Romans Chapter 9 Vs. 28

 

God's Sovereign Choice

For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. Rom 9:28

2Pet. 3:9: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

Those promises were fulfilled in the Captivity and Exile of both Israel and Judah and in the destruction of Jerusalem in a.d. 70 and will also be fulfilled in the national end-time deliverance of Israel (Rom. 11:26-27).

Daniel Chapter 12 Vs. 9

 The Time of the End

Daniel 12:9 "And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words [are] closed up and sealed till the time of the end."





And he said... As the angel already stated (Dan. 12:4), the words are to be closed up and sealed (kept intact and thus made available) until the time of the end (the second half of the 70th “seven” of years; cf. Dan. 12:7; also note “end” in Dan. 12:4, 12:13).

for the words... What God revealed to Daniel will continue to be obscure to them (cf. 1Co. 2:14), but the wise (i.e., the righteous; cf. “wise” and “righteousness” in Dan. 12:3) will understand.

The Words are sealed until the time of the end. These things will become more apparent to the generation this comes upon. I personally believe this is our generation. The reading of the book of Daniel was not sealed, but the understanding was sealed.



As the angel already stated (Dan. 12:4), the words are to be closed up and sealed (kept intact and thus made available) until the time of the end (the second half of the 70th “seven” of years; cf. Dan. 12:7; also note “end” in Dan. 12:4, 12:13).

Romans Chapter 9 Vs. 27

God's Sovereign Choice

Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: Rom 9:27

Though the number... The 5th Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in Romans (Rom. 9:27-28; Isa. 10:22-23). Next, Rom. 9:29.

Isaiah prophesied that the southern kingdom of Judah would be conquered and scattered, temporarily rejected by God, because of her unbelief. Paul’s point is that the scattering Isaiah described was only a preview of Israel’s rejection of the Messiah and her subsequent destruction and scattering.

Psm. 9:8 “And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.”

Acts 17:31 “Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by [that] man whom he hath ordained; [whereof] he hath given assurance unto all [men], in that he hath raised him from the dead.”

Here Paul quoted Old Testament verses to support the fact that God in His sovereign choice and calling always includes a Jewish segment, though it is a minority. The passages quoted (Isa. 10:22-23 and Isa. 1:9, both from the lxx) make it clear that in God’s judgment on rebellious Israel He by sovereign choice preserves and saves a remnant. 

Daniel Chapter 12 Vs. 8

 The Time of the End

Daniel 12:8 "And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what [shall be] the end of these [things]?"

what (shall be)... Question 16. The last question in Daniel. What will follow these events of the 3 1/2 years during which time Antichrist will scatter the Jewish nation?

The 10-fold Answer to Daniel:

1. Go thy way, Daniel (Dan. 12:13).

2. The vision is sealed until the time of the end (Dan. 12:4).

3. Many shall be purified.

4. Many shall be made white.

5. Many will be tried.

6. The wicked will increase wickedness.

7. The wicked will not understand the vision, but the righteous will (Dan. 12:10).

8. From the time the daily sacrifice will be taken away (Dan. 12:11; 8:9-14; 9:27), and from the setting up of the abomination of desolation there will be three periods:.

(1) 1,260 days (Dan. 12:7)

(2) 1,290 days (Dan. 12:11)

(3) 1,335 days (Dan_12:12).

9. Blessed is the man that waits and lives up to the end of the 1,335 days (Dan. 12:12).

10. You will have a part in these events of the days following the 1,335 days (Dan. 12:13).

Daniel is like so many of us. He heard the words, but he did not understand what they were saying. His only chance of understanding is in the Lord.





Then Daniel addressed a question to Gabriel, whom he called My lord (a term of respect like “Sir”; cf. Dan. 10:16-17, 10:19). Daniel asked, What will the outcome of all this be? He wanted to know God’s program for Israel beyond the Tribulation period. Little information about Israel’s blessings in the millennial reign following the Second Advent of Christ had been given to Daniel, though he did know that God’s eternal kingdom will be established (Dan. 2:44; 7:14, 7:22, 7:27) and the saints will possess (rule in) that kingdom. Many such prophecies had been given through the prophets and more would be given through prophets who were yet to come (Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi).

Romans Chapter 9 Vs. 26

 

God's Sovereign Choice

And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God. Rom 9:26

And it shall... The 4th Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in Romans (Rom. 9:26; Hos. 1:9-10). Next, Rom. 9:27.

1Jhn 3:1 “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.”

We see in all of this, that God is speaking of the Gentiles who become Church through faith in Jesus Christ.

Gal. 3:29 “And if ye [be] Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

God was not permanently casting away the people of Israel, however. In the verses quoted by Paul God promised to restore them as His beloved and as His people. By ethnic heritage the Gentiles were not God’s people, so Paul was led by the Spirit of God to apply these verses to Gentiles — and Jews also — who were sovereignly chosen by God and called to be His people in Christ. The quotation of Hos. 2:23 is rather free with the order of the clauses reversed to fit the application to Gentiles. Paul was applying these verses from Hosea to the Gentiles, not reinterpreting them. He was not saying that Israel of the Old Testament is part of the church.

Daniel Chapter 12 Vs. 7

 The Time of the End

Daniel 12:7 "And I heard the man clothed in linen, which [was] upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth forever that [it shall be] for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these [things] shall be finished."

when he held... This is the same action as that of the angel (Christ) in Rev. 10:1-6, and concerns the last 3 1/2 years of Daniel’s 70th week (Dan. 12:7; 7:25; Rev. 11:1-3; 12:6, 12:14; 13:5). During this time the vision will be completed and the end of the age will come.

for a time... Three Time Periods of Dan. 12:1-13.

1. The "time, times, and an half, " or the 3 1/2 years (Dan. 12:7), are the 42 months of Antichrist’s war on Israel till God purges every rebel from the nation making her willing to do His will (Eze. 20:33-38; Zec. 13:9; Mal. 3:3). Antichrist could easily destroy Israel in a short time after he breaks his covenant with them, if God were not to interfere. But God will supernaturally cause the ground to open up and swallow the armies of the dragon and Antichrist as they flee after Israel when she goes into the wilderness of Moab and Edom to escape from the hands of Antichrist (Dan. 11:41; Isa. 16:1-5; Mat. 24:16; Rev. 12:14-17); and He will protect the remnant of the woman which does not flee into the wilderness, through stirring up the countries of the north and east against the Antichrist. He will then leave the remnant during the last 3 1/2 years, going forth to conquer these nations. They will keep him occupied during this time. Then after conquering these countries, he will lead them and many other nations against Jerusalem to destroy it, but God will come and put an end to the Gentile dominion and deliver Israel (Zec. 14:1-21; Rev. 19:1-21). This war between Antichrist and countries of the north and east will cause the persecution of Israel to be shortened as in Mat. 24:22.

2. The next period is an addition of 30 days to the 1,260 days of the above mentioned period (Dan. 12:11).

3. The last period is 1,335 days, an addition of 45 days to the second period. The extra 75 days (the 30 days and 45 days) added to the 1,260 days will complete the 1,335 days of Dan. 12:7-13, the last day of which will be the actual day of the proclamation of the kingdom, when men who have lived through the tribulation will be blessed. It is the actual time when Christ will say to the sheep nations: "Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Mat. 25:34). These extra 75 days will be taken up by certain events necessary to the actual proclamation of the kingdom.

