Eschatology | Daniel 7

Summary

In this message, TA walks through Daniel 7 and explores what Scripture says about the end times. While there are different theological perspectives on how to interpret apocalyptic passages, they all point to Jesus’ return and his eternal reign. The passage reminds us not to get lost in speculation but to live with confidence and humility, knowing that in the end, God wins.

Key Takeaways

• Eschatology is the study of the “last things” or the “end times.” It addresses God’s plan for history, the return of Christ, final judgment, and the ultimate renewal of all things
• Daniel 7’s Vision of the Beasts: Daniel sees four beasts rising from the sea, symbolizing chaotic, destructive kingdoms of the earth (generally understood to be Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome). The focus is especially on the fourth beast and the “little horn” that wages war against God’s people.
• Different Interpretive Lenses in Christian History
  • Preterist: views most New Testament apocalyptic literature as fulfilled in the first century, emphasizing the Temple’s destruction in 70 AD
  • Historicist: views most New Testament apocalyptic literature as a timeline of events unfolding across church history.
  • Idealist: views most New Testament apocalyptic literature as symbolically representing spiritual truths throughout church history.
  • Futurist: views most New Testament apocalyptic literature as yet to be fulfilled.
  • Eclectic: views most New Testament apocalyptic through a lens that combines preterism, historicism, idealism, and futurism.
• Different Timelines for Christ’s Return
  • Amillennialism: The millennium is the present church age in which Christ rules already from heaven, Satan has been bound and is not able to deceive the nations, and Christians await Christ's return to finally defeat Satan and consummate his kingdom.
  • Postmillennialism: Christ reigns through the church’s mission, gradually growing his kingdom to encompass the whole world and establish a Christian "Golden Age" through radical gospel influence and social change, after which Christ will return.
  • Historic Premillennialism: Christ, who currently reigns from heaven and has been preserving his church through history, will return after a time of great tribulation, and then reign on earth for a literal 1,000 years before the final judgment.
  • Dispensational Premillennialism: Christ will rapture the church before the Great Tribulation, then return to rule on earth for a literal 1,000 years, fulfilling God’s promises to Israel.
• What is Certain:
  • The focus is not the beasts but the Ancient of Days, seated on the throne in calm authority, sovereign over history
  • No one rivals God.
  • Jesus, the true King who receives everlasting dominion and will return in glory.
• Posture Toward Eschatology
  • Be most passionate about what is most certain: Jesus is King, he will return, and he will defeat sin, Satan, and death forever.
  • Distinguish between strong convictions and rigid convictions.
  • If God has given you a special passion for Israel, let that passion be pointed toward the salvation of Jews.
  • Don’t be consumed by endless speculation.
  • Pray for the persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ.
    
  • What matters most is living faithfully in light of Christ’s certain return.

Discussing and Applying the Sermon

• When you hear the word eschatology (the study of last things), what emotions or assumptions come to mind? Why?
• Which of the eschatological lenses (preterist, historicist, idealist, futurist, or eclectic) have you encountered before? How do they shape your perspective on Daniel 7?
• How does Daniel 7 encourage you to trust God’s sovereignty over the chaos of the world?
• What does it mean for you personally that Jesus is the “Son of Man” who will return with power and glory? Read Mark 14:53-64.
• How can you balance strong convictions about eschatology with humility and charity toward those who see things differently?
• In what ways does the certainty that “in the end, God wins” change how you live today?