I have a friend and counselor in ancient Babylon.

I have turned to him countless times for wisdom, strength and direction. In fact, he has foreseen the future and has instructed me carefully regarding “days yet to come” (Dan. 10:14).

I am always amazed at his dedication, courage, faithfulness and prayerfulness. What an example he offers of trusting God during incredible difficulties!

His Hebrew name means “God is my judge,” and it is a name that has become common in our own culture. His name is Daniel.

Many faithful Bible teachers believe that Daniel did not compose his book until the ninth decade of his life. But what a treasure he gave us when he did! It contains the revelation “of secrets” (Dan. 2:47)—some of which are found nowhere else in all of God’s Holy Word.

We could not understand the prophetic Scriptures—even the book of Revelation itself—without essential passages in Daniel, such as Daniel 2:31-45 and Daniel 9:24-27. Yet, these treasures were “revealed to” (Dan. 2:19, 30; 10:1) him alone.

But these are not the only “secrets” (Dan. 2:28, 29, 47) that Daniel had the privilege of announcing to the world for the first time. He also declared the following by means of predictive prophecy:

• the identity and timing of the antichrist and his kingdom (Dan. 7:7-8, 23-25)—who may have been introduced in an obscure reference in Isaiah 26:20-27:1;
• unique prophetic material describing the ascent of Alexander the Great and the Greek empire (Dan. 8:5-8, 21);
• the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes, who would torment the Jewish people by committing “the abomination of desolation” (Dan. 11:31) during the dark days leading up to events behind the institution of Hanukkah (Dan. 8:9-14; 11:21-35); and, finally
• many more exceptional details relating to events that will unfold during the coming tribulation and future kingdom (Dan. 11:40-12:13).

Daniel also gave us the most vivid description of spiritual warfare as it transpires in the unseen world (Dan. 10:10-11:1). He certainly bore a heavy burden in receiving and transmitting such awesome revelations (Dan. 7:28; 8:27; 10:9, 16-17).

All of this is more amazing when we realize that Daniel was probably a teenager when the book opens, and he is ripped from his home in Jerusalem and transported to Babylon (Dan. 1:3-7). He becomes an old man by the time we arrive at the end of his account (Dan. 6:28; 10:1)—truly making this a book for all ages.

Daniel’s writings are not only prophetic but also very personal. As Dr. John Whitcomb stated, “In attempting to master the message, let’s not miss the man.” ^[i]

It is, in fact, easy to recognize why Daniel was a “man greatly beloved” (Dan. 10:11). God used him to convey “light and understanding and wisdom” (Dan. 5:11) to the world. In addition, his intrepid faith combined with his winsome example make him a magnetic character who “(shines) like the brightness of the firmament” (Dan. 12:3) all the way down to our time.

The thing that made Daniel so special—in addition to his tremendous natural abilities (Dan. 1:4) and his spiritual giftedness (Dan. 1:17)—was his steadfast commitment to the spiritual training that he had doubtless received as a very young boy. You can take the boy away from the temple, but you can’t take the temple out of the boy! He remembered the temple as it was before the captivity began—before “the glory of the LORD departed from the threshold of the temple” (Ezek. 10:18), thus before it was destroyed in 586 B.C. After more than six decades in Babylon, he was still conducting his life on temple time (Dan. 9:21).

Yes, I realize that Daniel is no longer alive and residing in Babylon. But to me, his example is just as dynamic as if he were. I know that one day I will see him and be able to fellowship with him in person. Until then, I have the wonderful joy of telling others about his story and all the “deep and secret things” (Dan. 2:22) that he was privileged to share with us—as a true “prophet” (Matt. 24:15; Mark 13:14) of God, who imparted these truths by Divine inspiration (2 Pet. 1:21).

Recently, a Bible study group that I teach asked me to lead them through the book of Daniel. Returning to this book once again has caused me to realize just how vitally connected my ministry has been to my friend in ancient Babylon. And I will look forward to sharing more about that in the concluding installment.