Eighteen Events of the Seventy-five Days:

1. The battle of Armageddon (Joe. 3:1-21; Zec. 14:1-21; Rev. 19:11-21)

2. Burial of the dead begun (Eze. 39:8-22)

3. Great earthquake and splitting of the Mt. of Olives (Zec. 14:1-5)

4. Rounding up of the prisoners of the armies of Antichrist and disposition of them (Eze. 39:2)

5. Rounding up and casting of Satan and every demon and fallen angel into the abyss (Isa. 24:21-22; Rev. 20:1-3)

6. Gathering of Israel by the angels (Isa. 11:10-12; Mat. 24:31)

7. Gathering of the nations to judgment (Mat. 25:31-46)

8. Separation of the tares and wheat (Mat. 13:39-50)

9. Cleansing Jerusalem and beginning its rebuilding for the eternal kingdom (Eze. 48:1-35)

10. Rounding up of all beast worshipers and all who have the mark of the beast to be sent to hell (Rev. 14:9-11)

11. Erection of the Millennial temple (Ezekiel 40-46; Zec. 6:12-13)

12. Sending out the resurrected saints as the new earth rulers to take over every inhabited part of the earth (Dan. 7:18, 7:27; 1Co. 6:2; Rev. 5:10; 11:15; 22:4-5)

13. Sending out missionaries from Jerusalem to evangelize the nations (Isa. 2:2-4; 11:9; 52:7; Zec. 8:23)

14. Establishing government offices in every part of the earth and publishing the new laws of the kingdom of heaven on earth (Isa. 2:2-4)

15. Division of the promised land into 12 strips and the settlement of the 12 tribes in their portions (Eze. 48:1-35)

16. Settling of the nations in their own portions of the earth (Deut. 32:8; Act 17:26)

17. Opening of the earth and starting of the Millennial river (Eze. 47:1-23)

18. All necessary work in making the deserts blossom as a rose, waters to spring forth in the deserts, changing the animals, regulating the solar system as it was before the fall, and many other events that will continue throughout the Millennium and new earth forever.

when he shall... Antichrist will not destroy the Jewish nation. He will only scatter them and their power; and then all things will be finished concerning their eternal restoration (Dan. 9:24; Eze. 37:1-28; Rom. 11:25). ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE FINISHED".

Gabriel answered the inquiring angel that those events will be fulfilled in a time, times, and half a time, that is, in three and one-half years (cf. see Dan. 7:25). Though this final ruler will reign for seven years, the first half will be a time of comparative peace for Israel. They will be enjoying the benefits of the covenant this king will make with them (Dan. 9:27). Israel will be “a land of unwalled villages,” a land in which the people will be “without walls and without gates and bars” (Eze. 38:11). But the Antichrist will break that covenant (Dan. 9:27) near the middle of the 70th “seven” of years. Then the king of the South and the king of the North will invade Israel (Dan. 11:40). After destroying these two armies, this Gentile king (the Antichrist) will move into Israel, occupy the land, and set up his political and religious headquarters in Jerusalem (Dan. 11:41, 11:45). He will reign in Jerusalem as king and god and will become the greatest persecutor Israel has ever known (Rev. 13:5-7). Israel’s power will be broken by his ruthless power, and then at the end of the Tribulation all these things (again the events in Dan. 11:40-45) will be completed.

Romans Chapter 9 Vs. 25

 

God's Sovereign Choice

As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. Rom 9:25

Osee, I will... The 3rd Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in Romans (Rom. 9:25; Hos. 2:23). Next, Rom. 9:26.

Hosea spoke of the ultimate restoration of Israel to God, but Paul’s emphasis is that restoration necessarily implies her present alienation from God. Therefore, Israel’s unbelief is consistent with the Old Testament revelation.

This scripture quotes from Hosea:

Hos. 1:9-10 “Then said [God], Call his name Loammi: for ye [are] not my people, and I will not be your [God].” “Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, [that] in the place where it was said unto them, Ye [are] not my people, [there] it shall be said unto them, [Ye are] the sons of the living God.”

Hos. 2:23 “And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to [them which were] not my people, Thou [art] my people; and they shall say, [Thou art] my God.”

Up to this point Paul had been speaking conditionally and objectively, but in Rom. 9:24 he was more direct — even us — because he and his readers were some of the vessels of mercy sovereignly chosen by God. God not only chose them but He also called them, including Jews and Gentiles. The point is that God’s sovereign choice was manifested not only in the Jews’ ancestry (in Isaac and Jacob, Rom. 9:6-13), but also in Paul’s generation and today. To back up his conclusion and particularly the part about Gentiles, Paul quoted two verses from Hosea (Hos. 2:23; 1:10). God directed Hosea to give his children symbolic names — one son Lo-Ammi (not my people) and the daughter Lo-Ruhamah (not… loved). These represented God’s abandonment of the Northern Kingdom of Israel to the Assyrian Captivity and Exile (Hos. 1:2-9).

Daniel Chapter 12 Vs. 6

 The Time of the End

Daniel 12:6 "And [one] said to the man clothed in linen, which [was] upon the waters of the river, How long [shall it be to] the end of these wonders?"





man clothed in... No doubt the same divine person as described in Dan. 10:5-6. Linen speaks of righteousness. The man clothed in linen was of higher rank than the two. They were looking to Him for answers, as if He were the Lord. Notice, also, he was on the water, not in the water.

How long shall... Question 15. Next, Dan. 12:8.

said to the... Eight-fold Description of the Messiah

1. His clothing was fine linen (Dan. 10:5; 12:6-7; cp. Rev. 1:13; 19:8; Exo. 28:4-12).

2. His loins were girded with a golden girdle (Dan. 10:5; cp. Rev. 1:13).

3. His body was like a beryl (Dan. 10:6; cp. Rev. 4:3). The beryl is a gem of blue green or other color combinations.

4. His face was as the appearance of lightning (Dan. 10:6; cp. Rev. 1:16; 10:1).

5. His eyes were as lamps of fire (Dan. 10:6; cp. Rev. 1:15; 19:12).

6. His arms like polished brass (Dan. 10:6; cp. Rev. 1:15; 10:1).

7. His feet like polished brass (Dan. 10:6; cp. Rev. 1:15; 10:1).

8. His voice was like a multitude (Dan. 10:6; cp. Rev. 1:15; 8:5; 10:2-4; 11:15; 14:2; 16:17-18; 19:6; Psm. 29:1-11.

We see in the following Scripture that the disciples asked the Lord Jesus the same question. Matthew 24:3 "And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? And what [shall be] the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?"

We also saw someone similar to this in Chapter 10 verse 5.

When most people look at the Lord, they see the figure of a man. It could, also, be Michael representing the Lord Jesus.




Evidently two angels had attended the angelic messenger, who was probably Gabriel (cf. see Dan. 10:5). One of the angels across the river (the Tigris; cf. Dan. 10:4) called to an angel standing by Gabriel (the one clothed in linen; cf. Dan. 10:5) and asked, How long will it be before these astonishing things are fulfilled? “These astonishing things” probably refer to the events recorded in Dan. 11:36-45, which pertain to Israel’s final occupation by the coming Gentile ruler.

Romans Chapter 9 Vs. 24

 

God's Sovereign Choice

Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? Rom 9:24

You see, the mercy of God is so great that He holds back His wrath until all who will accept Jesus as Savior have come into the kingdom.

Up to this point Paul had been speaking conditionally and objectively, but in Rom. 9:24 he was more direct — even us — because he and his readers were some of the vessels of mercy sovereignly chosen by God. God not only chose them but He also called them, including Jews and Gentiles. The point is that God’s sovereign choice was manifested not only in the Jews’ ancestry (in Isaac and Jacob, Rom. 9:6-13), but also in Paul’s generation and today. To back up his conclusion and particularly the part about Gentiles, Paul quoted two verses from Hosea (Hos. 2:23; 1:10).

