Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
C O N T E N T S
PREFACE…………….………….………………..………2
1. INTRODUCTION…………………………………………5
APPENDIX #I……………………………………………...76
APPENDIX #II……………………………………………..78
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS………………………………81
REFERENCES ………………………………………….......99
“Eschatology – the Doctrine of Last Things – itself is the most recent division to
theology,” so says Millard J. Erickson, in his 1977 book Contemporary Options in
Eschatology (p12), quoting James Orr; but that does not exempt it from the same rigid
scrutiny as those that preceded it. An eschatologist, like all other theologians, must be
eternally vigilant in seeking to be objective in his approach to the subject.1
A persistent error has been observed, however. Many (Students and scholars alike)
seem unaware, that being ‘hooked’ unto a particular doctrine, or school of thought, or
even more specifically, having gravitated to a denominational position on an issue, the
assumption is made that every other aspect of that denomination or school of thought is
1
Millard J. Erickson, Contemporary Options in Eschatology, Baker Book House, USA, 1977, p. 12
Take for example, many proponents teaching on Last Things often segment their
doctrine into truncated slots, and attach tabs to those slots by which they identify
themselves and/or their teachings (Premillennialists, Amillennialists, Postmillennialists,
Post-tribulationists, Mid-tribulationists, Pre-tribulationists, Dispensationalists, etc). In
this study, every attempt is being made to avoid undue dogmatism, yet at the same time
try not to function is an aimless vacuum, with no semblance of meaningful direction.
And those scenarios run randomly among the varying views, i.e. Posttribulationists
and Postmillennialists occasionally agree on matters though they hail from different
perspectives. Then you can have a Dispensationalist who flatly opposes the
This study has the above situation in mind, as the compendium of Light in the Shadow
of the Apocalypse, along with Contemporary Options in Eschatology, is fleshed in the
class (or individual study) setting.
Course Credits:
* Those in the Bachelors’ program will do a Research Paper – 5-6 pages in total.
* Those in the Masters’ program will do a Research Paper – 10-12 pages in total.
* The Choice of Topics will be given out during the Class sessions.
* Presentations should be doubled-spaced, with a clear, readable font.
* Attention should be paid to Grammar and Language style.
* Also noteworthy credit would be given to the extent of research done.
INTRODUCTION
On the Daniel account, it would be of immense assistance if we take a peek into the existing
culture of his time, which would help us appreciate the reason behind certain areas of emphases
that today we pay comparatively little attention to; in that way we can deduce meaning from
ancient information and practice, to see what application they would have to our times and
cultures.
The name Daniel, for instance means “God is my Judge”, “Judgment of God”, “God is
judging” or “God will judge” – sustaining all the variants. And, if we were to dissect it
(Dan...i..El) into parts, we would notice that he himself very likely hailed from the tribe of Dan
(which means “justice”). Remembering that the name was given to the first son of Rachel’s maid
(Bilhah) whom she gave to Jacob when she became aware that she was unable to have children,
saying that “…God has vindicated me (intervened on my behalf); he has listened to my plea and given me a son ”
(Genesis 30:6). The “i” is a suffix denoting a genitive relationship; and “El” = God. The fact that
he carried a name that reminded him that he virtually reflects God’s judgment was in itself an
awesome task. No wonder the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, was anxious to change the
young prophet’s name to Belteshazzar, which meant Bel’s Prince (a name after his god), along
So while Daniel per se did not deal with the immediate judgment that had befallen the Jewish
people, having been confined to Babylonian captivity because of their unrestrained idolatry and
apostasy brought about during the reign of Athaliah, Ahaz, and particularly Manasseh, which,
according to Dr. George W. Westlake, Jr. in his Textbook on Daniel and Revelation (Third
Edition 1999, p. 17), “including worship of planets, human sacrifice, and devil worship. He
(Manasseh, also) approved of astrology, divination, and occultism – all of these were practiced
regularly.”2 It is therefore not too early to learn from this that God’s judgment becomes
synonymous with apostasy, which is the spirit that characterizes our time.
Notable and highly respected Bible commentator, born almost 3 ½ centuries ago in Broad
Oak, Matthew Henry, in his well used One Volume Commentary on the Whole Bible, 1960
Edition, made an extensive exposition on the Book of Daniel in which he makes a pertinent
comparison to Ezekiel. In it he says: “Ezekiel told us what was seen, and what was foreseen, by
him in the former years of the captivity: Daniel tells us what was seen, and foreseen, in the latter
years of the captivity. And it was a comfort to the captives that they had first one prophet and
then another, to show them that God had not quite cast them off. ” Then his Commentary went on
to explain that: “1. Concerning this prophet…Ezekiel, his senior, speaks of him as an oracle
when he upbraids the king of Tyre with his conceit: Thou art wiser than Daniel , Ezek. xxviii. 3. Noah,
Daniel, and Job are reckoned as three men that had the greatest interest in heaven, Ezek. xiv. 14.
Some of the Jewish rabbin rank among the Hagiographa, not among the prophecies. One
reason is because he did not live such a mortified life as Jeremiah and other prophets ( ch. vi),
and mortifying himself as other prophets did, when he ate no pleasant bread (ch. x. 3.), and
fainted and sick when he was under the power of the Spirit of prophecy, ch. viii. 27. Another
reason they suggest is because he wrote his book in a heathen country, and there had his visions,
and not in the land of Israel; but for the same reason, Ezekiel would also be expunged out of the
roll of prophets. But the true reason is that he speaks so plainly of the time of the Messiah’s
coming that the Jews did not care to hear of it. Josephus calls him one of the greatest of the
2
George W. Westlake, Daniel and Revelation (Third Edition), ICI University Press, Mass. USA, 1999, p. 17
Revelation, on the other hand, is the last canonical book of the NT, and the name also carries
several variants. Typically called The Revelation of John, it should, however, be more
appropriately called, as the book infers, The Revelation of Jesus Christ. For all good intent and
purposes, many renowned theologians have dubbed it The Apocalypse, due of course, to the
sheer nature of its content. Not that there is anything blasphemous about it being called the
Revelation of John; after all, it was to him the messages, visions, symbols, signs and their
interpretations were given. To him it was told to write what he had “ seen (historical information), what is
now (current to his time) and what will take place later (future events)” (Revelation 1:19). It was he who was exiled
“on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus ” (1:9), and saw and heard
privileged things that many would wish to have been a part of. The very term Revelation means
“the act of revealing or disclosing, or making something obvious and clearly understood through
active or passive communication with the divine.” 4
One would find it surprising that Matthew Henry had comparatively little to say in his
introduction of the Revelation of John. He simply says that: “It ought to be no prejudice to the
credit and authority of this book that it has been rejected by men of corrupt minds. The church
of God has generally received it, and found good counsel and great comfort in it. Christ himself
prophesied of the destruction of Jerusalem; and, about the time in which that was accomplished,
he entrusted the apostle John with this book of revelation for the support of the faith of his
people and the direction of their hope.” 5
Concerning the Revelation though, Dr. Kenneth S. Wuest, in his Expanded Translation of the
Greek New Testament notes: “There are some important matters with reference to the translation
work (of the Book of Revelation) with which the reader should be acquainted (and would very
3
Matthew Henry, One Volume Commentary on the Whole Bible, 1960 Edition, Eastern Press Ltd, London and
Reading, Great Britain, OT p. 1083.
4
En.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel&Revelation.
5
Matthew Henry, NT p. 768.
John’s statement, ‘I was in the Spirit’ (1:10, A.V.), needs the clarification which the Greek
text and an expanded translation affords. The Greek word translated ‘was’ is not the verb of
being, but ginomai, which means ‘to become’. The verb is in the aorist tense; as to its
classification, ingressive aorist, signifying entrance into a different state or condition. The word
‘in’ is the translation of en, a preposition followed by a locative case, here the locative of sphere.
John writes literally, ‘I became in the sphere of the Spirit.’ The expanded translation offers, ‘I
entered into a different experience in the sphere of the Spirit [His absolute control].’ This is
not the relative control of the Holy Spirit which He exercises over John in his usual day-by-day
experience…here the Spirit needed John’s perfect attention in order that he might receive the
revelations contained in this book. Thus the degree of control is increased from a relative to an
absolute one, one in which the control exercised by the Spirit superseded John’s free will for the
time being.” 6
6
Kenneth S. Wuest, Expanded Translation of the Greek New Testament, Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., Grand rapids,
Michigan, USA, 1959, p. 225.
Dr. William Hendriksen, in his documentary, Survey on the Bible, is settled on Revelation’s
theme in his mind. He says:
“The theme of this book is: The Victory of Christ and of His Church over Satan and
His Helpers.
The Apocalypse intends to show us that things are not what they seem. The beast that
comes up out of the abyss seems to be victorious…”8
Later, he showed that that victory was only for a brief moment.
The character of both books suggests that they be studied together since they, in effect,
complement each other. Where Daniel for instance, paints future events with a broad brush,
showing ‘mountain peaks’ of the prophetic manifestation of things to come; Revelation fills in
the ‘gaps’ with pertinent details. Case in point: Daniel (12:2) predicts the resurrection of all
mankind (Righteous and Wicked alike) as one, big conglomerate event (“Multitudes who sleep in the
dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.” ), while Revelation
gives details (20:4-6) that explain not only a “first resurrection” (of the Righteous) and a later
resurrection (of the Unrighteous), but also infers that there may be interval resurrections during
the Tribulation period.
Also Daniel, when seeking clarification for some of the things he was seeing, was told in what
seemed like a blunt response to “Go your way…because the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the
7
John F. Walvoord, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Victor Books SP Publications, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois, USA,
1986, p. 927.
8
William Hendriksen, Survey of the Bible, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, 1978, p. 436.
CLASS EXERCISE #1
(1) The meaning of the name Daniel has several variants; list at least two of them:
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
(2) The name Belteshazzar was given to Daniel by king Nebuchadnezzar, what did it
mean? _______________________________________________________________
(4) Daniel’s style of writing ‘paints future events with broad brush’; how does that
differ from the style of writing about the future in the Revelation?
____________________________________
____________________________________
(5) As was seen resulting from Israel’s unrestrained idolatry, what has become
synonymous with apostasy? ________________________________________
(6) In avoiding errors that result from excessive religious zeal, over-dogmatizing, etc.,
what approach in studying Daniel and Revelation is considered the best way to go?
________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(8) John was also in confinement, a type of captivity, on the Isle of Patmos; not for
disobedience or any other negative reason. What that reason?
__________________________________________________________
(9) Emerging from questions 7 & 8, and their respective answers, what lesson can one
learn from these two similar, yet contrasting scenarios?
_____________________________________________________________
(10) What in the character of both books, Daniel and Revelation, that suggests they be
studied together?
____________________________________________________________
Introduction
It is probably naive for anyone to question the fact that this is an age when more and more
people are willing and ready to flash their credentials at you. The ‘system’ tells them that not
only it is their badge of authority, but also it is that which gives them a feeling of authenticity.
So, “I have not only earned the right to speak, I also, by virtue of what I have acquired, earned
the right to occupy a space on the planet.” But, while credentials are understandably necessary
as a functional part of dispensing information and holding certain positions (and as such, we are
encouraged to pursue them), a greater question arises: from whom are we really earning our
rights as human beings? Who certifies our qualifications in character reference and tells us that
we are morally fit to address the vexing issues of life? We would hope that the one we see as
being ultimately capable of giving an altruistic reference on us is the One Who “knows (our)
down-sitting and (our) up-rising, and…understands (our) thoughts afar off” (Psalm 139:2 NKJV).
There is little doubt that Daniel and his Hebrew colleagues were professionally trained and
qualified, since they were able to hold positions of prominence in the administration of the then
most powerful kingdom of earth - Babylon. They were caught in the fray of Judah’s captivity by
Nebuchadnezzar after he had defeated Egypt whose control they were under. A chronological
review would show clearly that amid the taxing and, sometimes, traumatic experiences
encountered, it was their unflinching faith that motivated their unwavering faithfulness: Dr.
William Hendriksen in his Survey on the Bible, notes:
“Take…the Book of Daniel. The author is clearly telling us one, connected story. He himself gives us
the ‘links’ between the various parts of that story. We learn from the first chapter that as a reward
for his faithfulness Daniel received an ‘understanding in all visions and dreams. Hence, it does not
surprise us that in chapter 2 he is represented as interpreting a dream. Again, when, as a result of
this interpretation, honors are bestowed on him not only but also on his three friends (2:49), it does
not cause surprise that, through the envy of his enemies, these three friends are cast into a fiery
9
William Hendriksen, Survey of the Bible, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, 1978, p. 46.
