New World Order Series

Information Brochure No. 5

The End Game

INTRODUCTION

Symbols! The prophecies contained in the book of Daniel are replete with them. The secret to gaining an accurate understanding of the events outlined in these great prophecies lies in our ability to unlock the meaning of these symbols.

In this study we will be focusing on Daniel Chapter 11, the last prophecy to be presented by the aging prophet. It holds to the principle of repeat and enlarge as it repeats some of the events outlined in previous chapters, and enlarges upon the conditions that develop in our day.

Overview

After the prophet has retraced the events that occurred in the distant past we find that he introduces two new symbols as he brings to our attention what is to transpire in our day. These symbols are "The King of the North" and "The King of the South." Although these symbols remain constant, we find that their definition can change as we pass through history. (Many of the thoughts expressed in this lesson came from The New World Order by Russell Burrill.)

What is the message given through this final prophecy? As the ebb and flow of nations is brought to our attention we notice that there is one thing in common, and that is the power that stands behind them all, Satan himself. Once again Daniel portrays the great cosmic battle between the forces of good and the forces of evil. This theme is the foundation for our understanding of the prophecies contained in the book of Daniel.

The eleventh chapter was written during the first year of the Medo-Persian Empire. Since Babylon had already faded into history there was no need to begin the prophecy with the Babylonian Empire. Instead Daniel commences this sequence of events with the Medo-Persian reign. The four kings mentioned are Cambyses, False Smerdes, Darius, and Xeroces (Xerxes). Daniel then quickly reveals the rise of Alexander the Great, and the dividing of his empire to his four generals rather than to his heirs.

In Daniel 11:5-15 the symbols of the King of the North and the King of the South are introduced. This is to portray the various divisions (North, South, East and West) that occurred with the breakup of Alexander's empire. In verses 16-30 is described the dominance of the King of the North, who evolves into the pagan Roman Empire during these verses. Note that the symbol stays the same but the nation represented by the symbol changes as time continues.

In verses 20-28 pagan Rome's activities are described; pagan Rome--the great taxer of the people. Then in verses 31-36, Daniel pictures this medieval church of the Dark Ages desecrating God's temple by claiming to be the rightful heir to the Christian heritage, while at the same time destroying the essential elements of Christianity. As the King of the North is seen to do the same work as the Papacy there can be but one conclusion, namely, that the King of the North refers to the Papacy. (Please read study notes.)

Study Daniel 11:38-45.

QUESTION 1: What is one modern form of idolatry?

"But in his estate shall he honour the god of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones and pleasant things" Daniel 11:38.

NOTE AND ANSWER:

The identification of the King of the North is one of the most important themes that could engage our attention. All the previous prophecies of Daniel find their consummation in this last prophecy.

In the book of Revelation was described the dangers, conflicts, and final deliverance of the Christian church in connection with the Satanic forces of Spiritual Babylon. In Daniel we have described the same things in connection with the King of the North.

Verse 38 could be describing the introduction of Saint worship into the King of the North's religion. In the New Testament, church this was not known or practiced in the worship style of the Christians. Also introduced as part of this system of worship was idea that the symbols of the body and blood of Jesus became really Jesus during the communion service. In essence this idea makes of the communion wafer a god--a god such as the early Christian church knew not.

Another application of this verse might be to the veneration of Mary, which was also foreign to the early Christian church. Costly shrines have been multiplied in most parts of the world, dedicated to Mary or some patron saint, and in some instances entire nations have been given over to the protection of patron saints. These shrines have been honored with millions of dollars worth of jewelry and precious stones. This is nothing more than a new or modern system of idolatry.

QUESTION 2: How can the thought patterns of a society be altered?

"Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain" Daniel 11:39.

NOTE AND ANSWER:

This verse can be strikingly applied to the efforts of the Papacy to influence and enrich universities and centers of education, which may be seen as the strong holds of nations. This would apply even more to such institutions dedicated to guardian saints.

