The Seventieth Week of Daniel

The Church today could benefit greatly from a clear understanding of the events of the End Times – the Seventieth Week of Daniel. Because this period is a dominant and recurring subject of the Bible, and because the second coming of Jesus Christ appears to be near, it is essential Christians firmly grasp what the Bible says about this period. However, for many, this level of comprehension has been elusive. Some of the responsibility lies with the Church, which has consistently failed to teach even a basic level of knowledge about this critical subject. Instead, the Church has primarily concerned itself with a discussion of the timing of the Rapture, offering a wealth of information related to this one topic, while ignoring other equally important end times’ events such as the signing of the Covenant, the Abomination of Desolation, the Great Tribulation, and the Day of the Lord. In addition, there is confusion because many end times’ teachings contradict the Bible.

The modern Church, just like its early counterpart, is confused about the End Times. Paul sent a letter to the church at Thessalonica to clear up any misunderstandings about the second coming of the Lord. Apparently, some were troubling them, teaching that the Rapture of the saints had already taken place. This confusion, both then and now, stems from erroneous teachings about the End Times. Paul told them not to be disturbed or frightened by false spirits, false words, or false letters. Similarly, the modern Church should not be troubled by false spirits and false teachers who are disrupting believers with false doctrines regarding the End Times.

Due to the confusion surrounding this topic some have suggested a study of the End Times should be omitted completely. They contend it is too controversial an issue – that there is already an excess of doctrine on which it cannot agree. Some say the subject has caused unnecessary division at a time when it needs to be united. Still others say the End Times are not meant to be understood, so why teach it at all? For all these reasons, and many more, Christians are avoiding an open discussion of this topic, and many congregations are choosing not to teach it altogether. However, the Church should not ignore this important topic. God would not have devoted so many scriptures to its elaboration if He had not meant for us to study and understand it. The End Times should be taught in the church. It is not inherently divisive, it is not a confusing subject, and it can be understood.

The very name of the book of Revelation, the disclosing or revealing of divine truth, indicates God wants us to understand the End Times. Referring to that period, the Lord says, “but the wise shall understand”. In Daniel 12:4, the Lord says, “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.” As we approach the End Times the knowledge that will increase is spiritually discerned knowledge concerning the second coming of the Lord. We should expect this knowledge to be more prevalent today than at any time in church history because the time of the end, or the End Times, is very near. We can trust God to impart comprehension of End Times scriptures if we diligently study His word and ask the Holy Spirit to give us understanding.

God the Father will send Jesus Christ a second time. That is what the Bible proclaims in hundreds of scriptures, and it is what nearly every Christian believes. We may not agree on the timing or the events of His second coming, but we agree He will come again.

Jesus Christ will remain in heaven until all the prophesied events concerning His return come to pass, and then He will come again. Much to our amazement, many of these prophesied events have been fulfilled in rapid-fire succession in recent history. Today, all of the prophesied events the Bible says must be fulfilled before the End Times can begin, have come to pass. We cannot ignore a study of the End Times because the second coming of Jesus Christ is very near indeed. We are right on the edge of experiencing what the prophets have prophesied for thousands of years regarding the return of the Lord. What an exciting and significant time in which we are blessed to be living.

A study of the End Times is also appropriate and timely because of the tragic condition of the Church. The Church today is in real trouble. It has lost much of its peculiarity; it is going the way of the world. Many of its members want to be entertained—not reminded of the sacrifices associated with taking up the cross of Christ. The Lord said He wants us to be watchful and aware He is coming soon. He said He wants us to be looking for the signs of His second coming. Biblical prophecies point to significant events that will take place prior to the Lord’s return. Many, however, do not believe there will be signs of His return; they are not watching, and are asleep spiritually. In addition, there will be a time of great distress prior to His return. The Church urgently needs something that will shake it out of its spiritual slumber; something that will help bring back fire and vitality. If it were to adopt a biblical attitude of watchfulness and preparedness for the second coming of the Lord, and realize we will experience a time of great trials and testing prior to His return, then a very positive change could take place. Watching and preparing for the second coming of Jesus Christ, while being mindful of the consequences of negligence, could greatly contribute to a spiritual revival today.