INTRODUCTION

Daniel 12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, [even] to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

Daniel was told to shut up the words and seal the book even to the time of the end. At the time of the end, when many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase, we would then be able to understand Daniel's prophecy. If Daniel's prophecy is opening up, we need to know it. When Daniel's prophecy opens up we will see tremendous simplicity in understanding many end time prophecies which have historically frustrated or confused some brilliant scholars. The assumption that the time of the end is at hand, is a key to understanding those things which may have frustrated the scholar. The greatest credential of the bible student is to have the greatest teacher.

John 14:26 But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

If we are indeed at the time of the end, we may be confident that the Comforter, and greatest teacher, the Holy Ghost will let us see with beautiful simplicity how all of the prophecies of Daniel, Revelation, and Last Days Prophecy may be understood by all. Let us agree to disagree with anything which is not an essential doctrine of salvation by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The essential doctrines of Christ and the faith which He delivered by the apostles and prophets must not be compromised. All of the other discussions must follow the instructions which the Apostle James gave us: 1:5 - If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 3:13 - Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

To understand end times prophecy, just ask God, in faith, believing. Unless it is still to be sealed, by His Holy Spirit, He will give the understanding. We can be absolutely sure on the integrity of His word in James 1:5 that He will give us the wisdom we seek. It is good to seek confirmation and share what we have received with other believers.

What is the quality to look for when we want to find someone help with our understanding of prophecy? In a word, it is MEEKNESS, according to James 3:13.

James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

By all means do not seek to understand end times prophecy by discussing it with someone like James describes in 3:14-16 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but [is] earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work. We may be able to discuss the fundamental doctrines of the Faith with such people but it is unwise to try to discuss prophecy interpretation with them. All we will come out with is confusion and strife and be farther away from understanding then when we started.

There are a number of purposes for this book. One of the main ones is that my children have a clear understanding of end time prophecy. This is the reason for the simple personal style. In the study of the end times, most of the books and teaching available take a much different approach. Many of the books on the subject of end time prophecy are either complex scholarly works or else look at very few of the scriptures which only reinforce the popular escapist opinions. The purpose of this work is to present a simple and yet more thorough collection of the scriptures. Very heavy emphasis is given to the scriptures rather than sophisticated scholarly discussion. It is hoped that the Holy Spirit will clarify the truths regarding the end times if enough of the scriptures themselves are presented. Many people today sense the urgency of understanding end time prophecy. In their hearts, many people know that they are not being given the full council of God on this important subject from pulpits, radio, and TV. Few have the time to wade through the many escapist books to glean the little bits of new truth to increase the understanding of these things. Bibles don't come with all the end time prophecies underlined and highlighted.

Great Joy and Great Tribulation may sound like mutually exclusive terms. However, when one understands Who walks with us through these things it will bring great joy. Knowing the truth not only sets you free; it keeps you free. We have always been called to live by faith. Soon the supernatural living by faith will become increasingly more important. We are being called to the most exciting times ever in all history. We are being called to supernatural living for the glory of God. Even today the call remains rather optional. Soon, very soon perhaps, it will be the only way for saints to live. Don't let the strong meat scare or deter your search for truth. The truth is that we are living in the most exciting and glorious time of all history. Break up the fallow ground and pull all the stops. Cause your faith and love to grow as much as is possible. You will find joy as you seek the truth, Jesus Christ, as your highest priority.