of in Daniel 10:14, this end was the end time
for his people, the end of their world, the end of Judaism, this thought is
confirmed in Daniel 12:5-7,”when they finish shattering the power of the holy
people all these things will have been completed. When Jerusalem is shattered,
the end comes.
Chapter
3, the king builds a huge image of his god, like people today the king was fast
to forget what Daniel and God had done fore him. This brings the king to order
that all must come and bow down and worship the image. Daniel at this time is
not in the palace, he is with his people where they are working digging canals;
but his three friends are called upon to bow down and worship the image; they
refuse and tell the king, if it be so that you will have us cast into the fire
that burns in the furnace, God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the
furnace of blazing fire; He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even
if he does not, let it be known to you, O king that we are not to serve your
gods or worship the golden image that you have set up. Then the king was filled
with wrath, and ordered the three Hebrew children be thrown into the furnace,
the king’s command was urgent and the furnace had been made extremely hot, the
flame of the fire slew those men who carried up the three Hebrew children. The
king looked into the furnace and saw four men walking around inside the furnace
unhurt, and unharmed, and said the fourth is like a son of the gods! Come out
you servants of the Most High God. Only after the king loses another battle
does he give praise to the God of heaven, God has hardened his heart, to say
the least the king was a legalist. Why?
All
this time in the study of this king have you not seen, that he has an attitude
of, he is right in all he does, and no one else could be right. You noticed
that the three Hebrew children told him that their God would bring them forth
from the furnace; but to the king; they were wrong, so God showed him who was
right, so now the king once again praised the God of heaven; but only after he
had lost the victory. See Dan. 3:28-30. I suggest that these three Hebrew
children followed the faith and pattern of Abraham when he and 318 men of his house was forced to go to war
against 5 northern kings who had invaded the land where his nephew lot lived
and took Lot and his family hostage; the 5 kings and their armies would suck up
Abraham and his 318 men like drinking water from a spring; but the armies got
the shock of their lives, Abraham like the three Hebrew children had God
fighting their battles, Abraham won the victory, as others will when they serve
God. Gen. 14:13-24.
DANIEL CHAPTER 4
Nebuchadnezzar
declares to all peoples of every language and all the nations of earth: may
your peace abound! The king once again has turned his thoughts toward the God
of heaven, he says it is good for me to declare the signs and wonders which the
Most High God has done for me. How great are his signs, and how mighty are His
wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from
generation to generation. Verse 4, I Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house
and flourishing in my palace. I saw a dream and it made me fearful; and these
fantasies as I lay on my bed and the vision in my mind kept alarming me. So I
gave orders to bring into my presence all the wise men of Babylon that they
might make known to me the interpretation of the dream. All the wise men of
Babylon were called in, none could inform the king as to what his dream was,
neither could they give its interpretation thereof. But finally Daniel comes
in, and the king says O Belteshazzar, chief of all the wise men, since I know
that a spirit of the holy gods is in you and no “Mystery” baffles you, tell me
the vision of my dream, which I have seen, along with its interpretation. Since
Nebuchadnezzar is here speaking, he becomes the first person perfect, and he
continues through verse 18, Daniel is writing; but he is writing as the second
person. Verse 13, the king says to Daniel, I was looking in the vision in my
mind as I lay on my bed, and behold, an angelic watcher, a holy one, descended
from heaven. He shouted out and spoke as follows: Chop down the tree and cut
off its branches, Strip off its foliage and scatter its fruit; and let the
beasts flee from under it, and the birds from its branches. Yet leave the stump
with the roots in the ground, but with a band of iron and bronze around it in
the new grass of the field; and let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and
let him share with the beasts in the grass of the earth. Let his mind be
changed from that of a man, and let a beasts mind be given him, and let the
seven periods of time pass over him. Verse 17, “This sentence is by the decree
of the angelic watchers, and the decision is a command of the holy ones, in
order that the living may know that the most High is ruler over the realm of
mankind, and bestows it on whom He wishes, and sets over it the lowliest of
men”.
What a statement. If only mankind could
believe just that, what a different world we would have.
But Nebuchadnezzar
grew old not believing that God was the
ruler over the realm of mankind and that God appointed whomsoever he wished as
a world leader. Roman chapter 13: 1-5 has much to say in regards to this
subject; but again mankind pays no attention to God being the ruler; they know
best and so they destroy themselves and others with them.
Verse
18, this is now the dream which I Nebuchadnezzar, have seen. Now you,
Belteshazzar, tell me its interpretation, inasmuch as none of the wise men of
my kingdom is able, for a spirit of the holy gods is in you. Verse 19, Then
Daniel whose name is Belteshazzar was appalled for a while as his thoughts
alarmed him. The king responded and said Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or
its interpretation alarm you. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, if only
the dream applied to those who hate you, and its interpretation to your adversaries!
It would appear that Daniel is becoming rather fond of the king, in spite of
his wickedness. Such is not uncommon, the king first chose Daniel as the ruler
of the whole providence of Babylon, this in turn allowed Daniel to be among the
exiles while he ruled, and while he ruled the exiles were treated better, so
Daniel by his concern was only showing respect for the king, which God required
of a ruler who was second in command under a king.
Verse
20, Now Daniel begins to reveal the “Mystery” to the king, the tree you saw,
which became large and grew strong, whose height reached to the sky and was
visible to all the earth. And whose foliage was beautiful and its fruit
abundant, and in which was food for all, under which the beasts of the field
dwelt and in whose branches the birds of the sky lodged. Verse 22, It is you O
king; for you have become great and reached to the sky and your dominion to the
end of the earth. And you saw an angelic watcher, a holy one, descending from
heaven and saying Chop down the tree, and destroy it; yet leave the stump with
its roots in the ground, with a band of iron and bronze around it in the new
grass of the field, and let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him
share with the beasts of the field until seven periods of time pass over him.