For centuries it has been the studied plan of this power to gain control of these strong holds. The long-term strength and prosperity of a nation or church is determined by its centers of learning. Thus the one that controls these centers ultimately will control the country or church. By gaining control of a church or a country's educational system, in just two generations a change can be brought about in the way the people think and believe, to the point that a large part of the moral fabric of that society can be overturned.

This strange system of worship has divided the earth. Its countries and cities have not only been parceled out to the patron saints but also to clericals of various ranks. The representatives of the Papacy have and will always work for the gain of the Papacy. For a price one can be extracted from purgatory--for a price we can see their shrines, the saint's houses. They are truly bazaars of spiritual merchandise.

QUESTION 3. Did the prophecy predict success for atheism against Catholicism?

"And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen and with many ships, and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over" Daniel 11:40.

NOTE AND ANSWER:

Before we begin to analyze verse 40 we need to set these events into their correct time frame. To do this we need to understand a little about the Hebrew language, as this was the language in which this prophecy was originally written.

It will be noticed that the second word in this verse is the word "at." In English grammar this word is known as a preposition. It indicates a point in time. However, in Hebrew grammar there is no preposition "at." The closest word we have is the preposition "in" or "during." These words indicate a period of time rather than a point in time. This may seem to be a small correction, however the implications are very significant in our efforts to fully understand this prophecy.

To gain an accurate interpretation the prophecy must correlate with history. In this instance we are looking for events that take place "in" or "during" a period of time rather than "at" a point in time. This small correction is very significant as the period of time under consideration is from 1798 until the close of human probation sometime in the future.

In verse 40 we have the second major power, "The King of the South" representing atheistic philosophy, introduced. And if we are reasoning, correctly this power's first business would be to attack the King of the North (at this point, the Papacy) and inflict a deadly wound. Verse 40 also indicates the time frame when this attack would take place. History reveals that it began in 1798 with the French Revolution, this revolution being primarily an attack upon Roman Catholicism. However, due to its atheistic philosophy all religion was opposed and oppressed.

Having defeated Rome (temporarily, as it turned out) this atheistic philosophy developed into what is today called "Communism" and "pushed" or spread throughout the world. Many Catholic countries were forced to accept this new ideology and sever or greatly restrict ties with the Catholic Church. With the spread of Communism in Europe we saw many divisions occur between east and west resulting in the establishment of the cold war which for many long decades largely prevented the privileges of the real gospel ever reaching those countries.

However, the prophecy stated that this situation would not last forever. It clearly stated that the Papacy (the King of the North) would recover, and come back against Communism and destroy it. How well we remember the events of 1989 under Perestroika. The Communist Bloc began to crumble and fall, and all were stunned at the speed with which it all happened. Some commentators even used the words of prophecy to describe the speed of the collapse. "Like a whirlwind" the prophecy said. (Please read study notes on "The King of the South".)

QUESTION 4: What success will the King of the North have in the "glorious land?"

"He shall enter also into the glorious land and many countries shall be overthrown but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom and Moab and the chief of the children of Ammon" Daniel 11:41.

NOTE AND ANSWER:

The "King of the North will enter into the glorious land" does not mean the Papacy will relocate or establish itself in Jerusalem. In the New Testament the term "the glorious land" is reserved for the place of the "Christian church."

During the religious tyranny that reigned throughout Europe in the Dark Ages, a group of people known as the Pilgrim Fathers fled Europe in search of a new country in which they could establish a nation with a style of government that would be without a "king or pope"--where liberty and religious freedom would be practiced. It would be a true republican form of government. (This country became the U.S.A.)

The Lord has done more for the United States of America than for any other country upon which the sun shines. It provided an asylum for God's people where they could worship Him according to the dictates of conscience. In a land of freedom, Christianity has prospered. In many ways the shield of Omnipotence has been spread over the United States, and God has favored by making it the repository of the pure religion of Christ.

But the enemy has designs upon God's purpose for this country, and through forming a confederacy with the United States of America, many countries shall be won over ("overthrown") to support the Papacy in her efforts to gain control of the world. The success of the Papacy depends upon her gaining the support of (the jewel in the crown, as it were) Protestant America. Having done this, many other countries would be drawn into her net.

