“AND AT THAT TIME SHALL MICHAEL STAND UP, THE GREAT PRINCE WHICH STANDETH FOR THE CHILDREN OF THY PEOPLE: AND THERE SHALL BE A TIME OF TROUBLE, SUCH AS NEVER WAS SINCE THERE WAS A NATION EVEN TO THAT SAME TIME: AND AT THAT TIME THY PEOPLE SHALL BE DELIVERED, EVERY ONE THAT SHALL BE FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK” (DANIEL 12:1, KJV).

ABSTRACT

This article explores the prophetic visions in Daniel and Revelation, interpreting the “little horn” as the papacy emerging from the Roman Empire, characterized by its blasphemous claims, persecution of saints over 1260 years, and audacious alteration of God’s law, particularly shifting the Sabbath to Sunday as a mark of human authority over divine command. Drawing on KJV Bible verses and Ellen G. White’s writings, it underscores the ongoing spiritual warfare against God’s commandments, God’s loving warnings to empower discernment and faithfulness, and humanity’s responsibilities to obey divine truth and proclaim the three angels’ messages to neighbors amid rising deceptions. Urging vigilance in an age of compromise, the piece calls for a faithful remnant to endure trials, study prophecies for preparation, and live as beacons of hope, anticipating Christ’s return and ultimate victory over evil.

BEHOLD THE BEAST: POWER OF PROPHECY!

The prophet Daniel, in his divinely inspired visions, beheld a panorama of empires rising and falling, each leaving its indelible mark on the tapestry of time. Christ, in revealing His prophetic insights, shows that the fourth beast represents the pagan Roman Empire, a dreadful power that devoured and broke in pieces. “After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns” (Daniel 7:7, KJV). The emergence of the little horn from this beast signifies a shift to ecclesiastical power, diverse and speaking great things against God. “I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things” (Daniel 7:8, KJV). Scripture reveals the prophetic fulfillment in the rise of the papacy, uprooting three kingdoms to establish its dominion. “And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings” (Daniel 7:24, KJV). In the midst of historical turmoil, Christ stands as the cornerstone of truth, guiding His people through visions of empires and the ultimate victory. “But the God of heaven shall set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever” (Daniel 2:44, KJV). Ellen G. White, in her profound insights, explains that the little horn symbolizes the papacy, rising amidst the divisions of Rome (The Great Controversy, p. 54, 1911). Furthermore, she illuminates the prophetic timeline, noting that the little horn’s dominion spans 1260 years of persecution (The Great Controversy, p. 579, 1911). Sr. White, echoing the urgency of this prophetic moment, warned, “The time is coming when God’s people will feel the hand of persecution because they keep holy the seventh day” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 229, 1909). Are we truly awake to the significance of this ‘little horn,’ or are we lulled into a false sense of security, while the stage is being set for the final act of this age-old conflict? Indeed, we are called to be discerning watchmen, understanding the signs of the times as revealed in prophecy. She further explains, “We are standing on the threshold of fearful judgments. Prophecies almost fulfilled are now fulfilling. We should be giving the last warning to the world” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 19, 1909).

WAR AGAINST THE SAINTS!

This diminutive yet audacious horn did not arise in peace; its ascent was marked by conflict, a spiritual warfare waged against the very saints of the Most High. Christ, as the Prince of Peace, reveals the persecution that His followers will endure from this power. “I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom” (Daniel 7:21, 22, KJV). Through the prophetic lens, the saints’ suffering under this horn underscores the cosmic struggle for souls. “And he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings” (Daniel 7:24, KJV), highlighting the unique and powerful nature of this persecuting entity. In the book of Revelation, Christ unveils the endurance required of His people amidst tribulation. “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12, KJV). Scripture further warns of the trials that accompany godliness, as Christ Himself suffered. “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12, KJV). Ellen G. White poignantly notes, “He seeks to make the commandments of God of less force in the world than human laws” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 229, 1909). Will we, as God’s watchmen, stand idly by, or will we raise our voices, sounding the alarm and rallying souls to the banner of truth in this ongoing spiritual battle? Let us be mindful that our weapons are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds (2 Corinthians 10:4). She further elaborates on the nature of this warfare: “The warfare against God’s law, which was begun in heaven, will be continued until the end of time” (The Great Controversy, p. 582, 1911).

BLASPHEMY AGAINST THE MOST HIGH!