Now, this is the interpretation O king, this is the decree verse 24.
A
decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king; that you be
driven away from mankind, and your dwelling place be with the beasts of the field,
and you be given grass to eat like cattle and be drenched with the dew from
heaven and seven periods of time will pass over you, until you recognize that
the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, and bestows it on whomever He
wishes.
This
would be a compelling revelation to any one who thought that he could rule any
Country, State, or county by his own will power, and the power of politics.
Everyone who rules, God was willing for
Such person to rule, God might think it best to have a ruler
to change the system of freedom, of worship to God, such a person would be
placed in power to punish the people throughout the land. On the other hand if
God chooses a person who will restore freedom, and the freedom of worship, God
would know that this person that he appoints to run will win, for its time that
the people has turned back to God.
Verse
26, and it was commanded to leave the stump with the roots of the tree, your
kingdom will be assured to you after you recognize that it is heaven that
rules. Now read what Daniel’s advice is to the king. Read verse 27. “Therefore,
O king, may my advice be pleasing to you: break away now from your sins by
doing righteousness, and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor, in
case there may be a prolonging of your prosperity”. Verse 28. All these things
happened to king Nebuchadnezzar.
God
has shown mercy and compassion to the king, He has given him now a year to
think about the dream and vision of his mind, although the king may consider
the results of the dream, and could turn and give his heart to God his
repentance would not change God’s decree as to the things which the king must
experience. The decree, is not to just punish the king for his sin’s and
iniquity, there was greater things, which God would accomplish through this
decree from heaven. First and foremost, is to show at this time a pattern for
fulfillment, these three chapters is just the beginning of “Mysteries” which
will begin to show the art of fulfilling God’s Word. If this is a pattern, and
we show the beginning of fulfillment of any “Mystery” in the Old Testament,
then we have established the law of patterns and types. Second, If we establish
the patterns and types here, and show any part of the “Mysteries” being
fulfilled in the Old Testament, within the period spoken of in the “Mystery,
then the pattern and types of the “Mysteries spoken of in the New Testament,
must have their fulfillment with a time period conducive of Christianity in the
first century.
We
can find no mention of God, or Christ promising another set of Apostles or wise
men whom God would trust and give over to them the Holy Spirit sufficient to
reveal the New Testament “Mysteries”.
Therefore, we do find that Christ chose the Apostles as His
representatives promising them that He; the Spirit of truth would come. John
16:13, “But when He, the spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the
truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He
will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come”. So now we do have an
authority telling us that God will send the Holy Spirit in Christ’s name, and
He will teach the Apostles all things, John 15:26. The Holy Spirit will not
speak on His own; but will speak what He hears from God. So for the ruler of
heaven, and for the ruler of all mankind the plan was set for all the
“Mysteries” of the Old Testament to be fulfilled in the period of the Apostles
chosen by Christ who received the Holy Spirit, which would authorize them to
reveal the “Mysteries” of both, the Old Testament, and that of the New.
“Twelve
months later king Nebuchadnezzar was walking on the roof of the royal palace of
Babylon”. Verse 29, to some it may be puzzling that the king could walk on the
roof of his palace; but the roof was built flat, in order that the subjects
could escape the extremely hot heat, on top of the roof they could get a cooler
breeze that what which was on the surface of the earth. Verse 30, well, when we
read this account, we find that the king had not changed his mind in regards to
what would happen to him, he is still a legalist at heart. Listen to what he
said; “Is this not Babylon the great, which I myself have built as a royal
residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty”? Verse 31, BUT!
“While the word was in the kings mouth, a voice came from heaven, saying, King
Nebuchadnezzar, to you is declared: sovereignty has been removed from you, and
you will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling place will be with the
beasts of the field. You will be given grass to eat like cattle, and seven
periods will pass over you, until you recognize that the Most High is ruler
over the realm of mankind, and bestows it on whomever He wishes”.
NOW, here is what we have been talking
about. Verse 33, “Immediately the word concerning Nebuchadnezzar was
fulfilled”. Dr. Edward, keep in mind, that the “Mystery of the four kingdoms
have not at this point been fulfilled, however, the “Mystery” concerning the
fulfillment of what would take place concerning the king, has here been
fulfilled. We have evidence now that God intended for certain parts of the
“Mystery” to be fulfilled here, and parts fulfilled later, as we will see. Some
of the “Mysteries” of the Old Testament has long-range fulfillment; example; in
Gen. 3:15, God said: “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and
between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise you on the head, and you shall
bruise Him on the heel”.
It
was in the 16th century A. D. before wise men of medicine figured out
what was meant by his seed {Satan’s seed} and her seed, {the seed of woman} the
woman’s seed was speaking of Christ. Therefore, this “Mystery” was not
fulfilled until Christ was born. Then the later part, the seed of woman
bruising the seed of the Serpent is shown in Heb. 2:14,15. Revealed by the
Apostle Paul, according to the guidelines of John 16: 13, it is very clear that
what the Apostle spoke of was given him by the Holy Spirit, and was in keeping
with the plan of God, for revelation to the first century saints. Acts 2:4ff.
At
this point the Scripture shows that Daniel was given the responsibility to show
the fulfillment of the events that happened to Nebuchadnezzar. Now the king is
cast into the wilderness to serve out his sentence decreed by heaven, his
sentence was seven periods of time, or seven years. However, in the event that
the king does not recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of
mankind, and bestows sovereignty upon whomsoever He pleases, God perhaps will
keep the king in the wilderness until death. But; at the end of that period, I
Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my reason returned to me, and
I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever; for His
dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to
generation, and all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, but
He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants
of earth; and no one can ward off His hand, or say to Him, What hast Thy done?
