Lesson 10: Upon Whom the Ends Have Come

10.5 The Pre-Advent Judgment

Before the Throne of the Son of Man – God’s Redemptive Judgment

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Introduction

In the face of modern hustle and technological advances and the countless distractions of the 21st century, we tend to lose sight of weighty spiritual truths. Yet the Bible continually reminds us that a heavenly judgment is coming, in which God not only judges sin and wickedness but also leads His faithful followers into the righteousness of the Lamb. Daniel’s prophecy about the so-called “Pre-Second-Coming Judgment” (Daniel 7:9–10, 13–14, 22, 26–27) gives us a unique glimpse behind the veil of heaven, showing how God solves the problem of sin while simultaneously redeeming those who desire to live in covenant faithfulness to Him.

Our study today focuses on these passages in Daniel 7. We will answer the questions: What is the primary focus of this heavenly judgment? What verdict is ultimately rendered, and what does that tell us about God’s grand redemptive plan? Then we’ll consider what it means for each of us if we stand before God’s throne and have our deepest secrets laid bare.

At the end of our study, we invite you to walk with us through a fictional yet touching story set in the 21st century to see how this heavenly truth becomes active in everyday life. May our thorough look at Scripture and into our own hearts challenge us all to practice humility, grace, and trust as we await the day of final decision.

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Bible Study  – Daniel 7:9–10, 13–14, 22, 26–27

First, let’s read the key verses:

Daniel 7:9–10 (Luther 1912, translated into English)
9 “I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days sat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool; His throne was a fiery flame, and its wheels a burning fire.
10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him; a thousand thousands served Him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.”

Daniel 7:13–14
13 “I was watching in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him.
14 Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed.”

Daniel 7:22
“‘Until the Ancient of Days came, and a decision was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom. Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.’”

Daniel 7:26–27
26 “‘But the court shall be seated, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and destroy it forever.
27 Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. Their kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey them.’”

Analysis of the Key Passages

Daniel 7:9–10: The Heavenly Court

• Scene: “The Ancient of Days” (God the Father) sits on a blazing throne, surrounded by flaming wheels and a stream of fire. Before Him stand countless angelic beings—“thousands upon thousands” and “ten thousand times ten thousand.”

• Meaning: This vivid imagery underscores God’s majesty and holiness. The throne symbolizes supreme authority, and the books being opened indicate records of human actions. This scene represents the first phase of the Pre-Second-Coming Judgment: God examines the earth while the saints (both angels and believers) witness this holy assembly.

Daniel 7:13–14: The Son of Man as Judge

• Appearance of the Son of Man: Amidst the heavenly courtroom, One “like a Son of Man” (a messianic title pointing to Jesus) is brought before the Ancient of Days.

• Dominion of the Son of Man: He receives “dominion, glory, and a kingdom,” to which all peoples and nations must bow. His rule is everlasting and indestructible. This conveys that the Judge is also the eternal King—Jesus combines perfect righteousness with sovereign authority.

Daniel 7:22: Righteousness for the Saints

• “Righteousness is given to the saints”: Those called “the saints of the Most High”—believers in covenant with God—are granted righteousness in the judgment.

• Everlasting Kingdom: God’s saints receive a kingdom that never fades. All earthly dominions must serve them. This shows God’s plan to both judge sin and restore His faithful into an eternal reign.

Daniel 7:26–27: The Defeat of All Kingdoms, the Saints’ Eternal Rule

• End of Judgment: All rebellious earthly kingdoms are consumed and destroyed.

• Inheritance of the Saints: The saints inherit the kingdom forever. They will reign—not by earthly standards but as members of God’s eternal Kingdom. Their dominion never ends, and all other rulers must obey them.

Primary Focus of the Judgment and the Ultimate Verdict

• What is the main concern of this heavenly judgment?
  The Pre-Second-Coming Judgment in Daniel 7 primarily addresses two groups:

  1. All rebellious powers and unbelievers: Their deeds are revealed in the opened books, and they receive a final verdict of condemnation.

  2. The faithful and saints: They are declared righteous, not because of their own merit but through the Messiah (the Son of Man), who “creates righteousness.”

  Thus, the judgment fundamentally distinguishes every person’s true allegiance—loyalty to God or rebellion against Him. At the same time, it showcases God’s faithfulness to His covenant partners, as He “creates righteousness” for all who remain in close fellowship with Him.