Daniel Chapter 12 Vs. 5

 The Time of the End

Daniel 12:5 "Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river."



there stood other... Here is another divine visitation to Daniel.

bank of the... The River Hiddekel. Now known as the Tigris.

Questions concerning the Great Tribulation

This section (Dan. 12:5-13) includes two requests (one by an angel and one by Daniel) and two angelic replies. The first request is in Dan. 12:5-6, and the first answer is in Dan. 12:7.

These two as stated above, are angelic beings. Had the Lord wanted us to know their names He would have given them. The message is the important thing. The message carrier is not important.

The bank of the River is unimportant, as well. It could have been the Tigris River, new name for the Hiddekel. The fact there were two is for witness. In scripture, by two, a thing is established. The two could, also, symbolize the spiritual house of Israel and the physical house of Israel.



This section (Dan. 12:5-13) includes two requests (one by an angel and one by Daniel) and two angelic replies.

Romans Chapter 9 Vs. 23

 

God's Sovereign Choice

And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Rom 9:23

vessels of mercy,... These are the Jew and Gentile converts to Christianity (Rom. 9:23-24).

This scripture is speaking of the greatness of His character, seen especially in the grace, mercy, compassion and forgiveness He grants sinners in Christ.

“Afore prepared unto glory” is speaking of God’s divine election.

The “vessels of mercy” are those He has chosen for salvation.

Eph. 2:3-5 “Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,” “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)”

The other alternative relates to God’s dealings with the objects (lit., “vessels”; cf. Rom. 9:21) of His mercy. God chose them as such in order to make the riches of His glory known and He prepared them in advance for glory (cf. Rom. 8:29-31; Col. 1:27; 3:4). The verb “He prepared in advance” (Rom. 9:23) is proētoimasen, “He made ready beforehand,” which God does by bestowing salvation. (The word “prepared” in Rom. 9:22 is katērtismena, “are made or prepared or ripened.”)

Daniel Chapter 12 Vs. 4

The Time of the End

Daniel 12:4 "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, [even] to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased."




shut up the... Close up the words, seal the book, for the main purpose of the book concerns things at the time of the end (Dan. 2:28-29, 2:43-45; 7:17-27; 8:17, 8:19, 8:23; 9:27; 10:14; 11:35, 11:45).

many shall run... A prediction of increased travel and knowledge.

Knowledge Shall Be Increased


Modern inventions are being referred to almost universally as fulfillment of prophecy. The only sense in which this is true is by fulfillment of Dan. 12:4—"knowledge shall be increased." One can list all present or future inventions and all increase of knowledge under this heading in a general way; but when it comes to finding every new invention in particular in Scripture, we immediately enter the realm of speculation and sensationalism and and become unscriptural. It will be seen that such interpretations are fully out of harmony with the Bible.

and knowledge shall... Is not Dan. 12:4 sufficient in its teaching that we are to have increase of knowledge in the last days?

The time referred to is Daniel’s 70th week which is the tribulation.

World knowledge is at an all time high right now. We have no problem seeing people running to and fro. The freeways are full of cars carrying people to different places. We are running to and fro at this very time.

This message was not for Daniel's time. It is for our time. His book has been sealed to full understanding from his time to now. It is easier to look back over history, and see what Daniel talked about in the first few chapters of this book.

This 12th chapter looks into the future. The book of Daniel is easier understood today than ever before, perhaps because we are living in the time of the end. This better characterizes this time than all of the rest. This is the age of the coming of the Lord.

The “back and forth” – “to and fro” contains a Hebrew verb form always refers to the movement of a person searching for something. In the tribulation, people will search for answers to the devastation and discover increased knowledge through Daniel’s preserved book.

Conclusion

Sealing of the book

Understandably Daniel and his immediate readers could not have comprehended all the details of the prophecies given in this book (cf. Dan. 12:8). Not until history continued to unfold would many be able to understand these prophetic revelations. But God indicated that an increased understanding of what Daniel had written would come. People today, looking back over history, can see the significance of much of what Daniel predicted. And in the time of the end (cf. Dan. 12:9, and note “ the end” and “the end of the days” in Dan. 12:13) the words of this book that have been sealed (kept intact) will be understood by many who will seek to gain knowledge from it. This will be in the Tribulation (cf. Dan. 11:40, “the time of the end”). Even though Daniel’s people may not have fully understood this book’s prophecies, the predictions did comfort them. They were assured that God will ultimately deliver Israel from the Gentiles and bring her into His covenanted promises.

Romans Chapter 9 Vs. 22

 

God's Sovereign Choice

What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: Rom 9:22

This verse begins with a rhetorical question, “What if God”... Then comes “Willing” which means “wanting”. The Greek word speaks of divine intention, not passive resignation.

endured with much... God could justly destroy sinners the first time they sin. But He patiently endures their rebellion rather than giving them what every sin immediately deserves: eternal punishment.

vessels of wrath... Vessels of wrath are Jews who were: stubborn (Rom. 9:6); proud (Rom. 9:31); rebellious (Rom. 9:32); ignorant (Rom. 10:3); jealous (Rom. 10:19); angry (Rom. 10:19); disobedient(Rom. 10:21); blind (Rom. 11:7); fallen (Rom. 11:12); cast away (Rom. 11:15); broken off (Rom. 11:20); spared not (Rom. 11:21); unbelieving (Rom. 11:23); cut off (Rom. 11:24). Are those whom God has not chosen for salvation, but rather allowed to incur the just penalty for their sin.

fitted to destruction... By their own rejection of Him. God does not make men sinful, but He leaves them in the sin they have chosen.

Eph. 5:5-6 “For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.”

We deserve the wrath of God. Only those who accept full pardon through the shed blood of Jesus Christ will be spared the wrath of God which will surely come.

Having stated that God is like a potter, Paul now applied this illustration to God’s sovereign purpose for different people. He stated the two alternatives as conditional clauses (What if… ?) and left unstated the obvious common conclusion: Does not God have that right? The one alternative is that God… bore with great patience (cf. 2Pet. 3:9) the objects (lit., “vessels”; cf. Rom. 9:21) of His wrath — prepared for destruction (apōleian, “ruin”).

Daniel Chapter 12 Vs. 3

 The Time of the End

Daniel 12:3 "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever."

they that be... Literally, it refers to those who make others wise, and those who win souls and turn many to righteousness (2Tim. 3:15-17). The second fact that consoled Daniel is the promise that those who sleep will be resurrected. Many Jews will lose their lives at the hands of Gentiles in the events revealed in Dan. 11:1-45 (cf. Rev. 20:4).

shine as the... Unbelieving Jews will be resurrected to shame and everlasting contempt and will not partake in the covenanted blessings. Jews, however, who believe the Messiah will be resurrected bodily to everlasting life and to positions of honor in Christ’s millennial kingdom. Being glorified in the kingdom, they will shine like the brightness of the heavens. (Cf. Mat. 13:43, “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.”) They will be wise, for they will trust in the Messiah even though it will result in their suffering.

This is speaking of being wise unto salvation. The following is a companion Scripture to this.

Mat. 13:43 "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear?"

The greatest privilege any of us have, is leading someone to the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Light of the world. When He comes and dwells within us, His Light shines forth through us. It is His Light that causes us to shine.

Jas. 5:20 "Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins."

