7.6 Summary
Hope that Inspires: Prophetic Time and Christ’s Return

Lesson 7 is a fascinating journey through the prophetic time periods mentioned in the Bible, particularly focusing on the examination of Daniel 8:14 and other relevant texts. In this lesson, we learn how believers like William Miller in the 19th century were motivated by hope to understand the timing of Christ’s Second Coming.

The starting point of this journey is the consideration of the decree issued by King Artaxerxes of Persia in 457 BC, allowing the Israelite captives to return and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. This decree marks the beginning of the 2300-year-day prophecy, which later became central for William Miller and the early Adventists.

Through the examination of Daniel 9:25–26, we recognize that this entire prophetic time period of 483 years began with the decree to rebuild Jerusalem. This event took place in the autumn of 457 BC. These verses also prophesied significant events, including the baptism of Jesus in the autumn of AD 27 and His sacrificial death in the spring of AD 31, marking the end of the Old Testament sacrificial system.

Another important text, Daniel 9:27, shows that the prophecy of the 70 weeks would be associated with the cessation of the sacrificial and oblation service. This suggests that in the middle of the final week of the 70-week period, an event would occur signaling the end of this system.

The summary of these prophetic time periods and events demonstrates the precision and accuracy of God’s timetable. It reminds us that God is faithful and that His promises are fulfilled in history. These insights serve as a source of hope and motivation for believers as they await the fulfillment of His promises.

The connection between Lesson 7 and our everyday life and faith is multifaceted and profound.

1. Hope and Motivation: The lesson reminds us that hope in the fulfillment of God’s promises can be a source of motivation for our spiritual lives. Similar to how William Miller and the early Adventists were motivated to understand the timing of Christ’s Second Coming, we too can be motivated by the hope of an eternal life with God.

2. Trust in God’s Promises: The prophetic time periods in the Bible demonstrate to us God’s faithfulness and reliability in fulfilling His promises. This encourages us to trust in God and His Word, even in difficult times or when waiting for the fulfillment of certain promises.

3. Bible Study and Spiritual Growth: Thorough examination of Scripture, as done in Lesson 7, reminds us of the importance of Bible study for our spiritual growth. By studying prophecies and their fulfillment, we can delve deeper into God’s Word and gain a deeper understanding of His plan for humanity.

4. Perspective on Time: Reflecting on prophetic time periods reminds us that God’s timetable is not our timetable. Sometimes we need to be patient and wait for God’s promises to be fulfilled, trusting that His timing is perfect.

5. Living in Expectation: Similar to how the early Adventists lived in anticipation of Christ’s Second Coming, we are also encouraged to live in expectation of the fulfillment of all of God’s promises. This expectation shapes our decisions, priorities, and our relationship with God and others.

Overall, Lesson 7 teaches us that our faith is not just for Sunday worship but should be woven into every aspect of our lives. Our hope in the fulfillment of God’s promises should motivate us to live a life characterized by trust, patience, and the anticipation of the glorious future that God has in store for us.

Despite errors and disappointments, God fulfills His purposes and tests our hearts so that we may align ourselves with Christ and be ready to receive Him with joy.

1.What lessons can we draw from William Miller’s experience? Does God sometimes override our mistaken understanding?

William Miller’s experience teaches us that God often works through human imperfection to fulfill His plan. Although Miller and his associates made errors in their understanding of the prophecies and were disappointed, God still allowed their message to spread and alerted people to the upcoming events. This teaches us that God is not reliant on our mistakes to fulfill His will but in His grace and sovereignty, He can even use our mistakes for His purpose. This encourages us to remain faithful in our trust in God, even when we do not understand everything, and to trust that His plan will ultimately be realized.

2.Why is understanding Daniel 9:24–27 so important in establishing the integrity of the Bible and the divinity of Christ?

Understanding Daniel 9:24–27 is crucial in establishing the integrity of the Bible and the divinity of Christ because these passages prophetically predict the arrival, ministry, and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Recognizing the fulfillment of these prophecies in Jesus strengthens our faith in the inspiration of the Holy Scriptures and the divinity of Christ. Daniel 9:24–27 provides a chronological framework for the first coming of Christ, including His baptism, His ministry, and His sacrifice on the cross. Through the precise fulfillment of these prophecies, the divinity of Christ is revealed, and the reliability of the Bible as the Word of God is confirmed. Therefore, understanding these passages is crucial in solidifying faith in Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah and affirming the inspiration and authority of the Holy Scriptures.

3.What role does understanding prophecy play in the plan of redemption? Why is prophecy very important in God’s plan?

Understanding prophecy plays a crucial role in the plan of redemption as it serves to reveal God’s intentions and actions throughout history. Prophecy is an essential element in God’s communication with humanity by predicting future events and the course of history. It serves to convey God’s promises and warnings, strengthen the faith of believers, and prepare them for what is to come.

