Eugene Visser

03348 The Great Stone of Daniel 2:34

16 March 2012

You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. Introduction It is relevant in any study, even more so in a biblical study, that one examines contextual references to ones topic. The Great Stone of Daniel 2 holds more than mere casual interest for the reader it represents the culmination of all of earths history. For this fact alone it would warrant careful scrutiny. However, although most scholars agree, in general, on the meaning of the Great Stone, considerable controversy rages as the preceding kingdoms. Whether it be Historicism (2nd coming), Futurism (2nd coming), Preterism (spiritual Kingdom of Christ) or Idealism, the meaning of the Great Stone holds special value to Christians. It is with this specific interest in mind that a careful and logical study into the relevance and fulfilment of the Kingdom of God is proposed. This study is not intended as a Biblical Exegesis, although certain exegetical principles will be employed. Rather, the author wishes to examine the practical relevance to a layman. In the pursuit of a pragmatic approach, the author wishes to propose three main areas of research for the study of the Great Stone namely 1) what, 2) when and 3) why. 1. What? The first pertinent question to be asked in such a pragmatic approach would be what? What exactly is the Kingdom of stone and how does it impact on the everyday life of the Christian? From the pen of inspiration we hear: To those who believe, Christ is a sure foundation. Upon this living stone, Jews and Gentiles alike may build. It is broad enough for all and strong enough to sustain the weight and burden of the whole world. This is a fact plainly recognized by Paul himself. In the closing days of his ministry, when addressing a group of Gentile believers who had remained steadfast in their love of the gospel truth, the apostle wrote, Ye ... are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone. Ephesians 2:19, 20. {AA 175.3}[1] A. Does the Rock represent Christ? The imagery of Christ being the Rock is plentiful throughout the Bible. Deuteronomy 32:4, (KJV) tells us: He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. The Psalmist calls Him the Stone the builders rejected Psalm 118:22(KJV) The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. The prophet Isaiah tells us Isaiah 44:8(NIV) Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one."

Eugene Visser

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16 March 2012

The famous (and often contentious) Matthew 16:18 (KJV) And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Which Rock is Jesus talking about? The question is clear that if we were to exegete the passage without an outcome in mind, it would be clear that Christ is talking about Himself. If Jesus made Peter the ruler, why would the disciples pose the question who is the greatest? sometime later? The topic is abandoned for the purpose of this paper. A complete model of Christ as Rock is found in 1 Peter 2:4-8(KJV): 4.To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 5.Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 6. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7.Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8.And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. The above pericope provides a fuller understanding of this concept under the following headings: a. Christ is the chief cornerstone of the foundation (v. 7b). The point seems to be the significance given to the cornerstone. It is the most significant stone of the entire structure because, as Lenski[2] says, "it governs all the angles and all the lines of both the foundation and the building and is thus placed at the head of the corner, i. e., to form the projecting (not the inner) angle." Thus Christ is represented as the "capstone" (NIV) because He is the most important stone in the building. b. Christ is a chosen and precious stone (v. 4). He is God's own choice for the foundation of His spiritual house. God both selected Him and laid Him as the foundation of the church, and as Paul affirms, "no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 3:11). As God's chosen (v. 4) and elect (v. 6) Christ is the only foundation God will accept, and no man has a right to offer a substitute. No right thinking Christian would want another foundation. The One whom God has chosen is also "precious," both to God and to all those who are the elect of God, which is all Christians. The word "precious" carries the idea of honoured and esteemed. The terms "you also" (v. 5a) immediately following these words found in verse 4 may suggest that the readers, persecuted and rejected by unbelievers, share in this honour with Christ. c. Christ is a rejected stone (vv. 4, 7a). The statements that Christ is a rejected stone are put in contrast with such words as chief cornerstone, chosen and elect, and precious. Even though Christ has been chosen and made chief cornerstone by God, and even though He is viewed as precious by both God and believers, He is rejected by those who are disobedient. Christians see Christ as God sees Him, but He is rejected by all others. "Which the builders rejected" (v. 7) suggests builders rejecting a stone which they think is not suitable for the building. Jesus did not meet the specifications which some had made for the Messiah, so they rejected Him (see Jn. 1:11 with Mk. 8:31; Lk. 9:22). The very stone which they rejected God Himself chose and made the chief cornerstone of the building.[3]