God gives special honor in heaven to those who work at saving souls on the earth.

This is speaking of those having true knowledge by faith in God’s Word. Not only leaders (as 11:33), but others (11:35; 12:10).

To “shine” in glory is a privilege of all the saved. Any who influence others for righteousness shine like stars in varying capacities of light as their reward as in 1 Cor. 3:8 “Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. “





Being glorified in the kingdom, they will shine like the brightness of the heavens. (Cf. Mat. 13:43, “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.”) They will be wise, for they will trust in the Messiah even though it will result in their suffering.

This message that God will remember His covenant and will fulfill all He promised to Israel (in spite of her sufferings at the hands of the Gentiles) will be a consolation that will in turn cause them to lead others to righteousness (cf. the “wise” in Dan. 12:10). No righteousness of God’s people ever goes unrewarded so those who are faithful under persecution will shine like the stars forever and ever.

The resurrection of believers martyred in the Tribulation will occur at the second coming of Christ (cf. Rev. 20:4, “they came to life and reigned with Christ 1,000 years”). The unbelieving dead, however, will be resurrected to “everlasting contempt” and torment at the end of the 1,000-year reign of Christ (cf. Rev. 20:5; John 5:28-29).

Romans Chapter 9 Vs. 21

 

God's Sovereign Choice

Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? Rom 9:21

Hath not the... Paul argues that it is as irrational, and far more arrogant, for men to question God’s choice of certain sinners for salvation, as for a piece of pottery to question the purposes of the potter.

Vessel to honor... Until we can say, not my will be done but thine O Lord, we are truly not His. One of the first things a Christian must do is let God cut away all the rough edges. We must get on the wheel and let God form us into what He would have us to be. He has a perfect plan for us, if we will just submit and let Him fulfill it.

Isa. 64:8 “But now, O LORD, thou [art] our Father; we [are] the clay, and thou our potter; and we all [are] the work of thy hand.”

2 Tim. 2:20-21 “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor.” “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, [and] prepared unto every good work.”

It is not our job to figure out what we are to do for God. He chooses what position we are to have and we must conform to His wishes.

Drawing an analogy between the sovereign Creator and a potter, Paul asked, Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes (lit., “one vessel [pot or vase] unto honor”) and some for common use? (lit., “unto dishonor”) Obviously a potter from the same pile takes some clay to form a finely shaped and decorated vase and takes other clay to make a cooking pot (cf. Jer. 18:4-6). And the clay has no right to complain! The sovereign Creator has the same authority over His creatures, especially in light of man’s origin from dust (Gen. 2:7).

Daniel Chapter 12 Vs. 2

 The Time of the End

Daniel 12:2 "And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt."

And many of... This verse clearly states the doctrine of the first and second resurrections, but without the time element of 1,000 years between the two resurrections.

The Resurrections

There are two main kinds of resurrection: spiritual and material. Spiritual resurrection is that of the spirit being quickened from death in trespasses and sins. Such a resurrection causes one to be renewed in the glorious likeness of God (1Cor. 11:7; Eph. 4:21-24; Col. 3:10; 1Jhn. 3:9). It is taught in Eph. 2:1-6; 5:14; Rom. 6:11 and takes place only in this life. When physical death comes all possibility of such spiritual resurrection has passed (Ecc. 11:1; Heb. 9:27; Rev. 22:11). Material resurrection is that of the body to which we shall confine the rest of our study.

Kinds of Material Resurrection:

There are two kinds of material or physical resurrection: the righteous to life before the Millennium; and the wicked to damnation after the Millennium (Dan. 12:3; John 5:28-29; Rev. 10:4-6, 10:11-15). There will be 1,000 years between the two resurrections (Rev. 20:4-6).

1. The fact of a resurrection. The following Bible characters taught it: Job (Job 19:25-27), Isaiah (Isa. 26:14-19), Daniel (Dan. 12:2), David (Psm. 16:10; 17:15; Acts 2:31), O.T. saints (Heb. 11:35), N.T. saints (Mat. 28:1-20; Mar. 16:1-20; Luke 24:1-53; John 20-21; Acts 2:1-47; 4:1-37; etc.), Jesus (Mat. 16:21; 22:23-31; Luke 14:14; 20:27-36; 24:13-45), Matthew (Mat. 28:1-20), Mark (Mar. 16:1-18), Luke (Luke 24:1-49), John (John 19-21; Rev. 20:4-6), Mary (John 11:24), Herod (Mat. 14:2), Peter (1Pet. 1:3; 3:21), and Paul (Acts 17:18, 17:32; 23:6; 24:15, 24:21; Rom. 1:4; 6:5; 8:34; 1Cor. 15:1-58; Phlp. 3:10-11; Heb. 6:2; 11:35).

2. The resurrections foretold (Isa. 26:14-19; Dan. 12:2; Psm. 16:10; Mat. 12:41-42; 20:19; 27:63; 1Thes. 4:14-17; 1Cor. 15:1-58; Rev. 20:4-6; John 5:28-29).

3. Examples of resurrection—temporary and permanent:

(1) Temporary (See Mat. 9:25).

(2) Permanent—raised to immortality to live forever in their bodies. Christ "the firstfruits" was the first of all permanent resurrections (1Cor. 15:1-23). Then there were many O.T. saints resurrected after His resurrection (Mat. 27:53).

4. The order of the resurrection (1Cor. 15:20-34). There are five.

5. Qualifications for the first resurrection.

6. The method of the resurrection (1Cor. 15:35-50). Paul illustrates the method of the resurrection by the death and resurrection of a grain of wheat or some other grain.

The first Resurrection (Rev. 20:4-6; Dan. 12:2; John 5:28-29)

This is the resurrection of all the just, blessed and holy, from Adam to the Millennium. It covers the period of time from Christ’s resurrection to the resurrection of the tribulation saints and the two witnesses and includes the various companies of redeemed. There are Five Raptures in the First Resurrection. All who have part in this resurrection will have a part in ruling with Christ. He will not rule with just a select few, as taught by some (Rev. 20:4-6). This resurrection may be called the "out" resurrection; that is, a resurrection out of or from among the dead (Luke 14:14; 20:35-36; Phlp. 3:11-14; 1Thes. 4:14-17; 1Cor. 15:51-58; Heb. 11:35; Rev. 20:4-6). Just as Christ came out from among the dead as the firstfruits of the dead, so at the rapture the dead in Christ will come forth from among the wicked dead according to the above passages. Even the tribulation saints will come out from the wicked dead (Rev. 20:4-6). The wicked dead will not live again until the thousand years are finished (Rev. 20:4-6).

The Greek expression ek, nekron, out of the dead, is used 48 times and teaches a select resurrection from the dead—the righteous selected from among the wicked—but it does not teach a select resurrection of some righteous from among the remaining righteous (Mat. 17:9; Mar. 9:10; Luke 24:46; Acts 3:15; 4:10; 10:41; 13:30; 17:31; Rom. 1:4; 4:24; 6:4-9; 8:11; 1Cor. 15:12, 15:20-23; etc.). The theory that a few of the righteous will be selected from among the righteous is a mere human invention based upon a few historical stories of the O.T. which were never intended as types. There is a lack of even one plain scripture on the subject. All the dead and living in Christ will be in the first resurrection—not just a few of those in Christ. All who are out of Christ will be raised together after the Millennium to be judged and cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:4-6, 20:11-15).