The audacity of this little horn power reaches its zenith in its blasphemous pronouncements against the very throne of heaven. Daniel unveils its arrogant posture: “And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time” (Daniel 7:25, KJV). Christ, in His teachings, warns against such exaltation that opposes God. Describing this spiritual arrogance, the apostle Paul, writing of the same power, declares it, “Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God” (2 Thessalonians 2:4, KJV). In the prophecies, Christ reveals the man of sin who exalts himself above divine authority. “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition” (2 Thessalonians 2:3, KJV). Scripture exposes the mystery of iniquity working through human agencies to defy God. “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way” (2 Thessalonians 2:7, KJV). Ellen G. White explained this blasphemous claim, stating, “It is the mystery of iniquity, the masterwork of Satan’s power,—a power that was to be felt in the church in the days of Paul. Only by constant vigilance could the church be kept pure” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 386, 1911). Do we recognize this spirit of self-exaltation in the religious landscape today, and are we prepared to unmask its deceptive influence with the unwavering light of Bible truth? We must remember the warning, “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition” (2 Thessalonians 2:3, KJV). Sr. White further states, “The papacy has attempted to change the law of God. The second commandment, forbidding image worship, has been dropped from the law, and the fourth commandment has been so changed as to authorize the observance of the first instead of the seventh day as the Sabbath” (The Great Controversy, p. 446, 1911).

PERSECUTION OF THE SAINTS!

Beyond mere verbal blasphemy, this power was destined to inflict tangible suffering upon God’s devoted followers, “And he shall…wear out the saints of the most High” (Daniel 7:25, KJV). Christ foretold the trials His followers would face, strengthening them for endurance. Indeed, Scripture reveals, “And power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them” (Revelation 13:5-7, KJV). In the midst of persecution, Christ promises deliverance to His faithful ones. “But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble” (Psalm 37:39, KJV). Scripture assures that though trials come, God’s people will prevail through faith. “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death” (Revelation 12:11, KJV). Ellen G. White emphasizes the subtle yet forceful nature of this persecution: “The man of sin, who thought to change times and laws, and who has always oppressed the people of God, will cause laws to be made enforcing the observance of the first day of the week” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 230, 1909). As we witness the resurgence of religious intolerance and the erosion of religious liberty, are we bracing ourselves for the subtle and not-so-subtle forms of ‘wearing out’ that may yet intensify in the days ahead? We are called to endure as good soldiers of Jesus Christ, knowing that “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12, KJV). Further detailing the suffering of the saints she wrote, “From the beginning, faithful souls have constituted the church on earth. In every age the Lord has had His watchmen, who have borne a faithful testimony for their generation” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 11, 1911).

ALTERING GOD’S LAW!

One of the most distinctive marks of this little horn power is its audacious attempt to alter God’s very law, specifically, to “think to change times and laws” (Daniel 7:25, KJV). Christ upheld the sanctity of God’s unchanging commandments, declaring their eternal nature. This prophetic declaration finds its starkest fulfillment in the historical shift from the Sabbath of the seventh day to Sunday, the first day of the week, a change instituted not by divine mandate but by human decree. For God declares, “My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips” (Psalm 89:34, KJV), highlighting the immutability of His law. The apostle Paul, even in his day, observed the insidious beginnings of this apostasy, noting that “the mystery of iniquity doth already work” (2 Thessalonians 2:7, KJV). In the face of human alterations, Christ proclaimed the law’s permanence. “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil” (Matthew 5:17, KJV). Scripture warns against adding or diminishing from God’s commands. “What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it” (Deuteronomy 12:32, KJV). Ellen G. White confirms this change, noting, “The change of the Sabbath is the sign or mark of the authority of the Romish power… The mark of the beast is the papal sabbath” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 65, 1923). Are we alert to the ongoing attempts to subtly undermine God’s law, and are we prepared to champion the unchanging principles of divine truth in a world increasingly adrift in moral relativism? Let us be steadfast in upholding the commandments of God, recognizing that “it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail” (Luke 16:17, KJV). Sr. White further states, “The Sabbath will be the great test of loyalty, for it is the point of truth especially controverted. When the final test shall be brought to bear upon men, then the line of distinction will be drawn between those who serve God and those who serve Him not” (The Great Controversy, p. 605, 1911). This alteration stands as a symbol of human authority usurping divine command.

GOD’S LOVE IN WARNING!

