1888 Message Study : The Origin and Nature of the Bible

https://www.1888msc.org/resources/ssi/2020-q2/the-origin-and-nature-of-the-bible

"THE ORIGIN AND NATURE OF THE BIBLE"

 

Memory Text: "For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe".
1 Thessalonians 2:13, NKJV

The "antichrist" is called the "man of lawlessness" in 2 Thessalonians 2.  This is a warning of the ever-growing antiauthoritarian attitude that has and will prevail in the world.  I have seen this in action recently, in which I had several people attending evangelistic meetings I either conducted or organized say that they "believed" the Sabbath but would wait for final events to unfold before making a decision.  I realized that the real problem is the authority of Scriptures itself for many, and their relationship to that authority.

Jones and Waggoner rightly perceived that the Roman Catholic "Christ" is the Antichrist, who virtually excuses and indulges sin by presupposing that it is "impossible" for anyone who is in sinful flesh to live without sinning. Catholicism as "the man of sin" "opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God" by insisting that sin must be perpetuated in the universe. It can never be "condemned … in the flesh," and Satan must, therefore, emerge from the "great controversy" triumphant. And if the understanding God's remnant people have of Christ is also beclouded so that He is "afar off" to them, they too must perpetuate sin because they will never be able to overcome it even by the grace of Christ: Such a theology is the result of both a wrong understanding of the character of God and the power of the Gospel, as well as a very poor understanding of the authority of Scripture, as well as the power of the Word of God.

The way we see and understand the origin and nature of Scripture greatly impacts the role that the Bible plays in our lives and in the church at large.  How we interpret the Bible is significantly shaped and influenced by our understanding of the process of revelation and inspiration.  When we want to understand Scripture correctly, we first need to allow the Bible to determine the basic parameters of how it should be treated.  The spiritual truths of the Bible will not be known and understood correctly by atheistic methods that approach the Bible as if God did not exist.  Instead, our interpretation of Scripture needs to take seriously the divine-human dimension of God's Word.  Hence what is needed for a proper interpretation of Scripture is that we approach the Bible in faith rather than with methodological skepticism or doubt.  John 7:17 tells us that if we are willing "to do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."  The Bible is encouraging us to approach the Scriptures with a right attitude, that they came from a Heart of Infinite Love, that they are inspired in a way that a secular book is not, and that it is authoritative as it represents the Will of God.

This week we will look at some foundational aspects of the origin and nature of the Bible that should impact our interpretation and understanding of it.

2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

These texts tell us that the origin of scripture is through the inspiration of God the Father and the Holy Spirit.  They did not come from any "private interpretation", meaning, through any human invention apart from the divine intervention of God.

As the lesson tells us, rather than being "cunningly devised fables" (2 Peter 1:16), the prophetic message of the Bible is of divine origin, and thus it is truthful and trustworthy.  "Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:21, NKJV).  God was at work in the process of revelation, where He made known His will to selected human beings.

Direct verbal communication between God and particular human beings is an inescapable fact of the Scriptures.  This is why the Bible has special, divine authority, and we need to take the divine element into consideration in our interpretation of the Scriptures.  Having our Holy God as their ultimate author, the biblical books are aptly called "holy Scriptures" (Romans 1:2; 2 Timothy 3:15).

They were given for practical purposes, too.  They are "useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that all God's people may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16, 17, TNIV).

We also need the help of the Holy Spirit to apply to our lives what God has revealed in His Word.  According to the apostle Peter, the interpretation of the divinely revealed Word of God is not a matter of our own opinions.  We need God's Word and the Holy Spirit to rightly understand its meaning.

Scripture also says, "Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets" (Amos 3:7, NKJV).  The biblical words for "revelation" (in its various forms) express the idea that something previously hidden has now been disclosed or unveiled and thus becomes known and made manifest.  As human beings, we need such an uncovering, or revelation, for we are sinful beings, separated from God because of our sin, and therefore dependent upon Him to know His will.