However, not all will be deceived; some will escape out from her control. The reference to Edom and Moab cannot be taken literally as there is not an Edomite on the face of the earth today. Traditionally these people were the enemies of the Jewish and Christian churches. The Bible also refers to them as "Gentiles" or "unbelievers." They escape through accepting the gospel message, and becoming part of the Christian church. (See also Isaiah 11:14.)

QUESTION 5: Does the prophecy predict that the papal system would suppress communism?

"He shall stretch forth His hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape" Daniel 11:42.

NOTE AND ANSWER:

Here is a direct reference to the Communist bloc of countries. Since the time a Pharaoh defied the command of God to release the Hebrews, Egypt has been symbol of atheistic and secular systems of thought. Atheism has been a philosophy whose (nominal at least) adherents have grown in number for the last one hundred and fifty years. After one hundred and fifty years of dominance by the "King of the South," the world has witnessed, and still is witnessing the demise of this power. This is exactly what the prophecy foretold.

Time magazine in December 1991 featured an article on the current debate about the Virgin Mary in the Catholic Church. One of the fascinating revelations in this article was the following statement germane to the question of who caused the fall of Communism:

"John Paul is firmly convinced . . . that Mary brought an end to Communism throughout Europe. . . . The Virgin predicted the rise of Soviet totalitarianism before it happened. In a subsequent vision, she directed the pope and his bishops to consecrate Russia to her Immaculate Heart in order to bring Communism to an end. . . .

"John Paul carried out Mary's directive correctly in 1984--and the very next year Mikhail Gorbachev's rise to power inaugurated the soviet collapse. Says Father Robert Fox of the Fatima Family Shrine in Alexandria, South Dakota: 'The world will recognize in due time that the defeat of Communism came at the intercession of the Mother of Jesus.'" -Time, Dec. 30 1991, art. "Handmaid or Feminist," pp. 64, 65.

In reality the downfall of Communism was not accomplished by Rome alone. She had a very active partner in Ronald Reagan, president of the United States of America. (This is covered also in the previously referenced study note regarding the King of the South -- see above at the end of Question 3.)

QUESTION 6: How was "power over treasures" fulfilled against the former Soviet Union and other communistic countries?

"But He shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things in Egypt; and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps" Daniel 11:43.

NOTE AND ANSWER:

The power of money, who can estimate it? When God foretells the future He leaves nothing to chance. In verse 43 we are informed of the economic measures to be used by this powerful "King of the North" (Rome). It was harsh economic measures and the control of money that brought about the collapse of the Communist bloc.

Through trade sanctions and the manipulation of money markets, these Communist countries were brought to the place where they were forced to surrender their atheistic philosophy in order to acquire the basic necessities of life. Faced with shortages of food and long cold winters, along with a huge foreign debt that stifled growth and manufacturing, these nations soon fell prey to the advances of the Papacy.

The Libyan and Ethiopians were and are geographic neighbors to Egypt. "The Libyans have at various times cast a longing eye toward Egypt and the fertile Nile valley. They attempted to invade Egypt several times, but were repulsed. Modern Egypt symbolizes the world, and Libya symbolizes what we call today the Third World--the poor, downtrodden countries that long to move up to the standards of the affluent Western World" (The Final Rise of the King of the North, Jeff Pippinger, p. 108).

"Ancient Ethiopia included not only Nubia but also the part of Western Arabia bordering the Red Sea. The Egyptians always coveted Ethiopia because of he gold mines in its mountains, and its wealth in cattle, ivory, hides, and ebony, and because products from central Africa enter Egypt through Ethiopian traders. As modern Egypt represents the world, and Libya the poor, third-world countries, so Ethiopia represents the affluent Western World. This is telling us that the Papacy will obtain control of the entire world--everyone from rich to poor. It also adds that they will "be at his steps" (Ibid., p. 109).

The United States of America in the aftermath of the Gulf War, which was used to bring the Islamic nations of the Middle East into line, has suddenly emerged as the undisputed world leader. All the world looks to her for leadership. For the first time in her history the United States of America is poised to fulfill the prophetic role of Revelation 13.