At that time my reason returned to me. And my majesty and splendor were
restored to me for the glory of my kingdom, and my counselors and my nobles
began seeking me out, so I was reestablished in my sovereignty, and surpassing
greatness was added to me. Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise, exalt, and honor the
King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to
humble those who walk in pride. Nebuchadnezzar has satisfied God’s terms for
reestablishment of his kingdom to him. All is well with Him and God. Daniel
retains his promotion as ruler over the whole province of Babylon until the
death of king Nebuchadnezzar.
So
now, Dr. Edward at the close of this chapter, do you desire to take the floor
and make your denial of fulfilled prophecy? No! Jessie, my mind is travelling
at full speed, and although I prepared well in advance just how I would counter
your argument based partly upon what you have written before, therefore, I
cannot begin to counter the way in which you have presented your argument at
this time I would like for you to continue this presentation.
Dr.
Edward, there is some correction of the chapters of Daniel that I would like to
make at this time; this is not an error on Daniel’s part; rather on the part of
translation, many people will read the chapters as they are written, and will
not understand, so they are confused, so lets correct the chronology so we may
better understand, We notice that we have just finished chapter 4, so chapter 5
begins with king Belshazzar, and his last year as king; But, we have chapter 7
under Belshazzar, and chapter 8 under Belshazzar, so in keeping with chronology
lets move chapter 7 as coming after chapter 4, this is in the first year reign
of Belshazzar. Then, we move chapter 8 to follow chapter 7. Then we take
chapter 5, which includes the last chapter under Belshazzar and place the
chronology of this chapter last under Belshazzar. Belshazzar was
Nebuchadnezzar’s son, who took the kingship after the death of Nebuchadnezzar.
At Nebuchadnezzar’s death Daniel ceased to be ruler over the whole province of
Babylon. Thus in keeping with correct chronology we will begin our discussion
of fulfilled prophecy in Daniel chapter 7, then chapter 8. Remember the
chronology. Daniel, chapter 4, then 7, then 8, then 5.
DANIEL IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER Chapter 7.
In
the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel saw a dream and visions in
his mind as he lay on his bed; then he wrote down and related the following
summary.
Daniel
said, I was looking in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven
were stirring up the great sea. And four great beasts were coming up from the
sea, different from one another. The first was like a lion and had wings of an
eagle. I kept looking until its wings were plucked, and it was lifted from the
ground and made to stand on two feet like a man; a human mind also was given to
it. If you can recall Dr. Edward, in chapter 2 Nebuchadnezzar had a terrifying
dream, that of a great Statue, made up of four different substances, when
Daniel Interpreted this “Mystery” dream and vision he informed the king that he
was the head of Gold. Now here Daniel in this night vision is seeing more
clearly what king Nebuchadnezzar did not see, and what God at this time did not
reveal to Daniel in regards to the outcome of the king and Babylon. Now looking
at verse 4, we have something revealed here that were not revealed in chapter
2, namely, that this first beast In Daniel 2, was the head of gold. So now this
fourth beast was like a lion, strong and with wings like an eagle, swift and
fast to collect its prey, and notice Daniel saw these beast come up out of the
sea; but notice its wings were plucked, it could fly no more, no more could it
conquer. And also notice “it was lifted up from the ground,” indicating what?
Notice again: first the beast came up from the sea; now Daniel says, “this
beast came up from the ground”, so what is correct? Dr. Edward, I have studied
this part of Daniel with several people, and with them reading they never
noticed this difference, do you suppose that many preachers are seeing double
when they read a lesson to preach, and never notice the real key to
understanding?
On
this particular point I suggest that Daniel indeed in the vision saw them
coming up from a churning sea; but I am sure that Daniel knew where the beast
was coming from before this recording of chapter 7 is finished; but to me, when
he said, “this beast came up from the ground, and since in chapter 2, Daniel
identified the first head of the great statue as being Babylon, not of the sea;
but of land. Further I suggest that Dan. 7: 16, 17, where Daniel asks the one
of those who were standing by, {an angel} to give him an exact meaning of this,
and he told me: these great beasts, which are four in number are four kings who
will arise from the earth.
Verse
5, and behold, another beast a second one, resembling a bear. And it was raised
up on one side, and three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth; and thus
they said to it. Arise devour much meat. This represented the Medes and
Persians, the Medes attacked Babylon and in one night while king Belshazzar and
his nobles were drunk; they went in under the gates of the canal which ran
through the city, and with the help of the priest, the Medes took the kingdom
without blood shed. This is recorded in the latter part of chapter 5.
Verse 6, After this I kept
looking, and behold, another one like a leopard, which had on its back four
wings of a bird; the beast also had four heads, and dominion was given it. One
like a leopard, cunning like a cat, fast moving, and also on its back it had
four wings like a bird, it could move twice as fast, and cover more ground, it
could outsmart its enemies, and did. This was Alexander the Great of Greece, he
went against the Persian empire with a small army and horsemen, compared to
Persia who had some 6 million foot warriors, plus horsemen, and thousands of
elephants; but Alexander won the victory, and then fell off his horse and died
with complications, his empire was divided between his four field generals,
“the four heads”, namely:
Cassander, Lysimachus, Seleucius;
Ptolemy.
Verse
7, after this I kept looking in the night vision, and behold, a fourth beast,
dreadful and terrifying and extremely strong; and it had iron teeth. It
devoured and crushed, and trampled down the remainder with its feet; and it had
ten horns. Verse 8, While I was contemplating the horns, behold, another horn,
a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were pulled
out by the
roots before it; and behold, this horn possessed eyes like a man and a mouth
uttering great boasts.