Prophecy is extremely important in God’s plan for several reasons:

1. Confirmation of Divinity: Fulfilled prophecy confirms the divinity of God and the reliability of His words. When prophesied events occur exactly as predicted, it attests to God’s omniscience and omnipotence.

2. Preparation and Warning: Prophecy prepares people for upcoming events and warns them of possible dangers or challenges. It offers guidance and wisdom for navigating future circumstances.

3. Strengthening of Faith: Fulfilled prophecy strengthens the faith of believers by demonstrating that God fulfills His promises and accomplishes His plan for humanity. This encourages believers to have firm faith in God and His Word.

4. Revelation of the Plan of Redemption: Prophecy reveals aspects of the plan of redemption, including the promise of a coming Messiah, redemption through His sacrifice, and the hope of the future Kingdom of God. It demonstrates God’s love and care for His creation.

Overall, understanding prophecy plays a crucial role in revealing God’s plan of redemption, guiding and encouraging believers, and confirming the divinity of God.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-7-motivated-by-hope-7-6-summary/

7.5 The Longest Prophetic Time Line
The Timeframe of Prophecy: Daniel 8:14 and the Advent Movement

Read Ezra 7:7–13. When was the decree issued allowing the Israelite captives in Persia to return to rebuild their temple?

The decree allowing the Israelite captives in Persia to return to rebuild their temple was issued in 457 BC by King Artaxerxes of Persia. This decree was the last of three decrees that allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem to restore the temple and resume temple worship. It marks the beginning of the 2300-year-day prophecy.

Read Daniel 9:25–26. When would this entire prophetic time period begin? What significant events do these verses predict?

According to Daniel 9:25–26, this entire prophetic time period of 483 years begins with the decree to rebuild Jerusalem. This event occurred in the autumn of 457 BC. The verses also predict significant events: In the autumn of AD 27, Christ was baptized and received the anointing of the Holy Spirit. After His baptism, He began preaching the gospel of God and declared that the time was fulfilled. Then, in the spring of AD 31, approximately three and a half years after His baptism, Jesus was crucified, marking the end of the Old Testament sacrificial system.

Read Daniel 9:27. How would the prophecy of the 70 weeks end?

Daniel 9:27 prophesies that the 70 weeks would end by saying, “And in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.” This prophecy suggests that in the middle of the final week of the 70-week period, an event would occur related to the cessation of the sacrificial and oblation service.

The connection of these prophetic time periods with our everyday life and faith is profound. It reminds us that God sovereignly rules over history and fulfills His plans and promises over time.

Firstly, it shows us that God’s timetable is precise and accurate. Though it may sometimes be challenging to understand or accept God’s timing, we can trust that His promises will be fulfilled at the right time, as evident in the prophecies of the Old Testament and particularly in the events surrounding Christ’s first coming.

Secondly, contemplating these prophecies encourages us to seriously study God’s Word and trust in it. Seeing how historical events align with prophetic time periods strengthens our faith in the reliability of the Bible and encourages us to accept it as divine revelation.

Thirdly, this reflection reminds us that we live in a time of fulfillment. The events surrounding Christ’s first coming have significant implications for our relationship with God and our eternal salvation. By studying and understanding the prophetic time periods, we recognize the importance of these events for our daily lives and our faith.

Overall, these prophetic time periods teach us to trust in God, study His Word, and understand the significance of historical events in light of His promises. They remind us that God was faithful in the past and will be faithful in the future, encouraging us to place our trust and hope in Him.

Reflecting on these prophetic time periods reminds us that God’s timetable is precise, and His promises are fulfilled at the right time.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-7-motivated-by-hope-7-5-the-longest-prophetic-time-line/

7.4 The 2300 Days in Daniel 8:14
Unlocking Prophetic Time: William Miller’s Quest for Understanding

William Miller’s realization about the fulfillment of prophetic predictions is a powerful testimony to God’s faithfulness and the reliability of His promises. Through the study of the Holy Scriptures, he recognized that past events precisely aligned with the prophesied time periods and events that God had announced to His people. This encourages us to hold fast to God’s Word and trust that His plans and promises will be fulfilled in history and in our own lives. It is a stirring call to seriously study the Bible and explore the truth in its rich context.

Read Mark 1:15; Galatians 4:4, and Romans 5:6. What do these verses tell us about God’s timetable for Christ’s first coming?

The mentioned verses provide important insights into God’s timetable for Christ’s first coming:

1. Mark 1:15: Here, Jesus Himself announces the beginning of His ministry and the arrival of the kingdom of God. This shows that God’s timetable for Christ’s first coming was focused on preaching the gospel and bringing salvation to humanity.