2 Peter 1:20-21 is used by RCC apologists to argue that the problem of Protestantism is that they do not have an "infallible teaching magisterium", but "privately interpret" the Bible themselves, individually.  However, they need to recognize that everyone "privately and personally" encounters and engages printed or spoken material and makes a judgment as to whether or not it is accurate.  That is why the important element is not a supposed source of "infallibility" but a close connection and dependence on the Holy Spirit.  That is why 1 John 2:27 says, "But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him."  While the teaching gift is helpful, a person does not "need" for any man to teach him, if he learns to truly trust in the Holy Spirit.

The process of Inspiration reveals to us that God works through the mind of fallible human writers, inspiring them to write according to His will.  As 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us, all or every scripture is given by inspiration, and is profitable for teaching, Christian growth, and correction.  They are able to make us "wise unto salvation" and perfect, thoroughly equipped unto every good work.  Thus, there is no need for an "oral tradition" in addition to Scriptures.  Each scripture is profitable, and the sum total of all Scriptures is to thoroughly perfect and equip us.  Thus, the rallying cry of the Protestant Reformation, Sola Scriptura is totally valid.  As the Scriptures were more and more thoroughly developed, one was then accountable for more and more light.  The argument against Sola Scriptura is twofold.  1) The Early Church did not have all the Scriptures yet.  That is true.  God expected them to live up to the light they had, while the NT Canon unfolded.  2) If Sola Scriptura was effective, how do you explain 25,000 protestant denominations?  Sola Scriptura is not a method of interpreting scripture, but a statement as to the source of truth.  The confusion in varying beliefs is not due to Sola Scriptura, but in not allowing the Bible to interpret itself, and not allowing the Holy Spirit to "lead" into ALL truth, but to stay rigid in traditions, without the full surrender needed.

"The Bible points to God as its author; yet it was written by human hands; and in the varied style of its different books it presents the characteristics of the several writers.  The truths revealed are all 'given by inspiration of God' (2 Timothy 3:16); yet they are expressed in the words of men."
—Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 7.

What is the importance of "written" words?  We need to remember that Jesus, in the wilderness, met the temptations of Satan with "it is written."  The term "scriptures" is repeatedly utilized, and it comes from the Greek word "scripto" which refers to written material.  2 Thessalonians 2:15 is often used to argue for both an oral and a written tradition, but if one reads 2 Thessalonians 2:5, they will notice that Paul said that while He was with them, He "told" them the things he subsequently wrote down.  That is how the NT Canon was developed.  As it was being written, the apostles preached and taught, and ultimately, the Holy Spirit led in the development of the NT Canon with the writing of Revelation, and the Canon was closed.  No preaching, no tradition, is needed beyond the truths of God's word, for all the reasons given in 2 Timothy 3:15-17.  Jesus condemned traditions such as "Corban" and some argue that He only condemned "human traditions", not "church traditions", but the traditions Jesus condemned were those of the religious leaders, who had added to scripture.  Thus, Jesus said in Mark 7:7-8 "Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Mark 7:8 "For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men."

The lesson tells us "Why did God command that His revelation and inspired messages be written down?  The obvious answer is so that we will not forget them so easily. The written words of the Bible are a constant reference point that directs us to God and His will.  A written document usually can be preserved better and be much more reliable than oral messages, which must be told again and again.  The Written Word, which can be copied again and again, also can be made accessible to many more people than if it were spoken only.  Last, we can speak to a limited number of people at one time in one place, but what is committed to writing can be read by countless readers in many different locations and continents, and even be a blessing numerous generations later.  In fact, if people can't themselves read, others can read a written document aloud to them.

Jesus is the Word become flesh.  Ultimately He is the Word of God, and the source of all the Bible's truths.  He is the outworking of the Word, in life and character.  Of course, every comparison has its limits. Jesus Christ and the Holy Scripture are not identical.  The Bible is not an incarnation of God.  God is no book.  God in Jesus Christ became human.  We love the Bible because we worship the Savior proclaimed in its pages.