10
D. J. Wiseman, New Bible Dictionary, Second Edition, Inter Vasity Press, Leicester, England 1986, pp. 111-113
Chapter One narrates the tenacity of the Hebrew boys’ faith, and by implication,
showing us that a Christian can live faithful to God even in the midst of a hostile
environment.
Chapter Two shows that God’s miraculous intervention in the powerful interpretation
of dreams is superior to man’s magical maneuvers.
Chapter Three tells perhaps one of history’s most dramatic stories of the Three
Hebrew Boys in the Fiery Furnace – Because we believe, we will not bow.
Chapter Four, with King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, makes it clear that God’s
supremacy over-rules an earthly king’s nocturnal vanity – He who gives sleep to man can
also superintend the dreams of man.
Chapter Five, in King Belshazzar’s dilemma, teaches that God can disturb man’s
‘apple-cart’ at the height of his frivolity and mockery and debauchery.
Chapter Six closes the historical drama by showing that the power of God transcends
earthly governments, kingdoms and human jealousies and prejudices; for even in the
lions’ den God protects Daniel as He would protect us from the ferocious spirits that
would otherwise tear us apart.
John, the divine, may not necessarily have had the same drama in his life as Daniel
did. And we say “may”, because he would have had the distinct honour of being
physically close to the Master; he would have heard His whispers and felt the vibrations
of His heart. Who else was more qualified to speak of Jesus with such moving language
when he said, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes,
which we have looked at and our hands have touched – this we proclaim concerning the Word of Life ” (1 John
1:1). Hendriksen was probably in a state of euphoria when he writes on the Revelation:
“Beautiful beyond description is the last book of the Bible. It is beautiful in form, in
symbolism, in purpose, and in meaning. Where in literature do we find anything that excels
the majestic description of the Son of Man walking in the midst of the golden lamp-stands
(1:12-20)? Where in Scripture do we find a more vivid and picturesque portrayal of the
Christ, Faithful and True, going forth unto victory, seated upon a white horse, arrayed with
a garment sprinkled with blood, followed by the armies of heaven (19:11-16)? Where, again,
do we find a sharper contrast than that between the doom of Babylon on the one hand and
the felicity of Jerusalem the Golden on the other (chps. 18, 19, 21, 22)? And where are the
throne in heaven and the blessedness of heavenly life depicted in a manner more simple, yet
beautiful in its simplicity (4:2 – 5:14; 7:13-17)? What a wealth of comfort; what an insight
into the future; above all, what an unveiling of the love of God is contained in words of the
John was given seven messages for the seven angels of seven actual churches (these
were local assemblies that existed in certain geographic locations). The nature of the
seven messages however, depicted attitudes, circumstances and conditions that could all
prevail simultaneously in any one assembly and/or in any individual Christian. Yet, true
to the character of the Book itself, the seven messages are representative of different
periods of the Church age, displaying these various dominant characteristics in
chronological sequence.
Not to be ignored in John’s case of writing is the fact of his character that would have
emerged from his faith-base. Jesus considered him a faithful person, because while on
12
L. L. Morris, New Bible Dictionary, pp. 1027-1029
__________________________________________________________
Conclusion
Yes there has been no end of drama in these Biblical accounts – stories that go way
beyond fascination of the mind. But what is most important is that the people God used,
were men who were reliable; their character could have sustained them, even when their
reputation was being put on public display and made to look like the jester clowns. In
short, they were men of faith and that motivated them to be in hall of fame of the faithful.
NAME__________________________
CLASS EXERCISE # II
(2) The structure of the Book of Daniel is dubbed by some as a history of moral
conflicts; from the text, give another view others might prefer to see it as:
__________________________________________________________
(3) In the Revelation, how many messages, and to whom was John given to deliver
them? _________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
(4) State at least one fact about the geographical Babylon of Daniel’s time?
____________________________________________________________
(7) The 12 Chapters of the Book of Daniel could be divided into two main parts; the
first part (1 – 6) being filled with dramatic incidents that reflect a history of moral
drama. What does the second part (7 – 12) show us?
_______________________________________________
(9) What was the primary ingredient (or the base) of the character of both authors of
Daniel and Revelation that virtually ‘qualified’ them to be assigned the task of
writing Scripture? __________________________
(10) ‘Last Days’ or no Last Days, what does that say about the type of person I ought to
be (This answer is rather personal; and as such, has no right or wrong component to
it)?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
LESSON 3
As has already been alluded to, Daniel and John had this in common, among their
other giftings, they were men consistent in character; hence the credibility of their
writings can be trusted. And while John would have written after Jesus would have
ascended back to heaven, Jesus quoted from the writings of Daniel ( Matthew 24:15), giving
authenticity to the Book. There are however, some distinct characteristics about both
books that are so strikingly similar and others that are so distinctly different, that for a
true appreciation of the study, those distinctive must be noted and compared.
Daniel was given explanation and vivid details of the vision which he saw that caused
him much trauma; but he was told to “close (it) up and seal the words of the scroll to the
time of the end” (12:4). He even prodded to ascertain a definite time slot (12:6): “when will
all this be fulfilled?” Again, he was told the duration (12:7). But when he insisted on their
specific fulfillment (12:8), he received what seemed like a partial scolding; because that
was privileged information, and not for his time; it was “sealed till the time of the end”
(12:9).
John, in the Revelation (5:1-6), said he saw “…a scroll with writing on both side and,
sealed with seven seals”. And the question arises: might this have relation to the words
that were sealed in Daniel? John was also traumatized when a “mighty angel proclaiming
in a loud voice” whom he saw asked, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the
scroll?” and no one in either heaven, or earth or even under the earth, “was found who
was worthy to open the scroll or look inside.” He wept much. That was until the Lion of
the tribe of Judah…triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals”. So what
was closed in Daniel is seemingly being opened in Revelation.
Keeping in mind that the whole issue of the time slots is the crunch point of the two
books; and no doubt, that could very well be the most salient factor that “marries” both
Books together. As a matter of fact, Dr. Westlake, Jr. pieced that time element of both
books in a simple, but effective matrix shown below:13
13
George W. Westlake, Jr., p. 41
the three and half years preceding the kingdom of the world
(Rev. 11:15). The prophecy would not have been sealed if it had
been understood earlier than the end of the age.”
Homer Kizer Ministries, January 19, 200914
Take for instance, how do we view the very renowned, long standing radio and
television Bible teacher of the Shepherd’s Chapel Broad-Telecast for over some fifty
years, Dr. Arnold Murray’s interpretation of the Seals and the trumpets? He insists that
the seals both in Daniel and Revelation are “secured secrets in the mind (of man); and
that those seals secrets will be open with the blasts of the trumpets to signal what is going
to happen” (Emphasis added).15 He further stated that the Anti-Christ comes first should be
sealed in our minds, so that we would know who this personality is when he makes his
entrance on the world stage.
Shepherd’s Chapel Hour, SVG Television, October 26, 2009
Do we agree with Dr. Murray? Certainly not casually; and very likely, not even after
careful, comparative analysis of the Word of God. So why then bother to even quote his
14
Danielandrevelation.org/ Homer Kizer Ministries, January 19, 2009
15
Arnold Murray, Shepherd’s Chapel Hour, SVG Television, October 26, 2009
Apart from the seals and trumpets, there are other components that carry vivid
comparisons in the documenting of the books, namely, the creatures (alias the beasts) and
the Celestial Personage; and even while looking at one Book over against another, there
are also cases where the different “visions” of the same Book need comparative
understanding. Case in point, in Chapter Two of Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (often
called the “image vision”), runs parallel to the dream (or vision – since both terms are
used interchangeably) that Daniel himself had in Chapter 7, which, because of its nature, is
usually called the “beast vision”.
The significance of the former vision was that God revealed a particular Course of
future history: showing that from King Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, of which his kingdom
(Babylon) was the head of gold, to the end of Gentile dominance on the earth. A period
we would later learn from Jesus Himself (Luke 21:24) called “The Times of the Gentiles”.
The latter vision, belonging to Daniel, in which he saw images of “four great beasts,”
that “came up from the sea, diverse one from another” (7:3 KJV), as was interpreted by
“one of those standing” at the worship center, which, in effect co-related with the former,
showing that the “the four great beasts are four kingdoms that will rise from the earth”.
The theology that is derived from this is that God speaks to people and through people in
their own peculiar contexts. Nebuchadnezzar, as a heathen king who put a lot of emphasis
on the economic systems that govern kingdoms, hence his dream projected his kingly
disposition; while Daniel virtually dreamed the same dream, but through his prophetic
disposition, where certain animals are symbolic of represented kingdoms or nations.
corresponds to John’s vision of Jesus Christ in Revelation 1. In Lesson 4, we’ll later revisit.
One does not have to get too emotional; but, admittedly, the description of this
heavenly Visitor does leave the reader spell-bound as we engage, with the writers, an
image (as man is best able to capture in words) of the Only Eternal Potentate. This does
nothing but raises expectations of redeemed mankind where each one of us will behold
Him with our own eyes and being enthralled by His awesome presence. There is no God
like Jehovah! And there is no necessity at attempting to re-invent the wheel, since Dr.
Westlake, Jr. ably captured the comparison of both prophets in the following figure (p
51):
BY WAY OF CONTRAST
In our modern day jargon, we often talk of comparing apples with oranges implying
that the variables are not compatible. However, the Books of Daniel and Revelation are
16
Westlake, Jr., p.51
As the Introduction to the Revelation in the Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Fully
Revised, 2002) says concerning the Literary Form:
“For an adequate understanding of Revelation, the reader must recognize that it is a distinct kind of
literature. Revelation is apocalyptic; a kind of writing that is highly symbolic. Although its visions often
seem bizarre to the Western reader, fortunately the book provides a number of clues to its own
interpretation (e.g., stars are angels, lamp-stands are churches, 1:20; “the great prostitute,” 17:1, is
“Babylon” [Rome?], 17:5, 18; and the heavenly Jerusalem is the wife of the Lamb, 21:9-10). ”17
Both books engaged a degree of numbers, but Revelation was particularly distinctive
in the numbers feature. The number seven is mentioned 52 times. And while Daniel was
given nearly all the interpretations of the images and visions, the Revelation lends itself
to the reader doing a series of speculations. It is often felt that interpretations of
Revelation carry at least one of four dispositions or viewpoints:
1. The Preterist, which views the prophecies of the book as having been fulfilled in
the early history of the church (therefore, we might as well not bother with
“things to come”).
2. The Historical, which understands the book as portraying a panorama of the
history of the church from the days of John to the end of time.
3. The Idealist, which consider the book a pictorial unfolding of great principles in
constant conflict, without reference to actual events (which needless to say, while
some virtue lies here, will leave a very sorry void that begs to be filled).
4. The Futurist, which views most of the book (chaps, 4 – 22) as prophecy yet to
be fulfilled.
17
Zondervan, NIV Study Bible (Fully Revised), Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, 2002
reduce to tangible prophetic events the symbolic presentations which characterizes the book. ”18
Conclusion
When all is said, and the various comparisons are made and the contrasts done, one
cannot help but be awed at the God of the Book, who shifts things and events to fit His
divine plan. However, while the futurist seems to be the one closest to the Biblical
intention, it behooves us to keep the dogmatic-avoidance approach in mind. As someone
rightly observed that these interpretations are certainly not the factors that determine a
person’s eternal destiny. ainly not the premise
NAME__________________________
(1) When Daniel sought understanding of the detailed outcome of the vision in Chapter
12, what response did he receive?
_____________________________________________________________
18
John F. Walvoord, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, NT, Victor Books a division of SP Publications, Inc.,
Wheaton, Illinois, USA, 1986, p. 926.
_______________________________________________________________
(3) In the Book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar’s “image vision” was virtually the
same as Prophet Daniel’s ___________________________________________
(4) A derived theology from that is: the king’s vision emphasized the economic systems
that govern kingdoms, while the prophet’s vision depicts what?
________________________________________________________________
(5) When dealing with matters of a prophetic nature, what are we advised to avoid?
________________________________________________________________
(6) As a safety catch to be guarded against individuals and/or entities that would want
to run off with selective interpretations on matters of an eschatological nature, what
Scripture quoted in the Book of Proverbs guides us in this regard?
