“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13
In Daniel 6 we see the wiles of the devil. As believers we must never forget that our battle is a spiritual one. Paul tells us “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of
wickedness in the heavenly places.” In this passage we see Satan
use laws to trap believers, then he uses flattery to trap the king. Finally
he uses false motives and half-truths to accuse believers. Daniel is
accused of not regarding the king and not regarding the law and of
flaunting his contempt of the king’s law. Do not be surprised if you see
these tactics being used in America against believers very soon.
Daniel tells us this strategy is the spirit of antichrist. “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)
We know the antichrist is a politician representing government. Both Daniel and Revelation confirm the political position of the Antichrist. He heads up a kingdom, an empire, similar to other nation states or empires. He uses deception (like the law in Daniel 6 which was used to trap Daniel) which will evolve into his attempt to destroy all believers (as was done to Daniel). In 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Paul calls the the antichrist “The Man of Sin,” or better translated “The Man of Lawlessness”. This lawless one will disregard God’s Word (Today God’s word is being rewritten by AI to make it more palatable to all people) and even man’s law (think the Judeo-Christian legal framework) and replace it with his own arbitrary laws. He will re-define good and evil (think tolerance and inclusivity). A reprobate mind will be at the core of government.
Thankfully Christians will not live under the reign of the Antichrist. It is very likely, however, that we will see the shadow of what he will do in our lifetimes. God will allow Satan to “tear down of the foundations” of Godliness which he will do with great earnestness.
Initially the changing of times and laws by the Antichrist will be an act designed to gain political power. “Rational” explanations will be given. The laws are necessary for all to leave in “peace” with each other. We saw this with Covid-19. Constitutional rights and freedoms were diminished and unconstitutional laws were proposed. Change the law – there is a legitimate reason, it is expedient!
What can we learn? It is more critical than ever that we know God’s Word. If we do not, we will not know where to draw our line. The consequences could be disastrous. Ignorant believers will be deceived into compromising and complying with evil laws. God’s word tells us “Be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not
turn aside to the right or to the left” (Deuteronomy 5:32). Joyful are those who “do not compromise with evil” (Psalm 119:3). (Compromise is a great test for most believers – the invitation to “get along” with evil.)
Thus we learn from Daniel’s example. To stand for God in a wicked generation we must know God’s Word and we must pray without ceasing. Then when the time comes we must stand for the truth. The time to prepare to stand alone is now. We cannot make our decisions based on what others tell us to do, we must base our decisions on what the Word of God says but first we must know it.