2. Galatians 4:4: Paul emphasizes here that Christ came into the world “at the right time,” when “the time had fully come.” This illustrates that God’s timetable was precise and perfect to send the Messiah at the right moment to complete His work of salvation.

3. Romans 5:6: Paul explains here that Christ died for us “at the right time,” when we were still weak. This illustrates God’s sovereign timetable, which aimed to bring salvation just when humanity needed it most urgently.

These verses show that God’s timetable for Christ’s first coming was perfectly aligned with the needs and circumstances of humanity. In a similar manner to how God precisely determined the timing of Christ’s first coming, we can trust that His divine timetable is also set for Christ’s second coming. Like William Miller realized, the Bible gives us clues that God’s timetable for the return of Christ is also exact and precise.

Read Daniel 8:14. What event should occur at the end of the 2300 days?

Daniel 8:14 states: “And he said to me, ‘For two thousand three hundred evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary shall be restored to its rightful state.’” This event that should occur at the end of the 2300 days was the “cleansing of the sanctuary.”

William Miller believed that this cleansing would be the fire that would purify the earth at the end of time. He recognized the significance of the 2300 days and their connection to other prophecies in Daniel. Although the angel did not explain everything to Daniel, he tried to help him understand the vision by speaking to him about the 70 weeks. These 70 weeks or 490 years were “cut off” from the 2300 days, meaning they were a part of this longer prophecy.

Miller realized that the beginning of the 70 weeks was connected to the command to rebuild Jerusalem. By knowing this date, he hoped to determine the start of the 2300 days.

The connection between our everyday life and faith lies in the realization that God’s timetable and His promises are fulfilled in history and in our own lives. Like William Miller through diligent study of the Holy Scriptures realized, past events are in harmony with the prophesied time periods and events that God had announced to His people. This encourages us to hold fast to God’s Word and trust that His plans and promises will also be fulfilled in our own lives.

The mentioned Bible verses offer important insights into God’s timetable for Christ’s first coming. They show that God’s timetable was perfectly aligned to proclaim the gospel and bring salvation to humanity. This illustrates that God’s sovereign timetable aimed to bring salvation just when humanity needed it most urgently.

The prophecy in Daniel 8:14 about the 2300 days and the “cleansing of the sanctuary” shows that even in prophetic time, God’s sovereign plan is at work. William Miller recognized the significance of this prophecy and its connection to other biblical prophecies. He sought deeper understanding and hoped to determine the beginning of these days.

In our everyday life, this realization reminds us that God’s sovereign timetable is still active today. We can trust that His promises will be fulfilled, and we can rely on His guidance and intervention in our lives, just as William Miller relied on God’s Word to guide his path.

God’s timetable for Christ’s first coming was perfectly aligned with the needs and circumstances of humanity, and in the same way, we can trust that His divine timetable is also precisely set for Christ’s second coming.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-7-motivated-by-hope-7-4-the-2300-days-in-daniel-814/

7.3 William Miller and the Bible
The Biblical Journey of Discovery: William Miller and Understanding Christ’s Return

The story of William Miller serves as an inspiring example of how an ordinary man, through diligent study of the Bible and prayer, was used by God to rediscover the truth about the Second Coming of Christ. His dedication to studying the Bible from beginning to end, without haste or bias, demonstrates the importance of taking God’s Word seriously and exploring it with an open heart.

Miller recognized the love of Christ and the clarity of His promises by comparing Scripture with Scripture and allowing the Bible itself to guide him. His example encourages us not only to read the Bible superficially but to dig deeper and understand the connections between different passages.

Ultimately, the story of William Miller illustrates that God can work through ordinary people to reveal His truth and advance His work on earth. It reminds us that God’s truth is hidden in His Word and that He is willing to use those who approach Him with a humble and seeking heart.

Read Isaiah 28:9–10; Proverbs 8:8–9; John 16:13, and 2 Peter 1:19–21. What principles of Bible interpretation do you discover in these verses?

The mentioned verses provide important principles of Bible interpretation that can guide William Miller and anyone studying the Holy Scriptures:

1. Isaiah 28:9–10: This verse emphasizes the importance of systematic study of Scripture. It encourages us to start from the basics and progress gradually to gain a deeper understanding.

2. Proverbs 8:8–9: Here, the necessity of an honest and sincere heart is emphasized when seeking God’s truth. It’s important to approach Scripture without prejudice or hidden motives.

3. John 16:13: Jesus promises the disciples that the Holy Spirit will guide them into all truth. This shows that understanding Scripture requires divine assistance. We should study Scripture in prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

4. 2 Peter 1:19–21: These verses emphasize the divine inspiration of Scripture. They teach us that Scripture cannot be understood through human interpretation alone but was revealed by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we should recognize Scripture as God’s Word and rely on His guidance to interpret it correctly.

