Daniel 12:1b-3
12 “At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. 2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise[a] will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.
These verses come at the end of a difficult passage. The verses before us are also difficult to understand in detail and hence have led to a variety of interpretations. However, there are some key thoughts expressed here which provide great encouragement to God’s people in all generations.
Firstly, they tell us that there is hope even in a time of greatest distress. Whatever is the time being referred to in verse 1 the important matters are that it is worse than ever before but there is rescue. None can ever think that their situation is so bad that God cannot rescue. Secondly, it is a rescue according to election, or pure grace, because it is for the ones found written in the book. Like all the book of Daniel this turns our attention to our Lord Jesus and the salvation he brings, the hope of salvation through Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith alone. Thirdly, we are told that not even death disrupts this salvation. Believers who are asleep (a euphemism for death) will awake to everlasting life. Those who have not believed will face disgrace and everlasting contempt.
Christ Jesus rose from the dead. He calls us out of the death of sin to newness of life in him. A day will come when he will resurrect our dead bodies to live as perfect human beings in his kingdom forever. Praise the Lord!
David Johnston
