Tag: bsf lesson 6

bsf study of romans: from guilt to grace Romans 3:27-31 saying we are justified by faith alone www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 6, Day 5: Romans 3:31

October 1, 2026September 16, 2026 by atozmom, posted in BSF Romans: From Guilt to Grace 2026/2027

Summary of Romans 3:31

Faith does not cancel God’s law; rather, true saving faith upholds, fulfills, and establishes the law’s true purpose through Christ.

BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 6, Day 5: Romans 3:31

12a) God’s law requires absolute moral perfection, defined by supreme devotion to God and selfless love for others. Because humanity continuously fails this flawless standard, the law demands the ultimate penalty for our rebellion—death—highlighting our desperate need for grace.

b) The law cannot produce righteousness. Instead, it exposes our sin and acts as a strict guardian, driving us to seek justification entirely through faith in Christ.

c) Jesus lived the flawless life the law required, and died to pay its ultimate penalty, fully satisfying divine justice as our perfect substitute. He was the ultimate sacrifice of atonement for our sins and to be righteous for God.

13) He gives me a conscience, so I can know right and wrong, as well as the Holy Spirit. God gives me His love, using trials for good, and continually cleansing my confessed sins. God is good!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 6, Day 5: Romans 3:31

Great lesson! I love how the law points to Jesus, as everything does. It all comes back to Jesus!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 6, Day 5: Romans 3:31

The Gospel establishes the law. The law was given to anticipate the coming of Christ and justification by faith. We’ll study this more in Romans 4.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Paul anticipates a critical objection: if salvation is based entirely on free grace and faith rather than human performance, does this make God’s moral law irrelevant? He forcefully denies this, arguing that the gospel actually establishes the law’s true purpose.

The logical objection: “Do we then overthrow the law?” If our moral efforts to keep the law contribute absolutely nothing to our justification, it might seem like Paul is tossing the Old Testament scriptures in the trash.
The emphatic denial: “By no means!” Paul utterly rejects any idea that faith leads to lawlessness. Grace does not mean God’s holy standards are ignored or discarded.
Validating the penalty: Faith actually upholds the law because it recognizes that the law’s demands cannot simply be swept under the rug. The fact that Jesus had to shed His blood proves that the law’s severe penalty for sin is absolute and must be satisfied.
Fulfilling the ultimate purpose: The law was never designed to be a ladder we climb to reach God; it was designed to expose our sin and point us to a Savior. Faith in Christ embraces the exact goal the law and the prophets were pointing toward all along.

CONCLUSION

The cross proves that God did not simply lower His moral standards or bypass the law to save humanity. Instead, justification by faith perfectly honors the law by satisfying its strict demands through Christ’s sacrifice. Far from destroying the Old Testament, the gospel of faith is the stunning climax it was anticipating from the very beginning.

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BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 6, Day 4: Romans 3:29-30

September 30, 2026September 13, 2026 by atozmom, posted in BSF Romans: From Guilt to Grace 2026/2027

Summary of Romans 3:29-30

God is for both the Jews and the Gentiles,

BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 6, Day 4: Romans 3:29-30

9) The Gentiles are everyone except the Jewish people. The Jews looked down on them because they were not the chosen people of God. They didn’t follow God’s laws, they weren’t circumcised, and they lived differently.

10) Modern spirituality embraces pluralism—claiming all paths, beliefs, and personal truths lead to the divine—whereas biblical monotheism insists on one sovereign God and a single, exclusive path to salvation. There are many religions on the planet with different gods and many gods.

11) Romans 3 reveals one universal problem—sin—and one loving God who offers free salvation through Jesus’ sacrifice, replacing human effort and religious climbing with grace for everyone. All you need to do is have faith in Jesus. That is it. It’s that easy!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 6, Day 4: Romans 3:29-30

I love how Paul emphasizes that the Gospel is for EVERYONE here. So many people feel like they don’t deserve God’s grace and mercy. In God’s eyes, all of us are worthy, and we all deserve to have the love of a Savior in our lives.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 6, Day 4: Romans 3:29-30

There is only one God for all to believe in. Both are justified in the same way and received by God in the same way.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

In Romans 3:29–30, Paul expands his argument from individual justification to universal redemptive history. Having established that all people are saved by faith rather than works, he now demonstrates that God’s salvation plan unites both Jews and Gentiles under one unified standard.

