HopeLives365

Mark Finley: For those who are alive, it's instantaneous. They're caught up to meet Jesus in the air. No more sickness, or sorrow, or heartache, or suffering, or death. The judgment is not bad news, it's good news.

Guest (Female): This is Hope Lives 365 with Pastor Mark Finley. Today's message, a study in the book of Daniel, week three, part one. Enjoy, and remember you can always catch up with past messages and stay up to date with Hope Lives 365 and Pastor Mark by going to hopelives365.com. And now, Pastor Mark Finley.

Mark Finley: So Babylon falls. Babylon ruled from 605 to 539. In 539, Cyrus and Darius attack, and Babylon falls. You look here at Daniel chapter 7 verse 5. Suddenly another beast, a second like a bear. It raised up on one side and had three ribs in the mouth of it between its teeth. And they said thus to it, arise, devour much flesh. The second empire, Babylon, the second empire, Media-Persia, overthrows Babylon.

This second empire is like a bear, raises itself up on one side. What does that mean? The Medes and Persians attacked. The Persians became dominant over the not only Babylon, but over the Medes. So the bear raises itself on one side with Persia, the dominant power under Cyrus.

What's this talking about that it has three ribs in its mouth? You know, Bible prophecy is so incredibly accurate. For Babylon it used this very symbol of Babylon, the lion with eagles' wings, accurate. For Media-Persia it uses a bear, and the bear raised itself up on one side. The Persians dominated the Medes, but also three ribs. What does that mean it devoured three ribs? To be the dominant power, Media-Persia had to overcome Babylon, Lydia, and Egypt, the three ribs.

And it said, arise, devour much flesh. But would Media-Persia dominate forever? Certainly not. Verse 6. After this I looked, and there was another like a leopard, which had on its head on its back four wings of a bird. The beast was given four heads, and dominion was given to it.

Now, if you wanted to describe rapid conquest, what animal would you use? A leopard. If you wanted to describe rapid, rapid, rapid, rapid conquest, what would you do with your leopard? You'd put four wings on him, right? The rapid conquest of Alexander the Great, who conquered the world by 33 years old, and there were no more worlds to conquer, is described by the leopard. See, Bible prophecy does not guess, it knows. Bible prophecy is accurate, and the leopard describing rapid conquest is fitting for Alexander the Great.

What about these four heads? Alexander dies in a drunken stupor, probably, been weakened by alcohol, certainly, and probably by malaria. You know, incidentally, Alexander wanted to rebuild Babylon and make it one of his provincial capitals. God said that Babylon would never be rebuilt. Alexander took 10,000 men and took them there to rebuild Babylon, but Alexander died, and after Alexander died, so quickly, they they abandoned the project. Bible prophecy again was true. Babylon would never, ever, ever be rebuilt.

What about these four heads? Alexander dies. Four generals, rather than destroying one another and going to war, although some of them did, they the empire is divided up in four major places: four generals, Cassander, Lysimachus, Ptolemy, Seleucus. Cassander, Ptolemy, Seleucus, Lysimachus, divide up the empire. Bible prophecy is so incredibly accurate.

A lion with eagles' wings, exactly the symbol of Babylon. A bear raising up on one side with three ribs, exactly the description of Media-Persia. A leopard, rapid conquest, exactly the description of the Greek Empire.

But Greece doesn't rule forever. 168 BC, the Romans attack. Verse 7. After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth, it was devouring, breaking in pieces and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it. It had 10 horns.

Now notice, here is another beast, had iron teeth, devour, broke all the feet before it, different from all the beasts. Just think about that. This beast is described as being ferocious. The Roman Empire overthrew the Greek Empire.

When some of the ancient writers wrote, they said, like a like a like a vicious beast, Rome strode across the landscape with its iron monarchy, crushing everything before it. You read the book, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon, he uses some of the very symbols of Bible prophecy.

