Question:
Why are we going to have more trouble when Christ returns? Will you please explain the Scripture, Daniel 12:1?
Answer:
The prophet Daniel reveals that “a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation” will happen simultaneously with the time when “Michael [stands] up, the great prince which stands watch over the sons of your people” (verse 1). From the context, we identify this standing up of Michael as the second advent of Christ, for the Prophet says that it is the time of the resurrection (verse 2), also the time when the righteous shall be rewarded with deliverance and immortality and the wicked will be condemned to “shame and everlasting contempt” (verse 2). From other passages of Scripture we learn that the time of Jesus’ second advent is the time when He comes to recompense His servants (Isa. 40:10, 1 Peter 5:4, 2 Timothy 4:8), which is also the time of the resurrection (Luke 14:14, John 5:28-29; 1 Thess. 4:16-17).
Why will the coming of Christ precipitate “a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation”? There are several reasons.
- The ruling authorities will not willingly relinquish their power and authority to another, even to One who is backed by Divine authority. From the book of Revelation we learn that they will take up arms against Him. “These will make war with the Lamb [Jesus Christ the King]” (Rev. 17:14; see also Rev. 19:19).
- The merchants of the world will be ready to fight to save their lucrative (and illicit) money interests. Just think of the billions of dollars worth of business being done today that will be immediately outlawed under Christ’s new order. Think of the money being spent for alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and cigars, useless toys, cosmetics and high fashion interests. Add the vast revenues generated by amusement and entertainment centers, professional sports and entertainment media (TV, video, motion-picture and stage). Add the multiplied revenues from casinos and gambling establishments, illicit drug trafficking, pornography and organized crime. When all these industries are immediately forced to halt operations, imagine the worldwide howl that will be heard! The Revelator pictured all of this merchandising as “Babylon,” and describes her fall prophetically in these words: “And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her; for no one buys their merchandise any more” (Rev. 18:11).
- Another reason for the time of trouble will be widespread resistance to the new laws. These laws will affect every aspect of personal, social, economic and religious life for everyone on earth. And the law will be universally known and universally enforced. We read: “out of Zion the law shall go forth, And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (Mic. 4:2). No error, sin, immorality, indecency, dishonesty or any type of misconduct will escape notice at any level. Best of all, the administration of justice will be swift and always right; for those in authority will be able to read the heart.
The new government will “rule them with a rod of iron,” and to people accustomed to democracy and free thought, this type of authority will not be popular. “Let us break their chains,” they cry, “and free ourselves from this slavery” (Ps. 2:3, NLT). They will be ready to fight for their “rights.” But they will quickly learn that the law is stronger than their resistance. They will be faced with an ultimatum: submit, or perish (Rev. 14:7).
The result will be the battle of Armageddon, but its outcome is predetermined: “The Lamb will overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful” (Rev. 17:14). Will any escape the fierceness of this conflict? All who turn to God will be delivered, as the prophet Joel forecast: “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord has said, among the remnant whom the Lord will call” (Joel 2:32).
The prophet Joel describes this time when “the Lord also will roar out of Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; the heavens and the earth will shake.” But he, too, assures the safety of those serving God: “But the Lord will be a shelter for His people, and the strength of the children of Israel” (Joel 3:16).