The Bible is a unique and inseparable divine-human union.  Ellen G. White saw this clearly when she wrote: "The Bible, with its God-given truths expressed in the language of men, presents a union of the divine and the human.  Such a union existed in the nature of Christ, Who was the Son of God and the Son of man.  Thus it is true of the Bible, as it was of Christ, that 'the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.' John 1:14."
—Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 8.

We are to approach the Bible from a faith perspective, and yet, the Bible also says that faith comes by hearing the Word of God.  Thus, our study and living the Word of God deepens our faith.  Something miraculous takes place in the human mind to begin to look to God for truth.  I was converted at the age of 35.  I had had some religious exposure in the Lutheran Church as a child, but I had no interest or respect for the Word of God.  Life experiences led me to turn to God as my Savior.  Seventh-day Adventists clearly have expressed this insight into the supernatural origin of Scripture in the first fundamental belief of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which states: "The Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, are the written Word of God, given by divine inspiration.  The inspired authors spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.  In this Word, God has committed to humanity the knowledge necessary for salvation.  The Holy Scriptures are the supreme, authoritative, and the infallible revelation of His will.  They are the standard of character, the test of experience, the definitive revealer of doctrines, and the trustworthy record of God's acts in history. (Psalms 119:105; Proverbs 30:5, 6; Isaiah 8:20; John 17:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20, 21.)"

As essential as the Bible is to our faith, it alone would be of no real spiritual value to us were it not for the influence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and minds as we read and study it.

"In His word, God has committed to men the knowledge necessary for salvation.  The Holy Scriptures are to be accepted as an authoritative, infallible revelation of His will.  They are the standard of character, the revealer of doctrines, and the test of experience. . . .  Yet the fact that God has revealed His will to men through His word, has not rendered needless the continued presence and guiding of the Holy Spirit.  On the contrary, the Spirit was promised by our Saviour, to open the word to His servants, to illuminate and apply its teachings.  And since it was the Spirit of God that inspired the Bible, it is impossible that the teaching of the Spirit should ever be contrary to that of the word."
—Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 9.

You will seek God, and find Him, when you seek for Him with all your heart.  Approach the Bible as though it is a life and death situation, for it truly is.  God bless!

~Pastor Tom Cusack

1888 Message Study : The Uniqueness of the Bible

https://www.1888msc.org/resources/ssi/2020-q2/how-to-interpret-the-scriptures

"THE UNIQUENESS OF THE BIBLE"

 

 

Our title this week is, "The Uniqueness of the Bible". Much of modern culture and "scholarship" would tell us that the Bible is far from unique. We are told that there are many roads to the truth, and that all religions and philosophies are equally valid means of attaining to truth and eternal salvation – albeit what "salvation" varies from religion to religion and philosophy to philosophy.

I have a large volume in my library called, "World Scripture:  A Comparative Anthology of Sacred Texts" by the International Religious Foundation. It's basically a collection of "verses" or excerpts from a multitude of religious texts and arranged under common headings, such as, "Divine Law, Truth, and Cosmic Principle", "The Purpose of Life", "The Human Condition", "Fall and Deviation", "Ultimate Reality", "Salvation, Liberation, and Enlightenment", "Worship", "Self-Denial and Renunciation", "Live for Others", "Eschatology and Messianic Hope", etc. All of these categories could fall under categories of truth that Christians (including SDAs) would find important, and that the Bible has something vital to speak to.

This volume in my library is nearly 1,000 pages. Virtually all of it verse after verse after verse of various "sacred" texts that relate to different topics.

Notice some of the following quotations and see if you believe they would fall under the rubric of Christian truth?