_________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
(7) What value is there to be derived by ‘listening’ to those whose views on ‘Last
Things’ are usually extreme?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
(8) Regarding the heavenly visitations recorded in both books, and the effects they
had on the writers who encountered them, what raises the expectations of
redeemed mankind in looking to the future fulfillment of all these things?
(9) What did the heathen King Nebuchadnezzar and the godly Prophet Daniel have in
common concerning activities in the night?
________________________________________________________
(10) Name the four dispositions different theologians might interpret from the
Revelation regarding time-fulfillment?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
LESSON 4
Introduction
Having said that one cannot help but make some pertinent observations from the
general reading of Scripture that have caused many to conclude that God has some
‘hidden’ agenda in numbers. As such, they insist that:
1 (one) is used to convey the concept of unity, as there is but one God.
2 (two) can be a figure both of unity and of division; Good & Evil...
3 (three) is the No. of divinity…since it speaks of the Trinity.
4 (four) is the No. of the earth…encompassing North, S., E. & W.
5 (five) is the No. of wisdom/folly; considering wise & foolish virgins.
6 (six) is the No. of man… including the anti-Christ.
7 (seven) has an eminent place in Scripture… completion/perfection.
Dr. Westlake, Jr. came up with his own matrix (p 79) that of combining animals and
colors, along with numbers, to form part of the study of Daniel/Revelation, as shown
below.19
Type of Symbol Symbol Meaning
One God
Two Confirmation
Three Trinity
Four Earth
Six Man, evil
Numbers Seven Divine fullness, (occurs 54 times)
Ten Political completion
Twelve Final completion
Lamb Jesus
Horses Military might
Wild beasts Antichrist and False Prophet
Animals
Frogs Demons
Lion Jesus
19
Westlake, Jr., p. 79
Among other stated principles, Westlake, Jr. says that, as a principle, we aught to
“Understand the use of signs and symbols. Many signs and symbols such as animals,
colors, numbers, and objects appear throughout the book of Revelation. They are used to
express certain meanings. According to one writer, J. B. Smith, there are forty-six
symbols the book itself interprets…” Numbers per se have not been given a clear
interpretation; and so, the reader is often left to depend on the Holy Spirit and do
comparative analysis.
It seems that every theologian has his own theological bias at some point on certain
issues, and notable eschatologist J. Dwight Pentecost in his well used book, Things to
Come, is part of the ‘culture’. In it he drafted in Walter Scott’s stance on the numbers
issue from his treatise on Exposition of the Revelation, p.122. He notes:
“The number of these elders (in Revelation 4:4) is not without its significance. Scott
comments:
But why “twenty-four”? The significance of the numeral must be sought for in the
first book of Chronicles 24, 25. David divided the priesthood into twenty-four
orders or courses, each course serving in turn (Luke 1:5, 8, 9). The respective elders
or chiefs of these courses would represent the whole of the Levitical priesthood.
There would thus be twenty-four chief priests and one high priest. Their varied
service corresponded to that of the elders in heaven, for the temple (no less than the
tabernacle), in structure, vessels, and services, was framed according to things in the
heavens. God’s people are termed “an holy” priesthood (1Pet. 2:5) and “a royal”
priesthood (v. 9), and in both characters they are here seen in action. (So
Pentecost concludes :)
Thus they seem to be representatives of the entire heavenly priesthood, associated with
Christ, the Great High Priest, in the unfolding of the consummation of the age.”20 The
point here is not to arbitrarily deduct or make light of what Pentecost, through Scott, is
20
J. Dwight Pentecost, Things To Come, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1977, pp. 252-3
However, in addition to Pentecost and Scott, if one were to notice anything that would
lend teeth to the 7-completion concept, is the fact that as Dr. K. Philipose in his book, The
Imminent Return of Jesus Christ (p 73),21 quotes from George G. Beemer that the seven
churches in the Book of Revelation were selected from all the churches “to accomplish
the following purpose:
The contemporary purpose: That Christ had a direct message to seven
literal churches existing at that time.
The composite purpose: That these messages are meant to be applied by
all churches existing in all ages.
The chronological purpose: That the characteristics of these churches
serve as a prophetical purview of the seven great period of Christendom
from Pentecost to the rapture.
He also quotes from J B Phillips’ The Book of Revelation, whom he says “has
suggested the following outline regarding the seven churches in their chronological
purpose:
1. Ephesus – name means ‘desirable’. The Apostolic Church (A.D. 30 -
100).
2. Smyrna – name means ‘myrah’. The Martyr Church (A.D. 101 – 313).
3. Pergamum – name means ‘marriage’. The Compromising Church
(A.D. 314-590).
4. Thyatira – name means ‘continued sacrifice’. The R C Church (A.D.
591 – 1517).
5. Sardis – name means ‘the remnant’. The Reformation Church (A.D.
1518 – 1700).
21
K.M. Philipose, The Imminent Return of Jesus Christ, OM-Authentic Books, India, 2007, p.73
Does God have something special in mind when He structures the events of things to come in
the framework of numbers? What is this admonition to count – whether it’s the numbering of
our days aright (Psalm 90:12) to gain a heart of wisdom? Or, as David asked, to “ show me, O LORD, my
life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life ” (Psalm 39:4)? Or, the counting of the
number of the beast’s name; or the number of the beast himself (which is the number of a man)
(Rev. 13:17-18)?
We can put in a ‘demystifier’ and simply explain that numbers are mere practical and realistic
symbols created to put logic and order in the affairs of life, existence, and, perhaps even survival.
They virtually propel the dynamics of life. Without them, the complete cosmic disorientation
that would exist is inconceivable. So, God in His wisdom gave us these invaluable symbols. Or,
as one Math specialist contributed on Wikipedia – the World Encyclopedia, that: “A number is a
mathematical object used in counting and measuring. A notational symbol which represents a
number is called a numeral, but in common usage the word number is used for both the abstract
abject and the symbol, as well as for the word for the number. The study of numerical operation
is called Arithmetic.”23
Numbers at best is still loaded with problems that the Student of Scripture is advised not to
simply ignore. For example, most of the Hebrew numbers in the OT text were written in words,
as in the main figures in the Gk. Text of the NT. Numbers are also written in word form on the
Moabite Stone and the Siloam Inscription.
22
J. B. Phillips, The Book of Revelation, Fontana Books, 1960
23
Wikipedia – the World Encyclopedia
“An indication that numbers might suffer textual corruption in transmission is provided by differing
numbers in parallel texts, e.g. the age of Jehoiachin at the beginning of his reign as 18 in 2 Kings 24:8 and
8 in 2 Ch. 36:9.
of Nu. 1 and 26 which imply a population of 2-3 million require investigation.” (pp 841- 844) 24
The caution therefore is necessary, for the simple reason that a person can unwittingly
formulate a doctrine based on conviction derived from certain numbers in a particular texts or
series of texts, only to discover, after careful textual analysis is done, the numbers can discover
to be faulty, or, not having the level of theological significance as was originally thought.
Conclusion
Bearing in mind, the above is not intending to throw a damper on one’s enthusiasm for
pursuing a theology that is projected through numbers; for as one scholar says, and there is great
24
Tyndale, New Bible Dictionary (Second Edition), Tyndale House Pub., USA,1986, pp.841-844
NAME__________________________
CLASS EXERCISE # IV
(2) The admonition to ‘count the number’ is intended for more than just Arithmetic;
what do the following Scripture verses expect us to derive from the counting exercise:
Psalm 90:12? _______________________________________________
39:4? ________________________________________________
Rev. 13:17-18? ______________________________________________
(4) Numbers, no doubt, have systematic value; do you see any significant ‘value’ in the
numbering of the 5 wise, visa vise, the 5 foolish virgins in Matthew Chapter 25?
(This is a personal answer) _____________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
George Beemer feels that the seven churches in Revelation were selected to
accomplish specific purposes; what were they? Write out your corresponding answer
to the next three prompted questions:
(5) The contemporary purpose:
______________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
(8) Among the commendations and rebukes the church at Ephesus received in its letter,
what was the main command given to it (Rev. Chapter 2), if it were to ‘redeem’ itself?
____________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
LE S S ON 5
Introduction
The Books that presently engage our attention, like the wider study of Eschatology – The
Doctrine of Last Things – from which they find their most associated identity, plunge us into a
vast sea of what might seem like a theological milieu, where at times we can find ourselves
seemingly gasping for the air of clarity. And that’s not just trying to be very colourful in
language; that is the stark reality as we seek to embrace the great theological divide on this
delicate area of Biblical teaching. We have already alluded to the difficulty highlighted by
Morris in Lesson II, but that would come about if we refuse to explore the depth of the
implications involved these fascinated books.
On the other hand, the latter, has been defined by textual criticism specialist, J. N. Birdsall,
professor of New Testament of the University of Birmingham, as: “The term ‘apocrypha’ (neuter
plural of the Gk. adjective apokryphos, ‘hidden’) is a technical term concerning the relation of
certain books to the OT Canon, signifying that, while they are not approved for public lection,
they are nevertheless valued for private study and edification. The term covers a number of
additions to canonical books in their LXX form.”26 That, of course, is a study in itself; because,
generally, in evangelical circles, the idea of apocryphal writings does not have a positive ring. So
an id-depth study will put one on a balanced, conceptual footing.
One case in point is where both Daniel and John had experiences with celestial beings (Dan.
7:9-10; 8:15-16; 10:5-12; cf. Rev. 1:10-19; 21:3 – 22:7; 22:8-10). There is no doubt that some
of these encounters were with God Himself (the Ancient of Days), the Pre-Incarnate Christ, and
the Glorified Lord of the Church. However, both prophets, at some point were not able to
distinguish between a manifestation of God in His glory and a visitation from an angelic
messenger. At one time Daniel was so overwhelmed by the presence of an angel (Dan. 10:10-
12), having just encountered the awesome presence of deity (v 5-6); he described the effects by
saying “A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees…I stood up trembling.”
John, in similar fashion (Rev. 22:8-9), was about to succumb to the worship of a visitor, who
had to instantly rebuke him and put in a disclaimer to deity. As a matter of fact, it was not even
an angel as he had thought; for the visitor said that he was of the “brethren the prophets, and of
25
R. J. Bauckham, New Bible Dictionary, pp. 54-56.
26
J. N. Birdsall, New Bible Dictionary, pp. 56-58.
Let’s go back to Daniel’s (10:10-12) encounter, and almost immediately, many scholars
parallel that to John’s in Rev. 1: 10-19 and conclude that Christ is the Person in both visits:
J Dwight Pentecost holds a view that the mentioned personalities in Chapter 10:5-
12 of Daniel are one and the same “Gabriel” who “previously had been sent by God
to reveal truth to Daniel (8:16), probably Gabriel was also the visitor on this
occasion.” He further feels that “angels who dwell in the presence of God who is
light, are themselves clothed with light, and Daniel saw something of heaven’s
glory reflected in this one who visited him” (10:5-6). He argues:
“Some Bible Students say that the man was the pre-incarnate Christ because of
(a) the similarity of the description here of that of Christ in Revelation 1: 13 –
16; (b) the response of Daniel and his friends (Dan. 10:7-8), and (c) the fact that
this ‘Man’ may be the same as the ‘Son of Man’ in 7:13 and the ‘Man’ in 8:16.
On the other hand, in favor of this messenger being an angel is the improbability
of Christ being hindered by a prince (demon) of Persia (10:13) and needing the
help of the angel Michael, and the fact that the person is giving a message from
heaven.” (The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Victor Books 1978, USA, pp 1365
- 66)27
Let’s not lose objectivity here, but while Dr. Pentecost is, by reputation, a very
thorough scholar, could he be missing something? Are we not dealing with two distinct
individuals: one in 5-6 (deity), and another in 10-12 (a messenger)? It simply served as a
reminder of how fragile (or delicate) is the matter of Last Things we are dealing with. It
may be tough, but someone has to bite the bullet; and by that we mean, look at the issue
27
Dwight J. Pentecost, Bible Knowledge Commentary, OT, Victor Books, USA, 1978, pp.1365-66
God does not speak in ambiguities; neither is He the author of confusion (1 Cor.
14:33). Even though He may choose different vehicles of communication, the message
must be consistent. He is the Father of Lights (James 1:17). We may have difficulty
unraveling the symbols, parables, types, forms, shadows, imagery, etc; but that’s for us to
prayerfully and patiently ‘wait’ for His illumination and guidance.