The Resurrection of the Righteous:

1. The first resurrection (Rev. 20:4-6)

2. The resurrection of the just (Luke 14:14)

3. A resurrection of life (John 5:29)

4. A better resurrection (Heb. 11:35)

5. The resurrection of (from among) the dead (Phlp. 3:10-15)

The Second Resurrection (Dan. 12:3; John 5:28-29; Rev. 20:4-6)

This is the resurrection of all the wicked from Adam to the end of the Millennium. It will take place after the Millennium and will also include those wicked who die during the Millennium (Rev. 20:4-6, 20:11-15). They will be raised with immortal bodies to be tormented in hell forever (Mat. 10:28; John 5:28-29; 12:24; Dan. 12:2; Acts 24:15; 1Cor. 15:21, 15:34-50; Rev. 14:9-12; 19:20; 20:4-6, 20:11-15). The theory that only the righteous will be raised to immortality is false, not being founded on one scripture. The method of the resurrection of the just and unjust is plainly taught and illustrated by a grain of wheat or any other grain. So what makes the difference between the two resurrections? Does not a bad or poisonous seed reproduce in the same way that a good seed does? Do not both go through the same process? The resurrection of men follows this same process, the only difference being in the glory of one over another. Both the saved and unsaved will be immortal as is plainly taught in all Scripture. The wicked bodies will exist in conscious torment forever (Luke 12:5).

in the dust... Only the body sleeps in the dust of the earth, for only the body was made out of dust (Gen. 2:7; 3:19; Ecc. 3:19-21).

No Soul-Sleeping Taught in Scripture


All scriptures used to teach soul-sleep clearly refer to the body which does sleep in the dust of the earth until the resurrection of the body (Dan. 12:2; John 5:28-29). The body is the only part of man that dies at physical death (Jas. 2:26). The reason it dies is because the inner man, the life of the body, leaves the body. It then goes back to dust and is spoken of as being asleep (Gen. 3:19; Ecc. 3:19-21; Mat. 9:24; John 11:11; 1Cor. 11:30; 15:6, 15:18, 15:20, 15:51; 1Thes. 4:13-17).

Soul-Sleeping Scriptures Examined:


Every scripture used by those who teach soul-sleep refers to the body and not to the soul and spirit, as can be seen by an examination of the so called proof texts themselves.

1. Sleep in the dust (Job 7:21; Psm. 22:15; 146:4; Ecc. 3:19-20; Dan. 12:2). Only the body was made of dust and that is what will return to dust again (Gen. 2:7; 3:19; Ecc. 3:20). The soul and spirit are not made of material substances as the body so they will not return to dust.

2. Death—a falling asleep (Acts 7:60; 13:36; 1Cor. 15:6, 15:18, 15:20, 15:51; 1Thes. 4:13-17; 5:10; 2Pet. 3:4). This is true as far as the body is concerned, for the body is the only part men can see as falling asleep. No man could see the soul and spirit, or the invisible part of man, whether it fell asleep or not. In Acts 13:36 that which fell asleep was laid in a tomb and saw corruption. That seeing corruption definitely refers to the flesh is clear from Psm. 16:10; Acts 2:23-32. In these passages it was the flesh that saw no corruption while the soul went to hell. In David’s case his flesh saw corruption (Acts 13:36). In all the other passages above the thing that fell asleep was the flesh or body (1Cor. 15:35). Naturally, the body falls asleep when the spirit leaves it (Jas. 2:26).

3. Death is spoken of as sleep (Deut. 31:16; 2Sam. 7:12; 1Ki. 2:10; 11:21, 11:43). This refers to the body falling asleep, as in points 1 and 2, above.

4. No difference between man and beast in death (Ecc. 3:19-20). This is used as conclusive proof by false cults that both man and beast become extinct at death, but an honest acknowledgement of facts here will show that it refers to the body, not the soul. It says, All go to one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. There can be no argument against this, for both men and beasts were made of dust as far as the body is concerned (Gen. 2:7, 2:19). All bodies do return to dust again, but nothing is said here or in any other place that the souls and spirits (or the invisible and intangible parts) of men and beasts were made of dust. On the contrary, this same passage proves there is a distinction between man and beast as far as their spirits are concerned, for the spirit of man goeth upward, and the spirit of beast goeth downward to the earth.

5. No consciousness in death (Psm. 6:5). This verse must be understood with other facts. In physical death there is no remembrance, because the body dies and has no soul or spirit in it that could cause the body to continue having memory and consciousness. The body without the spirit is dead (Jas. 2:26). It is not the chemical makeup of the body that has consciousness or it would continue after the spirit leaves the body. The soul and spirit make the body conscious so long as they are in the body, but when they leave the body it is dead and therefore cannot be conscious.

The statement in this verse about the grave (Hebrew: She’owl, the unseen world of departed spirits) not containing anyone who praises God is no doubt literally true, for hell is a place of torment in fire and who would praise God in such circumstances? That there is consciousness in sheol is clear from many scriptures. It does not say here or elsewhere that people in Sheol are extinct and unconscious, and could not praise God. It is clear that in "hell" (Sheol/Hades) men do cry and desire to get out of hell, as in Luke 16:19-31; Isa. 14:9-11; etc.

6. The dead don’t praise the Lord (Psm. 115:17). This is true as far as the body is concerned, for it is lifeless, unconscious, and goes into dust again when the soul and spirit leave it (Jas. 2:26). The souls of the righteous continue to praise God in full consciousness after leaving their bodies (Heb. 12:22-23; Rev. 6:9-11), but the wicked who go to hell will have no praise for God. Their sole interest will be to escape such a literal burning hell and that will be impossible (Luke 16:19-31).

7. In the day of death "his thoughts perish" (Psm. 146:4). This also is true as far as the body is concerned. The body cannot possibly have thoughts when the inner man leaves it (Jas. 2:26). After leaving the body souls and spirits continue to have thoughts in heaven (Heb. 12:22-23; Rev. 6:9-11) and in hell (Isa. 14:9-11; Luke 16:19-31).

8. "The dead know not anything" (Ecc. 9:5-6; Job. 14:21). Again, we repeat these facts are true regarding the body, but not the soul and spirit. How could a dead body of dust be conscious, have memory, love, hatred, and envy with the soul and spirit gone from it? Dust cannot have these experiences whether it is shaped into physical form or otherwise. The soul and spirit continue to know and they have emotions and desires after leaving the body, as proved in many scriptures.

9. The dead come out of the graves (Mat. 27:52; John 5:28-29). As to the bodies which die at physical death, they are put into graves; but the souls and spirits never go to graves, as proved in many scriptures. If one knew that a body was still alive because the spirit was still in it, he would not put that body in the grave. It could not see corruption with life in it.

10. David is not yet ascended into heaven (Acts 2:34). This is true as to his body, but not true as to his soul and spirit, for all souls who died before Christ’s resurrection were taken to heaven as captives (Psm. 68:18; Eph. 4:8-10). Every just man’s spirit is in heaven (Heb. 12:22-23). Every righteous person who dies goes to heaven as an inner man (2Cor. 5:8; Phlp. 1:21-24; Rev. 6:9-11) and the body is buried in the grave to await its resurrection (John 5:28-29; Dan. 12:2). One does not die spiritually a physical death, for he is either dead or alive spiritually in his lifetime. If he is spiritually dead in sins (Eph. 2:1-9; 1Tim. 5:6), at physical death his soul will go to hell and his body in the grave to await their reunion in the second resurrection (Rev. 20:6, 20:11-15). If he is alive spiritually at physical death, his soul will go immediately to heaven and his body to the grave until their reunion in the first resurrection (Rev. 20:4-6; 1Thes. 4:13-17). To prove that David’s body is what is referred to as the part which has not yet ascended, see Acts 13:36 where it plainly reveals what it was that saw corruption.