 

"He has created the heavens and the earth with truth."  Koran 16.3

"From the bosom of the sacred Word, He brought forth the world."  Atharva Veda 4.1.3

"Universal law embodies the spirit of sacrifice and service towards others."  Unification Church

"Liberation comes from living the holy Word."  Sikhism, Sri Raga Ashtpadi

"Truth is the way.  Truth is the goal of life."  Hinduism, Mundaka Upanishad 3.1.6

"Not one of you is a believer until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself."  Islam

"A man should wander about treating all creatures as he himself would be treated."  Jainism

"Do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you."  Confucius

 

Although I haven't read this tome in totality, I've spent a fair number of hours reading it and considering what makes the Bible and Christianity unique. Clearly, a religion is made up of the totality of its "truths" and philosophy, and not merely a few pleasing aphorisms. So, even though we would probably all agree with all the quotes above, that doesn't imply that all "truths" of all religions are equally valid.

As I've read through other religious texts, what seems to be common to most (all?) religions is the call to a moral life. For example, all the religions in this volume of "World Scripture", include instructions or commandments to be faithful to your spouse, to help the poor and needy, to honor your parents, to worship "god", to be unselfish, to love others, to not covet, to observe sacred days and events, etc.

When it comes to our behavioral obligations to "God/god(s)", there is a tremendous amount of overlap in religious writings.

So, what is unique about the Bible and Christianity? As I've read this "World Scripture" book, at least two things have struck me. One, with exceedingly rare exceptions, none of the verses quoted in this "World Scripture" volume tell me much about the character of the Supreme Being (God). There is a lot about the power, magnificence, awesomeness and pervasiveness of God's/gods'/supreme being, but very little about His character.

In these "sacred" texts, there is nothing about a God/god(s) Who loves to the point of sacrificing Himself for lesser beings. There is no John 3:16 outside the Bible. The attributes of 1 Corinthians 13 in their totality would never be ascribed in totality to God/god(s). There is no, "the Father Himself loves you" (John 16:27) in Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Unification church, Sikhism, African tribal religion, etc.

The call to right behavior is relatively similar in most religions, but the motivation to that right behavior being awakened as a responsive appreciation to the goodness of God (Romans 2:4) towards me is missing.

The message we have to give to the world is NOT, "we have a different or better set of behaviors to do than your current religion" – Sabbath, vegetarianism, tithe, modesty, etc. All of which are important. The message we have to give is to come join us in getting to know about a God Who loved us more than we can imagine.

This is why the Bible is made up, to a large degree, of stories and not primarily wise aphorisms and good rules – although that is present. The Bible is made up of actual, true stories from history, where we can see how God has acted in a variety of circumstances and over a long period of time – in order to LEARN ABOUT and ASSESS GOD'S CHARACTER.

The whole conflict between good and evil is, ultimately, not about your salvation and mine. The conflict is fundamentally about the trustworthiness and goodness of God, which have been brought into question. The response to the accusations of Satan cannot be either counter accusations, or mere statements from God about His power, glory, and majesty, or statements from God that Satan is lying.

Ultimately, the only way to refute Satan's accusations is in the realm of demonstration. How does God act in difficult circumstances, with problem children, when He's being betrayed, etc. How does God act when His very "self" is but at eternal risk.

The 1888 message was meant to be a paradigm shifting leap forward in our understanding and appreciation for the goodness of God. The understanding that He is the Savior of the whole world, not just the believer. The understanding that He will fulfill His promises to us, even when our promises to Him fail. The understanding that God's love and grace are so influential and persuasive that it actually makes it hard to be lost. The understanding that God's goodness does lead us to repentance that includes righteousness. Righteousness that comes by faith, not by knowing the list of requirements really well.

"This is the message that God commanded to be given to the world."  TM 91.2

The second and related unique aspect of Christianity, which is developed most fully in Seventh-day Adventist theology, is seeing the world and the Bible through the lens of the great controversy.