Meanwhile the Pope waits for a supernatural sign that will bring America fully into his camp. America will then lead the world to the Papal banner. Thus will be born the totally "New World Order," reestablishing the preeminence of Rome in the controlling of the world.

QUESTION 7: What is the prophesied response of the Papal power to resistance to its sovereignty?

"But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many" Daniel 11:44.

NOTE AND ANSWER:

Not all will be deceived by this move through the United Nations, along with the United States of America, into uniting under the banner of the Papacy. Just as the great Reformation of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries brought freedom and liberty, so this last attempt to gain control of the world will be met with decided opposition.

In prophecy God is always portrayed as the true "King of the North," (see Psalm 48:1-2) but His position has been usurped by the archdeceiver working through his agents on earth, namely Rome, the United Nations, and the United States.

In relation to the earth God's direction is east (Rev. 7:2-3, Isa. 41:2, 25-27). God always approaches this world from the east. So tidings out of the east and the north refers to another mighty religious awakening that will occur at the time when the attempt is made to force the nations and their people into accepting this false system of worship.

Many of the civil wars that we see and hear of at present are just the beginnings of what will soon burst upon the world. God's true followers will rise up and oppose the efforts of this religio-political power. The Christian church will not be left to stand for truth alone. Their effort will be accompanied by the power of God, as was the work of the disciples on the Day of Pentecost.

This last warning to be given to the world exposing the plans and work of the Papacy will only infuriate her. It is then that she will call upon the power of the state and the command will be given, Submit or be destroyed. However, the true Christian church will not submit.

QUESTION 8: What are God's people found doing at the king of the north comes to an end?

"And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain: yet he shall come to his end and none shall help him" Daniel 11:45.

NOTE AND ANSWER:

Many believe that this verse refers to the land of Palestine and in particular, Jerusalem. However, "in examining the origin of Israel we discover that the name originated in a spiritual context--given to a spiritual person when he was converted to God. To belong to Israel was to receive the spiritual promises made to Abraham: the promise of Christ and the promise of the heavenly Canaan" (Burrill p. 54) (see also Rom. 9:6-8).

"Therefore, these promises cannot apply geographically or racially. They can only be applied spiritually" to converted people, to the true Christian church (Burrill p. 54). Faithfulness to the covenant is the only criterion. Geographical or genetic inheritance has no merit with God, as all that matters is the personal relationship and experience with Jesus Christ. To be a Christian one must be born again in the truest sense of the term.

In prophecy seas are a symbol of people. That being the case, verse 45 gives vital information about the intentions of this power toward faithful Christians.

The word "in" is probably more appropriately translated "and" (see NKJV). The latter reading makes the palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain. This reading suggests that the king of the north attempts to block the last warning message being given by the people of God (see Isa. 2:2-3) to the multitudes of earth (Pippinger, p. 115).

God will not allow His message to be blocked or leave His church to be destroyed. He intervenes on their behalf (see also Dan. 8:25). God's name and cause will be vindicated in the earth. Down through the ages faithful Christians have been the "voice of God on earth." This is the reason for the spiritual conflict between Christ and Satan, good and evil, right and wrong. (Please read the study notes on the "Glorious Mountain".)

Question 9: Amid the final great turmoil, how are God's people described?

"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book" Daniel 12:1.

NOTE AND ANSWER:

Verse 1 of Chapter 12 should accompany the previous verses of Chapter 11. At the climax of all this activity, involving the Papacy in the old world and the Protestant churches of the United States of America in the western world, will come the conflict that hangs so ominously over the world today.

As the "New World Order" begins to emerge we can expect to experience a time of trouble that is unprecedented in the history of this world. National apostasy will bring national ruin. At this time Michael --Jesus Christ--shall stand up. Probation for this world will be closed, the great struggle of the ages will be over, and the true Church of God will be delivered.

CONCLUSION

Dear friend, on what side will you stand? Have you accepted Jesus as the king of your life so that your name has been "written in the book?" Are you following His leading so that your name stays in His book? Those on who stand for God's truth will be delivered. Those who reject God's truth will finally be destroyed. Now is the time to take a stand for truth. Will you?

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