HOLY ONES "WAKE UP"

Comforting indeed is the hope of the resurrection. Daniel 12:2 touches on it, saying: "There will be many of those asleep in the ground of dust who will wake up, these to indefinitely last abhorrence."  (Compare Isaiah  26:19) These words may well remind us of Jesus Christ's  moving promise of a general resurrection. (John 5:28, 9)  what thrilling hope!  Just think of beloved friends and family-now dead-given a chance to live again  in the future! But this promise in the book of Daniel refers primarily to another kind of resurrection-one that has already occurred.  How could that be?

Consider the context.  The first verse of chapter 12 applies, as we have seen, not only to the end of this system of things but also to the entire period of the last days.   In fact, the bulk of the  chapter finds fulfillment, not in the coming earthly paradise, but during the time of the end.  Has there been a resurrection during this period?  The apostle Paul wrote of the resurrection of "those who belong to the Christ" as occurring "during his presence."   However,  those who are resurrected to life in heaven are raised "incorruptible." (1 Corinthians 15:23, 52) None of them are raised  "to reproaches and to indefinitely lasing abhorrence" foretold at Daniel 12:2.  Is there another kind of resurrection?  In the Bible, resurrection sometimes has a spiritual significance. For example, both Ezekiel and Revelation contain prophetic passages that apply to a spiritual revival, or resurrection. -Ezekiel 37:1-14; Revelation 11:3, 7, 11.

Has there been such a spiritual revival of God's anointed servants in the time of the end? Yes, 8it is a historical reality that in 1918 a small remnant of faithful Christian were subjected to an  extraordinary attack  that disrupted their organized public ministry. Then, against all likelihood, in 1919 they returned to life in a spiritual sense.  These facts fit the description of the resurrection foretold at Daniel 12:2.  Some did "wake up" spiritually  at that time and thereafter.  Sadly, though, not all remained in a spiritually alive state.  Those who after being awakened chose to reject the Messianic King and who left God's service earned for themselves  the 'reproaches and indefinitely lasting abhorrence' described at Daniel 12:2. (Hebrews 6:4-6) However, the faithful anointed ones, making good use of their spiritually revived state, loyally supported the Messianic King. Ultimately, their faithfulness leads, as the prophecy states, to "indefinitely lasting life."  Today, their spiritual vitality in face of opposition helps us to identify them.  

Next time: THEY 'SHINE LIKE THE STARS'

From the book: PAY ATTENTION TO DANIEL'S PROPHECY! 1999