7.6 Summary
Hope that Inspires: Prophetic Time and Christ’s Return
Lesson 7 is a fascinating journey through the prophetic time periods mentioned in the Bible, particularly focusing on the examination of Daniel 8:14 and other relevant texts. In this lesson, we learn how believers like William Miller in the 19th century were motivated by hope to understand the timing of Christ’s Second Coming.
The starting point of this journey is the consideration of the decree issued by King Artaxerxes of Persia in 457 BC, allowing the Israelite captives to return and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. This decree marks the beginning of the 2300-year-day prophecy, which later became central for William Miller and the early Adventists.
Through the examination of Daniel 9:25–26, we recognize that this entire prophetic time period of 483 years began with the decree to rebuild Jerusalem. This event took place in the autumn of 457 BC. These verses also prophesied significant events, including the baptism of Jesus in the autumn of AD 27 and His sacrificial death in the spring of AD 31, marking the end of the Old Testament sacrificial system.
Another important text, Daniel 9:27, shows that the prophecy of the 70 weeks would be associated with the cessation of the sacrificial and oblation service. This suggests that in the middle of the final week of the 70-week period, an event would occur signaling the end of this system.
The summary of these prophetic time periods and events demonstrates the precision and accuracy of God’s timetable. It reminds us that God is faithful and that His promises are fulfilled in history. These insights serve as a source of hope and motivation for believers as they await the fulfillment of His promises.
The connection between Lesson 7 and our everyday life and faith is multifaceted and profound.
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Hope and Motivation: The lesson reminds us that hope in the fulfillment of God’s promises can be a source of motivation for our spiritual lives. Similar to how William Miller and the early Adventists were motivated to understand the timing of Christ’s Second Coming, we too can be motivated by the hope of an eternal life with God.
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Trust in God’s Promises: The prophetic time periods in the Bible demonstrate to us God’s faithfulness and reliability in fulfilling His promises. This encourages us to trust in God and His Word, even in difficult times or when waiting for the fulfillment of certain promises.
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Bible Study and Spiritual Growth: Thorough examination of Scripture, as done in Lesson 7, reminds us of the importance of Bible study for our spiritual growth. By studying prophecies and their fulfillment, we can delve deeper into God’s Word and gain a deeper understanding of His plan for humanity.
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Perspective on Time: Reflecting on prophetic time periods reminds us that God’s timetable is not our timetable. Sometimes we need to be patient and wait for God’s promises to be fulfilled, trusting that His timing is perfect.
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Living in Expectation: Similar to how the early Adventists lived in anticipation of Christ’s Second Coming, we are also encouraged to live in expectation of the fulfillment of all of God’s promises. This expectation shapes our decisions, priorities, and our relationship with God and others.
Overall, Lesson 7 teaches us that our faith is not just for Sunday worship but should be woven into every aspect of our lives. Our hope in the fulfillment of God’s promises should motivate us to live a life characterized by trust, patience, and the anticipation of the glorious future that God has in store for us.
Despite errors and disappointments, God fulfills His purposes and tests our hearts so that we may align ourselves with Christ and be ready to receive Him with joy.
1.What lessons can we draw from William Miller’s experience? Does God sometimes override our mistaken understanding?
William Miller’s experience teaches us that God often works through human imperfection to fulfill His plan. Although Miller and his associates made errors in their understanding of the prophecies and were disappointed, God still allowed their message to spread and alerted people to the upcoming events. This teaches us that God is not reliant on our mistakes to fulfill His will but in His grace and sovereignty, He can even use our mistakes for His purpose. This encourages us to remain faithful in our trust in God, even when we do not understand everything, and to trust that His plan will ultimately be realized.
2.Why is understanding Daniel 9:24–27 so important in establishing the integrity of the Bible and the divinity of Christ?
Understanding Daniel 9:24–27 is crucial in establishing the integrity of the Bible and the divinity of Christ because these passages prophetically predict the arrival, ministry, and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Recognizing the fulfillment of these prophecies in Jesus strengthens our faith in the inspiration of the Holy Scriptures and the divinity of Christ. Daniel 9:24–27 provides a chronological framework for the first coming of Christ, including His baptism, His ministry, and His sacrifice on the cross. Through the precise fulfillment of these prophecies, the divinity of Christ is revealed, and the reliability of the Bible as the Word of God is confirmed. Therefore, understanding these passages is crucial in solidifying faith in Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah and affirming the inspiration and authority of the Holy Scriptures.
3.What role does understanding prophecy play in the plan of redemption? Why is prophecy very important in God’s plan?
Understanding prophecy plays a crucial role in the plan of redemption as it serves to reveal God’s intentions and actions throughout history. Prophecy is an essential element in God’s communication with humanity by predicting future events and the course of history. It serves to convey God’s promises and warnings, strengthen the faith of believers, and prepare them for what is to come.
Prophecy is extremely important in God’s plan for several reasons:
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Confirmation of Divinity: Fulfilled prophecy confirms the divinity of God and the reliability of His words. When prophesied events occur exactly as predicted, it attests to God’s omniscience and omnipotence.
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Preparation and Warning: Prophecy prepares people for upcoming events and warns them of possible dangers or challenges. It offers guidance and wisdom for navigating future circumstances.
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Strengthening of Faith: Fulfilled prophecy strengthens the faith of believers by demonstrating that God fulfills His promises and accomplishes His plan for humanity. This encourages believers to have firm faith in God and His Word.
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Revelation of the Plan of Redemption: Prophecy reveals aspects of the plan of redemption, including the promise of a coming Messiah, redemption through His sacrifice, and the hope of the future Kingdom of God. It demonstrates God’s love and care for His creation.
Overall, understanding prophecy plays a crucial role in revealing God’s plan of redemption, guiding and encouraging believers, and confirming the divinity of God.
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