Eugene Visser

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16 March 2012

Can we then logically conclude that Christ is the Rock? No serious scholar would disagree, but what about Christ the Rock as a representation of His Kingdom? Daniel sees the Rock smashing the feet as the kingdom that will never be destroyed v.44. As historicists we have firmly held to the belief that the Rock of Daniel 2 represents the 2nd coming of Jesus. Is there scriptural evidence to support this view? The question should not be answered in view of the Doctrinal Teaching of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, since it is the view of the author that all doctrines should withstand the Biblical test regardless of denominational affiliation. Rather, it would be desirable to find the answer to this based on Biblical reference alone. Since we have shown that Christ is the Rock, and in Him we find the germination of the Kingdom of Heaven, we then ask ourselves: B. Does the Rock of Daniel 2 represent the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ? There seems to be some evidence of a tension between the Rock representing the 1st Advent of Christ and the 2nd Advent. A casual reading of Scripture will provide more questions than answers we read in Daniel 2:44 (KJV) And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. The wording And in the days of these kings does seem to allude to the establishment of Gods Kingdom during the reign of these kings. Should we not then conclude that the Rock that will strike the feet of the statue is the Incarnation of Jesus Christ 2000 years ago? Did He not say in Matthew 16:18 that it is on Christ the Rock that His church will be founded? And when was the Church of God founded 2000 years ago or sometime in the future? Does the Kingdom of God refer to His Church? The first problem we encounter in the assumption that the Rock represents the 1st Advent is the timeframe. Although further detail on the when will be given in the following heading, it is relevant to mention that a major problem arises with the timeframe. The 1st Advent occurred during the reign of the legs of Iron Rome of Daniel 2:40. Rome had not been divided yet into the toes of the statue; hence the first and major pre-supposition of this theory falls down. Historians present the official date for the start of the Roman Empire at 168/167BC at the end of the Third Macedonian War when the romans divided Macedonia into four republics. The reign of Pagan Rome lasts well into the 5th century when Odoacer, a mercenary in the service of Roma, leader of the Germanic soldiers in the Roman army, deposes the western Roman emperor and thereby terminates the Western Roman Empire in 476AD. [4] It is clear then that either the Rock of Daniel 2 is not the 1st Advent, or the linear application of the successive kingdoms of the statue is incorrect. The author proposes that one takes the Bible as infallible and supports the former. The image of the statue clearly indicates successive kingdoms as can be seen by the language used in chapter two each new kingdom in heralded by the words after you, next and finally for the 4th kingdom. (NIV) That Daniel means successive kingdoms is clear. Also, the Stone strikes the image on its feet and destroys all the preceding kingdoms: Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter v45b 3