"The student should learn to view the Word as a whole, and to see the relation of its parts. He should gain a knowledge of its grand central theme, of God's original purpose for the world, of the rise of the great controversy, and of the work of redemption. He should understand the nature of the two principles that are contending for supremacy, and should learn to trace their working through the records of history and prophecy, to the great consummation. He should see how this controversy enters into every phase of human experience; how in every act of life he himself reveals the one or the other of the two antagonistic motives; and how, whether he will or not, he is even now deciding upon which side of the controversy he will be found." {Ed 190.2}

All religions have a controversy between god and evil. Almost all movies and books (novels) have a controversy between good and evil. Even atheists on some level articulate a conflict between good and evil (one of atheism's chief critiques to the existence of a good God is that evil exists). And although Christianity sees a conflict between God and Satan, the root and source of the conflict is never articulated as in Adventism.

The idea that the conflict between good and evil, God and Satan, is over whether God is good or not, is NOWHERE in religious thinking in our world. This is the unique perspective of the Bible and Seventh-day Adventism. As we study the Bible, and as we learn "how to interpret Scripture" this quarter, may we always discern the "grand central theme", and see the "two principles" in the Bible and in the world and in our own lives. When we, "view the Word as a whole", from this perspective, we will see the "uniqueness" of the Bible, and have a solid foundation for how to "interpret" the Bible.

May we have the wisdom and humility to see the Bible, and ourselves, and God Himself, as He sees.

 

~Bob Hunsaker

1888 Message Study : From Dust to Stars

https://www.1888msc.org/resources/ssi/2020-q1/from-dust-to-stars

"FROM DUST TO STARS"
 
 

"FROM DUST TO STARS"

 

 

'Sheltered in Place— Social Distanced No More'

 

When last contributing to the study on Daniel I had just returned from a trip to the William Miller farm—life was good—comparatively speaking. Subsequent to that blog three months ago both of my mentors have died and an unsettling diagnosis has come closer to home, but God remains good.

It is not news to you that right now most of the United States and the world are "sheltered in place" with "social distancing". All sports events are cancelled across the world, most restaurants are closed, many doctors' offices are shut or only addressing urgent cases; the General Conference gathering in Indianapolis postponed, the Olympics on the brink of being cancelled, and oh yes—people are beginning to hoard.

By the time this post is read the world could have changed even beyond cameras recording a skeleton pastoral team at your local Adventist church. If human nature has remained unchanged, which it has, we could see escalation as spelled out by history below. We are in portentous times. A seriousness has settled over us all. Our fondest hopes are either coming into focus or are being blurred by our possessions or feelings of wasted opportunity. Here is the bottom line. Michael is about to stand and we have no time to dillydally. He is touched with the feelings of our infirmities (Hebrews 4:15)—including Corona virus or the fear that is being generated by it. What a precious truth for the world in light of the Corona reality.

The year was 1893—the World Columbia fair was followed by financial depression that lasted until 1897 but there were a series of events that frames the following reference, but is present truth today. The financial depression of that year instigated riots in the streets in Ohio in March of 1894—the most significant protest march that ends in Washington on May 1st. Cleveland, Ohio was catapulted into the "May Day Riots". Ten days late was the Pullman Strike where three thousand union workers went on strike to protest lower wages. By July the news cycle is flooded with a fire at the site of the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago that destroys the remaining buildings.

It is in this context that A.T. Jones pens:

"ALL men see the way that things are going, and they know that the times are perilous, and they resort to combinations of different sorts by which, if possible, to save themselves from results which they see must certainly follow, even viewed from the standpoint of the world. The laborers combine in unions, leagues, etc., to save themselves from what seems to them must certainly come. The farmers do the same, and the capitalists do the same.

NOW, in the eighth chapter of Isaiah, this course of things is described, and the word says: "Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces. Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us. For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, [that is, the Lord says to us], Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the Lord of hosts Himself; and let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread.... And I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth His face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for Him." Isaiah 8:9-17.

