The End of Days (Dan. 12)

It is fitting that we conclude the book of Daniel on Easter Sunday, because the resurrection is at the heart of the conclusion to the book of Daniel.

What are you doing here? Why are you alive? What is the point of your existence?

The resurrection is the point of your existence. The Christian ethic is characterized by the cross – "Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me." "Have this same mind in yourselves that is yours in Christ Jesus." "For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly." "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds..."

But the cross-shaped ethic of the gospel is only cross-shaped – it is only cruciform – because the cross leads to resurrection.

We can count it joy when we endure trials precisely because these light momentary afflictions are preparing for us an eternal weight of glory. (1 Cor 4:17)