There is a part we can all play besides being a passive by-stander. A good admonition
to follow is that similar to Gideon’s. When he tried to ask about the plight of Israel under
Moab’s oppression, seeing he was in his own sight, an insignificant pawn on this seeming
cosmic chess-board of rebellion and retribution; and hoping that repentance would bring
a restoration, he was told: “…go in the strength you have…and save Israel” (Judges
6:14). So, let’s go in the “strength” we have – separating certainty from uncertainty,
from that which is totally off-key. We can for all intents and purposes call them the Solid,
the Soft and the Subtle.
1. There are areas that are Solid, Settled and Sealed: - There are passages in both
Daniel and Revelation that interpret themselves – right in the said passage – so there
is no need for guessing. We know that the lion-image in Daniel’s dream in chapter
7:4 is one of four kings (v 17), who unmistakably correspondents to Nebuchadnezzar,
king of Babylon. He however, has nothing to do with the Lion of Judah (in Rev. 5:5),
Who is none other than Jesus Christ Himself, the prevailing Son of God, worthy to
open the scrolls and look into the seals - though they are both lion-like.
That both authors were dealing with issues and events that related both to their
time and more-so to the future – beyond their time. In Daniel’s case, he was clearly
told that the visions and visitation were intended to show matters that were yet to take
The Revelation is no less saturated with Future Tenses. Right from the inception
(Rev. 1:8) Jesus Christ is being revealed with his signature: “I am the Alpha and the
Omega, says the Lord God, ‘who is, and who was, and who is to come, the
Almighty.” Then John was given his written assignment in capsule: “…what you have
seen, what is now and what will take place later.” So, there are issues that are settled
and their understanding sealed and placed in the archives of things to be unchanged
and un-tampered with.
2. There are some areas that, to us, are “Soft”, “Slender” and “Slippery”: -
These Adjectives are designated to particular aspects of apocalyptic writings for the
simple reason, that unlike those that are “solid, settled and sealed”, some prophecies
carry ‘dual interpretations’ – where some pivotal personage are pre-figured in other
“lesser” important characters. For example, the person of the Antichrist, who, by all
evidence, is predicted to ‘tarnish’ the eschatological landscape, is believed by most to
have been prefigured in the Grecian character, Antiochus Epiphanes, in Daniel 11:21-
35. However, like the Book of Ezekiel (Chapters 27-28), where the writer speaks of
the natural king (ruler) of Tyre, who seemed to have possessed certain characteristics
similar to that of Satan – the spiritual ruler of Tyre, then begin to talk about things
that could apply to either the king or Satan, to be followed by things that could only
have applied to Satan, but, at times could leave the reader wondering when does the
information on the king ends and Satan’s picks up. In the same way, one at times is
3. Then there are areas that are “Subtle”, “Seductive” and “Synthetic”: - The
language is strong - and that’s not by accident; for it is from the Word of God comes
these serious indictments in relation to events of the last days:
It would help if we understand what we are up against; that there are spirits let loose,
whose intent, in addition to widespread fear, is to create an environment of whole scale
deception, and consequently mistrust, so that people would not be able to easily discern
truth. Though vaguely put, Daniel portrays a bizarre picture that shows “…even to the
time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase” (Dan. 12:4
KJV).
As an ironic twist of fate, though knowledge shall increase, Paul says, men will be
“ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim. 3:7 KJV).
Hence the ground is ripe for all types of “synthetic” messages – messages that could
carry a form of Godliness, yet deny God’s power (2 Tim 3:5). Then running “to and fro”
pictures an age of gross instability; and in unstable conditions, people are very vulnerable
to any teaching – particularly teaching that is “seductive” in nature and preys on people’s
emotions. The admonition therefore, is for us to be able to distinguish the message of
“Messiah the Prince (with a capital “P”)” (Dan. 9: 25 KJV - Who is Prince Jesus), from
“…the prince (common “p”) that shall come…” (V 26 – who is, the Antichrist).
NAME__________________________
CLASS EXERCISE # V
(1) In relation to the ‘heavenly visitations’, what problem both prophets (Daniel and
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(3) Some things in the study of Eschatology are certain; some uncertain; and some
are way-off; how has this study otherwise classified them as?
_____________________________________________________________
A “Subtle” view___________________________________________
Continuing the Solid, Soft, and Subtle approach, in the following statements, please
identify at the end of each which category the particular statement falls under, and
why:
(5) God is the eternal, everlasting and unchanging Sovereign Lord of the universe:
__________________________________________
(6) Because God is a holy God, He does not hear when sinners pray:
__________________________________________________
(7) Jesus is due to return when all start walking in full righteousness, and there is
absolutely no sin in their lives.
______________________________________________________________
(9) The 144,000 servants of God mentioned in Revelation 7 are the only righteous people
who will get save during the Great Tribulation; doing so by their own blood.
_____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
(10) Unto those who look for Him (that’s Jesus), He will appear a second time – but
this time not for dying for their sin, but to deliver them from the Wrath to come.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
LESSON 6
Introduction
Over three decades ago, a then popular preacher, prophet and writer, David Wilkerson,
stated in his book, Racing Toward Judgment: Our Future is Now: “There is a new flood of
visions, dreams, predictions, dire warnings, and prophecies. Ministers and mystics alike are now jumping on
the apocalyptic bandwagon, and the result is an avalanche of fear mongering and false hope.
Through all true visions, prophecies, or warnings, this message must come through clear and certain:
“God has everything under control, and His people have nothing to fear.” Those who know where they
stand with the Lord can rejoice with every trumpet sounding. And as the events begin to unfold as
prophesied, they look up and rejoice, because they are already redeemed by faith ” (Racing Toward
Judgment, Spire Books, 1976, New Jersey, USA, p 140).28 Though many are of the view
28
David Wilkerson, Racing Towards Judgment, Spire Books, New Jersey, USA, 1976, p. 140.
One such person is another “visioneer”, Rick Joyner. A man known for his eccentric
style of writing from the often visions he claims to receive. In his 1999 book, A Prophetic
Vision FOR THE 21ST CENTURY (p 26), He says the mark of the beast “is an economic
mark” and to “worship the beast” is when we “put our trust in” money. Joyner thinks, too,
that it “is a clear indication that we (the church) may be taking on the mark of the
beast.”29 The main reason he projects this is that the church itself is part and a heavy
reflection of “financial debt”. While the debt aspect, regrettably, cannot be denied, to
equate that situation with the church taking the mark of the beast is more than just
bordering heresy.
One must, at all cost, seek to avoid an approach to the Scriptures that borders
paranoia. Yet, in all fairness, even the most objective thinkers would find it a serious
challenge to stay focused on the area of the Church and last day events. To say, on the
one hand, that all the varying views forwarded by the pre-tribulationists, mid-
tribulationists, post-tribulationists, and one can apply the same prefixes to the
millennialists, throwing in dispensationalism in the mix, are downright unacceptable,
since the Bible cannot possible be saying different things at the same time, could give off
an air of arrogance. Yet, to hold to a particular view so exclusively, without hearing what
is said in the other camps, could sound like bigotry. So it is as if one is virtually saying
that, not to appear to be an extremist on the issue, one should embrace an eschatology
that is relativistic in nature.
The matter is so far-reaching, that much widely but balanced reading is recommended
on the issue, so that at the end of the day, the Student doesn’t find himself locked in a
narrow cage of denominational ‘exclusivism’. Among the recommended books that
29
Rick Joyner, A Prophetic Vision for the 21st Century, Nelson Pub., Nashville, USA 1999, p.26
In attempting to unravel this seeming colossal jigsaw puzzle, we should keep in mind
that Daniel was told clearly that he was being given understanding as to what will happen
in the future to his people (the Jews) (Dan. 9:24; 10:14). Then by extension, he was given a
panoramic sweep of Gentile domain. John, who was himself a Jew, would have spent
time with the Master learning about the kingdom of God; yet as a Jew, he, and the other
apostles, were so obsessed with Jewish eschatology, that at the time when Jesus was
about to ascend to the Father, the question that occupied them was when would the
restoration of “the kingdom to Israel” take place (Acts 1:6).
All of that is pointing to a serious aspect of theology – the theology of the Church. We
should remember that to Israel, the Church is a virtual unknown. No offence to the
apostles, but while they walked with Jesus, they were so steeped into Judaism, that when
Jesus made statements to the effect that there are many sheep that are not of this fold;
them I must also bring (John 10:16), and that they’ll come from the east and west and south
and flock the kingdom of God, but many of those whose see themselves as having a right
to it will be cast out (Luke 13:29), didn’t quite reach home to them. So it’s not bias, but
safe to say that a lot of what Jesus said to His trainees at that time concerning the last
days would have more application to people of Israel than to the Gentile/Jew Church. The
Church has been God’s mystery hidden throughout the ages (Eph. 3:1-6).
Unless the connection between Israel (the natural branch – Romans 11:21) and the Church
is not clearly defined, one can see why it is easy for some to think that the Church will be
part and parcel of the Great Tribulation. Notable theologians, like Professor George Ladd
(The Blessed Hope p. 11)33, are of that persuasion. Then, in a seeming ambivalent sense,
Erickson advises that “It is important first to observe the relationship between this
eschatological position and the general theological system known as dispensationalism. In
practice they are almost invariably wedded to one another, yet logically they are somewhat
independent. All dispensationalists are pretribulationalists – for pretribulationism is a part
of the full system of dispensationalism – but not all pretribulationalists are
32
Erickson, p.135
33
George E. Ladd, The Blessed Hope, Wm. B. Erdmans Pub. Co., Michigan, USA
There is really no end to this theological battle, and the intent of this study is certainly
not just to add to the ‘fray’. However, as was stated earlier concerning the “multitude of
counsellers” where one finds “safety” (Prov. 11:14 KJV), it would be helpful to get into
the ‘department of analysis’, where some of the highly respected and keenest minds meet
on the subject. Ladd is regarded as an authority in his field and one of the most prolific
proponents of the Church-going-through-the-Tribulation teaching. Professor John
F.Walvoord, did, what I consider, a deep, yet gentle respectful and responsible critique on
Ladd’s Blessed Hope. One wishes that the entire work could have been quoted here, but
that’s neither practical nor realistic; so here is a segment of Walvoord’s review:
“Dr. George E. Ladd, Professor of New Testament History and Biblical Theology at Fuller
Theological Seminary, in this his second book in the field of eschatology, ably presents a spirited
defense of posttribulationism. According to Dr. Ladd himself, ‘The central thesis of this book is that
the Blessed Hope is the second coming of Jesus Christ and not a pretribulation raptures’…
A number of important assumptions are basic to the point of view presented. While Dr. Ladd
plainly champions posttribulationism, he explicitly assumes the premillennial interpretation of
Scripture. This is clear from this volume (cf. p. 13), as well as from his earlier work, Crucial
Questions about the Kingdom of God. The principal appeal is made to the Scriptures themselves
which are everywhere considered infallible and authoritative. Dr. Ladd stands with the
conservative theology of orthodoxy, and it would be most unfair to charge him with theological
liberalism. It should be obvious that liberal scholars do not debate pretribulationism versus
posttribulationism. Though the premillennial point of view is assumed, the dispensational
interpretation of Scripture is rejected. The view is advanced that the promises given to Israel in the
Old Testament have a dual fulfillment, i.e., both in the church and in Israel. In this regard, his point
of view is similar to covenant theology in its definition of the kingdom of God and the church. In
contrast to covenant theology, however, the futuristic interpretation of the Book of Revelation is
held which, Dr. Ladd states, was promoted by Darby and his Plymouth Brethren associates after
centuries of neglect. His rejection of a clear distinction between Israel and the church as well as
opposition to other dispensational teachings undoubtedly is a major causal factor in his rejection
34
Ericksons, p. 125
The arguments for posttribulationism are presented on a high level of courtesy to opponents. This
is quite in contrast to Alexander Reese’s The Approaching Advent of Christ, and some other
posttribulational books, which heap invectives upon pretribulationists. Dr. Ladd almost overdoes
his courtesy to opponents, going so far as to omit references to persons and works with which he
disagrees, thereby making impossible any tracing of quotations or allusions. A few unfortunate
quotations fall below this standard of courtesy. Though less comprehensive than some older
works and tracts, this volume, nevertheless, provides a solid basis for examination of the
posttribulational view. It is evident that the author is concerned with the charge sometimes made
by pretribulationists that posttribulationism is a departure from true Biblical interpretation. He
endeavors to demonstrate instead that posttribulationism is a time-honored doctrine dating from
the early fathers and held by men of God through the centuries. His point is that pretribulationism
is an unproved innovation based upon inference alone.
