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WAIT FOR INTRO, MUSIC, AND VOICEOVER

VOICEOVER: Welcome to End Times Today with Author, Speaker, and Bible teacher: John Claeys. In today’s episode we are going to continue to explore one of Daniel’s prophecy. This episode is entitle, The Ticking Clock: The Final seven years. 

Before we do, I’d like to remind you what’s available at End Times Today Dot Org. You can sign up for notifications concerning upcoming episodes, watch previous broadcasts, and even send in your own questions for John. 

In addition you can get a copy of John’s book Impending Apocalypse by going to End Times Today Dot Org. 

We’ll take a look at those final seven years in just a moment, but first let’s see what’s happening in our the world right now. Here’s John Claeys

What in the World Is God Doing?

Broadcast 8

Viewer Screen: “What Took Place at the Iranian Natanz Nuclear Facility?,” by Seth Frantzman, The Jerusalem Post (July 5, 2020)

The plot thickened last Thursday afternoon hours after a building at a nuclear facility in Iran appeared to have blown up. Reports of an “explosive device planted” and an early warning, as well as a dissident group taking responsibility, add to questions and concerns about what happened at the sensitive site.

The building affected by some kind of an explosion is located at the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility. . . . It was the third mysterious explosion in a week and has led to many questions.

“A Middle Eastern intelligence official... said the blast was caused by an explosive device planted inside the facility,” The New York Times reported. “The explosion, he said, destroyed much of the aboveground parts of the facility.”

TRTWORLD.COM reported: Experts argue possible theories, including Israeli aggression and internal malfunctions.

The first explosion happened on June 25 at a military facility, where missiles and ammunition were being manufactured. . . . A week later on July 2, another explosion took place in the country’s Natanz nuclear facility, north of the capital. Iranians reported no casualties. Between the two incidents, on June 30, there was also a deadly fire in Tehran’s Sina Medical Center, killing at least 18 people.  

When asked if these strikes may have been attacks organized by Israel, a Tehran-based journalist, who requested anonymity, responded: “It is one of the probabilities, but here and right now still no one has a conclusion about what is going on.”

According to http://stiriinternationale.ro,  the Natanz incident was a blast at Iran’s largest enrichment site. US satellites photos indicated to analysts that the “incident” at the Natanz enrichment facility on July 1 was an act of sabotage caused by a bomb.

Could Israel have planned and carried out these attacks? When we consider that Iran, the largest state-sponsor of terrorism in the world, the state that has called for the elimination of the Jewish state—and has threatened to bring Israel to extinction once it obtains the nuclear capability to do so—we should not be surprised to learn that Israel was behind these attacks. 

Eventually, Israel will need to do more. Middle Eastern leaders are relying on Israel to stop Iran’s nuclear build-up and are encouraging the Jewish state to launch an attack that will lead to the collapse of the Iranian regime. These attacks may have been aimed to simply slow down Iran for now, as well as to send a message to the terrorist regime. But when an attack does lead to the collapse of the current Iranian administration, the way will then be clear to confirm that 7-year treaty with Israel at which point world leaders will proclaim, “Peace and security!” 

It appears God is preparing for that day, and it could come sooner than we think.

That is: “What in the World Is God Doing?”

FULL STOP. WAIT FOR MUSIC AND VOICEOVER

VOICEOVER: Thanks John! It’s amazing to see what’s going on in the world right now. We’d like to tie that to what in the Bible God is saying to us, as we take a look THE TICKING CLOCK: The Final Seven Years, according to Daniel chapter 9? Here’s John to explain.

What in the Bible Is God Saying?

The Ticking Clock: The Final Seven Years

Viewer Screen: Daniel 9:24-27 presents an incredible 490-year prophecy, which culminates in the return of Christ. 

Viewer Screen: We previously saw: The Bible foretells a future 7-year period in which God’s wrath is poured out upon the earth.

Viewer Screen: This period is called the Tribulation period which begins on the very day the rapture of the Church occurs.

Viewer Screen: This 7-year period is initiated by a 7-year treaty with Israel.

