Text: Daniel 7:13-14
When we think of kingdom prophecies in the book of Daniel, we typically think of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Daniel 2:44-45). This prophecy provides more details about the coming kingdom of the Lord.
The Son of Man Would Be Given Dominion
- The word translated dominion is from a word that means the power to rule – emphasizes authority
- The Son of Man in this passage is Christ (cf. John 8:28)
- Authority would be given to Him (Matthew 28:18) – He did not take it or claim it for Himself, like some did (Habakkuk 1:6-7); therefore, it was legitimate
The Son of Man Would Be Glorified
- Referring to His death, Jesus said the Son of Man would be glorified in that hour (John 12:23)
- He glorified the Father by doing His work, the Father would them glorify the Son (John 17:4-5) – the Father glorified Christ in the resurrection (1 Peter 1:21)
The Son of Man Would Be Given a Kingdom
- Receiving a kingdom was part of the mission of Christ when He came to the earth (John 18:36-37) – did this happen?
- Many believe that the kingdom hasn’t yet come, but will in the future – but it was prophesied to come during days of Roman kings (Daniel 2:44); if not true, we have some problems (Deuteronomy 18:22)
- The Scriptures are clear that this kingdom is now here (Mark 9:1; Colossians 1:13)
The Kingdom Would Be Open to All
- Other prophets also confirmed this (Isaiah 2:2) – yet many Jews either overlooked or deliberately ignored this
- Jesus told His apostles to go into all the world (Mark 16:15-16; cf. Acts 1:8)
- Peter told Cornelius’ household that anyone from any nation could come to God (Acts 10:34-35) – but this was conditional [next point]
Those Who Would Be Part of the Kingdom Must Serve Him
- This should be obvious – in any human kingdom, those in the kingdom are expected to obey the king; yet many in the religious world ignore this point in regard to Christ’s kingdom
- If Jesus has authority over a kingdom, then those in the kingdom must serve Him (Hebrews 12:28)
- Yet many believe they can please Him based upon faith alone – not true (James 2:24; Matthew 7:21)
The Kingdom Would Be Everlasting
- Unlike the kingdoms of men, the kingdom of God will stand as long as the world stands (Daniel 2:44)
- At the end of the world, Christ will hand over the kingdom to the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24) – therefore, it will still be in existence at this point
The Kingdom Would Not Be Destroyed
- Slightly different than previous point – everlasting implies that it has no flaw in it that would cause it to fail; will not be destroyed implies that it is strong enough to withstand attack
- The kingdom, and those in it, will be under attack (2 Timothy 3:12; Ephesians 6:16)
- No matter what may come, the Lord’s kingdom will not be destroyed, but it will be victorious (Revelation 17:14)
