Final Mysteries Unsealed

What we have referred to as the “fourth” vision of Daniel that began in chapter ten, now reaches its grand climax in chapter twelve with its prophecies about the Great Tribulation, the resurrection of Old Testament saints, the sealing of prophecy until the time of the end, and the abomination of desolation. Everything we have studied to this point has been prologue to the magnificent conclusion of Daniel’s prophecy. We begin chapter twelve with references to Daniel’s people-the Jews-and to the archangel Michael, the protector of the nation of Israel-an assignment that has already been a full-time job for him throughout the ages and, in some ways, has only just begun.

DANIEL 12:1-3

While Michael has been the protective overseer of the Jews throughout their history, his work will become even more critical in the days ahead. The end-time reality for the Jews, according to prophecy, will deteriorate into something worse than anything anyone has ever witnessed in world history. Therefore, when you and I think we have it difficult at any given moment, we must remember that the pain and sorrow we may be suffering will pale into insignificance when compared with the trials and tribulations yet to come to so many. Jeremiah 30:7 says:

Jesus confirmed Jeremiah’s prophecy in Matthew 24:21 when He said,

However, Jesus says that Michael the protector will also be there on the scene, doing battle with Satan in the heavenlies (Revelation 12:7-8). In Daniel 12:1 we see Michael “standing for the people of Israel.” Why will Michael be there? So that the Jews might be saved physically. That’s Michael’s job, and the Jews-at the time of the end-will never need his assistance more than during this time of “Jacob’s trouble”-that period during the Tribulation hour when Russia marches down to the Middle East after the Antichrist has broken his peace contract with Israel-forty-two months after the contract has been in effect.

Everything will be relatively smooth sailing up to that time, the epitome of economic and political sweetness and light, and then Bam! Everything is smashed to pieces at the midpoint of the Tribulation period (Daniel 9:27) as Russia goes up against “the land of unwalled villages … to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates” (Ezekiel 38:11). This is the beginning of the time of great persecution for the Jews as Satan is cast out of heaven, with his primary assignment to obliterate the Jewish people from the face of the earth (Revelation 12:13). For all these reasons, Michael will be there to stand up for his people, as revealed to Daniel in the first verse of chapter twelve.

Those Who Sleep Will Awake

If you are a Jewish person, I want you to know that your Old Testament teaches the promise of a resurrection, and that there will be life beyond the grave. Unfortunately, many Jews do not know that Daniel 12:2 is in the Bible. This end-time event is something one should look forward to if one has come to recognize that the expected Messiah is the Lord Jesus Christ and has received Him as a personal Savior. If you are a Gentile who loves the Jewish people, it is paramount that you share this text with your Jewish friends and encourage them to understand that there will also be a place for them during these end-time events. Here’s the scenario-and it is a critical one for us to understand in some detail. It all begins with the resurrection of the righteous at the time of the Rapture.

We read in John 5:28-29,

That is the Rapture. Then

That is when the lost are raised at the conclusion of the thousand years-to stand before Jesus Christ at the Great White Throne judgment (Revelation 20:11-15).

Revelation 4:1 says,

Not a Pretty Sight

At this point, the horrible Tribulation hour begins to unfold. To those who may disagree with what I’m about to write, I would like to say this: I am only the messenger of what is stated categorically in God’s Word. These are not my thoughts, but rather the words of God taken from holy Scripture. So during this time of Tribulation, great numbers of both Jews and Gentiles will be killed for refusing to receive the mark of the beast (Revelation 13:15). Revelation 20:4 adds:

This is the resurrection for those who endured the Great Tribulation hour- those who were saved through the preaching of the 144,000 converted Jews of Revelation 7:4-8. Because of these faithful servants, millions of people-Jews and Gentiles alike-invite Christ into their lives as Savior and Lord. These are the ones who’ve come out of the Tribulation and who have washed their robes, making them white in the blood of the Lamb. Millions will physically survive the seven-year Tribulation period and will also be saved spiritually.

In Matthew 25:31-46, Christ returns to judge the nations and to begin His thousand-year reign, allowing those who survived the 2,520-day period to enter the millennium in their natural bodies. At this point, the previously raptured saints return with Christ (Jude 14). That’s the moment when He returns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16). The armies of heaven follow Him to the descending Holy City-the new Jerusalem which hovers above the earthly Jerusalem-for one thousand years.

This city, containing twelve gates, honors each of the twelve Jewish patriarchs of the Old Testament by inscribing their names on the gates. How do the Jews arrive in this scenario? Simply answered-the resurrection of Jewish believers in this chapter, verse 2. Millions who died during the Tribulation hour, of both Jews and Gentiles, plus all believing Old Testament Jews covering a period of four thousand years, are raised to live with Christ for one thousand years, at this juncture, when our Savior returns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16; 20:4). These Old Testament Jews strongly believed in and looked forward to Messiah’s first and second coming and founded their faith in Him as their redeemer-based on Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22.

These resurrected Jews who lived a holy life, such as Daniel, receive rewards just as the Church did at the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; Revelation 4:10-11). So whether we are Jews or Gentile believers, there will be rewards for all the faithful. Remember that all these saints assemble at this time for one reason only: to live and reign with Christ for one thousand years. If you do not believe that Jews and Christians rule equally in Christ’s kingdom on earth, I urge you to re-study Ephesians 2:14-22 and Revelation chapters twenty-one and twenty-two, the basis for this glorious promise. All this-although not in such detail-is what Daniel is being told in his vision.