The
fourth beast here is to represent Rome; with its first eleven rulers, First
Daniel saw 10 horns on this beast, the first horn was Pompey, who was declared
sole ruler of Rome from 52 B C. to 49 B C. by the Senate at Rome. Second, was
Julius 47 B C. to 44 B C. the third horn was Augustus 31 B C. to 14 A D. the
fourth horn was Tiberius A D 14 to 37 A D, the fifth horn was Caligula, 37 A D
to 41 A D, the sixth horn was Claudius A D 41 to 54 A D, the seventh horn was
Nero A D 54 to 68, horn eight was Galba A D 68 to A D 69, horn nine was Otho A
D 69, horn ten was Vitellius A D 69.
It
is worthwhile to notice Verse 8 again; and Daniel said, while I was considering
the 10 horns, behold another horn, a little horn, came up among them, and three
of the first horns were pulled out before IT. It who? The little horn, why is
he called a little horn? From ages past the rulers of Rome was chosen by family
rank, with the exception of Pompey, Pompey was the field general of the Army
that the Senate chose as sole ruler. So, the eleventh horn was also a field general
who after the death of Nero, the Senate wanted Vespasian the eleventh horn as ruler
of Rome; but you had also Galba; Otho; and Vitellius field generals, so they
came in one at a time and by force took the office of emperor; but the Senate
and Vespasian pulled these 3 out by the roots, and so, Vespasian was promoted
from field General to emperor of Rome in 69 A D. This is why he was called the
little horn. But something we need to consider about these horns, and the
beast; look at what God said hundreds of years before Daniel is receiving this
vision. Please read Deut. 28:15-47 while we are on our next break, and tell me
if the realm of mankind itself is fulfilling the “Mystery” that God speaks
about in these passages, or has God been in control of the realm of mankind,
bringing about His plan? We are at present witnessing the fulfillment of what
God foretold would come upon Israel in the event they did not obey Him. What we
have passed over in Daniel chapters 1-4 was happening as a result of
disobedience by Israel. {Judah} And now entering upon Daniel chapter 7, I have
suggested Dr. Edward, that you consider reading the whole chapter 28 of Deuteronomy,
and I challenge you to also go on line and look for the book “Civilization past
and present” By Scott, Foresman and Company 1960 ed. Pages 129-160. This will
convince you that God alone prepared these nations to rise and fall in order to
get to the nation; which was not a nation at the time that God spoke of in
Deut. 28:48,49. This is the history that began to show me evidence of fulfilled
prophecy.
Daniel
7:7,8. Thus far Dr. Edward, have we covered anything that has not already had
its fulfillment? In the “Mysteries” covered have they been accurately and
truthfully covered? Do you wish to take a couple hours and speak of the denial?
No. Jessie, I desire you to finish chapter 7 first. Thank you.
I
ask that we be careful to understand each event of this chapter in order that
we see more and more of the “Mysteries” of chapter 7 fulfilled. Dan. 7:9, here
Daniel gives a review of the intricate details of this part of the “Mystery”,
having been revealed, we now have the New Testament to reference. Daniel said,
I kept looking until thrones were set up, and the Ancient of days took His
seat; His vesture was like white snow, and the hair of His head like pure wool.
I think Dr. Edward, that I should point out, this phrase:” I kept looking until
thrones were set up”. So I suggest that we consult Scripture, unless we do; for
sure there will be misunderstanding, turn with me to Rev. 20:1-3, we notice
here that an angel more powerful than Satan came down with a great chain and
bound him for a thousand years, and threw him in the abyss, so that he should
no longer deceive the nations, until the thousand years were completed, after
these things he must be released for a short time. Dr. Edward, please note the
phrase: “After these things, he must be released for a short time. What are
these things? Is it that plural thrones were set up for a judgment?
Is
it that God would make sure that Satan would not interrupt this judgment? Now
since a plural amount of thrones were set up, how many thrones were set up? Did
God need more than one throne? Well; to answer at least some of these
questions, I first call your attention to Dan. 7:1, “and Daniel wrote a summary
of it”. Therefore we have to make sure that we are looking at the Scripture as
a summary, verse 4 does not mean that there were plural thrones for the white
throne judgment, rather another one that had been promised: Matt. 19:28 will
hopefully answer the question of verse 4, “And Jesus said to them, Truly I say
to you that you who have followed Me in the regeneration when the Son of Man
will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit on twelve thrones judging
the twelve tribes of Israel, and they reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
Not a literal thousand years, by no stretch of the image of the mind.
Verse
7, and when the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his
prison. Or when the judgment by Christ and the Apostles are over, and will come
out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and
Magog, to gather them together for the war; the number of them is like the sand
of the seashore. I can be assured that millions of people believe that Satan is
still alive and active, and has been told that Satan is going up and down the
earth seeking whom he can devour 1 Pet. 5:8. I deny this; and call your
attention to Rev. 20:8, indeed he was to stir up the nations against Israel
{Judah} for the war, verse 4, Judah has just been judged, the war was the sentence
upon them; but lets continue.
Verse
9 informs anyone as to what nation was at war. Now listen to verse 10; and the
devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where
the beast and the false prophets are also. Now verse 11-15 finishes out the
White throne {singular} judgment. If this has not been fulfilled, then you have
the war continuing between Judah and Rome. Until this day, even into the
future, is that a true account? I beg you to offer an explanation of verse 11
of Daniel. Notice “ I kept looking until the beast was slain, and its body was
destroyed and given to the burning fire; do not forget that here Daniel is
seeing the “Mystery” of his dream and vision, and he is only relating in
summary of what he saw. But what he saw was a beast being cast into the fire,
and was destroyed.