• What verdict is given at the end of the process?
  By the conclusion of the heavenly trial:

  1. All resisting kingdoms and dynasties are destroyed—their dominion is taken away forever.

  2. The saints receive the eternal kingdom—those who have remained in Christ receive an indestructible inheritance.

  3. All others must serve the Messiah and His faithful followers.

  In other words, God’s faithful people reign in perfect justice, while all evil is definitively vanquished.

• What does this say about God’s redemptive plan?

  1. Judgment and redemption go hand in hand: God not only judges sin but ensures that His people enter His eternal Kingdom.

  2. The Messiah as Mediator and Judge: Jesus stands at the center—He is the righteous One who appears for us and whose perfection is credited to us (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:30). His role in the judgment proves that only His righteousness can secure our salvation and communion with God.

  3. Everlasting hope for covenant partners: Believers who remain faithful to Christ can face the judgment with confidence, knowing that they will inherit an everlasting Kingdom.

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Answers to the Questions

Question: Imagine you stand before the judgment seat, with all your secrets laid bare before our holy God. What is your only hope in that day of judgment?

Your sole reliable hope in the judgment is the perfect righteousness of Jesus, the Son of Man. Because He stands as the righteous Judge on our behalf, all who place their faith and loyalty in Him will be declared righteous. Acknowledging that our own righteousness is insufficient, we can approach God’s throne with confidence only through Christ’s atoning blood and justice.

Indeed, “Blessed are they who keep the words of the prophecy of this book, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter through the gates into the city” (cf. Revelation 22:14).

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Spiritual Principles

1. God’s absolute holiness demands that sin be judged.

   • Daniel’s imagery reminds us: God is too pure to overlook wrongdoing. His throne is surrounded by fire and light (Daniel 7:9), symbolizing His holiness and righteous wrath against sin.

2. The Messiah (Jesus) is the Mediator and Guarantee of Salvation.

   • As “one like a Son of Man,” He receives eternal dominion and bears our righteousness through the heavenly judgment (Daniel 7:13–14). Our faith in Him alters the verdict in our favor.

3. The choice belongs to each person: Faithfulness or rebellion.

   • Everyone must choose whether to serve Christ’s Kingdom or align with rebellious powers that will be destroyed (Daniel 7:26–27).

4. The opened books demonstrate God’s transparency.

   • God opens the books so that even the angels can witness how He executes justice (Daniel 7:10). Nothing remains hidden from His sight.

5. Hope and consolation for believers.

   • The promise of an everlasting Kingdom and eternal life with God gives us courage to persevere in faith, even when the world seems to crumble (Daniel 7:22).

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Application in Daily Life

1. Make a conscious choice for Christ today
   – In every area of life—family, work, community—ask yourself: “Will I trust and obey Jesus, regardless of the cost?”

2. Confess your own imperfections regularly
   – Like Joseph, recognize that your own righteousness is insufficient. Daily acknowledge your need for Jesus’s righteousness.

3. Act justly and show mercy
   – Knowing you have received grace, extend grace to others. Instead of judging, show compassion and honesty (Romans 14:10).

4. Pray fervently for others
   – Just as Abraham interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah, intercede for neighbors, friends, and even nations, that they might experience God’s grace.

5. Keep your eyes on heaven as your source of strength
   – Focusing on your eternal inheritance (Colossians 3:1–4) helps you endure trials with serenity, knowing that everything temporal falls away before the ultimate Kingdom.

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Conclusion

Daniel 7’s “Pre-Second-Coming Judgment” reveals God’s righteous way of both condemning sin and honoring the righteous. Jesus, the “Son of Man,” stands at the center as Mediator, Judge, and King. The solemn image of the opened books reminds us that God’s divine knowledge and holiness leave no wrongdoing unpunished. Yet His grace ensures that everyone who believes in the Messiah and lives faithfully in His name will be found worthy to “reign forever and ever.”

This heavenly judgment is not some distant fantasy but a present reality that calls us today to humility, repentance, and unwavering trust. Just as Joseph lived in the steadfast hope that God would bring His people back to the promised land, so we may live now, confident in Jesus’s righteousness and awaiting His return.

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Thought of the Day

“God judges with perfect justice; in that justice, He declares righteous all who trust in Christ.”

When we embrace this wonderful truth, we will be motivated to live each day consciously in Christ’s righteousness and keep our eyes fixed on the eternal inheritance awaiting us.