It is precisely because of His love that God unveils these warnings, not to instill fear, but to empower us with foresight and discernment. “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming” (2 Thessalonians 2:8, KJV). Christ assures His followers of ultimate victory over evil. God’s love is manifest in His commitment to justice, ensuring that wickedness will not ultimately prevail. We are assured, “For the Lord will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance” (Psalm 94:14, KJV), revealing His enduring commitment to those who remain faithful. In His mercy, Christ extends salvation to all who repent. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, KJV). Christ declares the boundless love of God for sinners. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, KJV). Ellen G. White affirms, “And the Lord will work in their behalf, showing plainly that He is the God of gods” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 230, 1909). God’s love is not a passive sentiment; it is an active force, working to secure our eternal salvation even amidst the looming shadows of prophetic conflict, for He desires that “all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, KJV). She further states, “The Lord does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men. He warns us in love, and chastises us for our good, that we may at last find our way into the everlasting fold” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 33, 1876).

In light of these solemn prophetic insights, what then is our sacred responsibility to God? It is nothing less than unwavering obedience and steadfast faithfulness to His revealed word. “Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts” (Psalm 119:133, 134, KJV). Christ calls us to full surrender and obedience to His Father’s will. We are reminded, “Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13, KJV), emphasizing the comprehensive nature of our obligation. In faithfulness, we are to hold fast amid trials. “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” (Hebrews 10:23, KJV). Christ urges diligence in seeking His kingdom above all. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33, KJV). Ellen G. White underscores the gravity of this commitment, declaring, “The last great conflict between truth and error is but the final struggle of the long-standing controversy concerning the law of God” (The Great Controversy, p. 582, 1911). Our responsibility is to embody unwavering obedience, becoming living witnesses to the transformative power of God’s truth in a world teetering on the brink of spiritual compromise, and to “hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” (Hebrews 10:23, KJV). She further emphasizes, “We are to be God’s commandment-keeping people, and in no case are we to compromise principle” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 150, 1909).

And what of our duty to our neighbors, those fellow pilgrims walking this earthly journey alongside us? Our responsibility is to extend a hand of warning and invitation, sharing the life-saving truths we have been entrusted with. “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thessalonians 2:11, 12, KJV). Christ commissions His followers to proclaim the gospel to all nations. We are called to be lights in a dark world, for “ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house” (Matthew 5:14-15, KJV). In obedience, we confess Christ before men, securing His confession before the Father. “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32, KJV). Christ calls us to love our neighbors through selfless service. “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Galatians 5:14, KJV). Ellen G. White poignantly states, “The work which the church has failed to do in a time of peace and prosperity, she will have to do in a terrible crisis” (The Great Controversy, p. 581, 1911). Our duty is to become fervent proclaimers of the three angels’ messages, awakening souls to the deceptions of the age and guiding them to the path of eternal truth and salvation. Let us go forth with courage and compassion, knowing that “whosoever shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32, KJV). She urges, “In a special sense Seventh-day Adventists have been set in the world as watchmen and light bearers. To them has been entrusted the last warning for a perishing world” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 19, 1909).

URGENT RELEVANCE TODAY!

The prophecies of Daniel and Paul are not relics of the past; they are living oracles, resonating with urgent relevance for our present moment. We live in an age where compromise is often lauded as virtue, and faithfulness is dismissed as fanaticism. Christ calls us to be watchful and ready for His return. “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:14, KJV). In these last days, we are to study prophecies to prepare for what is coming. Ellen G. White reminds us of the personal application, “We need to study the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation, not to gratify our curiosity concerning future events, but to learn those lessons that will help us to be ready for what is coming, and to know how to work for God in His appointed way” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 116, 1923).

FAITHFUL REMNANT!

The little unmasked little horn stands as a stark warning and a solemn call. Deception is pervasive, and the battle for truth is intensifying. Christ identifies His end-time people as those who endure faithfully. “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12, KJV). In the final scenes, the faithful will proclaim the truth boldly. “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20, KJV). Let us heed the concluding counsel: “Let all who desire to understand the truth read carefully the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation. See in them the order of events foretold to take place in the closing scenes of this earth’s history” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 115, 1923).

If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comments below. Prayer meetings are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. To join, enter your email address in the comments section.

Search

Search

SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these prophetic truths, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these complex themes to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about these topics in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of Christ’s soon return and God’s ultimate victory over evil?