The Guinness Book of Records recognized the Olsen clock, installed in the Copenhagen Town Hall, as the most accurate and complicated clock in the world. It contains more than 14,000 units, took ten years to make, and the mechanism of the clock functions in 570,000 different ways! “The clock is accurate to one-half of one second every three hundred years!

However, there is no more accurate measurement of time than that presented in Daniel 9:24–27. Those four verses present a time period of 490 years, specifically quantified (by significant, described events) to the very day with perfect accuracy! 

Viewer Screen: 483 years of this 490-year prophecy have been fulfilled.

Of this crucial 490-year prophetic period for Israel, 483 years have been fulfilled. The first measured period of time in this fulfillment began with the decree of King Artaxerxes in 444 BC to rebuild the city of Jerusalem and continued until the city was completely restored, 49 years later. The next period in this prophetic timeframe began at the completion of the restoration of Jerusalem and ended at the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. This is the longest period of the 490-year period, lasting 434 years. A few days after this realized prophecy, Jesus was crucified. 

Viewer Screen: The crucifixion of Jesus signaled the rejection of the Messiah by Israel.

The crucifixion of Jesus signaled the rejection of the Messiah by Israel and led to the fulfillment of this next significant event, described in verse 26: 

Viewer Screen: “ ‘And the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, and till the end of the war desolations are determined’ ” (Dan 9:26a). 

“ ‘And the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, and till the end of the war desolations are determined’ ” (Dan 9:26a).

This portrayal refers to the consequential events of 70 AD in which the Roman legions destroyed Jerusalem and the temple. 

Viewer Screen: “The prince” = the Roman general Titus

The prince identified in this verse refers to the Roman general, Titus, who led the large military force into Israel at that time. 

Viewer Screen:  “The people of the prince” = people of the Roman Empire

This means that “the people of the prince” are representatives of people of the Roman Empire. 

Viewer Screen: “The end of it shall be with a flood . . . ,” in which “a flood” = a flood of troops

Verse 26 announces that this destruction of Jerusalem would be with a “flood” of troops leading to great destruction, described as desolations. 

Viewer Screen: The “desolations” refer to the slaughter of over 1,000,000 Jews.

These “desolations” resulted in the slaughtering of approximately one million Jews in the Jewish wars with Rome in 66–70 AD. 

Viewer Screen: 483 of the 490 years have been fulfilled.

As we mentioned, if we totaled the amount of years from the prophetic plan in Dan 9:24-26 that has already been fulfilled, we would come up with 483 years. 

Viewer Screen: The crucifixion of Jesus brought an interruption to the prophetic program.

However, as a result of the crucifixion of Jesus, in which God’s Son was rejected by Israel, God introduced an interruption in this prophetic program, an interruption that has now lasted close to 2,000 years. 

Viewer Screen: The final 7 years are left to be fulfilled.

If 483 years of the 490-year prophecy have been completed, there are 7 years left to be fulfilled. These final 7 years will lead to the return of Christ to establish God’s kingdom upon the earth. 

This final seven-year period is presented in verse 27a: 

Viewer Screen: “Then he [they—leaders from the boundaries of the old Roman Empire] shall confirm a covenant [treaty] with many [Israel] for one week [seven years]; but in the middle of the week [seven years] he [they] shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering” (Dan 9:27a). 

“Then he [they—leaders from the boundaries of the old Roman Empire] shall confirm a covenant [treaty] with many [Israel] for one week [seven years]; but in the middle of the week [seven years] he [they] shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering” (Dan 9:27a).

Let’s look at that verse again with our translation:

Viewer Screen: “Then leaders from the boundaries of the old Roman Empire will confirm a treaty with Israel for seven years; but in the middle of the seven years these leaders shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering” (Dan 9:27a). 

“Then leaders from the boundaries of the old Roman Empire will confirm a treaty with Israel for seven years; but in the middle of the seven years these leaders shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering” (Dan 9:27a).

We know that this has not yet been fulfilled. 

Viewer Screen: “Then” shows v 27 occurs after the events of v 26.

The word then that begins verse 27 shows that this description occurs after the events of verse 26. But, how long after those events?

Viewer Screen: “. . . bring an end to sacrifice and offering . . .”