Key Expository Insights

1. The Universal Sovereignty of God (v. 29)

Paul asks two rhetorical questions to challenge a localized or exclusive view of God. If salvation were earned through the Mosaic Law, God would effectively belong only to the Jews, who were given the Law. However, because God created all humanity, His redemptive plan extends equally to Gentiles.
2. The Shema and the Unity of God (v. 30a)

When Paul asserts that “God is one,” he intentionally echoes the foundational Jewish confession of faith, the Shema (“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one” — Deuteronomy 6:4). Paul turns this core doctrine back to his audience: if there is only one God, He must be the God of all peoples, not just one ethnic group.
3. One Single Pathway to Justification (v. 30b)

Paul highlights that God justifies both the “circumcised” (Jews) and the “uncircumcised” (Gentiles) through the exact same mechanism:
- Jews are justified by faith (ek pisteōs).
- Gentiles are justified through faith (dia tēs pisteōs).
  
  By using both prepositions, Paul emphasizes that external markers like circumcision add no spiritual advantage; faith is the sole, universal requirement for both groups.

Conclusion

Romans 3:29–30 reinforces that God’s salvation is entirely monotheistic, impartial, and universal. By declaring that one God justifies both Jew and Gentile through the same faith, Paul dismantles ethnic favoritism and religious elitism. The conclusion is clear: God does not maintain two distinct standards of righteousness—there is only one Creator, one problem (sin), and one universal remedy found in trust in Jesus Christ.

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BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 6, Day 3: Romans 3:27-28

September 29, 2026September 13, 2026 by atozmom, posted in BSF Romans: From Guilt to Grace 2026/2027

Summary of Romans 3:27-28

A person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law, which eliminates boasting.

BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 6, Day 3: Romans 3:27-28

6a) Saving faith is a God-given, Christ-centered trust that receives grace, confesses Jesus as Lord, relies on His resurrection, and naturally yields active, enduring obedience.

b) Culturally, “faith” is often viewed as optimistic wishful thinking, blind belief without evidence, or a self-focused mindset.

In contrast, biblical faith (Hebrews 11:1, Ephesians 2:8–9) is grounded in objective historical truth, centered specifically on the person and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and acts as a God-given, active trust.

7) This means I don’t have to try to be “good enough” for God. I just am!

8 ) I think in every way. I make choices based on what I think God wants me to do and step out in faith when prompted by Him. I do try to shine the light of Jesus wherever I go. It’s important to represent Him always.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 6, Day 3: Romans 3:27-28

It all comes down to faith. Isn’t God so wonderful and gracious to make it so simple?

End Notes BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 6, Day 3: Romans 3:27-28

Pride is incompatible with gifts given freely.

Sola fide means “faith alone” in Latin.

James 2:14-26 describes the character of what it looks like to have faith. Your works will follow was his point, not your works will set you free.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

In Romans 3:27–28, the Apostle Paul delivers a foundational thesis of the Christian gospel: human self-sufficiency is eliminated, and righteousness before God is achieved exclusively through faith, not merit.

Key Expository Insights

1. The Exclusion of Boasting (v. 27a)

Paul asks a rhetorical question to highlight human pride. In the preceding verses (Romans 3:9–26), Paul establishes that all people—both Jews and Gentiles—are under the power of sin. Because salvation is accomplished entirely through Christ’s redemptive work, there is zero ground for human bragging or moral superiority.
2. The “Law” of Faith vs. Works (v. 27b)

Here, Paul uses the word “law” (nomos) not just to refer to the Mosaic legal system, but in the sense of a ruling principle or order. A system based on human “works” fosters pride because it relies on personal achievement. The principle of “faith,” however, requires acknowledging absolute spiritual poverty and receiving God’s grace as an unearned gift.
3. Justification by Faith Alone (v. 28)

This verse is the theological cornerstone of the passage:
- Justified (Dikaioo): A legal or judicial declaration where God pronounces a sinner righteous in His sight.
- Apart from Works of the Law: Observing ceremonial, ritual, or moral laws cannot alter a person’s standing before God because no human can keep them perfectly. Justification is given solely through trust in Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

Romans 3:27–28 establishes that salvation is an act of unmerited divine grace rather than human effort. By declaring that justification is received through faith apart from the works of the law, Paul dismantles human pride and level-sets all humanity before God. Ultimately, these verses point to a profound spiritual reality: standing with God is not earned through ritual or moral performance, but received through humble trust in Christ’s finished work.

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BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 6, Day 2: Romans 3:27-28

September 28, 2026September 13, 2026 by atozmom, posted in BSF Romans: From Guilt to Grace 2026/2027

Summary of Romans 3:27-28

A person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law, which then eliminates boasting.

BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 6, Day 2: Romans 3:27-28

3a) Boasting. Because a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law, meaning people can’t do anything to save themselves, so there is nothing to boast about.

b) Faith eliminates pride because you can’t do anything to save themselves, so there is nothing to boast about.

