What happens after this life?
In Daniel 12, God gives us a glimpse into the future—a powerful promise of resurrection and eternal life for those who trust in Him, reminding us to live with eternity in view.
Key Verse: “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.” – Daniel 12:2 (NIV)
Background Context: Daniel 12 brings the book of Daniel to a climactic conclusion, offering both hope and solemn warning. This chapter contains one of the clearest Old Testament references to the resurrection of the dead. Daniel is given insight into a time of great distress, but he is also assured that those who are wise and faithful will rise to everlasting life. The chapter emphasizes the importance of persevering in faith, trusting in God’s ultimate plan, and looking forward to the hope of resurrection.
(Summarized and continued after scripture)
The Time of the End
1“Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. 2“Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. 3“Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. 4“But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.”
5Then I, Daniel, looked and behold, two others were standing, one on this bank of the river and the other on that bank of the river. 6And one said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long will it be until the end of these wonders?” 7I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed. 8As for me, I heard but could not understand; so I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?” 9He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time. 10“Many will be purged, purified and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand. 11“From the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. 12“How blessed is he who keeps waiting and attains to the 1,335 days! 13“But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will enter into rest and rise again for your allotted portion at the end of the age.”
Reflection on Daniel 12:
- A Time of Great Distress: Daniel 12 begins with a description of a time of unparalleled distress, a period of tribulation for God’s people (Daniel 12:1). Yet, in the midst of this trouble, there is a promise of deliverance for “everyone whose name is found written in the book.” This reminds us that, while we may face trials and difficulties in this life, God is faithful to protect and deliver His people. Even in times of great distress, God’s sovereignty remains intact, and His ultimate plan for His people is secure.
- The Promise of Resurrection: One of the most powerful promises in Scripture is found in Daniel 12:2—many who have died will be raised to life again, some to eternal life and others to shame and everlasting contempt. This is one of the earliest and clearest mentions of the resurrection of the dead in the Old Testament. For believers, this is a profound source of hope. Death is not the end. We are promised a resurrection to eternal life, a glorious future with God. At the same time, this verse also reminds us of the reality of judgment and the importance of living in a way that honors God, for some will face eternal separation from Him.
- Shining Like Stars: Daniel 12:3 tells us that “those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” This verse highlights the eternal impact of a life lived for God. Those who walk in wisdom—meaning those who follow God’s ways—and lead others to righteousness will be rewarded with eternal glory. Our lives here on earth are not insignificant; how we live and how we influence others has eternal consequences. We are called to lead lives that reflect God’s light, drawing others toward Him.
- Perseverance in the Waiting: Daniel is told to “seal up the words of the scroll” until the time of the end (Daniel 12:4), indicating that these prophecies would be fully understood in the distant future. He is also instructed to continue faithfully, despite the fact that not all of the details of God’s plan are immediately clear. This teaches us the importance of perseverance and faithfulness, even when we don’t fully understand God’s timing or the details of His plan. We are called to trust in God, knowing that He will reveal His purposes in His perfect time.
- Rest and Inheritance: The final verse of the chapter contains a personal message to Daniel: “As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance” (Daniel 12:13). This promise of rest and inheritance is not just for Daniel—it is a promise for all who trust in God. It is a reminder that, at the end of our journey, there is eternal rest and reward in the presence of God. No matter what trials we face, we can look forward to the day when we will be with God for eternity.
Summary Key Points:
- Deliverance in Distress: Even in times of great difficulty, God promises deliverance for those who trust in Him. We can trust in His protection and ultimate plan, even when the world is in turmoil.
- The Hope of Resurrection: The promise of resurrection gives us profound hope—death is not the end for those who believe in God. We will be raised to eternal life, a glorious future with Him.
- A Life of Influence: Those who live wisely and lead others to righteousness will shine like stars for eternity. Our lives here on earth have eternal significance, and we are called to influence others toward God’s kingdom.
- Perseverance and Faithfulness: Like Daniel, we are called to persevere in faith, trusting God’s plan, even when we do not fully understand it. God’s timing is perfect, and His promises are sure.
- Rest and Inheritance: At the end of our journey, we can look forward to eternal rest and the inheritance that God has prepared for us. Our faithfulness will be rewarded with life everlasting in God’s presence.
Application: Take a moment to reflect on your life—are you living with eternity in mind? How does the promise of resurrection and eternal life impact the way you face challenges or trials today? Consider how you can influence others for the kingdom of God, leading them to righteousness and pointing them toward the hope of eternal life. If you are in a season of waiting or uncertainty, ask God for the strength to persevere in faith, trusting that His promises will be fulfilled in His perfect timing.
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the promise of resurrection and eternal life. Help us to live with that hope in our hearts, knowing that death is not the end, and we will one day be with You forever. Teach us to live wisely and to lead others toward righteousness, shining Your light in this world. Give us the strength to persevere in faith, even when we face trials or uncertainty, trusting that Your plan is perfect. We look forward to the rest and inheritance You have prepared for us in eternity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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