The author states as his purpose in writing the book: …this book is sent forth with the earnest
prayer that it may be used by the Holy Spirit to bring a better understanding to a difficult subject
and to promote Christian liberty in the interpretation of prophetic truth” (pp. 13-14).
The first third of the book is devoted to the historical argument for posttribulationism, somewhat of
an anomaly for a work featured as a “Biblical study.” He endeavors to prove that a posttribulational
return of Christ was the historic hope of the church from the beginning. An extended chapter
devoted to “The Rise and Spread of Pretribulationism” traces pretribulationism to the Plymouth
Brethren movement in the early nineteenth century. The argument is designed to prove (1) that
pretribulationism was unknown until the nineteenth century; (2) that honored men of God have
been posttribulationists; (3) that pretribulationism started as a heresy and not through sound
Biblical studies. The familiar point is made, with thorough documentation from eight of the early
fathers or writings, that pretribulationism was unknown in the early church and never appeared in
any form until it was made known in a special revelation given to an erratic individual, Edward
Irving, about 1826. Dr. Ladd claims that it was immediately accepted by Darby and his associates
and widely proclaimed.”35
Extensive, yes! And the motive behind it is so that we can get a ‘feel’ of the enormity
of the controversy that exists on the subject. And that the varying opinions are not just
flirting, willy-nilly, among those perceived as un-schooled on the subject. It requires
35
A Review of ‘The Blessed Hope’ by George E. Ladd, by J. F. Walvoord, bible.org/article/review-itheblessed-
hopei-george-e-ladd, Dallas, Texas, USA. Posted with permission of Galaxie Software.
“It is the reviewer’s opinion that the main reasons for pretribulationism are practically untouched
by this volume, but it is nevertheless the best posttribulational book to appear for some time. Dr.
Ladd is to be especially commended for the high standard of courtesy which characterizes the
volume. The reviewer continues to believe that “the blessed hope” is the imminent return of Christ
for His church, not the hope of resurrection after martyrdom in the great tribulation. The daily
expectation of the Lord’s return for His church is a precious hope for those who “love his
appearing.”36
This may require a ‘biting of the bullet’; for it is evident that neither God nor His
Word, not even logical thinking would give us the okay to sit on a theological fence and
merely observe the unfolding drama without us understanding where we are positioned.
To intelligently respond to those who say that the Church will be in the great tribulation,
is first to know and understand the nature of the great tribulation – a time and event that
is unequalled and unparalleled in all of earth’s history. That while tribulation in general, is
the ‘language’ the Church has been acquainted with (Matt. 13:21; John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rom.
5:3; 12:12; 2Cor. 1:4; 7:4; Eph. 3:13; 2 Thess. 1:4; Rev. 1:9) throughout its existence, that should
never be confused with what Daniel 9:25-27; 11:36-45 predicted and Jesus in Matthew
24 re-affirmed that has been assigned a specific time period in the future as is pictorially
displayed in Revelation 4 -20. Dr. Pentecost distinguishes the tribulations by referring to
the former (general) as “in the non-technical and non-eschatological sense”; whereas
when used in the “technical and eschatological sense” it is used “in reference to the whole
period of the seven years of tribulation” (p 170).37
He insists, and rightly so, “that the characterization of that period, according to
Scripture, is described by such words as wrath, judgment, indignation, trial, trouble,
destruction. This essential characterization (would have to) be denied by (those who)
adhere to (a different) position.” When the pretribulationalist affirms with Paul (in 1 Thess.
36
Ditto
37
Pentecost p. 170
Pentecost, who is a proponent of the church being raptured before the Tribulation, was
refuting a view that purports that the elders in heaven represent the whole heavenly priest-
hood – that is, all the redeemed who have died in the past, or shall be living at the Lord’
return. He says:
“While this view is less objectionable than the first view, there seem to be
reasons for rejecting the interpretation that Israel is a part of the scene here. In
the first place, this view is based on the assumption that Israel and the church are
both resurrected at the time of the rapture and translated together into the
heavenlies…certain Scriptures (Dan. 12:1-2; Isa. 26:19; John 11:24) indicate
that Israel’s resurrection is to be connected with the advent of Messiah on the
earth. Thus Israel could not be translated. In the second place, the rapture is the
program for the church that brings the church into her eternal blessing. The
program with Israel is entirely distinct, taking place with different subjects at a
different time. Israel could not be resurrected and rewarded until the close of her
age… ”38
As earlier implied, the church’s entry on the bigger landscape of the kingdom of God
was a mystery as is borne out in Eph. 3:1-11. Its existence is a mystery – at least to Israel in
whom “blindness in part is happened…until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in” (Rom.
11:25 KJV). And, in true fashion, its exit from this earth’s scene will equally be a mystery, as
is so clearly articulated by Paul: “Behold, I shew you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but
we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye…” (1 Cor. 15:51-52). This
38
Pentecost, pp. 254-5
Natural theology, in this context, is the theology that deals primarily with borders and
boundary lines, geographic landmarks, territorial landscapes, physical and material
possessions, time-frames, natural wars, battles and battle-zones, practical, tangible
promises, sages, earthly kings and kingdoms, etc. Now, that is not to suggest by any
stretch of the mind, that the Church is not to be the recipient of physical blessings. On the
contrary, the Church can also embrace those natural blessings. However, its focus is by
far a higher possession. We seek a city that has foundations, whose builder and maker is
God (Heb. 11:10).
We must also consider the theology of the imminent return of the Lord Jesus. How can
one come away from Scripture and not sense that there is an event that will take place,
that no man, not even the angels, or the humanity of Jesus, knows the “day nor the hour”
(Matt. 24:36 ) when it will happen? That there is “a moment”, “a twinkling of an eye” (1 Cor.
15:52) when we who “are alive and remain shall be caught up (literally snatched) together
with them (those of the first resurrection) in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thess.
4:17).
That imminent return should not be confused with His glorious coming where “every
eye shall see him and (those also who) pierced him” (Rev. 1:7). “For as the lightning
(comes) out of the east, and (shines) even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the
Son of man be” (Matt. 24:27). That would be panoramic indeed; and there is no secrecy in
that appearance. That glorious coming, which Daniel said comparatively little about, will
be preceded by certain predicted events.
He (Daniel) was given the future insight by the angel Gabriel ( Daniel 9:20-27), specifying
what has become the proverbial “Seventy Weeks” – That would be weeks of years; thus
totaling 490 years”, sub-divided into “seven weeks and sixty and two weeks” (leaving the
final 70th week separate and distinct from the 69 weeks or 483 years). What is significant
Conclusion
Many writers unwittingly embrace, what someone has termed, an illusion of
knowledge (I humbly trust that this writer is not adding to the numbers), thinking that
what they purport is the only frame of reference through which an issue must be seen;
hence we call it “an illusion”. We acknowledge the presence of certain difficulties, even
in the Hermeneutics of certain passages. But we must step back and see the bigger
picture: God cannot be saying several conflicting things. The problem has to do with our
interpretation of the body of evidence that is put before us. To suggest that people who
say that the Church will be removed before the great tribulation are simply hoping for an
easy way out is an unfair accusation.
The Revelation portrays little about the Church – at least not much after the
Laodicean church in chapter 3. It probably would not be an over-statement to say that
there is little theology of the Church in the body of Revelation; not ignoring the fact in the
final chapter (22:17) the “bride” (the Church) joins the Holy Spirit in the eternal appeal to
the non-believer (by deduction) to “come!” Is it surprising? It shouldn’t be, if we
understand that the Church is mystery – mystery at entrance, existence and exit levels.
NAME__________________________
CLASS EXERCISE # VI
(1) Rick Joyner says that “we (the church) may be taking the mark of the beast…”
Given that a statement should be taken in its stated context; are there any Biblical
grounds for anyone to make such a statement? If so, what are they?
__________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
(2) Still the church’s position/location in what is often called “the last days” is not one
that is easily identified, even from the sharpest minds and those we perceive as
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
(3) What is there to suggest that, according to Acts 1:6, even the Jewish believers
_____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
(4) In relation to the Church’s entry on the physical and spiritual landscape, Jesus
gives the geographic picture from the areas where its’ people will come. Where
(5) In relation to the Church’s existence, some are temporarily blind, according to
___________________________________________________________________
(6) When the Church makes its exit from this world’s scene, how did Paul describe it
__________________________________________________________________
(8) At the blast of God’s trump of the archangels, who will comprise the Church?
_____________________________________________________________________
(9) What is the intimate or marital terminology used in Scripture to describe the
Church?
___________________________________________________________________
(10) The theology of the church would lend itself to a simple statement that
would indicate that it has been, and continues to be surrounded in mystery. That
write a response to this statement (Specify the Scriptural passages to uphold your
response).
LE S S ON 7
Introduction
There is a level of fascination that captures the minds of Believers and Non-Believers
alike when terms such as Tribulation, Armageddon, and Antichrist etc. are being used; but
there is a ‘culture’ of descriptions that depicts both Daniel and Revelation, and more so
the latter. While “angels” “images”, “visions” and “beasts” are heavily reflected in both,
“living creatures”, “dragon” “serpent” “locusts” “frogs” and “Lamb” are the unique
addition to the Revelation. These are representations or symbols of either beings or
spirits. In very picturesque language, author, J. Narver Gortner, in a 1948 sequel to his
Perhaps the most relevant symbolism that brings to bear on the issue, putting Daniel,
Jesus, Paul and John on the same eschatological ‘page’, would be the Seventieth Week (of
seven years) (Dan. 9:24-27; Matt. 24:15; 2 Thess. 2:3-4; Rev. 13) that is considered
pivotal. And then in true eschatological perspective, the Book of Revelation should likely
be the one to have the ‘final’ say, since it covers the picture historically and in the future.
Westlake, Jr. paints the chart of Revelation chapters 4 - 22 with a broad brush.40
Instantly one would see that he subscribes to the (Church being raptured before the
Tribulation) pre-tribulationist’s position, with other theological dynamics included:
39
J. Narver Gortner, Studies in Revelation, Gospel Publishing House, Mss., USA, 1948
40
Westlake, Jr., p. 192
The fifth chapter seems intended to show up man’s moral limitations as being unable
open up and look into eternal matters all on his own; then presents the Lion of the tribe of
Judah, yea, the Lamb that was slain, to whom all the nations, races, languages and
peoples burst into spontaneous praise and worship. Then as though all hell breaks loose
in chapter six as the first six of the seven seals are being open and the tale of the world’s
woes begin to unravel with the symbolic horse-and-riders, in the colours that depict their
destiny. Westlake, in explaining the scene of Christ the lamb as He opens those first six
seals, says: “As He does so, one of the four living creatures says ‘Come.’ The word
translated come in verses 1, 3, 5, and 7 can also be translated go. It appears that go is used
here because go shows more clearly that nothing can move in heaven without
permission.”42 The identity of the rider on the white horse has also been a subject of
interpretation. The pretribulationist (generally) believe it is Christ Jesus, while the
posttribulationist would generally see him as the Antichrist.
41
Erickson, , p 113-115
42
Westlake, p. 180.
Some are of the view that when one seeks to expound on the Revelation, that a
measure of flirting with the human imagination takes place. But in defense of literary
integrity, we need to bring to bear the wide spectrum of documented writings; pulling
history, literature, language, even science, sacred writings, myths and fantasies, and, at
the end of the day, come up with a literary skill as to how we decipher fact from fiction,
myth from reality, and truth from error. There is no ‘fossil’ evidence to bring certitude on
future predictions. But what we have is a body of material which, in addition to
instructions on how to live, contains some of the most ‘bizarre’ incidents – like the
resurrection of Jesus Christ - that were not only witnessed by many and varied
contemporaries (including those who would wish they could have hidden or explain them
away), but are found in the historical documents of different cultures. This then leads to
the conclusion that creatures living in the dark “Abyss” in chapter nine, with all their
foreboding descriptions, and firing their woes of excruciating pain on people carrying the
mark of the beast, believable.