So Rome rules, 168 BC to 351 AD. Verse 8. I was considering the horns. There was another little horn. Now what happens to the Roman Empire? Is it four empires, and then a fifth empire, a sixth empire? I mean, if I were describing it and didn't know anything about the prophecy, I might say, well, there's a lion with eagles' wings, there's a bear that raised itself up on one side, there's a leopard that has wings and four heads, and then there's this fourth beast that's like a dragon-like beast breathing out fire, it has iron teeth. And then I might say, well, there's another beast and another. No, no, no, no, no. What happens to Rome? It says it has 10 horns, the divisions of the Roman Empire.

Ten is often in the Bible a symbol of kingdom. An earthly kingdom setting up in counterfeit to God's eternal, everlasting kingdom.

Verse 8. I was considering the horns. And there was another horn, a little one. A horn symbolizes power or kingdom. A little one coming up from among them. Before three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots.

And there in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man and speaking pompous things. We actually have so much material in Daniel chapter 7, we're going to study about this little horn next week. And we'll have a whole session on it.

But suffice it to say today, there would be Babylon, Media-Persia, Greece, and Rome. Rome would be divided into 10 divisions. Another power would rise after the fall of Rome, but it would not be a political power. It would be a religious political power that would dominate through the Middle Ages, that would crush, that would attempt to crush the truths of the Bible. It would be a political religious power that has asserted man's authority rather than God's.

We're going to study about that next week. But so after Babylon, Media-Persia, Greece, Rome, after the divisions of the Roman Empire and the rise of this political power, what is the common theme of them all?

Babylon's desire is to rule the world. Media-Persia's, Greece, Rome's, when the 10 divisions take place, this little horn power wants to have a religious political confederacy to rule the world.

But God then does something surprising. He shifts Daniel's attention from this earth to the throne room of the universe. And one of the most amazing visions in all the Bible, we see that there. Daniel 7, verse 9 through 11. I watched till the thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days were seated.

The garment of his head was as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool. His throne was like a fiery flame, his wheels like burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him. A thousand thousands ministered to him, 10,000 times 10,000 stood before him. The court was seated, many translations like the King James says the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

Babylon ruled, Media-Persia ruled, Greece ruled, Rome ruled. 10 divisions of the empire. A political religious system rises to dominate. But Jesus says, judgment will come.

And Daniel looks up into heaven, and he sees in the judgment bar of God, all things made right. And that judgment takes place just before the coming of Jesus, to declare the righteousness of Christ, to declare the the goodness of God. In that judgment, all things are set right, and Christ becomes victorious as he receives the kingdom. It's not the kingdoms of man, it's the kingdoms of Christ.

Let's study a little bit about this judgment throughout scripture. Let's go first to the book of Psalms. Psalm 98. Psalm 98. I want to take a brief look at the judgment.

Psalm 98. What's taking place in the judgment? In the judgment, the great controversy between good and evil is settled. In the judgment, Jesus is revealed as the worthy ruler of the universe.

Psalm chapter 98, and we're looking there at verse 1 and verse 9. Oh, sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have gained him victory. So we're singing a new song, why? Because the powers of earth have been crushed. Because the cruel despotic empires now are judged and destroyed. Oh, sing a new song, for he has done marvelous things, his right hand and his holy arm have gained him the victory. Christ is victorious.

Verse 9. For he is coming to judge the earth. With righteousness he shall judge the world and the peoples with equity. So the judgment reveals the victory of Christ over all the powers of evil. The judgment reveals the righteousness of Christ. Now you ask, does the Bible teach that before the coming of Jesus there will be a judgment? It does.

Guest (Female): We'll be right back with Pastor Mark Finley. We thank you for listening and hope you're enjoying today's message. Our mission is to attractively present the Christ-centered biblical truths of scripture in a practical, relevant way to people around the world, so that they may experience the abundant life that Christ offers and effectively share with confidence his life-changing truths with others. You can support this ministry and help us reach even more by going to hopelives365.com/donate. And now, back to Pastor Mark Finley.