We will conclude our study of the book of Daniel next week.

FROM THE HEART OF DR. REXELLA VAN IMPE

You Are God’s Gift to a Lost World

Did you ever realize that you are God’s gift to your world? He has planted you on this earth like a precious flower to share the beautiful scent of salvation with people in the parched desert around you. He gave you as a gift to these souls in need, and He expects you not only to brighten their world, but to bear fruit of new souls won to His kingdom. It’s not difficult to do when you allow the Holy Spirit to work through you.

People all around you need hope. You can tell, just reading the newspaper. I read several periodicals every week, just to keep current on world events . . . And I can’t help but notice that so many articles in the papers point to despair.

Violent crime is on the rise. Unemployment and poverty are rampant. Even suicide – which used to be so rare – is becoming commonplace. It breaks my heart to read that suicide is one of the leading causes of death among teenagers. Now even children are following this deadly trend, like the little girl we read about in Florida. She threw herself in front of a train because her mother was dying with the AIDS virus.

Yet every time I read a newspaper item like this, it just rings an alarm bell in my heart that says: People need HOPE. They need the truth of God’s love. “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” We read about the love of God in Hebrews 6:19. That hope is our anchor, and God is calling each one of us to share that hope with souls in danger around us. Jesus has chosen you and me as His gift to a lost and dying world, to share his eternal love.

I know that you prize soul-winning above every other calling in your life; you have demonstrated that by your strong support of this ministry, which is sharing God’s love continually with those in need. Yet I also believe that God has called each one of His children to share His precious salvation message in our personal lives.

How can we do it? How can we find the words?

The Lord knows you inside and out; He knows you better than you know yourself. Through His intimate knowledge of your special talents and your limitations, I believe He will call you to win souls in the best, most effective way possible for you … What I mean is, God does not expect you to become an evangelist or a Gospel singer or a street-corner preacher. He simply calls you to do what you are able to do in presenting a Gospel witness.

For instance, there’s a little shopping mall near my home where I like to browse when I can spare a few minutes. I don’t go there with my Bible under my arm, looking for someone I could talk to … I simply go shopping like any other lady. But the Lord has given me opportunities to witness to several of the workers at that mall – waitresses and sales ladies.

Sometimes one of them will say, “Why are you always so happy? There’s something different about you.” They don’t care whether or not I’ve been to Bible school or what church I attend. They just notice Gods love at work in me. Or sometimes if I ask one of them how they’re doing, they will say, “I’m having a problem …” and they pour out their hearts to me.

They sense my love and interest in their lives, and they want to know what makes me happy. Through these simple things, the Lord has allowed me to lead several of these ladies to the cross and pray with them to accept Jesus. It’s not difficult, and it doesn’t require that you know a lot of Scripture or have a powerful testimony.

I would encourage you to use our video teachings in your personal witnessing. Invite your neighbors to a Bible study in your home, and use Jack’s video teaching as a guide – or give our videos as a gift. It’s a loving and effective way to warn your friends about the coming end times and lead them to Jesus.

I know from my own personal experience that there is something YOU can do for the Lord. You can personally witness to others and help lead them to Christ, in a specific way which God has enabled you to share and which no one else on earth could do like you. You are God’s gift to a lost world – let Him use you to reach your world with His good news!

CHANGED LIVES-one at a time

Dearest Dr. Jack & Dr. Rexella,

Wanted to let you know how special each one of you are. I have been watching your program and I am amazed at the information you bring to us. You both present it in a format that I can understand and give scriptures to follow up with. I have just suscribed to your mailings and I will be sharing the information to my father who is going to be eighty years young next February. My father has become interested in the book of Revelations, and has many questions. With your knowledge here in black and white, I will be able to share this great news with him.

Thank you so very much. Thank you for sharing God’s great news to all.

In Christ,

Sharon S.

The halls of hell must surely be shaking tonight. I have just watched the program presented through my local station, WGGS TV 16 Dove Broadcasting in Greenville, South Carolina (June 2, 2012). Thank you so much for marching forth in the blessed name of Jesus Christ….our Lord and Savior THE ONLY SAVIOR OF THIS WORLD. I’m sick to death of preachers proclaiming lies from the pulpit. If you know your scriptures at all…YOU KNOW THEY ARE LIES. It’s time we had someone bold enough to stand up and say it!!! I will pray for God’s hand of protection and strength to be upon you as you lead lost ones out of the New Age Darkness….

Beverly S.

HIGHLIGHTED PRODUCT OFFERS

Animals in Heaven?

For anyone who has ever lost a beloved pet, Dr. Jack and Rexella Van Impe have good news! You will see your furry or feathered friends again – in heaven! Explore this exciting truth taught by twelve of the greatest Christian theologians.

You will see and hear the exact spine-tingling statements from the pens of men like Dr. John Walvoord, Dr. Billy Graham, Dr. J. Vernon McGee, Dr. John Calvin and many others. This video study deals with animal intelligence, animal communication, and how animals literally teach humans some valuable lessons.

Attack on Christian America

How much danger is North America in today because of the march toward the embrace of Islam in Washington DC, and at the United Nations?

Why is President Obama promoting the passage of a United Nations “Hate Law” bill that favors Islam and endangers Christians around the world?

Why is our president silent concerning the persecution and slaughter of Christians in many Muslim nations?