Now
we have just come off of Dan. 7:11, the beast being cast into the fire, and of
course we looked at this in Rev. 20:10, so now, lets move within the same
event, after Gabriel, has given Daniel understanding, we look at Dan. 7:26,
“But the court will set for judgment, and his dominion will be taken away,
annihilated and destroyed forever”. Who other than Satan could this be? It
seems very clear that verse 26 was within the period of the eleven horns. Now I
want to present you with a problem; there are millions of people who will argue
that Pompey was never sole ruler of Rome, rather that Julius was the first
recognized ruler of Rome! Let me present you with the problem, if Julius was
the first, then that would make Nero the 6th, and would make
Vespasian the 10th, so Titus would have been the 11th
horn, and the father of Titus was Vespasian; so how can we get Titus uprooting
3 horns before him, he would have to uproot his father. Look at Guizot’s Ancient
History by Thomas Arnold, Professor of History France 1844.
Appleton and Company.
Vespasian
reigned from 69 to 79 A. D. Titus began to reign in 79 A.D. The Jewish war was
from Feb. 10, 67 A. D. until 70 A. D, the war does not continue until 79 A. D.
Does it?
Dr.
Edward, do you now believe that Daniel’s dreams, visions, and “Mystery” had its
fulfillment during the period of the fourth beast, and the eleven horns? Yes,
Jessie I do now. Why, now? Well I have been observing how easy it is to present
the truth, I cannot refute what you have taught, besides all that had God
wanted these “Mysteries”, dreams, and visions to be fulfilled at any later
period He would given Daniel more beast, and more horns. Dr. Edward I like
that, that’s new. That is the truth.
THE “MYSTERY” OF THE KINGDOM.
Verses
13, 14, “I kept looking in the night vision, and behold, with the clouds of
heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, and He came up to the Ancient of days
and was presented before Him. And to Him was given dominion, Glory and a
kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and men of every language might serve
Him. His dominion will not pass away; and His kingdom is one which will not be
destroyed”. After seeing this vision and dream, Daniel’s spirit was distressed,
and the “Mystery” of the vision kept alarming him, he wanted this “Mystery”
revealed to him. Daniel say’s I approached one of those who were standing by
and began asking him the exact meaning of all this. Sounds like king
Nebuchadnezzar
Wanting his dreams and visions made known to him.
No
doubt, the one he approached was one of the chief angels, and he made known to
Daniel the interpretation of these things. Now Daniel can speak with certainty
and authority, it is no longer a “Mystery” the interpretation has been
revealed.
A. The four beast, which
are four in number, are four kings who will arise from the earth.
B. Verse 18, moves back to verse 13, 14, but
the saints of the Highest One will receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom
forever, and for all ages to come.
C. Before
going further, we have a pressing need to discuss the kingdom. Daniel saw in
the vision, and wrote a summary only. Now before we go to verse 22, we need to
examine the fact, that Daniel saw One like the Son of Man coming up to the Ancient
of days to receive a kingdom, we must ask did the Ancient of days give unto the
Son of Man a kingdom during the period of the fourth beast, and of the Eleven
horns? If so, then we have the fulfillment in 1Thess. 4:14, going back to the
Syrian Manuscripts where in 1 Thess. 4:16, it speaks of the Lord descending
with the “mandate”, or Dominion Dan. 7:14. Is this not where the Ancient of
days gave the Son of Man power to reign over the kingdom, and over heaven and
earth?
D. Verse 21 of Daniel, I kept
looking, and that horn, the eleventh, was waging war with the saints.
E. Verse 22, until the Ancient
of days came, and judgment was passed in favor of the saints of the Highest
One, and the time arrived when the saints took possession of the kingdom.
F. Now notice verse 27, after
the war of, time, and times, and a half time, three and one half years when the
sovereignty, dominion, and greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole heaven
will be given to the people of the saints of the Highest One; His kingdom will
be an everlasting kingdom.
Does
verse 22, and 27 sound like verses 13, and 14, where the Son of Man’s kingdom
will be an everlasting kingdom, one without end. It sounds to me as if Christ
received His kingdom during the period of the eleventh horn, and after the
time, times, and half time. In short after the war ended, the remnant escaped
Micah 2:12,13, and after the Mount of Olives split in the middle, Zech. 14: 4,
now we see God coming in 14:5 with all the holy ones, certainly after reading
Ezek. 37:26-28, and now Zech. 14:5, and then seeing God coming in 1Thess. 4:14,
it is time we recognize the fulfillment. But now, what good is a kingdom, if we
do not have laws to govern that kingdom. We have seen where the Christ would
receive a kingdom; but where is its laws and instructions? Daniel has been
given dreams and visions, and has been given an exact interpretation of these
things, but where is the instructions of salvation in these “Mysteries”?
Dr.
Edward we will not deal with Daniel chapter 8 because it is not the “Mystery”
of the fourth beast, nor of the eleven horns; rather it continues the History
of the Babylonian Empire; the Medo Persian; and the Greek Empire; but we find
something more in regards to Daniel’s people, Dan. 10:14 Michael has come to Daniel
to give him understanding of what would happen to his people in the latter
days, for the vision pertains to the days yet future.
We
go through Daniel chapter 11; but see no plans revealed for salvation, nor
redemption, no regeneration; no resurrection. But chapter 12 will show some
interesting things.
Daniel
Chapter 12, “Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over
the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such
as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time
your people, everyone who is found written in the book will be rescued”. “Now
at that time”, what time are we looking at? It is that time that Daniel speaks
of in Dan. 7:25, the “time, times, and half time, or three and one half year of
the Roman war against Israel. {Judah}.
The time of the fourth beast and the eleventh horn, Daniel
Ch. 12, relates these things to the end of the age, in regards to his people, a
future fulfillment; but during the period of the eleventh horn of Rome.
Dan.
12:2, “And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these
to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt”. Dr.