Mark Finley: Take your Bible, please, and turn to Revelation chapter 14. Daniel and Revelation are the two great prophetic books of the Bible. Revelation chapter 14, verse 6 and 7. John writes, he's exiled on the Isle of Patmos. And I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven with the everlasting gospel, to dwell upon the earth. Every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, fear God, that's obey God. Have a mindset to put God first in your life. Give glory to God, for the hour of his judgment has come. And worship him that made heaven, earth, sea, and the fountains of waters.

The hour of God's judgment. Satan has said God is unfair, God is unjust. Satan has said that God is not worthy to rule the universe. Satan has said that Christ is not the one to sit on the throne as the son of the Father. The divine eternal Christ is not to rule with his Father and the Spirit through the ceaseless ages of eternity. Satan has charged God with being unfair, unjust, an arbitrary dictator.

But yet, in the judgment, all things are set right. The hour of God's judgment has come. God reveals in the judgment his graciousness, his righteousness, his love, his mercy, his worthiness.

Now, but this is an interesting text in Revelation 14 verse 7 because it said the hour of God's judgment has come. Not it will come, but it has come. When Jesus spoke about the judgment in Matthew chapter 12, the judgment was still a future event. But John sees a present tense judgment. Matthew chapter 12, verse 36, what does Jesus say? But I say to you that every idle word that men may speak, that really is striking, isn't it? Makes us take account of our words. Every idle word that men shall speak, they will give account of in the day of judgment. They will give account of in the day of judgment. In other words, Jesus said there's a day of judgment that is coming.

Second Corinthians, chapter 5 verse 10. Again, you're going to find a future judgment. Second Corinthians, chapter 5, verse 10. Again, the judgment in Jesus' day was in the future. The judgment in Paul's day was also in the future.

Second Corinthians 5:10. We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive things done in his body, whether it's good or bad. So notice, the judgment is a future event. What does it mean the hour of God's judgment has come? Is there a judgment before the second coming of Christ to determine who is worthy to enter the kingdom? Well, you go to the book of Revelation, chapter 22, and chapter we go to Revelation, chapter 22, and we're going to look at the idea that when Christ comes, human probation has already closed. There is no second chance. The judgment has already taken place.

Revelation 22, verse 11 and verse 12. He who is unjust, let him be unjust still. He who is filthy, let him be filthy still. He who is righteous, let him be righteous still. He who is holy, let him be holy still. And behold, I come quickly, my reward is with me to give everyone according to his work. If Christ is coming to give out the rewards, there must be a judgment previous to his coming to determine who receives what reward when he comes. That's why the Bible says, when Jesus comes, there's no second chance.

So when John says the hour of God's judgment has come, the divine clock has struck the hour. In heaven's most holy place of the sanctuary. 10,000 times 10,000 heavenly beings gather 'round. In a divine moment of destiny, where an eternal judgment takes place, wickedness is destroyed. God's people are exonerated. The devil says you cannot save them, they're sinners. Jesus says they've responded to my grace, they're charmed by my love.

Now, when we look at the judgment, the judgment says the hour of God's judgment. In the judgment, Jesus reveals that he's done everything he can to save every human being. That there's nothing more that Christ could have done to save human beings.

Here in Daniel chapter 7, we find why the judgment should not be a scary event for the people of God. If we are in Christ, if the righteousness of Christ covers us, if the power of Christ has transformed us, if we are in Jesus and Jesus is our savior and our Lord, our guarantee of eternal life, we need not fear judgment.

Look, here's what it says. Daniel chapter 7, verse 13 and onward. I was watching in the night visions, and behold, one like the Son of Man, who's that? Jesus. Came with the clouds of heaven. What are they? The angels. He came to the Ancient of Days.

So here you have, you know, Jesus coming before the Father. Then to him was given dominion, glory, and a kingdom. It was given to Jesus. That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion's an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away. His kingdom, one that shall not be destroyed. Babylon rises and falls, Media-Persia rises and falls, Greece rises and falls, Rome rises and falls. A little horn power, the Roman Empire is divided. A little horn power rises, a political religious power. We'll study about that next week. It establishes human laws rather than accepting God's law.