—

Paul J. Scharf (M.A., M.Div., Faith Baptist Theological Seminary) is a church ministries representative for The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, based in Columbus, WI, and serving in the Midwest. For more information on his ministry, visit sermonaudio.com/pscharf or foi.org/scharf, or email pscharf@foi.org.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version.

[i] Class lecture from “Daniel” module; Oct. 30, 1995 (Ankeny, IA: Faith Baptist Theological Seminary).

Replacement theology has a huge following; roughly one billion people around the world subscribe to this unbiblical doctrine – one-tenth of this number are Americans. It is all about a brand of Christianity minus the mention of Israel and Jewry in their teachings. If there is any talk of God’s chosen people in their sermons or cell group meetings – it is all in a negative light. There is that argument that truly negates the truth in the Living Word – the pseudo-church these folks belong to has indeed replaced the Jews as the chosen ones!

There exists a continuum where subscription to this demonic doctrine goes, from full-blown Anti-Semitism in the extreme camp to the more subtle element seen in churches that sweep away all mention of Bible Prophecy because there are numerous references to Israel – God’s timepiece! The hardliners are prone to embracing hot-button ideals which have nothing to do with living and walking in the Word of God. These individuals draw inspiration from the father of lies when they wholeheartedly endorse the two-state solution in the spirit of so-called Christian Palestinianism.

The seemingly moderate adherents fare no better; they whitewash the prophetic truth in the Living Word with fables like the prosperity gospel and kingdom now. Whatever the degree or form of replacement theology, there is an undeniable reality – they who subscribe to it walk around with a Bible that has quite a number of Scriptural passages covered in correction fluid! — perhaps beginning with Genesis 12:3. “I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

So these people do not realize the seriousness when it comes to the rejection of the truth. They have needlessly thrown away whatever good might come their way and instead invited every form of calamity into their lives. Such foolishness is driven by the author of confusion through his machinations of deceit which are in overdrive in these late hours. It comes as no surprise if a discerning mind looks at 1 Timothy 4:1-2. “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.”

When there is wanton tampering with Holy Writ, there are indeed very serious consequences – beginning with floodgates being open to the powers and principalities of darkness. It is truly evident in the manner by which subscribers of replacement theology conduct themselves in the public eye. They display little love but exhibit a hatred that is comparable to the Taliban – it could turn very ugly whenever paths are crossed with Jews and believers from the Body of Christ who love Israel. In the current setting, they are putting their faith in earthly institutions versus the Kingdom of God. It is an opposite to the Good Fight! These hard-nosed people will fight tooth and nail for the perishable, a step that draws attention from the so-called powers that be. The nearly ninety thousand thugs have their work cut out!

Those adherents of this doctrine from the pit of hell that seemingly adopt a softer stance are definitely not spared from the ravages that the enemy is gladly hurling at the unbelieving. These folks might be cocooned in their comfort zone at the moment, but a pitiless tsunami of torment could come their way without any notice. Simply shunning prevailing realities that are part and parcel of the prophetic truth add up to a state of denial. This denial could be the driving force behind the blasting of the Blessed Hope – something that is music to the ears of the adversary!

Half or partial belief is as good as unbelief. Those in this parlous state of their relationship with the Lord risk losing big time; it is all very clearly spelled out in 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11. “And with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie.”

It is of zero spiritual value at the very least if mention is made of the pews in churches that preach replacement theology – the eternal destiny of the congregations is in serious question. They are taught to hate the truth, and it genuinely spells a certain doom. There is, without any doubt, a definite answer when the twinkling of an eye moment takes place. Left behind and primed for a strong delusion!

If you have read this article and attend a church or cell group that preaches replacement theology – bail out ASAP! Turn to the way, truth and the life that is in a Bible without corrective fluid smeared on any verse. Better still, have a heart for the Jew and eye on Israel – this is indeed God’s timepiece for the times we live in. You will truly be blessed with the love of the Heavenly Father.

Maranatha

Edwin

Contact me at edwinuk13@gmail.com