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Illustration – Leonard’s Journey Before the Heavenly Throne

It is 2025. Leonard, a 42-year-old engineer in the bustling city of “Neo-Canaan,” juggles meetings, project deadlines, and family responsibilities. One Friday, his mentor, Pastor Samuel, asks him to study Daniel 7 over the coming Sabbath because the church will discuss the subject of the heavenly judgment that day. Even though Leonard’s life is mostly occupied by work and daily concerns, this invitation pulls him out of routine and stirs his heart.

During the week, Leonard focuses on a solar energy project but cannot shake the unease in his soul. Repeatedly he opens his Bible to Daniel 7 and reads about the throne of the Ancient of Days, the fiery stream, the books opened, and the coming of the “Son of Man.” The vision of a judgment that brings righteousness to the saints and destroys all rebellious kingdoms haunts him. He wonders: “Will I stand before this heavenly tribunal? I have neglected my wife, lied at work, and been lax in prayer.”

On Saturday morning Leonard enters the church building. The sanctuary is filled with people, as the congregation meets each Sabbath. Pastor Samuel greets everyone and begins preaching from Daniel 7:

“Dear brothers and sisters, today we behold how God reveals the Pre-Second-Coming Judgment. The Ancient of Days sits on a flaming throne, surrounded by countless angels. Then the Son of Man—our Lord Jesus—comes before the Ancient of Days and is given eternal dominion, glory, and kingdom—an everlasting kingdom that cannot be destroyed. All who remain true to His name will receive righteousness and never be removed from that kingdom.”

Leonard listens intently. As Pastor Samuel quotes:

“… and the judgment was set, and the books were opened…” (Daniel 7:10),
Leonard feels his heart grow heavy, as each word reminds him of his own shortcomings.

After the sermon, Leonard remains seated until Pastor Samuel gently invites him:

“Leonard, you seem troubled. Would you like to talk about it?”

During the subsequent time of prayer, Leonard confesses:

“Lord, I have neglected my wife, been dishonest to my boss, and allowed my prayer life to wither. How can I stand before Your throne when all my sins are laid bare?”

Pastor Samuel places a hand on his shoulder:

“Leonard, remember: Jesus, the Son of Man, is also your Judge. He has borne your sin before you ever stand before Him. If you remain in His righteousness, you will stand in the judgment.”

In the days that follow, Leonard’s life begins to change. He starts giving his wife intentional attention each evening—preferring walks together over watching TV. He arrives at church unusually early on the next Sabbath, stands before the church elders, and opens his heart:

“I have lied at work and neglected my family. I humbly ask for your forgiveness.”

The church leadership prays over him, and Leonard feels a tremendous burden lift. He recalls Pastor Samuel’s words:

“Jesus stands in your place and establishes righteousness for all who believe in Him.”

In his daily life, Leonard now applies the lessons he has learned:

• He meets with his boss, confesses his past dishonesty, and pledges to be transparent and faithful from now on.

• Each evening, he reads a psalm with his wife, rebuilding their relationship on truth and love.

• On Saturday mornings, as he heads to church, he prays,
  “Jesus, teach me to walk in Your righteousness.”

Three years later, on another Sabbath, the congregation gathers to pray for persecuted Christians worldwide. Leonard reflects on Daniel 7:26–27:

“Then the dominion, the kingdom, and the greatness of all kingdoms under heaven shall be given to the saints of the Most High; His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.”

He senses that Jesus’s return draws nearer. Leonard lifts his hands toward heaven and whispers:

“Lord, I await You. You are my Judge and my Savior. I trust in Your righteousness.”

Later that evening, Leonard writes in his Sabbath journal:

Thought of the Day: “God judges with perfect justice; in that justice, He declares righteous all who believe in Christ.”

Prayer: “Thank You, Lord, for sending Jesus. In Him, I find forgiveness and eternal life.”

Leonard’s story demonstrates that contemplating the heavenly judgment in Daniel 7 forced him to face his own sin, yet Jesus’s grace—who stands as the Son of Man before the Ancient of Days—granted him peace and renewed strength to change. Although the judgment itself is absolute, all who trust in Christ may live in His righteousness today and look forward with hope to His eternal Kingdom.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-10-upon-whom-the-ends-have-come-10-5-the-pre-advent-judgment-allusions-images-symbols-living-faith/