Edward, this is what you have been waiting for, now we have declared here the
resurrection of the righteous spirits from the beginning to the death of
Christ. Redemption is also shown. Daniel is advised that at that time a period
of distress will come upon the people; but those who have their name written in
the book will be delivered. This would be the remnant delivered out of the
hands of the enemy, Micah 2:12,13. Now for a more precise time, I ask you to
follow me as we look to Dan. 12:6, 7,”And one said to the man dressed in linen,
who was above the waters of the river, How long until the end of these
wonders”.
Verse
7, “And I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the
river, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him
who lives forever that it would be for a
Time, times, and a half time, and as soon as they finish
shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed”.
“Time,
times, and half time, results in 42 months, or three and one half years, the
precise time of the war between the fourth beast {Rome}, and Judah, or Israel.
John of the Revelation 11: 2, forty-two months. First we know that God raised
Rome to come against Israel, Deut. 28: 48-68. We know for sure that Jesus
foretold the destruction of Jerusalem, Luke 21:20, and then said twice that all
things written would be fulfilled in that period of time, verse 22, and 32, all
in that generation. Ok, Dr. Edward, I see you shaking your head, as if I have
made some mistake, have I? No, I am having problems with the time of the
resurrection in Daniel, when you have been taught in “It is still future”, it
comes hard! Well, let me put the bite on you! Look at the last verse in Daniel
chapter 12, “But as for you, go your way to the end”, {the end here is his
life} then you will enter into rest and rise again for your allotted portion at
the end of the age”. O, no I am not through yet, look at Heb. 9:26, “
Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the
world; but now once at the end of the world He has been manifested to put away
sin by the sacrifice of Himself”. Written after the fact. Fulfilled. I perceive
that anyone who cannot understand the above language of “ the end of the World
K J V; American Standard version, “The end of the age”, have not really studied
the Bible; rather their minds have been programmed by others to believe what
will arouse the audience. Nothing could be clearer, those who reject the
revelation of Daniel’s “Mysteries” which we have covered, and that being the
“Mysteries” only. Must accept the truth, or make excuses.
Dr.
Edward, as far as the “Mysteries” of Daniel which have bearing upon the Gospel
of the Kingdom throughout eternity will come to a close in the book of Daniel;
however, to find the “Mystery of the Gospel, we must now consult the New Testament
Gospels first, and then to move to a time when the Apostles would receive the
Holy Spirit, Acts 2: 1-4, and be given utterances to reveal not only what
Daniel has observed; but that which other Prophets, and Christ spoke in dark
language. We will see that the Apostle Paul and John revealed most of the
“Mysteries” found in the New Testament.
Dr.
Edward, I see that you want to speak. Yes, Jessie in past years, people and
preachers has been responsible for traditional teaching, I know first hand, that
if a preacher does not preach what will entertain the audience, he does not
last long, and so as time passes on the preacher, including me, I have been
forced to entertain, rather than preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, and even
family members will turn their back on you, when you start to move away from
tradition. They want to hear what you have called scare tactics, the end of the
world, the second coming of Christ, the final judgment, the final resurrection,
O, and the 1000 year reign of Christ included is the age of golden utopia; when
no one feels pain, no more tears, and the more emotional you get, the better
they like it. But, now Jessie I have the need to ask somewhat of a personal
question. Dr. Edward, please do.
People who I have known in the Churches of Christ very seldom do I hear
them speak of the Bible and of its fulfillment as I have heard you proclaim,
rather they seek for a future fulfillment. Why is this? Dr. Edward, I think you
covered that in the first paragraph above, remember? But I will add to that.
Preacher schools of today are unlike the Colleges, and Universities I attended
many, many years ago. Then you learned the truth, or you did not pass. Now
young preachers are taught just enough truth to say they have been to School.
Now it is not so much re-search, just enough to encourage people to be
baptized, and start another Church. Sad but it happens that way.
But,
another thing of importance; lest we may forget have you ever considered the
four Gospels, and who they were written to?
A.
Matthew was a Jew, he wrote
the Gospel of Jesus, which was directed, exclusively to the Jews.
B.
Mark was a Jew and Greek, he
wrote to the Roman world.
C. Luke was a Jew and Roman, he
wrote to the Greeks, Romans, and Gentiles.
D. John was a Jew, he wrote to
the Lord’s Church worldwide.
Have
you ever noticed in reading the Gospels, you find a little difference in each
of what our Lord said? Something to clear your mind; read with me Matthew
24:14, “And this Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for
a witness to all nations, and then the end shall come”. Not the end of the
world; but the end to Israel. I know that you have not forgotten Dan. 2:44,
“And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which
will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people;
it will crush and put to an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself
endure forever”.
Now
lets ask again, who did Matthew write to? Another question, who is Jesus
referring to in Matt. 24:1-36 Jew, or Gentile? The whole book is spoken to the
Jewish element, and it is clear that the destruction of Jerusalem, and the
temple belong to the Jews. It was the Spiritual kingdom of Christ mentioned in
Dan. 2:44 which would destroy the physical covenant, and kingdom of the Jews.
The kingdom of the Jews would not be left for another people. But now, you can
preach this truth to people; but they will not understand; for the most part;
they think they have heard the truth; but all they have heard is that which
will tickle their ears, and entertain their soul!
There
yet remains an element of Christian Jews; and for that I am thankful to God;
but the nation of Jews in Jerusalem remain Zionist Jews, who do not believe
that it was Christ that came in A. D. 70 rather a prophet, so they still look
for God to send the Messiah to sit on a physical throne, and return to them the
land mass once given them. All these kingdoms mentioned in Dan. 2:44, again
represented the Jewish physical kingdom, and all the other religious kingdoms
of that period of time. And it appears to me that when you study carefully Dan.
