One of the key prophecies in the Bible is that of the 70 "weeks" in the book of Daniel. There are certain denominations and/or individuals who teach that the 70 weeks of Daniel (as prophesied by Gabriel) have already been fulfilled. But even a cursory reading of Daniel 9:24 will show that that is impossible. Here is what is stated in the King James Bible:
Seventy weeks are determined
[A] upon thy people (the Jews) and
upon thy holy city (Jerusalem):
[1] to finish the transgression, and
[2] to make an end of sins, and
[3] to make reconciliation for iniquity, and
[4] to bring in everlasting righteousness, and
[5] to seal up the vision and prophecy, and
[6] to anoint the most Holy.
The first question we must ask is this: "Has everlasting righteousness been established in (a) Jerusalem, (b) Israel, and (c) the whole world?" and the resounding answer is "NO!" That should settle the matter right there.
It is generally accepted that the word "weeks" represents "sevens" or "heptads" and in this context it means 70 x 7 or 490 years. Out of those 490 years 483 years were fulfilled at the crucifixion of Christ (when Messiah was cut off, but not for Himself). Therefore seven years remain to be fulfilled, since none of the items mentioned above have been actually fulfilled.
1. To finish the transgression: the word "transgression" in Scripture generally applies to a violation or breaking of the Ten Commandments. Has the violation of the Ten Commandments stopped? Not if we look around us and see how sin and evil arfe growing by leaps and bounds.
2. To make an end of sins: Has sinning come to an end? Obviously not. But one day there will be no sinning on this earth which will be established in universal righteousness.
3. To make reconciliation for iniquity: this could apply to the finished work of Christ on the cross. But it could also apply to all sinners being reconciled to God. As we know that has not happened. But one day all the nations of the earth will be saved nations, all having been reconciled to God through Christ.
4. To bring in everlasting righteousness: this can only happen after the earth and its atmosphere have been thoroughly purified with supernatural fire and everything that is corrupt has been burned up. It is only after that that God will establish "New Heavens and a New Earth" wherein dwelleth righteousness.
5. To seal up the vision and prophecy: all visions and prophecies must be fulfilled, and once they are fulfilled there is no further need for this. Once again that can only happen when the New Heavens and the New Earth are firmly in place.
6. To anoint the most Holy: this can only be a reference to the final temple in Jerusalem as described in Ezekiel. God will see this temple as "most holy". And as we know from the tabernacle and temple in Jerusalem while the Old Covenant was in place, several items were anointed according to God's instructions: (a) the priests, (b) the tabernacle, (c) the altar for burnt offerings, (d) the laver, and (e) the king. What we are not shown in Ezekiel is how this temple fits into the New Covenant, since the New Covenant is definitely applicable at this time.
However, until all these things have been fulfilled that prophecy in Daniel remains unfulfilled. As to what happens within those last seven years is a topic for another thread.
Seventy weeks are determined
[A] upon thy people (the Jews) and
upon thy holy city (Jerusalem):
[1] to finish the transgression, and
[2] to make an end of sins, and
[3] to make reconciliation for iniquity, and
[4] to bring in everlasting righteousness, and
[5] to seal up the vision and prophecy, and
[6] to anoint the most Holy.
The first question we must ask is this: "Has everlasting righteousness been established in (a) Jerusalem, (b) Israel, and (c) the whole world?" and the resounding answer is "NO!" That should settle the matter right there.
It is generally accepted that the word "weeks" represents "sevens" or "heptads" and in this context it means 70 x 7 or 490 years. Out of those 490 years 483 years were fulfilled at the crucifixion of Christ (when Messiah was cut off, but not for Himself). Therefore seven years remain to be fulfilled, since none of the items mentioned above have been actually fulfilled.
1. To finish the transgression: the word "transgression" in Scripture generally applies to a violation or breaking of the Ten Commandments. Has the violation of the Ten Commandments stopped? Not if we look around us and see how sin and evil arfe growing by leaps and bounds.
2. To make an end of sins: Has sinning come to an end? Obviously not. But one day there will be no sinning on this earth which will be established in universal righteousness.
3. To make reconciliation for iniquity: this could apply to the finished work of Christ on the cross. But it could also apply to all sinners being reconciled to God. As we know that has not happened. But one day all the nations of the earth will be saved nations, all having been reconciled to God through Christ.
4. To bring in everlasting righteousness: this can only happen after the earth and its atmosphere have been thoroughly purified with supernatural fire and everything that is corrupt has been burned up. It is only after that that God will establish "New Heavens and a New Earth" wherein dwelleth righteousness.
5. To seal up the vision and prophecy: all visions and prophecies must be fulfilled, and once they are fulfilled there is no further need for this. Once again that can only happen when the New Heavens and the New Earth are firmly in place.
6. To anoint the most Holy: this can only be a reference to the final temple in Jerusalem as described in Ezekiel. God will see this temple as "most holy". And as we know from the tabernacle and temple in Jerusalem while the Old Covenant was in place, several items were anointed according to God's instructions: (a) the priests, (b) the tabernacle, (c) the altar for burnt offerings, (d) the laver, and (e) the king. What we are not shown in Ezekiel is how this temple fits into the New Covenant, since the New Covenant is definitely applicable at this time.
However, until all these things have been fulfilled that prophecy in Daniel remains unfulfilled. As to what happens within those last seven years is a topic for another thread.
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