Text: Daniel 7:15-28

Dear Young People,

GENERAL AND SPECIFIC INFORMATION
One of the angels of the Lord explained to Daniel the meaning of the vision he saw. In brief, the angel explained that God had given him a vision of the future.

"So he told me and made known to me
the interpretation of these things:
Those great beasts, which are four,
Are four kings which arise out of the earth.
BUT the saints of the Most High shall receive
The kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever,
Even forever and ever."
Daniel 7:16-18

We may delineate the angel's answer in the following way:-

1. With reference to the kingdoms of the earth
Daniel was given a glimpse, a preview of the future. There would be four major kingdoms on the earth. These would be the Babylonian, the Medo-Persian, the Roman and the Greek Empires. History bears out the truth of this prophetic word!

2. With reference to another type of kingdom.
The angel sought to teach Daniel the fact that there was another kind of a kingdom. In that other kingdom, the real kingdom, the one that will last forever - "the saints of the Most High" will receive and possess that kingdom forever.

The angel must have referred to the spiritual and eternal kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ. His kingdom is indeed forever. Jesus referred to that kingdom when He spoke to Pontius Pilate.

"My kingdom is not of this world…
My kingdom is not from here…"
John 18:36

Pilate, the Roman governor knew of only one kingdom and the power behind that was Rome! He could not fully comprehend what Jesus was talking about when He spoke of His kingdom not being of this world.

The angel sent by God to attend to Daniel's question spoke to him about an eternal kingdom. It is this kingdom that is of greatest importance. The kingdoms of this world, no matter how powerful they may be, fade away with the passing of time.

ARE YOU IN GOD'S KINGDOM?
Once again, you must try and ask yourself this question. Have you received Jesus as your Saviour? Do you acknowledge Him as your King and Lord?

If you have humbly repented of your sins and if you have asked the Lord Jesus to be your Saviour, then He admits you into His kingdom. He will admit you into God's Kingdom as one of His saints.

What is the significance of the word "saints"? Why was this word used in this context?

The word "saint" comes from the word "holy". Those who have come to God asking for forgiveness are first forgiven and then cleansed from their sins. God then declares the person "righteous". This word may be regarded as a synonym for the word "saint".

The believer stands as one who is "holy" in God's sight. He has righteousness imputed to him. He will inherit God's kingdom forever and ever.

How wonderful it is to know God. How glorious it is to have faith in the Lord. Do you possess this faith to believe that you are one of God's righteous ones?

Prayerfully,                                                                             

Pastor Charlie

First released 16th December 2001, © Bethany Independent-Presbyterian Church, Singapore