Eugene Visser

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This clearly places the Stone in the Eschaton and cements its place as the final chapter in earths history. That the Stone is cut not by human hands also clearly indicates a Divine Origin. The next assumption is that the Kingdom of God referred to in v44 is a reference to Gods church. It is easy to make such an assumption since we have already shown that Christ is the Rock, and it is on this Rock that His church is founded. For this we firstly turn to the phrase not by human hands does the Stone Kingdom arrive as a Divine event or as human efforts? Since Daniel makes it clear that no human effort is involved but rather a cataclysmic divine event, how can we then make the correlation between the Stone and Gods church? The author proposes that the Gods Church, although founded on the Rock of Ages, was expanded by fulfilment of the Divine Commission of Matthew 28. Not for one minute can man take credit for the successful expansion of the Gospel but it was by the movement of the Holy Spirit on the minds and hearts of men that the work was advanced. As Christs representatives the apostles were to make a decided impression on the world. The fact that they were humble men would not diminish their influence, but increase it; for the minds of their hearers would be carried from them to the Saviour, who, though unseen, was still working with them. The wonderful teaching of the apostles, their words of courage and trust, would assure all that it was not in their own power that they worked, but in the power of Christ. Humbling themselves, they would declare that He whom the Jews had crucified was the Prince of life, the Son of the living God, and that in His name they did the works that He had done. AA 22.3 (The Acts of the Apostles)[5] Finally there remains only the issue of the language used in v.44 as a base of contention. As mentioned the term in the days of those kings seemingly refers to an event happening during those kingdoms. This thinking does not hold up to scrutiny since it leaves the reader with an inconclusive exegesis. Let us first look at which kings the term those kings refers to: As we have seen the timing of the successive kingdoms makes it impossible for the Stone kingdom to be established during the time of Rome. Hence it follows that it must mean the kingdoms of the iron and clay feet, more accurately the toes of the feet. If the kingdom of Stone is successive to the previous earthly kingdoms, it would come at the end of the history of the world during the toes of the statue. Therefore the language of in the days of those kings refers to the last kingdoms in the history of the world rather than during. That the Stone Kingdom refers to the glorious 2nd coming of our Lord Jesus Christ is abundantly clear. Although much has been written on this topic it is with great joy and gladness that we should anticipate the return of our Saviour and the redemption of mankind. 2. When? The historical-critical method of Bible interpretation has done much to undermine the credibility of the Bible itself. In the words of an inspired writer: When men talk of higher criticism; when they pass their judgment upon the word of God, call their attention to the fact that they have forgotten who was the first and wisest critic. He has had thousands of years of practical experience. He it is who teaches the so-called higher critics of the world today. God will punish all those who, as higher critics, exalt themselves, and criticise Gods Holy word. EG White 1897[6] 4

Eugene Visser

03348

16 March 2012

The purpose of this study is not a mere academic analysis of the facts but rather a pragmatic and existential approach. With this in mind we turn our minds to the next pertinent question when? Does the Bible give us a definite timeframe within to place the Stone Kingdom? Is there a contemporary application in the life of the believer? The author boldly professes that there is since no greater topic can be discussed in the life of modern man than the end of the world! We now need to look at the exact timeframes of the successive kingdoms in order to establish a time period for the Kingdom of Stone: Head of Gold, v.37, 38 Chest of Silver v. 39a Belly of Bronze v. 39b Legs of Iron v. 40 Winged lion 7:4 Raised bear 7:5 Leopard 7:6 Dragon 7:7 Ram 8:3 Goat 8:5 Babylon 605-539BC Medo Persia 539-331BC Greece 331 168BC Rome 168BC 476AD

The different beast 7:7- Rome. The ten horns - the divisions of Rome (Same as the toes of Chapter 2). The ten horns are the 10 divisions of the Roman Empire as it fell apart. These were the Anglo Saxons (England), Alemanni (Germany), Heruli (x493AD), Vandals (x534AD), Ostrogoths (x538AD), Visigoths (Spain), Suevi (Portugal), Lombards (Italy), Burgundians (Swiss) and the Franks (France). The successive timeframes of the above mentioned kingdoms makes it very simple to calculate up until 476AD. Historical data is plentiful in the substantiation of this timeline. However, from 476AD onwards it becomes a little more complex to find application for the Kingdom of Stone. For this we need to look a little more closely at the 4th beast on more accurately, its horns. In 476AD Germanic general Odoacer kills Orestes, forces Romulus Augustus to abdicate and proclaims himself King of Italy. This is the traditional date for the fall of the Western Roman Empire. The Eastern Roman Empire (later known as the Byzantine Empire) continues on. The issue at stake is not the end of the Roman Empire (legs of iron) but rather a transition from Pagan Rome to Papal Rome. For this reason some scholars will put the date at somewhere around the conversion of Constantine in the 3rd century, others will talk of much later dates but it is clear from empirical evidence that that the traditional date of the demise of pagan Rome is 476AD as stated. Henceforth we see that the rise of Papal Rome is not only supported historically but also further study into the prophecies of Revelation reveals it is Biblically accurate as well. History confirms the existence of the ten tribes as mentioned above. Furthermore, the three horns that were uprooted in 8:8 were the Heruli, the Vandals, and the Ostrogoths, once again a fact that can be verified by historical research. Without going into further depth as to the origin of the little horn or the further evidence of the Book of Revelation, for the purpose of this study it is sufficient to note that the rise of Papal Rome commenced in 476AD and continues to the present. Therefore, since the ten toes of the statue have a contemporary application in current Europe, we turn our attention again to the Stone Kingdom that will supersede that kingdom and the introductory question of when? for this we need to look at the prophecy of Daniel 8:14 (NIV) He said to me, It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be reconsecrated.

