Make Way for the Coming King

Rules for Apocalyptic Literature

• Apocalyptic literature is a vision of the future to give believers hope in the present.
• Focus on what is certain, but don’t obsess about what is left unclear.
• Be careful of anyone who claims more precise knowledge than what Jesus had while on earth (Matt. 24:36).

The Beastly Kingdoms (7:1-8)

• A winged-lion represents the first kingdom, characterized by a rise, fall, and restoration (7:4).
• A lopsided bear represents the second kingdom, which destroys three other kingdoms (7:5).
• A four-winged and four-headed leopard represents the third kingdom indicating a fast yet divided authority (7:6).
• A multi-horned beast represents the final kingdom, which is more severe and long-lasting (7:7-8).

The Coming King (7:9-14)

• The glorious Ancient of Days sovereignly reigns over all kingdoms and will quickly defeat all opposition (7:9-12).
• The coming Son of Man uniquely possess divine and human attributes and will receive glory from all nations (7:13-14).

The Final Conflict (7:15-28)

• All resistance leads to a culmination of a final Antichrist openly defying God and relentlessly opposing the Church (7:15-25).
• The Antichrist will be unapologetically determined to change God’s laws (7:25).
• God will soundly defeat all opposition, and His people will surely reign with Him forever (7:26-28).

The Church’s goal is not political victory but worldwide worship.
Make way for the coming King more than you make progress for any fleeting kingdom.