Verse 27 announces that as a result of breaking the treaty, sacrifices and offerings end. Remember that this prophecy focuses on Israel and revolves around Jerusalem. Keep in mind, also, that Jews cannot make sacrifices and offerings without the temple in Jerusalem. This means that the Jewish temple will need to be rebuilt. 

Verse 27 shows that sacrifices and offerings are connected to the making of the treaty, meaning this 7-year treaty will provide for the rebuilding of the temple. As the leaders of Israel and ten other nations negotiate this 7-year treaty, Israel’s leader will insist on being supported in the rebuilding of the temple as part of the treaty.

Viewer Screen:  When “he” = “they”

Viewer Screen: Typical English translations: “Then he shall confirm a covenant . . . he shall bring an end . . .”

English translations usually translate v 27 in this way, “Then he shall confirm a covenant . . . he shall bring an end . . .” 

Viewer Screen: A better translation: “Then they shall confirm a covenant . . . they shall bring an end . . .”

However, based on the grammar and context, the more natural way to translate the verse is to replace he with they. “Then they shall confirm a covenant . . . they shall bring an end . . .” 

Viewer Screen:  The pronoun [they] refers to the subject of v 26, which is “the people,” NOT “the prince.”

This translation makes more sense, because the subject is “the people” of verse 26, not “the prince.” 

Viewer Screen: “The people” will make a treaty, and “the people” will break that treaty.

Therefore, “the people” will make a treaty, and “the people” will break that treaty. 

The Hebrew word for “people” is a collective noun that takes singular verbs. A separate word “he” is not written here in Hebrew, but is translated in English because of the singular verb. But, if the singular verb refers to “people,” then it should be translated as “they” in English. This also seems more likely in view of the rest of verse 27.

Viewer Screen: “The people” = those living within the boundaries of the old Roman Empire.

As we learned earlier, “the people” are those living within the boundaries of the old Roman Empire. They are “the people of the prince,” referring to the Roman general Titus who overran Jerusalem. Thus, they are from the boundaries of the old Roman Empire.

Viewer Screen: “The people” refer to leaders of nations within the old Roman Empire.

Undoubtedly, those “people” who confirm and break the treaty with Israel are representatives of “the people.” In other words, they are leaders of “the people”; that is, they are leaders of nations within the old Roman Empire.

Viewer Screen: Clues from Dan 2 indicate 10 leaders will confirm the treaty with Israel.

We are not told in v 27 how many leaders of nations from the old Roman Empire will make this treaty with Israel, but the clues elsewhere indicate there will be 10. 

Viewer Screen: Daniel 2: 2 legs & 10 toes

The 2 legs and 10 toes in the vision of Daniel 2 portray both the old Roman Empire and a future, revived one. 

Viewer Screen: Revelation 17: 10 kings give their power to the beast, the world ruler.

The 10 toes point to the future fulfillment of Revelation 17 with 10 kings giving their power to a man who becomes the world ruler. 

Viewer Screen: Daniel 7: 10 kings arising from the Roman Empire.

This can also be seen in Daniel 7, where a vision pictures the same four world powers as in Daniel 2, with the fourth power—also portraying a future revived Roman Empire—having ten kings arising from it (7:24). The two legs of Daniel likely indicate the two known divisions of the Roman Empire into East and West. 

Viewer Screen: A treaty with “many,” Israel (Jews).

Thus, it appears the treaty will be made between ten nations that exist within the boundaries of the old Roman Empire and Israel, and “many.” Elsewhere in the Bible, “many” refers to Jews. Remember that this prophecy focuses on Israel.

Based on what we have seen thus far, we could translate v 27 in this way: 

Viewer Screen:  “ ‘Then ten leaders of nations existing within the boundaries of the old Roman Empire will confirm a treaty with Israel for seven years, but in the middle of this seven-year period those leaders will bring an end to sacrifice and offering.’ ”

“ ‘Then ten leaders of nations existing within the boundaries of the old Roman Empire will confirm a treaty with Israel for seven years, but in the middle of this seven-year period those leaders will bring an end to sacrifice and offering.’ ” 

Viewer Screen: This will be a 7-year treaty that will be broken 3½ years after it begins.