Thus, it is clear that soul-sleeping is a fallacy, but body-sleeping is a reality.

and some to... The contempt and punishment of the wicked are equal to the bliss of righteousness in length and consciousness. Mat. 25:46; John 5:28-29.


The second fact that consoled Daniel is the promise that those who sleep will be resurrected. Many Jews will lose their lives at the hands of Gentiles in the events revealed in Dan. 11:1-45 (cf. Rev. 20:4). To sleep in the dust of the earth (cf. Psm. 7:5) does not mean unconscious existence in death. It simply means that a dead person appears to be asleep. The body is “asleep,” not the soul (cf. comments on 1Thes. 4:13). Unbelieving Jews will be resurrected to shame and everlasting contempt and will not partake in the covenanted blessings.

Romans Chapter 9 Vs. 20

 

God's Sovereign Choice

Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Rom 9:20

who art thou... The nature of Paul’s reply makes it clear that he is not addressing those with honest questions about this difficult doctrine, but those who seek to use it to excuse their own sin and unbelief.

Isa. 45:9 “Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! [Let] the potsherd [strive] with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?”

In response Paul reaffirmed the reality of God’s sovereignty and the effrontery of such questions. But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Man, the created one, has no right to question God, the Creator. Paul then quoted a clause from Isa. 29:16 : Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, Why did You make me like this?

Daniel Chapter 12 Vs. 1

 

Daniel's Time of the End

Daniel 12:1 "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book."


at that time... In chapter 11, we were brought to the "time of the end". Notice the word "and" which connects this with the end of the last chapter which was speaking of the willful king, the Antichrist.

During the Great Tribulation, there will be an unprecedented attack to exterminate the Jews, but they will be delivered by Michael the archangel.

First of all, we must see that Michael is a ministering spirit to the believers. He is actually an archangel over the other angels. His ministry is directly under the instructions of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We know the time mentioned here, is the end of the Gentile age. This points back (to 11:36-45), the time of the ascendance of Antichrist during the final tribulation period. During that period, Michael the archangel (Jude 9; 10:13), 21 ministers with special attention to protecting Israel during that Gentile time (Isa. 26:20-21; Jer. 30:7; Mat. 24:21).

This time of trouble is speaking of the great tribulation. Notice also, that the deliverance of those, whose names are written in the Lamb’s book (the book of the saved), is not before this time, but during.

To have your name written in the book means you are saved.

Shall Michael stand... "At that time": four great events take place:

1. At that time the Antichrist plants the tabernacle of his palace in the temple of Israel on Mount Moriah (Dan. 11:45; 2Th. 2:4; Rev. 13:1-18).

2. At that time Michael stands up and casts Satan and his angels to the earth to be among men (Dan. 12:1; Rev. 12:7-12).

3. At that time the great tribulation begins in the middle of Daniel’s 70th week; 3 1/2 years before the second coming (Dan. 12:1; Dan. 8:24-25; Dan. 9:27; Jer. 30:6-7; Mat. 24:15-22; Rev. 10:1-19:21).

4. At that time Daniel’s people are delivered (translated), everyone (144,000) that shall be found written in the book of life (Dan. 12:1; Isa. 66:7-8; Rev. 7:1-8; Rev. 14:1-5). The Book of Life (Dan. 12:1; Exo. 32:32-33; Psm. 56:8; Psm. 69:28; Luke 10:20; Rev. 3:5; Rev. 13:8; Rev. 20:12, Rev. 20:15; Rev. 22:18-19).

the great prince... Michael is the special prince of Israel (Dan. 12:1; Dan. 10:21; Rev. 12:7-12).

a time of trouble...The Tribulation

(NOTE: compare Rev. 6-19 we covered)

The Time and Length of the Tribulation:

The tribulation will begin to affect Israel before the 70th week begins; how long before is not certain, but when Antichrist rises at the beginning of the week, Israel will be undergoing persecution from the 10 kings of Revised Rome dominated by Mystery Babylon. When Antichrist comes he will make a 7-year covenant with Israel assuring them of protection in their continued establishment as a nation (Dan. 9:27). Because the Jews will not submit to Mystery Babylon, there will be a widespread persecution and they shall be "hated of all nations" during the time of the beginning of sorrows when Antichrist will be endeavoring to conquer all these nations (Mat. 24:4-12). Antichrist will need Jewish moral and financial support in his rise over these nations, so he will make an alliance with them for 7 years. Therefore, the time of the tribulation will be during the whole of Daniel’s 70th week (Dan. 9:27). It will end at the second coming (Mat. 24:29-31; Rev. 19:11-21).

as never was... The same time of trouble as Mat. 24:21. For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

at that time... This is a very clear proof that the 144,000 Jews will be translated as the man-child of Rev. 12:5. We will be there shortly. After this they are seen in heaven.

Israel delivered

No doubt when the revelation contained in Dan. 12:1-13 was given Daniel, he was concerned about his people’s destiny. Now at the conclusion of this vision, the angel consoled Daniel by revealing two facts (Dan. 12:1-3). First, the people of Israel (your people; cf. Dan. 9:24; 10:14) will be delivered by the intervention of Michael the angelic prince (cf. Dan. 10:13, 10:21), who is Israel’s defender. In the Great Tribulation Satan will attempt to exterminate every descendant of Abraham (see Rev. 12:15). This will be a time of great unprecedented distress for Israel (cf. Mat. 24:21). Satan’s attack against the people of the kingdom will be part of his effort to prevent the return and reign of Christ.

The deliverance of Israel, Daniel’s “people,” refers not to individual salvation, though a remnant will be saved, but rather to national deliverance from subjugation to the Gentiles (cf. see “all Israel will be saved” in Rom. 11:26).

Romans Chapter 9 Vs. 19

 

God's Sovereign Choice

Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? Rom 9:19

Thou wilt say... Questions 55-60. Next, Rom. 9:30. Here the Jews argue again, as they did in Rom. 3:7. Paul answers by questions (Rom. 9:20-24). Who are you to reply against God? Who are you to blame God for your sinfulness? Cannot God deal with you as is necessary (Jer. 18:1-17)? If God still wants to save people who will obey Him, Jews or Gentiles, is that not His right? If He has to damn those who harden themselves may He not do so without our criticism?

who has resisted... Does all this lead to fatalism? Paul does not answer this question directly, for it is absurd and raised by one who is ignorant of the righteous character of the infinite God and the finite character of man. Paul rather deals with the heart attitude that would produce such a question and reminds man of his limited understanding of the unlimited and sovereign God.

The Choice Explained

Once again Paul anticipated the questioning response of his readers: Then why does God still blame us? (The Gr. word trans. “then” probably goes with the preceding statement rather than this question, though this also makes good sense.) For who resists (perf. tense, “has taken and continues to take a stand against”) His will? (boulēmati, “deliberate purpose”) These questions are still raised by those who reject the biblical doctrine of God’s sovereignty. If God makes the choices, how can He hold man responsible? Who can go against what He does?

Daniel Chapter 11 Vs. 45

 The King of the North

Daniel 11:45 "And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him."




he shall plant... The Antichrist, or king of the north (Syria), will make his capital the Jewish temple in Jerusalem between the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean Sea in the glorious holy mountain, Mount Moriah; yet he shall come to an end at Armageddon (Dan. 7:11, 7:26-27; 8:25; 9:27; 2Thes. 2:8; Rev. 19:19-21).

to his end... His end will be the lake of fire (Dan. 7:11; Isa. 11:4; Rev. 19:20; 20:10).

none shall help... His army will be destroyed except a sixth part (Eze. 39:2). His supernatural backers (Satan, angels, and demons) will be cast into the bottomless pit (Rev. 20:1-3; Isa. 24:21-22), and he will be left alone to die as all men must do (Rev. 19:20).