THUS it is clearly shown that in the time of waiting and watching for the coming of the Lord, there will be this time of general distress and fear, in view of what is coming; and also this time of association and combination and confederation of many together to save themselves from that which they fear. It shows also that none of these associations, combinations, or confederacies will help those who enter into them. But the word which they speak "shall not stand;" the counsel which they take together will "come to nought;" and the combinations which they make, and even they, themselves, in those confederations, "shall be broken in pieces."

NO, no. Confederation or association of men will not save them in this time. Every effort made in that way will only increase the trouble and the danger which they hoped to escape. This also is apparent to everyone who looks at these things as they are today; for never was there a time in the world when there were such vast combinations of capital, and never was there a time when capital was so insecure. Never were there such vast organizations and combinations of labor, and never was labor in a worse plight. Unions, federations, combinations, will not help matters. These evils will grow worse and worse. Men themselves will grow worse and worse. 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13. And by no combination or invention can men save themselves from themselves.

NONE but the Lord can save, even temporally, in this time. Therefore, in the presence of these things, when men are in fear in dread, their hearts moved as the trees of the woods are moved with the wind, He counsels us, "Stablish your hearts," let your hearts be fixed, so that you shall be safe and unmoved when others are in fear and in dread. "Sanctify the Lord of hosts Himself; and let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread. And He shall be for a sanctuary," that is, for a refuge, a place of safety and security, a dwelling place, a shelter in the time of storm. For, "he that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty;" and in the shadow of His wings can we make our refuge till these calamities be over past." American Sentinel, July 26, 1894 p. 233

 

Our daughter had almost concluded her year abroad when it was abruptly announced last week that she could not stay in Argentina where she was studying and had to return home. WhatsApp was her lifeline to conference with her mom and me to lay out and execute the game-plan to return her to the United States. She arrived three days later in Seattle to the warm hug of her mother and tearful embrace of her brother—separated no longer. No social distancing here. Now she is sheltered in place at our home. God the Father and Jesus are working on the details of our return to our heavenly home. What we are witnessing are the final details to that grand reunion. There is healing that needs to be sped up.

Your infirmities could be the corona virus itself, or maybe financial stresses, emotional scarring, social isolation, physical abuse or diagnosis, or maybe spiritual apathy. Michael right now is in the gap for you—as you—to heal and restore you. His name means "Who Is Like God". This is where your acceptance is. We are accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6). We have a complete Savior Who is the Savior of all men—especially of those who believe
(1 Timothy 4:10). Jesus Christ is able to save to the uttermost all them that come unto God by Him (Hebrews 7:25) , but more important—our Heavenly Father is on our side. "God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself" (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

The world might be falling to pieces, but our refuge is "in Christ"—our High Priest. It is not just on the ephod as a precious stone, but His life flows out to us. We receive His life to live. There is no 'social distancing' with Him. May your life be hidden with God in Him.

Are you dwelling in the secret place of the MOST HIGH? There is no other refuge. Let us be "Sheltered in Place—in Him. The grand reunion is just before us.

 

Sing with me:

 

1 O safe to the Rock that is higher than I,
My soul in its conflicts and sorrows would fly.
So sinful, so weary, Thine, Thine would I be;
Thou blest Rock of Ages, I'm hiding in Thee.

 

Chorus:

Hiding in Thee, Hiding in Thee,
Thou blest Rock of Ages, I'm hiding in Thee.

 

2 In the calm of the noontide, in sorrow's lone hour,
In times when temptation casts o'er me its power,
In the tempests of life, on its wide, heaving sea
Thou blest Rock of Ages, I'm hiding in Thee. [Chorus]

 

3 How oft in the conflict, when pressed by the foe,
I have fled to my Refuge and breathed out my woe.
How often when trials like sea billows roll
Have I hidden in Thee, O Thou Rock of my soul. [Chorus]

W. O. Cushing (1876)

Ref:  https://hymnary.org/text/o_safe_to_the_rock_that_is_higher_than_i

 

