From the angel’s explanation, we clearly understand that there are ten kings that will arise to reign over this fourth kingdom. And of those ten kings, three will be subdued by the Anti-Christ, when he emerges to take full control of the fourth kingdom. We also see that the Anti-Christ will persecute the saints residing on the earth at that time. For the scripture says that he was able to make war against the saints, and prevail against them. We also see that the saints will experience his reign on the earth, for a period of three and a half years. For again the scripture says that the saints shall be given into his hand, for a time and times and half a time. This account agrees with the book of Revelation, which states that the Anti-Christ will reign for a period of forty-two months (Revelation 13:5). In Daniel’s vision, he tells us that the fourth beast was different from all the other beasts, and the angel also confirms that the fourth kingdom will be different to all other kingdoms. I want you to notice that this kingdom will not only be different to the three kingdoms that will be on the earth at that time, but the scripture also reveals to us that this kingdom will be different from all kingdoms that came before it as well. The reason that this kingdom will be different to all other kingdoms is because all kingdoms that have ever arisen in the earth have been secular in nature. This fourth kingdom however, will be a kingdom based on religion first, and secular power second. We will see this truth more clearly as we examine scripture further. Because the ten kings and the Anti-Christ will emerge out of this fourth kingdom, we see clearly that this fourth kingdom must be in place before the ten kings and the Anti-Christ can be manifested. As we examine scripture further, we shall see that this fourth kingdom is already in the earth today.
Michael E.B. Maher
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