7:14, one can see that God never intended for mankind to set up religious
kingdoms all for themselves. And to Him was given dominion, glory and a
kingdom. That all the peoples, nations, and men of every language might serve
Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which will not pass away; and His
kingdom is one, which will not be destroyed. This reminds me of Acts 4:11,12, “
For He is the stone which was rejected by you builders, {the Jews} but which
became the very corner stone”. V-12 and there is salvation in no one else; for
there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we
must be saved”.
But
regardless of what the Scripture says; there are millions who will tell you
that one Church is as good as another; that all you have to do is just believe.
But believe what? What God has revealed, or what man says! John 3: 1-3, is this
what God said, or what man thought of! “Now in those days John the Baptist
{this was not his full name; rather his profession}, came preaching in the
wilderness of Judea, saying, Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For
this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet
{Isa. 40:3}, the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make
ready the way of the Lord, make His paths straight”.
Again
I ask a question; who was the tares written against? Matt. 13:10, and the
disciples came and said to Him, Why do you speak to them in parables? V 11, and
Jesus answered and said to them, to you it has been given granted to know the
“Mysteries” of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted”.
Why? Isaiah answers this in Isa. 6:5-16. Please read Jeremiah 3:6-14, is it no
wonder that Christ would not speak to Judah in plain language. But to the few
faithful Christ will say to them on His right, Come, you who are blessed of My
Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
So,
Dr. Edward, mankind has the right to worship what so ever they desire; God
gives them that choice. But, God does not promise salvation outside the Church,
which Christ purchased from God with His blood, nor outside the kingdom spoken
of in Dan. 7:13-14, Nor outside the qualifying terms of Acts
4:11-12.
Now
do you wish to speak after some five hours? No Jessie, I am prepared to concede
to this discussion, provided you are tired and ready to cease your defense of
God’s Word. No Dr. Edward, I want to fully give you, or any one else who reads
this document the final revelation of the “Mysteries” of the New Testament, and
their fulfillment; then I pray that you will become a child of the King, and
teach what you have learned in this study, I will continue, please give me time
to exchange oxygen tanks.
Dr.
Edward, before we get involved in the “Mysteries” of the New Testament, I want
to say that here I will not give a detailed account of the “Mysteries” as I did
in Daniel; but each will be listed for your help. Just now I want to introduce
you to God and Abraham, Gal. 3:8, “And the Scripture foreseeing that God would
justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the Gospel beforehand to Abraham,
saying All the nations shall be blessed in you”. Verses 9-14, will give you a
greater insight into more of the details of the “Mystery” of the kingdom. In
the above Scriptures you will find that the “Mystery” was not only for the Jews
but also to the Gentiles, {Eph. 2:8-16 confirms}. The Gospel of the kingdom was
preached to Abraham, {read Gen. 15:6-chapter 22} you find that his son was a
type of Christ, in the sacrifice of Isaac, redemption, regeneration, and
resurrection; Abraham pleased God by his works of faith.
A.
John 3: 2, Repent for the
kingdom of heaven is at hand.
B.
Matt. 13:11, to you it has
been granted to know the “Mystery”, but to them it has not been granted.
C. Mark 4:11, to you it has
been given the “Mystery” of God, outsiders no.
D. Luke 8:10, to you it is
granted to know the “Mystery”, to the rest in parables until Pentecost.
E.
Rom. 11:25, For I do not
want you, brethren, to be uniformed of this “Mystery”, lest you be wise in your
own estimation, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the
fullness of the Gentiles has come in. Grafting in of the Gentile nation, Eph.
2:8-16.
F.
Rom. 16:25, 26,Now to Him
who is able to establish you according to my Gospel and the preaching of Jesus
Christ, according to the revelation of the “Mystery” which has been kept secret
for long ages past; But now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the
prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known
to all nations, leading to obedience of faith. This also is after Pentecost,
Acts 2:1-46. Who now can say that God did not command all the “Mysteries” to be
Fulfilled?
G. 1 Cor. 2: 6-7, yet we do
speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age,
nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away {Israel} but we speak God’s
wisdom in a “Mystery, the hidden wisdom, which God predestined before the ages
to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood.
H.
1 Cor. 4: 1, Let a man
regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ, and stewards of the “Mysteries
of God.”
I.
1 Cor. 15:51, Behold, I tell
you a “Mystery”; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.
J.
Eph. 1:3-9, the “Mystery”,
spiritual blessings. Chosen before the foundation of the world. God predestined
us as adoption as sons, Rom. 8:12-17. His Grace. He made known to us the
“Mystery”.
K.
Eph. 3:3-6, revelation of
the “Mystery” made known to Apostles at Pentecost. When you read this you can
understand. Which in other
generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has been revealed to
His holy Apostles and prophets in the spirit. Without the Spirit of God, there
is no understanding.
L.
Eph. 3:9, and to bring to
light the “Mystery”.
M. Eph. 5:32, This “Mystery” is
great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the Church. Rom. 16:16,
the Church of Christ. Acts 4:11-12, no other name but Christ. Acts 20:28,
purchased with the blood of Christ. Read my lesson on Internet:
www.biblicalfulfillment.org “Jesus of Nazareth fact, or fable? Church of Christ
fact or fable?
N.
Eph. 6:19, and pray on my
behalf, that utterances may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make
known with boldness the “Mystery” of the Gospel.
O. Col. 1: 12-26, kingdom made
known, Apostles charter members. Redemption, forgiveness of sins, in Him all
things were created. Christ is the head of the Church; He is the beginning the
Gospel was preached in all the world in Paul’s lifetime. Paul a minister in the
Church of Christ. That is, the “Mystery which has been hidden from the past
ages and generations; but has now been manifested to His saints. See also, Eph.
4:1-6.
P.