But yet, these powers pass away. And in the judgment, the eternal, everlasting kingdom is given by the Father to Jesus Christ. And Jesus will reign forever and ever. Why is the judgment good news for the people of God? It's good news first, because Christ is exonerated. The Father is exalted. The Holy Spirit is revealed as the third person of the Godhead, as the mighty one.

The judgment reveals that the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit are worthy to rule the universe forever. Why is the judgment good news? Because in the judgment, the kingdom is given to Christ. Through the cross of Christ, Jesus bought back this world.

But the judgment's good news also. Why? Drop your eyes here in Daniel chapter 7 and look at verse 21 and 22. I was watching, the same horn made war with the saints. That's this little horn, this religious political power who tries to destroy the people of God. He's prevailing against him. Until when? Until when? Until when? Verse 22, until the Ancient of Days came. Judgment was made. Judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High God, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom. So why is the judgment so incredibly good news for us? Because judgment is made in favor of the saints.

The evil oppressors can no longer harass or persecute or torment us. And what happens? The court's seated, verse 26, and they shall take away the dominion, to consume and destroy it forever. Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms. You see, the the judgment's going to take away the kingdoms of evil. But the kingdoms and dominion, the greatness of the kingdom, under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominion shall serve and obey him.

The kingdom is given to the saints of the Most High. The judgment's good news. When your name comes up in judgment, when my name comes up in judgment, Jesus says, this man, this woman is one of mine. Judgment is passed in favor of the saints of God.

And as judgment is passed in favor of the saints of God, as sons and daughters of God, we inherit the kingdom with Christ. And it's ours forever and ever and ever. Why is the judgment good news? John chapter 5. John chapter 5 teaches the marvelous news of the judgment.

John 5, we're looking there at verse 24. The scripture is very clear. We'll read verse, John 5, we'll look there at verse 23 to start, and then we'll go over to verse 24. John 5 verse 23 and 24. Most assuredly, I love the word assuredly, that's certainly, definitely. Most assuredly I say to you, he who hears my word and believes in him who sent me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death unto life.

You see the word for judgment there? You say, wait a minute, I thought the Bible says that all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ. It does, righteous and unrighteous. I thought Peter said, judgment must begin at the house of God, the righteous. It does. But what does this mean then? You see the word judgment, it's the word krisis in Greek, and it is better translated condemnation. So we'll not come into the condemnation of the judgment.

So here's the good news about the judgment. Most assuredly, Jesus says, definitely, certainly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes in him who has sent me has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death to life. Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of God, the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, he has granted the Son to have life in himself, and has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man.

Jesus will come again. And before he comes, there is a judgment. Those that have accepted Christ, Christ is their eternal Lord and savior. In the judgment, favor is passed in behalf of the people of God. And when Jesus comes, probation has closed, and his people are resurrected, or they're alive to receive glorious immortal bodies, resurrected in those immortal bodies, receiving those immortal bodies, for those who are alive, it's instantaneous. And they're caught up to meet Jesus in the air. No more sickness, or sorrow, or heartache, or suffering, or death. Favor is passed in behalf of you. God declares, this man is my son. This woman is my daughter. And we live with him forever and ever and ever.

Guest (Female): You've been listening to Hope Lives 365 with Pastor Mark Finley. We hope you've enjoyed today's message and remind you that you can find more in our many ministry resources at hopelives365.com. And you can support this ministry by going to hopelives365.com/donate. And now, a final prayer from Pastor Mark.

Mark Finley: Heavenly Father, we thank you with all of our hearts that we need not fear the judgment, if we are settled with Christ. But if we're not settled with Christ, if we haven't fully given our hearts to Christ, there's no way Jesus can save us in the judgment, and we need to tremble then. Oh, Lord, help us now to be sure we are settled in our hearts with a total commitment to Christ forever and ever and ever. And Father, I pray thee too, that if there's somebody here that hasn't made that full decision, let them know that the only way to pass the judgment is a complete surrender to Christ, a confession of our sin, a repentance, and a changed life. Then we can approach the judgment in Christ and through Christ and by Christ with confidence. We thank you for that, and look forward to that day that you will come soon in Jesus' name. Amen.