As these creatures and the woe that they bring pass, making way for the “two other
woes (that) are yet to come” (V 12), and mankind is struck by “plagues of fire, smoke and
sulfur” (V 18), yet he does “not repent of the work of (his) his hands; (nor) did not stop
worshipping demons…” (V20). That, in conjunction with chapter 16:9, 21, is the true
reflection of the attitude of un-regenerated mankind during the Tribulation. It is for this
reason we are implored upon to avoid treating this period that Jesus said (in Matt. 24:21)
there was never a time, and there never will be time like it, lightly. By lightly, we mean,
punctuating our theology with religious inferences, innuendoes and sweeping statements
that suggest that after the Church is raptured, which we understand theologically, that
that would mark the full number of the Gentiles (as having) come in (Rom. 11:25), that
From the seals came the trumpets; and following the trumpets are the bowls or vials of
wrath. While scholars differ as to the full time-frame, they are almost unanimous that this
period of wrath is that epochal, strategic segment of eschatology the OT writers called the
Day of the Lord. And per chance illusions are being secretly cherished, it would be
noteworthy that the picture painted by those writers is generally not a fanciful. Amos in
particular, lays it on with brutal frankness: “Woe to you who long for the day of the
LORD! Why do you long for the day of the LORD?” (Amos 5:18) Then he went on to
describe it by saying “That day will be darkness, not light” (V 19), and filled with
insecurity everywhere. So the bowls contain painful sores (Rev. 16:2), it poisoned sea (V
3) that reached the rivers (V 4), followed by the sun (being) given power to scorch
people (V 8), then darkness (V 10), drought (V 12) and widespread destruction (17-21).
“These passages reveal that the idea of judgment is paramount in all of them.
This is so clearly brought out in Zephaniah 1:14-18. This judgment includes not
only the specific judgments upon Israel and the nations at the end of the
tribulation that are associated with the Second Advent, but, from a consideration
of the passages themselves, includes judgments that extend over a period of time
prior to the Second Advent. Thus, it is concluded that the Day of the Lord will
include the time of the tribulation” (Things to Come, p 230).43
Conclusion
So, in fairness to the ardent seeker for that vein of consistency concerning these
‘gates’ of wrath that surround the tribulation, its infamous character, the Antichrist (also
43
Pentecost, p. 230
NAME__________________________
(1) On the relevance of symbolism contained in the whole thrust of Eschatology, what
is that single symbol that puts the prophet Daniel, Jesus Christ, Paul the apostle, and
_________________________________________________
(2) Though as a rule of the thumb, the Word of God should be approached with a literal
____________________________________________________
spontaneous praise and worship of all the nations, races, languages, and peoples?
________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
(4) “The Book of Revelation is one that allows the reader to flirt with imaginings,
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
(5) Taking to consideration all the Greek syntax in Chapter 6: 1, 3, 5 & 7 where the
word come can also be translated go, what does go then show more clearly?
____________________________________________________________________
(6) There are two distinct interpretations of the rider on the white horse (Chapter 6)
that emerge from two schools of thought. What are those ‘schools’ and who do they say
the rider is? _________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
(7) There are two distinct sets of people in the Revelation: one is sealed (Chap.7),
the other is marked (Chap. 13); what is the fate of each?
___________________________________________________________________
(8) What makes the “bizarre’ creatures (Chap. 9) coming out of the dark Abyss,
almost defying description, and inflicting excruciating pain on those carrying the mark of
the beast, believable? _________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
__
(10) While scholars differ on the time-frame of certain Tribulation events, they are
almost unanimous that the Day of the Lord is that very strategic segment of Last Days
that will signal unparallel dread for the dwellers on the earth at that time. What does
Amos 5:18-19 say about that? ____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
LE S S ON 8
Introduction
Much can be said about the literary style of the books of Daniel and Revelation. As
hinted earlier, Daniel himself brings to bear on his account the idiosyncrasies of the
Hebrew Language: grammatical structure, story-telling, parallelism (4:3; 9:27), among
others. He punctuates his writing with his own prophetic uniqueness and decorates the
chapters with an ambassadorial flare, reflective of the privileged positions he would have
held in the various kingdoms. Though, of course, there are those who are convinced that
Daniel, the prophet, was not himself the penman of the book that bears his name. One of
the reasons forwarded is the presence of several Third Person pronouns when referring to
Daniel himself. Dr. Hendriksen is one such person. 44 Even Dr. Westlake, in his
44
Hendriksen, p. 307.
John the Divine, on the other hand, while a functional prophet, colours his writing with
apostolic tenderness. Though his authorship did come up for some scrutiny, where some
compare his style in the previous writings is contrastingly different. Hendriksen says:
“The author tells us his name is John (1:1, 4. 9; 22:8). The question is: Which John? The
apostle or another? Some deny that John, the beloved disciple, wrote the Apocalypse. They point out
a striking difference between the grammar, the style, and the general tone of John’s Gospel and the
Epistles on the one hand and Revelation on the other. These differences must be admitted. But does
this mean that John the Apostle did not write the Apocalypse? In our opinion, it does not…”46 (I
particularly underscored the word “our” in the quote, because Dr. Hendriksen did not, in
his book, indicate if he was writing the opinion of his and other contributors, or that of
Calvin Seminary of which he was a professor of New Testament. So, it remains unsure
who else’s opinion he was forwarded – but his most definitely.
The style of Revelation however, does differ different from his Epistles and the Gospel
that bear his name. The fact that what was written would have come from a vision he
would have received, and him being confined to the Isle of Patmos as a prisoner. The
letters to the churches were written with deep care, yet they embody the prophetic
seriousness and authority (Chapters 2 - 3). So, I, too, would credit him as the penman.
45
Westlake, pp. 22-23
46
Hendriksen, p. 438.
So while the books’ initial purpose was not necessarily to establish the fact that God
efficiently superintendents and, for His glory, manipulates the dynamics of all things –
living and non-living -, they nevertheless present a comforting picture that tells us we are
in safe hands.
THE SOVEREIGN BIO-NUTRITIONIST
The case for instance, that Daniel and his other three Hebrew friends were so confident
in their God to show up for them that they gave the guard (“Eunuch”, Chapter 1) the
assurance to feed them only with vegetables and water for ten days and then compare their
‘physique’ with those of the other king’s table-eating candidates, and see who best fit the
bill. The results: “At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished
than… (the others)” (Dan. 1:15). God sovereignly worked through the metabolism of the
Hebrew Boy’s bodies to effect those outcomes; and that has nothing to do with fanaticism.
Look at the outcome of the fiasco with Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and his group of
magicians, astrologers and soothsayers. Whether their performance generally fell within
the ambits of illusions, spurious miracles or deception is debatable. What was clear is that
the methods in which they trusted and depended on for their career sustenance and
reputation had reached the level of their incompetence. They were unable to decipher
what the king’s dream was all about, far less try to interpret it. Nevertheless, Daniel’s
God came to the rescue and saved the day. At this point, our ‘prejudice’ goes towards the
If the first two were personal or private, this third incident is perhaps the crème de la
crème; for it stunned all and sundry. The rage of an angry, egotistical dictator, consumed
in his own vanity, defying anyone who dared not to bow down to his monumental, self-
projecting image, which was un-nerving to say the least, was on display (Chapter 3).
Nebuchadnezzar’s image was only a façade of his deeper, twisted self-perception, where
he thought himself a god. But the horror of his fiery furnace, with an applied heat so
intense that the soldiers manning it were instantly exterminated; yet the only true God
shows up in the hellish furnace to protect His children. No fire is too hot for God, Who
Himself is a “Consuming fire” (Deut.4:24); for Him to get into to deliver those who are
His. That’s the Yahweh of Judah; and the focus is all about Him.
When that said heathen king could conclude from his various, bizarre encounters,
including humiliation of the worst sort, that “the Most High is sovereign over the
kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes” (Dan. 4:32), indicates that at some
point, the One true God will be recognized. He further added, “I praised the Most High; I
honored and glorified him who lives forever…” (V. 34).
The magnificent deliverance in the lions’ den (Chapter 6) only serves to sharpen our
focus on the Mighty Deliverer. This was when human envy and jealousy of the personality
and success of Daniel and his Hebrew friends by the other diplomats had surfaced. They
more or less tricked the king into saying no one should pray to any god but him. One
therefore can deduct that the God Who divinely superintend the outcome of earthly drama
uses these “known” to prepare and transport us into the realm of the “unknown”. The
unknown of course, is only to us, because the Omniscient God, on Whom all creation
focuses, says that He makes “known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what
is still to come” (Isaiah 46:10).
So when Daniel sailed into the world of visions, and symbols and images (Chapters 7
- 12), he understood that the revelations and prophetic utterances that were given to him
were not intended to pamper his vanity; rather, that God was taking him into his trust;
disclosing to him what the program of the ages would be.
The writer of the Revelation too, would have had his personal one-on-one training
experience. From the reputation of a ‘son of thunder’ (Mark 3:17) and the urgings of a
mother who sought exalted positions (Matt. 20:21), to a disciple who experienced the
Mount of Transfiguration (Mk. 9:2) and shared in the privileged knowledge of his Master
(Jn. 13:21 - 26), John was groomed for the task. He was very prepared to receive the
These two men were well ‘schooled’ for their assigned tasks. They knew to whom the
focus belonged – that God does not share His glory with another (Isaiah 42:8). That
means, whether it be a Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Grecian or Roman or Modern
Confederacy, He is the only King eternal, immortal, (and) invisible (1 Tim. 1:17) Who
rules over nations and kingdoms.
Taking all the prophetic projections and declarations concerning the ultimate and only
sovereign Lord together; that means taking the “enormous, dazzling statue, awesome in
appearance” (Daniel 2:31) that Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream that collapsed after it
was struck by “a rock” that “was cut out, but not by human hands” (v 34) that later
“became a huge mountain and filled the whole earth” (v 35), merging it with the falling
of the “great dragon…,that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan”(Rev. 12:8-9)
…”was hurled to the earth”, making way for coming of “the salvation and the power and
the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ”(v 10), and one cannot but
conclude what was prophesied by Paul in Eph. 1:10, That all God has purposed “in
Christ…to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ”
fulfilled.
NAME__________________________
(1) How would the writings of Daniel be charged with prophetic urgency and at the
______________________________________________________________
(2) Though a rather serious book indeed, how did John in the Revelation differ in his
___________________________________________________________________
(3) The Books of Daniel and Revelations both have a primary and ultimate thrust. It’s
not about us simply trying to know the future, or attempting to establish whether the
____________________________________________________
likely, in defiance of the king’s wishes. What were the results of that action?
_________________________________________________________________
(5) What, according to Daniel 1:20, was the added value to that act of obedience?
_____________________________________________________________________
(6) When Nebuchadnezzar’s dream was being unraveled by Daniel, what did the wise
men and magicians and others had to settle for (Dan. 2:28)?
_________________________________________________________________
(7) Revelation’s pictures were more than scary, to say the least; but what in the final
analysis is there to suggest that Jesus Christ, ultimately, is the Champion (Rev.
11:15)?
__________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
(8) What is earmarked to happen to the devil at the end of the apocalyptic era as that
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(9) From the same chapter, what would eventually happen to Satan at the end of those
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX I
ADDITIONAL RESEARCH
INTRODUCTION TO
THE BOOK OF DANIEL
(Extracted from the Charles Ryrie Study Bible)
AUTHOR: Daniel DATE: 537 B.C.
The Prophet Daniel, whose name means “God is my judge,” was a statesman in the court
of heathen monarchs. Taken captive as a youth to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar in 605, he
spent the rest of his long life there as a government official and as a prophet of the true God.
He claimed to have written the book (12:4), and Jesus Christ identified him as a prophet
(Matt. 24:15; Mark 13:14). Since he did not occupy the prophetic office, the book is found in
the third division of the Hebrew Bible, the “Writings,” rather than in the second, the Prophets.
Throughout his life he was uncompromising and faithful to his God.