In tribute to Fred Bischoff we encourage the series:  The Truth Versus the Lie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEPsmTRJMCE

 

~Richard Kearnsrichar

“FROM NORTH AND SOUTH TO THE BEAUTIFUL LAND”

"FROM NORTH AND SOUTH TO THE BEAUTIFUL LAND"

 

Modern scholarship generally sees in this chapter the wars between the Seleucids (north) and Ptolemaic (south) kings, culminating in the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes. However, this misses the tenor of the book as a whole, and the parallelism between this chapter and earlier ones. While there is little symbolism in the chapter, it still is difficult to identify distinctly all the historic references. Certain parts of the chapter are well recognized, others less so.

In preparation for this week's lesson, it should be admitted that sincere Christians have different interpretations and that humility is important. In reading Daniel 11, there are two dangers we need to avoid. One is to ignore the chapter due to its perplexity; the other is to be dogmatic in claiming to have the only understanding of every detail in the chapter.

For example, one main question that Seventh-day Adventist interpreters must answer is, "When does Imperial Rome enter into the prophecy?" In answer to that question, the SDA Bible Commentary and Mervyn Maxwell say Rome appears in verse 14. R. A. Anderson and William Shea argue for verse 16. Jacques Doukhan gives verse 4 as Imperial Rome's entrance. A second question is, "When does the papacy become central?" Doukhan suggests in verse 5. Maxwell argues that the papacy is central in verses 21-45, with the SDA Bible Commentary and Anderson arguing for its entrance in verse 31. Discerning between these dedicated scholars and their positions calls for humility.

Several principles can assist in the study of the chapter. First, it seems evident that the chapter is not using symbols as in the rest of the book, but the rubric of kings. There are no beasts or metals, simply a reference to kings. Second, verse 2 focuses on four kings of Persia, and verse 3 introduces Alexander the Great. This can be seen by comparing with Daniel 8:8. The four kings represent the breakup of that kingdom, and the following battles between the king of the north and the king of the south refer to various Syrian wars between the Seleucids and the Ptolemies.

Third, the Messiah's death is indicated in 11:22. The word for prince, nagid is used in 9:25-26. Therefore we have a verbal thread connecting the prince of the covenant, with the Messiah. We can thus conclude that Rome must enter before this verse. Fourth, there is the removal of the daily (11:31; 8:11). The papacy is involved in this activity (however the daily is understood), and thus must appear either with this verse, or shortly before. Fifth, the marker 'time of the end' (11:40), points to a period that begins with the fall of the papacy in 1798. (This expression appears in Dan. 8:17; 11:35, 40; 12:4, 9). Thus, the events after this verse are between that event, and the resurrection mentioned in 12:2.

Sixth, since the resurrection described mentions some going to eternal life and others to eternal damnation, this cannot be the general resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) nor the one at the end of the 1,000 years (Revelation 20:4-6). It must be a special resurrection and would occur around the time of the 7th plague (Revelation 16:17-18). All other historical events must fall into this general outline. The above points give us a general outline of the chapter, to which most people can agree.

In verses 44, 45 there appear to be events that draw history to a close. The King of the North, here represented by the papacy goes forth to destroy and annihilate many, reminding the reader of the death decree in Revelation 13. Tidings from the east and the north bring to mind God's deliverance of His people (Isaiah 41:25; 42:1; Revelation 7:2; 16:12; cf. Revelation 18:1-3). He will finally come to his end, with none to help him (Revelation 17:16). This introduces the next great event, Michael standing up, which indicates the beginning of His reign (Daniel 12:1-2; Revelation 11:15-18).

While every detail may not be clearly understood, the flow of the chapter can be grasped. God is not interested in war, for war's sake. The chapter highlights for us the reality of the great controversy, and that the battles taking place on earth are only a reflection of the war that began in heaven. Which side will we choose to be on today?

~Steven Grabiner

RR

Raul Diaz

https://about.me/raul.diaz