by John Robertson (Author)
The book of Daniel has a dual purpose. First, Daniel looks to a "latter day" when the kingdom of God, the church, would be established. During these latter days man would be forgiven of sins through the blood of Jesus Christ. The prophecies of Isaiah, Daniel, and Joel prove that God's church was established on the Day of Pentecost, fifty days after Christ was crucified, as revealed at Acts 2. Before the kingdom would be established; however, God's people would suffer at the hands of madmen such as Antiochus IV Epiphanes and Empires such as Rome. Secondly, and just as important, Daniel reveals God's expectations for his people. God's people, in every generation, come to be holy through persecution, tribulation, and afflictions. Those who endure to the end will be eternally rewarded.