What might it look like for a for a believer entering the 70th week of Daniel? As we begin this adventure, please allow me to say a few things. First, some of this is speculation on my part. Even though I consider it supported by Scripture, I am not dogmatic about every little detail. Second, don't get bogged down in the details - try to keep the larger picture in view, discerning the principles and patterns of god at work. Third, discussion and comments are welcome as long as it's done respectfully and tastefully.
You may recall that in Matthew 24 Jesus listed several things that made up the beginning of birth pangs: false Christs (religions), wars and rumors of wars, famines and earthquakes. Since these things have been with us "forever" it is difficult to see them as signs of something to come (as birth pangs are signs of a pending birth). The fact that these things have been increasing in intensity and severity, coupled with the fact that we have only in the last 100-150 years developed means to accurately record such things on a global level, really highlights these words of Jesus in the eyes of those given discernment. Just how severe and how frequent they must become is still anybody's guess, but something is definitely happening.
Jesus then goes on to give some more specific signs, such as the preaching of "the gospel of the kingdom" to the whole world (to all people groups) before the end would come. Only God knows when this will be accomplished to His satisfaction. Meanwhile, it is our task to continue what we were commissioned to do in Matthew 28:19-20. As this continues, and people from every nation, tribe and tongue hear the gospel, they believe and concurrently the persecution begins or increases, fulfilling another one of the signs that the end is near.
The days leading to the Second Coming of Christ are compared to the days of Noah and of Lot. Just before judgment struck, most people were carrying on as usual, unaware of the signs of the time. So, leading up to, and even entering the 70th week of Daniel, life on planet earth will be considered "normal" for most. That will not mean that all of life will be pleasant; just that certain calamities will be taken in stride, adjustments will be made, and no doubt one of the popular mantras will be "better days are coming." In the first 6 days of 2010 I've seen it everywhere: "2010 will be better than 2009" or "2010 will be the best year yet." How will better and best be measured? I fear that a lot of this may be signs of evolutionary thinking encroaching all of culture. It's part of what Church Colson calls "the Escalator Myth."
I believe that leading into Daniel's 70th week there will be strong pushes for world peace, a predictable and stable world economy, and an increased tolerance for all manner of religions. The battles that have been raging in the USA between liberal and conservative, big government and small government, pro-life and pro-choice; the tea parties, defense of traditional marriage, will have wound down, overshadowed by an overwhelming desire of people to just get by. Many will buy into the idea of "to get along you have to go along." The homogeneity that existed at the time of Babel will be a goal. "Peace, peace" the people will cry and peace will be declared.
Those who resist ecumenicalism will be labeled as narrow-minded, bigoted and hateful. It will require more and more discernment, coupled with courage to cling to sound doctrine. Denominational churches will continue to abandon the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints, changing the grace of our God onto a license for immorality and denying Jesus Christ, our only Sovereign and Lord. (from Jude 3-4)
We will continue next time, by the grace of God. For now, to end on a note of encouragement - also from Jude, verses 24-25: To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy - to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
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