Together, these verses show that the study of Scripture should be systematic, sincere, and in prayer, and that we rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to understand God’s truth. Like William Miller, we should consider the Bible as the key to discovering divine mysteries and seek God’s truth with zeal and dedication.

Read Daniel 1:17; 2:45; 1 Peter 1:10–11, and Revelation 1:1–3. What do these passages teach us about understanding the prophecies of the Bible?

The mentioned passages offer important insights into understanding the prophecies of the Bible:

1. Daniel 1:17: Daniel and his friends were endowed with wisdom and understanding of all kinds of writings and wisdom, including prophetic writings. This shows that understanding prophecies requires divine inspiration.

2. Daniel 2:45: Here, it is described how God gave Daniel understanding of the dream of the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar. This shows that God is able to reveal prophetic events and their meanings when He deems it appropriate.

3. 1 Peter 1:10–11: These verses emphasize that the prophets of old were inspired by the Holy Spirit when they prophesied about future events. This illustrates that prophetic statements in the Bible are of divine origin and should therefore be taken seriously.

4. Revelation 1:1–3: John explains that the Revelation of Jesus Christ, given to him, contains prophetic revelations about the future. Believers are blessed when they read, hear, and act on these prophecies.

Together, these passages show that understanding prophetic writings requires divine inspiration and that God is able to reveal the meaning of prophecies when He deems it necessary. The Bible itself often provides explanations for its own symbols and prophecies, and through prayer, study, and dependence on the Holy Spirit, believers can better understand the prophetic writings. Like William Miller, we should apply these principles of Bible interpretation to grasp the deeper meaning of prophetic statements and prepare ourselves for the fulfillment of God’s plans.

Why is a correct understanding of prophetic symbolism very important for our faith?

A correct understanding of prophetic symbolism is very important for our faith for several reasons:

1. Fulfillment of divine promises: Many prophetic statements in the Bible contain promises of God about the future of His people and the fulfillment of His plan of salvation. A correct understanding of these prophecies allows us to recognize God’s faithfulness and sovereignty as His promises are fulfilled.

2. Guidance in difficult times: Prophetic writings can provide guidance when we are faced with difficult or uncertain times. They offer comfort and hope by reminding us that God is directing history and that His kingdom will ultimately prevail.

3. Strengthening of faith: A deep understanding of prophetic writings strengthens our faith by showing us that God has done in the past exactly what He has foretold and that we can therefore trust Him to act in the future as well.

4. Preparation for the future: A correct understanding of prophetic symbolism enables us to prepare for upcoming events and remain spiritually vigilant. By recognizing and understanding the signs of the times, we can prepare to preserve our faith in difficult times and remain faithful.

5. Prevention of confusion and deception: Without a correct understanding of prophetic symbolism, we can easily become confused or exposed to misleading teachings. A solid understanding of Scripture helps us recognize false teachings and follow the path of truth.

Overall, a correct understanding of prophetic symbolism is crucial for strengthening our faith, preparing us for the future, and protecting us from deception. It also allows us to recognize the greatness and faithfulness of God as we wait for the fulfillment of His promises.

The connection between the principles of Bible interpretation and our everyday life in faith is essential, as it provides us with guidance on how to apply God’s Word in our daily lives:

1. Systematic study of Scripture (Isaiah 28:9–10): This reminds us that it is important not to study the Bible superficially but systematically. Just as William Miller encourages us, this encourages us to dive seriously into God’s Word and not just seek superficial answers. In daily life, this means investing time and effort to read, understand, and apply Scripture.

2. Sincere heart in seeking God’s truth (Proverbs 8:8–9): These verses emphasize the importance of honesty and sincerity when studying Scripture. In daily life, they encourage us to approach the Bible with an open heart and without preconceived opinions. We should be willing to question our own ideas and beliefs and allow God’s Word to guide us.

3. Dependence on the Holy Spirit (John 16:13): Jesus’ promise that the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth reminds us that we need God’s help and guidance to understand Scripture correctly. In daily life, this means praying for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and allowing Him to enlighten our understanding as we study the Bible.

4. Recognition of the divine inspiration of Scripture (2 Peter 1:19–21): These verses teach us that Scripture is not simply human interpretation but was revealed by the Holy Spirit. In daily life, this reminds us that the Bible is God’s Word and that we can trust Him to guide us through it. We should approach our Bible studies with humility and reverence, knowing that we can rely on God’s guidance.

By applying these principles of Bible interpretation in our daily lives, we can better understand God’s Word and respond to it in practical ways. It also encourages us to maintain a vibrant relationship with God and to consider His Word as living and relevant to our everyday lives.

The Bible is the key to discovering divine mysteries – dig deeper and seek God’s truth with zeal and dedication.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-7-motivated-by-hope-7-3-william-miller-and-the-bible/