The palace of the antichrist will be in Israel. Specifically here, it speaks of it being just away from the Mediterranean. The holy mountain is in Jerusalem. God will fight this antichrist. He will be overthrown by God.




Enraged, the Antichrist will set out to destroy… many of the invaders. Then he will occupy Israel and will pitch his royal tents between the seas, that is, between the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, at the beautiful holy mountain, probably Jerusalem. Posing as Christ, the Antichrist will set up his headquarters in Jerusalem, the same city from which Christ will rule the world in the Millennium (Zec. 14:4, 14:17). The Antichrist will also pose as Christ by introducing a one-world government with himself as the ruler and a one-world religion in which he is worshiped as god. But God will destroy the kingdom of this king (he will come to his end; cf. Dan. 7:11, 7:26) at the personal appearance of Jesus Christ to this earth (Rev. 19:19-20).

Romans Chapter 9 Vs. 18

 

God's Sovereign Choice

Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. Rom 9:18

Therefore hath he... This is the fourth time Paul concludes that God has been fair in His dealings.

God was righteous in choosing:

1. Isaac over Ishmael (Rom. 9:7-8; Gen. 17:1-27)

2. Jacob over Esau (Rom. 9:9-13; Gen. 25:1-34)

3. The righteous over the sinners in Israel (Rom. 9:14-16; Exo. 32:32-33; 33:19)

4. Israel over Pharaoh and the Egyptians (Rom. 9:17-18; Exo. 7:1-14:31)

Paul next applies all these instances to God’s present dealings with Jews and Gentiles. He concludes that, since it was the only just and righteous thing to do in the above four cases, it is only just and righteous of God to cut off Israel and choose the Gentiles to carry on His program (Rom. 9:19-11:36).

hardeneth... God hardens on the same grounds of showing mercy. If men will accept mercy He will give it to them. If they will not, thus hardening themselves He is only just and righteous in judging them. People are privileged to humble themselves and seek mercy or exalt themselves and refuse mercy. Mercy is the result of a right attitude, and hardening is the result of stubbornness or the wrong attitude toward God. It is like the clay and the wax in the sun. The same sunshine hardens one and softens the other. The responsibility is with the materials, not with the sun. People are more responsible than these materials, for they have wills to make proper choices. The only sense in which God hardened Pharaoh was in giving him the occasion to harden his own heart or obey. Such is the choice all people have to make daily (2Cor. 2:15-17).

Have you even read that God hardened someone’s heart and wondered why our God would do that to someone? Let’s examine this a little closer.

The Greek word for hardens literally means to make something hard, but is often used figuratively to refer to making stubborn or obstinate. Ten times Exodus refers to God’s hardening Pharaoh’s heart, and other times to Pharaoh’s hardening his own heart.

This does not mean that God actively created unbelief or some other evil in Pharaoh’s heart, but rather that He withdrew all the divine influences that ordinarily acted as a restraint to sin and allowed Pharaoh’s wicked heart to pursue its sin unabated.

Exo. 4:21″ And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.”

We also see this very same thing in Joshua:

Jos. 11:20 “For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, [and] that they might have no favor, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.”

We are not to question God’s motives. In both of these instances, this taught us that God is even in control of Satan and all his evil forces. God can cause them to destroy themselves especially by creating fear in their hearts by allowing them to believe a delusion. Remember the story of Gideon?

Because of God’s choice, Pharaoh then hardened his own heart (Exo. 7:13-14, 7:22; 8:15, 8:19, 8:32; 9:7, 9:34-35). All this shows that God chooses and works sovereignly, but not arbitrarily. Yet Pharaoh was responsible for his actions.

Daniel Chapter 11 Vs. 44

 The King of the North

Daniel 11:44 "But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many."




But tidings out... This verse predicts the third tri-continental war of the future

Three Great Future Tri-Continental Wars


1. The first tri-continental war will be for the purpose of forming the 10 kingdoms inside the old Roman Empire territory, fulfilling Dan. 7:23-24. The 24 states now inside this territory will be reduced to 10 kingdoms. This will require a war in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and the defeat of Russia who now controls part of the territory. These 10 kingdoms will be the Revised Roman Empire symbolized by the 10 toes on the image of Dan. 2:1-49, and the 10 horns of the beasts of Dan. 7:1-28, Rev. 12:1-17, 13:1-18, and Rev. 17:1-18.

2. The second tri-continental war will take place after the 10 kingdoms are formed and the Revised Roman Empire continues a short space (Rev. 17:10). The little horn or future Antichrist will come from one of these 10 kingdoms and from among them to form the eighth kingdom of Rev. 17:8-17. In this second war he will overthrow 3 of the 10 kingdoms before the others submit to him (Dan. 7:23-24; Rev. 17:12-17).

3. The third tri-continental war will be after Antichrist gets power over the 10 kingdoms, in the middle of Daniel’s 70th week, or 3 1/2 years before the second coming of Christ (Rev. 13:5). The 10 kingdoms under Antichrist will fight this third war with the countries of the north and east of the old Roman Empire territory (Dan. 11:44). When Antichrist conquers these new enemies he will lead the nations down to Jerusalem to battle and then Christ will come to defeat them at Armageddon (Eze. 38-39; Zec. 14:1-21 Rev. 19:11-21).

It literally predicts that plans of war against him and his ten kingdoms inside the old Roman Empire will become known to Antichrist and he will lead his armies to victory against the combined nations, east and north of his ten kingdoms.


Russia Not the King of the North



Many teach that Russia is the king of the north of Dan. 11:1-45, but this is impossible for the following reasons:

1. Russia never was a part of the old Roman Empire out of which 10 kingdoms must be formed in the last days and out of which Antichrist must come (Dan. 7:8, 7:23-24).

2. Russia never was a part of the old Grecian Empire, or the 4 divisions of that empire after the death of Alexander the Great, out of which Antichrist must come (Dan. 8:9-14, 8:20-23).

3. Russia is not once referred to in the wars of Dan. 11:4-34. These were eventually fought between Syria and Egypt in a period of about 150 years, ending with the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes, as seen in the notes on that section of Scripture. Therefore, to insert Russia into the future war between the future king of the north (Syria) and the king of the south (Egypt) is adding to God’s Word. One might as well identify the U.S.A., Britain, or any other country we want to as the king of the north as to do so with Russia.

4. If Russia is the king of the north of Dan. 11:4-45, then what countries are north of Russia that will make war on Russia, fulfilling the war tidings from the north and east of this king of the north of Dan. 11:44? There are no countries north of Russia that could make war on her, fulfilling this verse. Hence, Russia is entirely out of the picture in Dan. 11:1-45.

5. In the past, Russia bordered the Syrian division of the 4 divisions of the old Grecian Empire, so in the formation of the 10 kingdoms this will perhaps be true of the border between future Syria and Russia. Hence, Russia could be the only country to fulfill making war on Syria at that time, for Turkey will have already been conquered by him and made a part of the 10 kingdoms of Revised Rome, under the king of the north (Dan. 7:23-24; Rev. 17:8-17).