Eugene Visser

03348

16 March 2012

If we could tie up the 2,300 evenings and mornings with a timeline we could at least put the stone Kingdom in a contemporary setting. At this point it becomes necessary to state unequivocally that no attempt is being made at setting a date for the second coming of Jesus Christ. Of this scripture is clear in stating in Matthew 24:36 NIV (1984) "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father The author is simply attempting to place the Stone Kingdom in a contemporary setting with reference to the 2nd coming, as opposed to a 1st Advent setting. Since we have established the Stone Kingdom to appear at the finalisation of the earths history, and we have placed it after the contemporary setting of modern day Europe, it would then be interesting to investigate the claims of Daniel 8:14. Without regaling the reader with hours of research into the topic, the author will attempt to simplify the outcome in line with the proposed pragmatic approach. For any time prophecy to have relevance the first thing to be established would be the starting date. Assuming the biblical principle of a day for a year, (Ezek 4:6, Num 14:34) we take the 2300 days as 2300 years. The first event to understand a time prophecy would be the starting date. We go to Dan 9:25KJB (Cambridge Ed.) Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. It then follows that if we had a starting date, we could work forwards towards a conclusion date. The command of Artaxerxes as related in Ezra 6:1 was issued in 457BC some scholars put the date at 458BC but it must be noted that there is a year missing in that the crossover from BC to AD resulted in the year 0 being omitted. From now it becomes a simple mathematical exercise to count forward 2300 years from 457BC, arriving at 1844. Scripture regales us with evidence of a preadvent judgement that commences in 1844 and will continue until the close of probation. However, the purpose of this study is not the exegesis of the time prophecy but simply to demonstrate a contemporary setting for the Kingdom of Stone. It is therefore clear that the Stone that strikes the toes of the statue has a real and practical application to the modern Christian in that it provides a clear understanding of the history of the world. Not only does it foretell the demise of the current world order, but it gloriously foretells the coming of our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ. It would be in the interest of any serious searcher of Truth to investigate the claims of Daniel 2. 3. Why? The final and telling question in the study of the Stone Kingdom is why? Why should Christians care about a kingdom that seems at best to be in the distant future, or at worst have no relevance to the Christian experience? Is there a redemptive aspect in the study of the Stone Kingdom? Can an understanding of the Stone Kingdom have salvific outcomes for the honest searcher? The author proposes that not only does the study of the Stone Kingdom provide exciting evidence of a contemporary application to Gods Word; it also provides life-altering evidence as to the existence and involvement of a caring and loving God. 6

Eugene Visser

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16 March 2012

The clear argument is simply this why would God bother to provide the world with a precise revelation as to the outcome of the planet? Since we do not know the exact hour, and as previously stated, neither does the Son, what purpose would it then serve to provide a prophecy concerning the latter days and the culmination of the earths history? Are we better off for knowing in part? 1 Corinthians 13:9 KJB(Cambridge Ed.) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. Again we have to turn to Scripture for the answers. What does the King of Kings say? Revelation 22:7 (NIV) Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll. So the first benefit to the reader is spelled out clearly by John when he writes the words of Jesus Himself in saying Blessed is the one. There is no mistaking the words of Christ there is a blessing for those who keep the words This in itself should provide sufficient evidence as to the validity and practical application of the prophecy. However, the author wishes to propose a further and perhaps deeper application to the contemporary value of the Kingdom of Stone: a. The Stone is cut not by human hand. This indicates Divine involvement since the dawn of time God has been intricately involved in the development of mankind. Of the prophet Jeremiah He says in Jeremiah 1:5 NIV(1984) "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Gods involvement in our day to day existence is undeniable. We all flow from one fountain Soul. All are expressions of one Love. God does not appear, and flow out, only from narrow chinks and round bored wells here and there in favoured races and places, but He flows in grand undivided currents, shoreless and boundless over creeds and forms and all kinds of civilizations and peoples and beasts, saturating all and fountainizing all. John Muir (1838 - 1914) [7] The history of this planet is Divinely ordained and man exercises his own free will within that determined path. Gods involvement from the creation of the planet until its destruction and rebirth has not only been foretold through prophets like Daniel, but it has been marvellously demonstrated through the life of the Messiah. No believer who has ever seen the Divine intervention at work in their lives can ever deny the involvement of God in His Creation b. God reveals mysteries. Daniel 2:29 (NIV) As Your Majesty was lying there, your mind turned to things to come, and the revealer of mysteries showed you what is going to happen. God reveals to Nebuchadnezzar the future and in doing so provides a testimony for all generations unto the end. Matt 28:20 KJB(Cambridge Ed.) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. 7