Date The first attack on the traditional sixth century B, C. date for the composition of the
book came from Porphyry (A. D. 232-302), a vigorous opponent of Christianity, who
maintained that the book was written by an unknown Jew who lived at the time of Antiochus
Epiphanes (175-163 B. C.). This view was widely promoted by scholars of the eighteenth and
nineteenth centuries for the following reasons: it is alleged that Daniel could not have made
these predictions, since they were accurately fulfilled and could therefore have been written
only after the events occurred; Persian and Greek words used in the book would have been
unknown to a sixth century Jewish author; the Aramaic used in 2:4-7:28 belongs to a time
after that of Daniel; and certain alleged historical inaccuracies. In answer we observe that
predictive prophecy is not only possible but expected from a true prophet of God. Since
The Times In 605 Nebuchadnezzar took Daniel and others as captives to Babylon (see
Introduction to Jeremiah). Because of the events recorded in chapter 2 of the book, Daniel
was given a place of prominence and responsibility in Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom. After the
king’s death, Daniel apparently fell from favor, but was recalled to interpret the writing that
appeared at Belshazzar’s feast (5:13). He was made one of three presidents under Darius
(6:1) and lived until the third year of Cyrus (536). His ministry was to testify, in his personal
life and in his prophecies, to the power of God. Though in exile, the people of Israel were not
deserted by God, and Daniel revealed many details about his plan for their future. He also
traced the course of Gentile world powers from his own day to the second coming of Christ.
Contents Important prophecies in the book include: the course of Gentile kingdoms (the
future of Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome, chaps. 2 and 7), details concerning Medo-
Persia and Greece (chap. 8), more details concerning Greece (chap. 11), the prophecy of the
seventy weeks of years (9:24-27), and the activities of Antichrist (11:36-45). Among the
APPENDIX II
He quotes James Orr whom he said, at the end of the 19 th C., made the observation that
Christian doctrine received special attention, and developed at different periods in the history of
the Church. Case in point: 2nd C. the emphasis was APOLOGETICS; 3rd & 4th C. it was DOCTRINE
of GOD; early 5th C., MAN and SIN; 5th – 7th C., The PERSON of CHRIST; 11th C., The ATONEMENT; 16th
C., Application of REDEMPTION (JUSTIFICATION etc.); Modern Age, ESCHATOLOGY- The one remaining
undeveloped topic of theology.
Consider the plethora of Church fathers, thinkers, writers, theologians, scientists, philosophers
and historians who, in the past, would have both impacted and influenced us (some to our
development; others to our detriment) one way or another, we should consider the survival of the
Church nothing short of a miracle. Some made Christianity largely of ethics; others ( like Friedrich
Schleiermacher) made it primarily a matter of feeling (p 18). From one department we received the
element of Consistent Eschatology (Johannes Weiss & Albert Schweitzer), which infers that Jesus, in His
teaching, was purely futuristic. While from another (Charles H. Dodd) we got Realized Eschatology,
a teaching that lends itself to the preterist view out of which the New Age Movement was born.
There was (Rudolph Bultmann’s) Existential Eschatology that thrust us in the “three-story
universe” – the top (heaven) has God and angels, the middle (earth) has men and animals, and
the bottom (hell) has the devil and demonic spirits (p 35). That simplistic concept of up and down
was split open by the Copernican revolution, which also revealed that diseases are not caused by
demons, but by bacteria, viruses and other organisms. Bultmann had problems with the history of
the Gospel recordings: bottom-line, he inferred that they were lacking in literary integrity,
because they were written by men who (simply) wanted people to become committed Christians
like themselves. He said that “we cannot determine whether Jesus actually was crucified or
resurrected” (p 38). (That’s the nature of Existentialism – author’s inference).
A “Theology of Hope” entered the scene ( with the arrival of Jurgen Moltmann) (p 44) and with sound,
Biblical exposition, ‘put back some sense into Christian Thinking’ – author’s opinion. “Christ is the
anticipation of the future of God” (Eschatology in a single statement) (p 48).
AMILLENNIALISM
1. They affirm that there will be no earthly 1000-year reign of Christ (p 73).
2. This posture is difficult to distinguish from Postmillennialism – thus blurring occurs.
3. With P., they share the same feature that the 1000 years in Rev. are symbolic.
4. All A’s are not unified in their views of the 2 resurrections with the intervening 1,000-
year.
PREMILLENNIALISM
1. A rather popular view in conservative circles, with 2 distinct varieties (p 91).
2. Both: an earthly reign of Christ…where the will of God is done on earth.
3. One: the literal 1,000 years will b exact; other: less literal- an extended period of time.
4. Both: The M. will arrive dramatically & cataclysmically ushered by Christ 2nd Coming.
DISPENSATIONALISM
1. This became the virtual official theology of fundamentalism – which some have made a
test of orthodoxy; regarding those who fail to fail to hold it as denying Scripture (p 109).
2. A literal interpretation of Scripture. A slogan D. would gladly endorse is: “When the
plain sense makes good sense, seek no other sense” (p 115).
3. D’s. distinguish 2 kingdoms: the kingdom of heaven (Matt.13), & the kingdom of God
(p 121).
PRETRIBULATIONISM
1. This is almost ‘married’ to Dispensationalism. However, while “all dispensationalists
are pretribulationists – for the latter is a part of the full system of the former -, “not all
pretribulationists are dispensationalists.
POSTTRIBULATIONISM
1. The church will be spared from the wrath of God but not from the tribulation (p 152).
2. Greek words were used to explain concepts that would otherwise have escaped us.
3. It is indistinguishable from Amillennialism (p 161).
4. Gorge E. Ladd, an ardent ‘propounder’ of this view has given much explanation on it (p
151-158).
MIDTRIBULATIONISM
1. In practical terms, this position seeks to ‘mediate’ between Pre and Post-T. Church will
be present on earth during, and a portion of the tribulation, but will be removed before the worse
occurs (p 163-165).
2. Partial-rapture view sees one segment of the church being raptured before the tribulation
and another segment remaining on earth throughout. Thus the rapture is Pre-T. for some and
Post-T. for others.
3. Tribulation should not be confused with the wrath of God (Matt. 24: 29; Mk. 13:24-25;
Luke. 21:25-26)
LESSON #1
(1) The meaning of the name Daniel has several variants; list at least two of them:
A, “God is my Judge”
B, “God is Judging”
C, “Judgment of God”
(2) The name Belteshazzar was given to Daniel by king Nebuchadnezzar, what did it
mean? “It meant Bel’s Prince -_ a name after a Babylonian god”
(4) Daniel’s style of writing ‘paints future events with broad brush’; how does that
differ from the style of writing about the future in the Revelation?
A, It deals with details and fills ‘gaps’ that were previously created
B, It tends to open ‘seals’ that were previously sealed
(5) As was seen resulting from Israel’s unrestrained idolatry, what has become
synonymous with apostasy? “God’s Judgment"
(7) What was primarily responsible for Israel’s captivity in Babylon that eventually led
to all the drama in the Book of Daniel?
“It was primarily their idolatry and apostasy”
(8) John was also in confinement, a type of captivity, on the Isle of Patmos; not for
disobedience or any other negative reason. What that reason?
(9) Emerging from questions 7 & 8, and their respective answers, what lesson can one
learn from these two similar, yet contrasting scenarios?
“That ‘calamities’ that appear similar in nature can happen to both the disobedient,
who walk after their own way (Israel), and the obedient, who seek to please God in
their daily walk (John).”
(10) What in the character of both books, Daniel and Revelation, that suggests they be
studied together?
“By virtue of the fact that they both complement each other.”
LESSON #1I
(1) False as it may be, in this day and age, what gives people a feeling of authenticity?
Their Credentials
(2) The structure of the Book of Daniel is dubbed by some as a history of moral
conflicts; from the text, give another view others might prefer to see it as:
“God’s Providence verses Gentile paganism”
(3) In the Revelation, how many messages and to whom was John given them to
deliver? “To the seven angels of the seven actual (local) churches”
(4) State at least one fact about the geographical Babylon of Daniel’s time?
“Its hanging gardens made it one of the 7 Wonders of the ancient world.”
(8) Though it borders opinion somewhat, in what way would you say that John the
apostle was more privileged than Daniel the prophet, in the context of their
writing?
“That during his tenure on earth, he had the distinct honor of seeing, hearing and
touching the very Word of Life – Jesus Christ. Also being so close to the Master, he
would have learned things first-hand – what a privilege!”
(9) What was the primary ingredient (or the base) of the character of both authors of
Daniel and Revelation that virtually ‘qualified’ them to be assigned the task of
writing Scripture? Their Faith (in God) or Their Faithfulness (to God)
(10) ‘Last Days’ or no Last Days, what does that say about the type of person I aught to
be (This answer is rather personal; and as such, has no right or wrong component
to it)? Example: My life, as a child of God, is motivated by the unconditional
love He has first extended to me, which was ultimately demonstrated in the
sacrificial death of Christ on Calvary. Living for Him in total obedience is my
highest aim and ambition. The fact of His return for His people – and to judge
the world – serves as added benefits. I want to be a person whose life reflects
values that are anchored in God’s Word.
LESSON #1II
(1) When Daniel sought understanding of the detailed outcome of the vision in Chapter
12, what response did he receive?
“What seemed like a partial scolding: ‘Go your way, Daniel, because the
Words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end” v. 9
(3) In the Book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar’s “image vision” was virtually the
same as Prophet Daniel’s… “Beast vision”
(4) A derived theology from that is: the king’s vision emphasized the economic systems
that govern kingdoms, while the prophet’s vision depicts what?
(5) When dealing with matters of a prophetic nature, what are we advised to avoid?
(6) As a safety catch to be guarded against individuals and/or entities that would want
to run off with selective interpretations on matters of an eschatological nature, what
Scripture quoted in the Book of Proverbs guides us in this regard?
“Proverbs 11:14, ‘Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of
counsellers there is safety’ (KJV).”
(7) What value is there to be derived by ‘listening’ to those whose views on ‘Last
Things’ are usually extreme, and even sometimes seemingly way-off?
“So that the objective researcher can examine the views of others, whose opinions
could cause us to look at other shades of interpretations.”
(8) Regarding the heavenly visitations recorded in both books, and the effects they
had on the writers who encountered them, what raises the expectations of
redeemed mankind in looking to the future fulfillment of all these things?
“The expectation that our eyes shall behold Him (the Lord) and be enthralled by His
awesome presence.”
(9) What did the heathen King Nebuchadnezzar and the godly Prophet Daniel have in
common concerning activities in the night?
(10) Name the four dispositions different theologians might interpret from the
Revelation regarding time-fulfillment?
(2) The Historical–taking a panoramic view of the church from John to the end of
time.
(3) The Idealist – sees all things as merely the unfolding of great principles in conflict;
LESSON # IV
(2) The admonition to ‘count the number’ is intended for more than just Arithmetic;
what do the following Scripture verses expect us to derive from the counting exercise:
Psalm 90:12? ____ “To gain a heart of wisdom”______
39:4? _____ “To know how fleeting life is”_____
Rev. 13:17-18? ___ “To know the number of the beast-man”______
(3) We have to admit, since God is a God of infinite variety, and we are cautioned not to
either build doctrine based on numbers alone on the one hand, or stifle spontaneity on the
other hand; what should our approach be?
____________ “An open and honest approach”__________
George Beemer feels that the seven churches in Revelation were selected to
accomplish specific purposes; what were they? Write out your corresponding answer
to the next three prompted questions:
(5) The contemporary purpose: “That Christ had a direct message to seven literal
churches existing at that time”
(6) The composite purpose: “That these messages are meant to be applied by all
churches existing in all ages”
(7) The chronological purpose: “That the characteristics of these churches serve as a
political purview of the seven great periods of Christendom to the rapture.”
(8) Among the commendations and rebukes the church at Ephesus received in its letter,
what was the main command given to it (Rev. Chapter 2), if it were to ‘redeem’ itself?
“No rebuke; but admonished to ‘hold on to what you have, so that no one will take
your crown.”
LESSON # V
(1) In relation to the ‘heavenly visitations’, what problem both prophets (Daniel and
(2) God does not speak in ambiguities, and, also, according to 1 Corinthians 14:33,
(3) Some things in the study of Eschatology are certain; some uncertain; and some
are way-off; how has this study otherwise classified them as?
A “Subtle” view “The Church alone can usher in the coming of Christ”
Continuing the Solid, Soft, and Subtle approach, in the following statements, please
identify at the end of each which category the particular statement falls under, and
why:
(5) God is the eternal, everlasting and unchanging Sovereign Lord of the universe:
“SOLID: All Scripture accords to that truth”
(6) Because God is a holy God, He does not hear when sinners pray:
“SOFT –‘give or take’– For God to respond to a Sinner’s cry, He must first hear him.”