Another Fallacy about Russia:


The only other major fallacy about Russia is that she will invade Israel, fulfilling Eze. 38-39. Many are the speculations regarding Russia being the country from which Antichrist comes, of her fulfilling Dan. 11:40-45; Eze. 38-39, and of her invading Israel before the battle of Armageddon. Not one of these theories is true. Even if Russia did invade Israel before Armageddon, no particular prophecy would be involved. Eze. 38-39 could not be fulfilled by any such war, for these two chapters are to be fulfilled at Armageddon only, and not in some war before then.

If Bible scholars will recognize one thing, not only will Eze. 38-39 be clear for them, but also Dan. 11:44. That one thing is, Antichrist from Syria will get power over the 10 kingdoms of Revised Rome in the first 3 1/2 years of Daniel’s 70th week, and then the war between him and his 10 kingdoms and the countries east and north of the old Roman Empire territory will be fought. Antichrist will conquer the eastern and northern countries and become the ruler of Russia by conquest, not by being a native of Russia and coming from her (Dan. 11:44). At that time he will become the Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal of Eze. 38-39—at the end of this war or near the end of the last 3 1/2 years of Daniel’s 70th week. Then, and then only, will Eze. 38-39 be fulfilled. The Antichrist will lead the newly conquered countries, together with the 10 kingdoms and other nations that will cooperate with him, through the ministry of the 3 unclean spirits (Rev. 16:13-16), to their end at Armageddon (Eze. 38-39; Joel 3:1-21; Zec. 14:1-21; Rev. 19:11-21).

Thus the king of the north (Syria), will war on the countries north and east of Syria, and they will be defeated, for Antichrist will go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly make away many (Dan. 11:44). Many, if not all the nations north and east of the old Roman Empire territory, will unite to put down this new conqueror who, in 3 1/2 short years, will have gained complete mastery of all the 10 kingdoms of the Roman Empire territory. Realizing that he is set upon complete world conquest they will know that they must defeat him or be defeated eventually by him. So, before he recovers from his bloody wars inside the Roman Empire, they will unite to put an end to his conquests. Antichrist could perhaps conquer more of the world if it were not for Christ’s coming to earth to save Israel when half of Jerusalem is taken (Zec. 14:1-21). Thus, Antichrist’s dream of being a total worldwide dictator will come far short of his goal. Christ will be the one and only worldwide ruler other than Adam and Noah of the human race and Lucifer of the angelic race.

shall trouble him... Hebrew: bahal, to tremble inwardly; palpitate; be alarmed; agitated; to hasten (Dan. 11:44; Gen. 45:3; 1Sam. 28:21; 2Sam. 4:1; 2Ch. 32:18; Job 4:5; 23:15; Psm. 30:7; 48:5; 83:17; 90:7; 104:29).

with great fury... Hebrew: chema’, heat; fury.

utterly to make... Hebrew: kaliyl, complete; wholly consume.

Any hint of any country being opposed to him, would bring their sudden destruction. He will set himself up to be ruler of the whole earth.



Then the Antichrist will hear alarming reports from the east (probably referring to an invasion by a massive army of 200 million soldiers from east of the Euphrates River, Rev. 9:16) and from the north (perhaps another attack by the king of the North; cf. Dan. 11:40). Enraged, the Antichrist will set out to destroy… many of the invaders.

Romans Chapter 9 Vs. 17

God's Sovereign Choice

For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Rom 9:17

Even for this... Quoted from Exo. 9:16. Here we have an instance of a wicked king resisting God’s will to the point of destruction. At many points in God’s dealings with Pharaoh the king could have submitted and escaped judgment. But he was too stubborn to do so and therefore God could not do otherwise than punish him for his sins and resistance.

This Old Testament quote proves that God does sovereignly choose who will serve His purposes and how. The “raised thee up”, was often used to describe the rise of leaders and countries to positions of prominence. Pharaoh no doubt thought his position and actions were of his own free choice to accomplish his own purposes, but in reality, he was there to serve God’s purpose.

We know that the 10 plagues that came upon Egypt were for the purpose of discrediting the false gods of Egypt. Egypt represents the world. God shows, through Pharaoh’s rebellion, that the gods of this world are no match for the real God. We see an almost identical Scripture in the Old Testament account of this event.

Exo. 9:16 “And in very deed for this [cause] have I raised thee up, for to show [in] thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.”

1Sam. 2:7-8 “The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.” “He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set [them] among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth [are] the LORD’S, and he hath set the world upon them.”

Look also at Proverbs:

Prov. 16:4 “The LORD hath made all [things] for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.”

This all speaks for itself, we need no more comment here.

It is significant that Paul introduced this quotation with the words, For the Scripture says, for he equated the words of God with the words of Scripture. Paul concluded, God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy (cf. Rom. 9:15) and He hardens whom He wants to harden (“make stubborn”; cf. Exo. 4:21; 7:3; 9:12; 10:27; 14:4, 14:8; cf. Exo. 14:17). Because of God’s choice, Pharaoh then hardened his own heart (Exo. 7:13-14, 7:22; 8:15, 8:19, 8:32; 9:7, 9:34-35). 

Daniel Chapter 11 Vs. 43

 The Kings of the South and the North

Daniel 11:43 "But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians [shall be] at his steps."

Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps

Prophetic Sensationalism

When Mussolini took Libya and Ethiopia in 1935, thousands of Bible students hailed him as the Antichrist, claiming Dan. 11:43 was being fulfilled. This, plus the fact of his dream of the revival of the Roman Empire, caused many to teach that he was truly the Antichrist, but how wrong they have been. This and all other foolish speculations of the past about Hitler, Stalin, the pope of Rome, and others should cure students of further guessing concerning the fulfillment of prophecy, but this seems impossible.

Speculation still goes rampant through the land without check. Some have gone so far as to find the U.S.A. in the name of Jer-USA-lem. Others see the U.S.A. in Isa. 18:1-7, in the white horse rider of Rev. 6:1-17, and the two-horned lamb of Rev. 13:1-18. Innumerable speculations have been advanced concerning the name of the Antichrist, the mark of the beast, and a host of other things of Scripture. Some even find flying saucers in Scripture, as well as the atom bomb, the H-bomb, the airplane, the automobile, radio, television, and other modern inventions, while the truth is that not one of these is mentioned apart from the general statement that "knowledge shall be increased" (Dan. 12:4). Libya and Ethiopia could be conquered by any number of men, if the Lord tarries, without fulfilling Dan. 11:43. Unless one conquers after the 10 kingdoms are formed (Dan. 7:24), after the rapture of the church, and comes from Syria and makes a 7-year covenant with Israel (Dan. 8:9-14; 9:27), he cannot fulfill this prophecy. There would be no sensational speculation about prophecy if men would watch the time element and other facts that identify a true fulfillment.

We had mentioned earlier, that this was a man of great wealth and power. Nothing will be withheld from him. This ruler is against Christ, and all the believers in Christ. Many nations feel the same way he does about the Christians and Christ.





When the Antichrist hears of this invasion, he will move his army from Europe into the Middle East, sweeping through many countries… like a flood (Dan. 11:40). He will move quickly into the land of Israel, the Beautiful Land (Dan. 11:41; cf. Dan. 11:16; 8:9). His first strike will be against Egypt (Dan. 11:42-43), for Egypt and her Arab allies (Libyans and Nubians, Dan. 11:43) are the ones who will initiate the invasion on Israel. On this occasion the king will not conquer the territory of Edom, Moab, and… Ammon (Dan. 11:41), now included in the present kingdom of Jordan. But he will gain control over “many countries.”