Col. 2:1-15, verse 1,”For I
want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf, and for those who
are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not seen my face; that their hearts
may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the
wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true
knowledge of God’s “Mystery”, of Christ Himself”. Attaining to all the wealth
that comes from the FULL assurance of understanding, resulting in a true
knowledge of God’s “Mystery”. Note in this reading we have several Doctrines of
God, and Christ, Its no wonder that people in general knows nothing in regards
to fulfilled prophecy, if they studied God’s Word, one cannot but believe,
provided they are not atheist. But when the Holy Spirit said through the
Apostle Paul that, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for
teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, the key
to understanding what Paul spoke of in Col. 2:2, is, 2 Tim. 2:15, a command.
Study to show thyself approved unto God, rightly dividing the Word. Who is the
false teacher the one that teaches all of God’s Word, and who studies
constantly; or the one who assumes what God wants, and teaches what his
congregation likes to hear?
Q. Col. 4:3, Praying at the
same time for us as well, that God may open up to us a door for the Word, so
that we may speak forth the “Mystery” of Christ, for which I have also been
imprisoned. Imagine a great man such as the Apostle Paul being imprisoned for
teaching the truth in regard to the “Mystery” of God, of Christ, of the Church,
and kingdom, and all being fulfilled; well to some degree I know how he must
have felt, I have been persecuted, called names, withdrawn from, because I
would teach nothing but God’s Word, and 50 years later I am still on the same
road.
R. 2 Thess. 2:7,8, The
“Mystery” of lawlessness, is already at work. What? That was almost 2000 years
ago, the lawless one will be revealed, Christ will slay him at the appearance
of His coming. How old would this lawless one be now, could you believe 1950
years old? Well it mentions His coming also in Matt. 16:28, and some of the
disciples would still be alive when He comes back with His kingdom, Are some of
these disciples alive today? This is not silly, answer the question.
S.
1 Tim. 3:9, Hold to the
“Mystery” of the faith by the grace of God, and our knowledge. O, I forgot,
that we are in captivity ourselves, are we not slaves to our opinions without
study? But Isaiah said in Isa. 5:13, Therefore My people go into captivity for
their lack of knowledge.
T.
1Tim. 3:16, and by common
confession great is the “Mystery” of godliness; He was revealed in the flesh;
He was vindicated in the spirit; Beheld by angels; proclaimed among nation’s;
taken up in glory; promised to return during His own generation, Matt. 24:34;
Promised to fulfill all things, Lk. 24:44.
U.
Rev.1: 20, as for the
“Mystery” of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven
golden lamp stands; the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and
the seven lamp stands are the seven churches.
V.
Rev. 1:1, the Revelation of
Jesus Christ {“Mystery”} which God gave Him to show to his bond servant, the
things, which must shortly take place; and He sent and communicated it by His
angel to His bond-servant John.
W. Rev. 1:3, blessed is he who
reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy {“Mystery”} and heed the
things, which are written in it for the time is near.
X.
But in the days of the voice
of the seventh angel, when he is about {near] to sound, then the “Mystery”
of God is finished, as He
preached to His servants the prophets.
Y.
Rev.16: 17, and the seventh
angel poured out his bowl upon the air; and a loud voice came out of the temple
from the throne, saying, “It is done”.
Rev.
21:1- 6, IT IS DONE.
It
has been my prayer from the beginning of this discussion that something might
be said to stir up ones mind to ask God for understanding of His word. Dr.
Edward, has reached an understanding after many years, if he can, then I know
you can. Seek for understanding. And remember that God sent His people away
into captivity for 70 years, Isa. 5: 13, He is able to do it again.
If
you are able to correct Dr. Edward or me, we welcome your input, and welcome a
discussion on this subject. May God bless the reader of this document.
Jessie
E. Mills. Professor of Bible. International School of Biblical Research.
A. A. B. A. M. S. Graduate Specialist Biblical Education. D. R E.
1729 Hwy 79 N
Bonifay, Fl, 32425---850- 547-2817.
Dr.
Edward, I now suggest that you, a great mind, now an open heart address this
discussion in order that those who will read this document may be able, as you
have done, to profit from your view, as of today, what you have heard, what you
have learned. -- Dr. Jessie E. Mills
Thank
you Dr. Jessie. This has been a learning experience for me, I now will never
forget, 2 Tim. 2:15. Beginning at the first of your lesson, and what you said
in regards to Legalism, and how it effects one’s belief. You had but little to
say about Legalism; but that was enough to truthfully describe me. I admit that
I have human pride, anxiety, and spiritual paralysis; now I know these are
clearly undesirables so far as one’s spiritual welfare is concerned. One of the
consequences of legalism is human pride, and the result is human pride and
party spirit.
If
one holds to a Legalistic view of justification and considers himself
righteous, it ends in arrogance and self defeat. The reason as you pointed out
is a system in which one depends upon self for righteousness, rather than God;
they try to build a gospel to meet one’s own needs, as Paul described in Gal.
1:1-9, but there is, nor will there ever be another gospel.
As
you said, and I believe, that Legalism is an insidious thing; but Legalism is
forever doomed to failure. This is true, first because there cannot be laws
given for every conceivable situation. We desire to forget that a Divine spirit
indwelling might if cultivated and consulted guide him in these circumstances,
he refuses to believe.
I
appreciate you for the simple and truthful way in which you approached
fulfilled prophecy, prior to our discussion wherein you carried me to Gen.
111-9, and as I read you called upon me to address verse 9, and give you a
scriptural answer as to fulfillment. I realized at this point when I gave you
my answer that I could not debate and deny fulfilled prophecy. As you said, if
even one event of the Old Testament can show total fulfillment during Old
Testament times, then all the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Testament,
if the New Testament is not the fulfillment of the Old Testament; then we are
still under the Law of Moses!
It
is because of this approach that I made the decision not to debate you. You
have shown me years of rebellion against God, and His Word. I cannot deny the
fulfillment of the mysteries of Daniel.
--
Dr. J. E. Edward.
