End of These Things Daniel 12:1-2
When will end of the world take place? Men have been asking this question for hundreds of years. Christ's disciples asked this same question in Matthew 24:3. In recent times, the motion picture industry has produced movies concerning this very subject. Some suggest that the world will end in 2012. Will the earth be totally destroyed in some cataclysmic event? Will man be totally annihilated? Daniel wanted answers to these questions. In Daniel 12: 8 he asked this question, “ What shall be the end of these things." Daniel wanted to know what will happen and when will it happen. He wanted to know what circumstances will surround the end time and what events will have to take place before the end of times can come to completion? In Daniel 12:1-2 we are told, 3 events will take place before the end of this age.
1. Michael will stand up for the nation of Israel.
Michael is a mighty angel, who watches over Israel’s affairs. Angles such as Michael fight battles in heaven. Michael will again defend Israel in the last days. Dan 10:12-21, Rev. 12:7-12
2. It will be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation.
The end times will be characterized as tribulation not seen since the beginning of the world nor shall it be seen again. Matt. 24:21-22, Jer. 30:7
3. Everyone found written in the book shall be delivered.
This passage states those written in the book shall be delivered. Delivered from what? Shall they be delivered from the tribulation itself, the grave, or eternal judgment? Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake. Some shall awake to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Rev. 20:1-15, Dan 12:13
So before the “end of these things” can come, Michael must fight a final battle, the Great Tribulation will be ushered in, and the dead shall rise from their graves and be judged. Where will the christians be when these 3 events take place? Will all the dead be raised to life at the same time? The Bible addresses these questions.