(7) Jesus is due to return when all Christians start walking in full righteousness, and there
is absolutely no sin in their lives.
“SUBTLE: To subscribe to that would be living in denial, because Christians live
in the presence of sin daily; and that would be until we are glorified.”
(8) Christ is coming for the Church, but Michael, the archangel, who protects the Jews,
according to the messenger in the Book of Daniel, is coming to take the Jews to their
eternal home:
“SUBTLE: The Church is ‘one new man’ of Jews and Gentiles saints; there is no
tribe or race separation when Christ returns.
(9) The 144,000 servants of God mentioned in Revelation 7 are the only righteous people
who will get save during the Great Tribulation; doing so by their own blood.
“SOFT: There are indications in Scripture that, depending on one’s interpretation,
others, apart from the 144,000 will also be saved. However, one should thread
softly with the numbers.”
“SOLID: There is absolutely no doubt in Jesus’ statement: ‘…if I go… I will come
again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also”
(Jn.14:3 KJV).
LESSON # VI
(1) Rick Joyner says that “we (the church) may be taking the mark of the beast…”
Given that a statement should be taken in its stated context; are there any Biblical
grounds for anyone to make such a statement? If so, what are they? “I’m sorry,
but there are no Biblical grounds for anyone to make such a statement, simple
because all who take the mark of the beast would have sealed their eternal doom.”
(2) Still the church’s position/location in what is often called “the last days” is not one
that is easily identified, even from the sharpest minds and those we perceive as authority
is needed to be deployed. In a short statement, and in your own words, why is this so?
“That’s because some things in Scripture are not so easily unraveled; and a person
find it”
(3) What is there to suggest that, according to Acts 1:6, even the Jewish believers
“Because, even after the crucifixion and the resurrection, they still didn’t get it. At
that crucial point, they asked if the kingdom was going be restored to Israel!
(4) In relation to the Church’s entry on the physical and spiritual landscape, Jesus
gives the geographic picture from the areas where its’ people will come. Where are those
(5) In relation to the Church’s existence, some are temporarily blind, according to
___________________________________________________________________
(6) When the Church makes its exit from this world’s scene, how did Paul describe it in
_____________________________________________________________________
(7) According to the historic Christian hymn by Samuel John Stone, what is the
(8) At the blast of God’s trump of the archangels, who will comprise the Church?
_____________________________________________________________________
Church?
___________________________________________________________________
(10) The theology of the church would lend itself to a simple statement that would
indicate that it has been, and continues to be surrounded in mystery. That mystery is the
main bone of contention in Jewish Eschatology. On one sheet, write a response to this
LESSON # VII
(1) On the relevance of symbolism contained in the whole thrust of Eschatology, what
is that single symbol that puts the prophet Daniel, Jesus Christ, Paul the apostle, and
(2) Though as a rule of the thumb, the Word of God should be approached with a literal
“For the single reason it is so filled with symbols and other figures of speech”
(3) What in the Fifth Chapter of the Revelation would trigger off a burst of
spontaneous praise and worship of all the nations, races, languages, and peoples?
“When the realization that no man was found worthy to open the seals and look into
them except the ‘Lion of the tribe of Judah – the Lamb that was slain”
The answer to this would emerge from the Student’s grasp that the literary structure of the
Revelation is filled with images, symbolic language, personifications and many other picture-
forming means of communication. So while, per se, it does lend itself to one’s imagination,
that is not one that would lead the reader to a path or ignorance and error. After all, our
ability to imagine is a gift from God to enhance, not destroy our lives.
(5) Taking to consideration all the Greek syntax in Chapter 6: 1, 3, 5 & 7 where the
word come can also be translated go, what does go then show more clearly?
“It shows that nothing can move in heaven without permission.”
(6) There are two distinct interpretations of the rider on the white horse (Chapter 6)
that emerge from two schools of thought. What are those ‘schools’ and who do they say
the rider is? “The pretribulationists, they generally believe the rider to be Christ;
while the posttribulationist generally believe him to be the Antichrist.”
(7) There are two distinct sets of people in the Revelation: one is sealed (Chap.7),
the other is marked (Chap. 13); what is the fate of each?
“The sealed ones are divinely protected, while the marked ones are destined for doom.”
(8) What makes the “bizarre’ creatures (Chap. 9) coming out of the dark Abyss,
almost defying description, and inflicting excruciating pain on those carrying the mark of
the beast, believable? “Because we have body of information that has been
historically proven and validated, including the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the
dead.”
(9) Many assume that these foreboding creatures will spell so much dread on mankind
that they will automatically force men to repent and turn from their wicked ways.
What is there in Chapter 9 to indicate otherwise?
(10) While scholars differ on the time-frame of certain Tribulation events, they are
almost unanimous that the Day of the Lord is that very strategic segment of Last Days
that will signal unparallel dread for the dwellers on the earth at that time. What does
Amos 5:18-19 say about that? “Woe to you who long for the day of the LORD! Why
do you long for the day of the LORD? That day will be a day of darkness, not light…”
LESSON # VIII
(1) How would the writings of Daniel be charged with prophetic urgency and at the
(2) Though a rather serious book indeed, how did John in the Revelation differ in his
(3) The Books of Daniel and Revelations both have a primary and ultimate thrust. It’s
not about us simply trying to know the future, or attempting to establish whether the
“…The Sovereign Lord of the universe and His plan for it”
likely, in defiance of the king’s wishes. What were the results of that action?
“At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished…”
(5) What, according to Daniel 1:20, was the added value to that act of obedience?
“The king found that the Hebrew boys were also 10 times better than all the magicians”
(6) When Nebuchadnezzar’s dream was being unraveled by Daniel, what did the wise
men and magicians and others had to settle for (Dan. 2:28)?
(7) Revelation’s pictures were more than scary, to say the least; but what in the final
analysis is there to suggest that Jesus Christ, ultimately, is the Champion (Rev.
11:15)?
“When ‘the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of
(8) What is earmarked to happen to the devil at the end of the apocalyptic era as that
“He would be apprehended by an angel from heaven, bound, and cast into the Abyss,
(9) From the same chapter, what would eventually happen to Satan at the end of those
1000 years? “He will ultimately be thrown the lake of burning sulfur” (v. 10)
_____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Select any one of the listed topics and prepare a response to be orally presented. Also
prepare for class interaction on your presentation:
Since my great grand-mother was a child they told her that Jesus is
coming again; what’s the big deal with us today?
Someone says to you: “I’m convinced that the present Pope is the
Anti-Christ.” What do you say to that person?
[Those in the Bachelor’s Program are required to complete a 5 to 6 page, double-spaced paper.
Those in the Master’s will complete a 10 to 12 page double-spaced paper. In either case, those
numbers include both your cover page and Bibliography.]
Option 1. You are permitted to use your Class Presentation material in an expanded version. Or,
put another way, your Class Presentation could more or less be a condensed version of your
research paper. That means therefore, that you stick with the same topic you would have chosen.
Or,
“Wars and rumors of wars…” How does a Christian get beyond the mere
cliché and present the true-to-life picture of the end times?
BIBLIOGRAPHY
(1.) Bauckham, R. J., New Bible Dictionary, Second Edition, Inter Vasity Press, Leicester,
high regard.
(2.) Birdsall, J. N., New Bible Dictionary, Second Edition, Inter Vasity Press, Leicester,
New Testament and Textual criticism at the renowned University of Birmingham. He’s
(3.) Ericksons, Millard J., Contemporary Options in Eschatology, Baker Book House,
prolific and accomplished writer, known for his analytical proficiency, and is un-
(4.) Gortner, J. Narver, Studies in Revelation, Gospel Publishing House, Mss., USA, 1948.
- ___________________ Though he
approach to the study and teaching of God’s Word still helps and blesses many seminaries
today.
(5.) Hendriksen, William, Survey of the Bible, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids,
_ ___________________Dr.
Hendriksen has been characterized this way: “A conservative theologian who is open-
minded and fair, yet who never departs even by a hair-breadth from the position of
comes via the “information highway”. Its reliability has to be treated with that context,
(7.) Henry, Matthew, One Volume Commentary on the Whole Bible, 1960 Edition, Eastern
_ __________________ to many in
the Christian arena, he represents that of an icon in the department of Bible Commentary.
Matthew Henry is one of those must read. Admittedly though, with advancing
knowledge, and a wide panel of Expositors on the Christian Landscape, with so much
(8.) Joyner, Rick, A prophetic Vision For the 21st Century, Nelson, Nashville, USA, 1999.
_ _________________ One is
careful to keep in mind that God’s Word, including prophecies and visions, and dreams, is
never of any private (or selective) interpretation, regardless to how distinct the prophet
might think himself to be. Prophecies need confirmation – perhaps even before they are
uttered.
(9.)Ladd, George E., Blessed Hope, Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., Michigan, USA, 1956
what he propounds. As such, one can rely on his responsible approach to God’s Word.
Keeping in mind, that deep conviction, however, does not exempt us from our own bias.
So, like anyone else, his work must be also read prayerfully and analytically.
(10.) Morris, L. L., New Bible Dictionary, Second Edition, Inter Vasity Press,
Principal and Lecturer of Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia, and also the Canon of
the Melbourne Cathedral, has been engaged with the study and teaching of God’s Word
(11.) Murray, Arnold, Shepherd’s Chapel, SVG Television, October 26, 2009.
has with him over half-a-century of Radio and Television teaching and several more years
as a seminarian; however, his views seem not opened to scrutiny. So, he teaches just
about whatever comes to his head, or his denomination’s stand, opening up himself for a
great repute and respect. Much of his books may not be around now. But many
(13.) Pentecost, J. Dwight, Bible Knowledge Commentary, Victor Books, USA, 1978.
, as one will observe, he is very well read; and therefore should be read.
(14.) Pentecost, J. Dwight, Things to Come, Zondervan Pub. House, USA, 1977.
the category of the crème de la crème of works done in the field of eschatology. He’s
(15) Philipose, K., The Imminent Return of Jesus Christ, OM-Authentic Books, India,
subject of eschatology is a dynamic one, and information is constantly being viewed in light
of current affairs, one should always seek to keep abreast with the varying perspectives; not
for any new revelation, of course, but to see what we might have missed in the process, and
(16.) Phillips, J. B., The Book of Revelation, Fontana Books, London, England, 1957.
be said of John Bertram Phillips that is not already known? This outstanding scholar, writer,
and, perhaps for what he is best known, a Bible Translator, when home to meet His Lord in
July of 1982. However, the spiritual and intellectual legacy he has left behind, including the
seminaries today.
(17.) Ryrie, Charles C., N. I. V. Study Bible, Moody Press, Chicago, USA, 1986. __
clear indication of the spiritual depth of such an individual. Countless thousands have been
helped in ways more than one by this dear servant of God. Having said that, he too, does not
(18.) Tyndale’s New Bible Dictionary, Second Edition, Tyndale House Pub. (1962), Carol
work of Dr. Kenneth N. Taylor, which he founded in 1962, has been an extremely helpful aid
to many a researcher. He has been able to harness a long list of Christian intellectuals in the
(19.) Westlake, Jr., George W., Text book on Daniel & Revelation, ICI University,
from a background of many years of pasturing, Bible College teaching – that’s several places
across the Continents, in addition to 14 years in radio and television ministry, his work is
(20.) Wilkerson, David, Racing Toward Judgment, Spire Books, New Jersey, USA, 1976.
_ ________________ Wilkerson
was the ‘hero’ of a different era. But since Christianity is not a popularity contest, we can
gracefully surrender the ‘things’ when we were young. Some invaluable insights can be
gleaned from the book, but, for the author’s sake, he needs to ‘tone down’ some of his
religious rhetoric.
hails from a network of prestigious academics who have committed themselves to the
maintenance and integrity of Biblical data; and in that network, iron sharpens iron. As such,
(22.) Wuest, Kenneth S., Expanded Translation of the Greek New Testament, Wm. B.
of fresh air for one attempting to correlate the Language of today’s Scripture with the
original Greek; and he does it both with simplicity yet with full authority. Any serious
Student of the Word should ensure his works on the NT is on their shelf.
(23.) Zondervan, NIV Study Bible (Fully Revised)), Zondervan Publishing Co., Grand
any written form. One is made richer by far if one has been available to their works.
expressed for the availability of a world of information via the internet and super highway.
All Scriptural quotations are from the New International Version of the Bible, or otherwise
the King James Version, when so indicated.