Thus, this treaty will be intended as a 7-year treaty, but it will be broken 3½ years after it begins. 

Viewer Screen:  Next time: The Introduction of the Future World Ruler, the Man of Satan, Who Will Produce “the Abomination of Desolations.”

In our next broadcast, we will introduce the future world ruler, the man who will be empowered by Satan to produce “the abomination of desolations.” So, join us next time right here at End Times Today as we reveal “Satan’s Beast, the Man of Sin.”

FULL STOP. WAIT FOR MUSIC AND VOICEOVER

VOICEOVER: What an incredible reminder to be watching for the return of Christ! Thank you John for bringing clarity to this fantastic reminder. Before we go let’s take a look at some questions from viewers just like you.

Questions / Answers

VOICEOVER: our first question comes from Ivy, from New Mexico: She Writes. 

Q: As to the universe being replaced…. I have held to this view (attached) and still do.  This is a chapter out of Hank Hanegraaff’s book Resurrection.  So, while I don’t agree with everything Hanegraff says, I am currently of the same mind regarding the passing of the first heaven and earth. ---Ivy, Farmington, New Mexico

A: I noticed that the view being espoused is that 2 Peter 3:10 and Revelation 21:1 present a renewal, not a re-creation of the present universe. I also noted that the people being quoted (in the attachment you sent) as holding to this view, by and large, do not believe there will be a millennial kingdom. I have also noticed that Randy Alcorn states this same view in his book Heaven; and, interestingly, he states that he does not believe the concept of the millennial kingdom is all that important. Thus, those who hold to this view do not see the purpose of the millennial kingdom. 

It is the Millennial Kingdom in which the earth will be transformed. It will be the same planet, but changed, just as our resurrected bodies will be the same but changed. In fact, the attached material cites this as one of its important points for its viewpoint; however, it is confusing the millennial kingdom with the eternal state. 

The attachment also quotes from Romans 8:20ff.—regarding the earth “groaning”—and connects the deliverance of the earth from its state of futility under the curse to the eternal state. However, Romans 8:23 indicates that the deliverance of creation will be at “the redemption of our body.” That “redemption” refers to our resurrection; but that will not occur at the beginning of the eternal state, but prior to the Millennial Kingdom. The creation will be delivered from the curse at the initiation of the Millennial Kingdom.

The attached material also makes a point of stating that the word translated “new” in Revelation 21:1 (“new heavens and a new earth”) is kainos, which the writer claims refers to something “new in nature” but that which is continuing in form. However, that definition is completely bogus. 

Viewer Screen: “New” (“new heavens and a new earth”) = “something not previously present”

If you look at the standard Greek lexicon (used by most scholars), A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature by Bauer, Arndt, Gingrich, and Danker, (“καινος,” p. 394) kainos refers to “something not previously present.” In other words, it refers to something totally new that did not previously exist.

Viewer Screen: “Passing away” (of the present creation, 2 Peter 3:10) = “to come to an end”

In addition, when Peter describes the “passing away” of the present creation—in order for God to create a new universe—he uses the term παρερχομαι) which is translated in the NKJV as “pass away.” According to BAGD (the lexicon I mentioned above), this term means “to come to an end.” That would mean that the present universe will come to an end at the end of the millennial kingdom and a new creation will replace it.

Viewer Screen: The earth will be transformed for the Millennial Kingdom; and it will be destroyed and created anew for the Eternal State.

This would mean that the earth will be transformed at the initiation of the Millennial Kingdom; and it will be destroyed and created anew for the Eternal State. 

FULL STOP. WAIT FOR OUTRO VOICEOVER. 

VOICEOVER: A big thanks to John, for the information in today’s fascinating episode. 

A COUPLE OF QUICK REMINDERS before we go. If you’d like to sign up for notifications, see recent episodes, or even ask John a question you can do that and more at ENDTIMESTODAY.ORG 

If You would like, you can get a copy of John’s book, Impending Apocalypse at Endtimestoday.org. Thanks for watching and we will see you next time on End Times Today, With John Claeys.