The Time of the End

The book of Daniel describes the time of the Dark Ages, which is part of the 1,260-day prophecy: “Yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering” (11:33). It is a fact that during the Dark Ages, millions died by the “sword,” in ways too gruesome to mention here, and the “flame,” by being burned at the stake. They were indeed captured, tortured, and more.

But here also was given, in the midst of tribulation, hope: “Some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end; because it is still for the appointed time” (v. 35). While the faithful fell in death, Christ declared that they had actually overcome, for they “[kept His] works until the end.” All their suffering, God used for good—and He will do the same for us. Our faith can be refined and made so that nothing, not even the deepest, darkest evils, could shake it. Then we will be “white,” clean, surrendered before our God.

Furthermore, Christ promised that this persecution would not last; there would be an “end.” Daniel’s vision of the 1,260-day prophecy focused particularly on its end date. Repeatedly used are the phrases “the time of the end” and “the appointed time,” and we see in verse 35 that they are used in reference to the end of the prophecy. Thus, “the time of the end” is defined as the end of the 1,260-day prophecy, the end of the Dark Ages, the end of papal supremacy. That end occurred in 1798, when Napoleon took the pope into captivity. Not for many years was the Roman Catholic Church to rise again.

But just as Daniel prophesied an end to the papal reign of terror, so are we promised an end, at Christ’s second coming. No longer will tyranny, vengeance, and deceit rule, but God’s people, through Christ, the King of kings, will have “power over the nations.”

Prince of Peace, when I walk through tribulation, walk with me. When I am hated, help me to remember Your love. If I fall, may it be upon You, the Rock.

For Further Study: Genesis 50:20; Romans 9:33; 12:12

Key Bible Texts

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: (Revelation 2:26 KJV)