Eugene Visser

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When God in His infinite wisdom revealed Nebuchadnezzars dream to him he was not humouring an earthly kings folly He demonstrated that a belief in the God of heaven does not need to be based on conjecture and pre-supposition. There is evidence aplenty as to the exact results and outcomes of life on earth. I am with you always stands as a reminder that no believer need to be in doubt as to who God is and what He has planned for the world. The Hebrew writer confirms for us in Heb 11:1 (NIV) Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see Faith is based on substantiated evidence evidence of a real God with real plans, in absolute control of our destiny and with total commitment to our salvation. God reveals mysteries to us not because of some inane and perverse desire to keep us occupied, but because He truly is interested in our salvation and wishes to reveal to us His Glory and Majesty. c. While working on a macro-level of earths history, He is also working on a micro-level with each and every believer. While God was revealing to Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar the entire history of the world until the end, He was also working towards the salvation of the people involved. God was intricately interested in the salvation of Nebuchadnezzar while using him as a vehicle to reveal the future, He also revealed to him the power of a true God. Although Nebuchadnezzar vacillated substantially between chapters, the ultimate outcome of his life is revealed in Daniel 4:34, 35 34 At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honoured and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: What have you done? God had a real interest in the life of Nebuchadnezzar just as He has a real interest in modern man. While asking a macro-level question in Job 38:31 (NIV) "Can you bind the beautiful Pleiades? Can you loose the cords of Orion? showing His power and control of the universe, He is also working on a micro-level with each and every believer. No detail is too small for the Creator of the universe, and no care or tear will go unnoticed.

The final kingdom, the Stone kingdom of Daniel 2 is the culmination of 6000 years of careful and meticulous planning by God. He was working for the salvation of mankind then and He is working for the salvation of mankind now. The pride and wickedness of this earth will pass away in front of the glory of the final and everlasting kingdom when finally: Isaiah 45:23(NIV)

Eugene Visser

03348

16 March 2012

By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear. Philippians 2:10 KJB(Cambridge Ed.) That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth It is the wish of the author to recognize the Author of his salvation a God so loving and merciful that He chose to reveal His grand scheme to a planet that largely rejects Him. A God that dispels darkness in favour of light, for the benefit of all mankind. Praise be to Him.

Eugene Visser

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16 March 2012

References 1. Ellen G White, The Acts of the Apostles, 175.3 2. Lenski, Gerhard E. (1984-04-01). Power and Privilege: A Theory of Social Stratification. University of N. Carolina Press. ISBN 0807841196. 3. Walton Weaver, Jesus, The Foundation, http://grandoldbook.com/Jesus,TheFoundation.pdf Accessed 16-03-2012 4. Piero Scaruffi, A time-line of the Roman empire http://www.scaruffi.com/politics/romans.html, accessed 16-03-2012 5. Ellen G White, The Acts of the Apostles, 22.3 6. Ellen G White, The Bible Echo February 1, 1897, par. 9 7. John Muir (1838 - 1914) Bad's Life and Letters of John Muir: June 9, 1872 letter to Miss Catharine Merrill, from New Sentinel Hotel, Yosemite Valley

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