4a) When we want to make ourselves feel better, when we are low, when we are troubled, when we want others to like us, when we want to boost our status in society or in others’ eyes, etc.

b) Guilt, diminishing God’s role in your life, false friends, false status, depression, pushing some nonbelievers away from Christ

5) I am tempted to justify myself to God when I want to take credit for His doings or when I want to justify my sins. I can put God in the forefront of all I do and remember it is Him, not me, ever and always!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 6, Day 2: Romans 3:27-28

There really is no time to ever take credit for something you did. God did it all. I have to remind myself to replace me for Him, but I am getting better at this!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 6, Day 2: Romans 3:27-28

Pride is incompatible with gifts given freely.

Sola fide means “faith alone” in Latin.

James 2:14-26 describes the character of what it looks like to have faith. Your works will follow was his point, not your works will set you free.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Key Expository Insights

1. The Exclusion of Boasting (v. 27a)

Paul asks a rhetorical question to highlight human pride. In the preceding verses (Romans 3:9–26), Paul establishes that all people—both Jews and Gentiles—are under the power of sin. Because salvation is accomplished entirely through Christ’s redemptive work, there is zero ground for human bragging or moral superiority.
2. The “Law” of Faith vs. Works (v. 27b)

Here, Paul uses the word “law” (nomos) not just to refer to the Mosaic legal system, but in the sense of a ruling principle or order. A system based on human “works” fosters pride because it relies on personal achievement. The principle of “faith,” however, requires acknowledging absolute spiritual poverty and receiving God’s grace as an unearned gift.
3. Justification by Faith Alone (v. 28)

This verse is the theological cornerstone of the passage:
- Justified (Dikaioo): A legal or judicial declaration where God pronounces a sinner righteous in His sight.
- Apart from Works of the Law: Observing ceremonial, ritual, or moral laws cannot alter a person’s standing before God because no human can keep them perfectly. Justification is given solely through trust in Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 5: Daniel 8:15-27

October 2, 2025September 9, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Daniel 8:15-27

Gabriel, an angel and a frequent messenger in the Bible, was instructed by Jesus to explain the vision. He explains the vision is about the End Times.

The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia. The shaggy goat is the king of Greece, and the large horn between its eyes is the first king. The four horns that replaced the one that was broken off represent four kingdoms that will emerge from his nation but will not have the same power.

Another king will arise. He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy those who are mighty, the holy people. He will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power.

Daniel was worn out and exhausted from what he saw. Then he went about the king’s business.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 5: Daniel 8:15-27

12a) Media and Persia and Greece

b) Earthly kingdoms will fade away.

c) God will destroy the kingdoms forever. This gives me hope that despite all the evil surrounding us that God will prevail.

13) God is trustworthy. God is sovereign. God is in control. God uses today’s evil systems to work His plan and His good.

14) I pray that God has got them. That they have peace in God and in their troubles. That they have the strength to persevere in their faith for him. That they use Daniel’s example of how to cope with persecution. That they survive.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 5: Daniel 8:15-27

I love how God leads us and doesn’t totally leave us in the dark. This helps us to better follow Him when we have some understanding of what He is saying.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 5: Daniel 8:15-27

Ulai is a river in Persia. Here is a map of Susa and the Ulai Canal.

Courtesy of https://crossroadsbible.net/2019/10/23/daniel-in-the-city-of-susa/

Though this prophecy was fulfilled with the Medo-Persian and Greek empires, this also refers to the End Times and the Antichrist.

Sealing of the vision refers to the fact that this is prophecy and would take place far in the future.

Daniel was most likely overwhelmed because he just couldn’t understand how God could allow such a travesty and evil to happen. Yet, he still had a job to do, and he did it.

Note the term “son of man” here refers to Daniel, a literal son of a man. You see this in Ezekiel, too (Ezekiel 2:1, 3; 3:1, 10; 4:16; 6:2; 7:2; 11:2)

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 8:15-27 is the angel Gabriel’s direct interpretation of the preceding vision, revealing a specific and terrifying period of future persecution against God’s people.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

The Empires Identified: Gabriel explicitly confirms the identities of the beasts. The two-horned ram is the Medo-Persian Empire, and the goat is the Greek Empire. The goat’s first great horn is its first king, Alexander the Great, whose empire is then divided into four kingdoms.
A Profile of the Antagonist: The interpretation focuses on the “little horn,” identifying him as a cunning, cruel, and blasphemous king (historically Antiochus IV Epiphanes) who will rise from one of the Greek kingdoms. He will persecute the “holy people” and halt the daily sacrifices in the Temple.
A Supernatural Conflict: The interpretation frames this as a spiritual battle. The king becomes powerful “not by his own power” and is ultimately destroyed “but not by human power.” This reveals that the conflict is a direct confrontation between a supernaturally empowered tyrant and the “Prince of princes” (God).
A Sobering Prophecy: The vision is so disturbing in its detail of future suffering that Daniel is left physically ill. It is a sobering look at a coming tribulation for the faithful, but it carries the ultimate hope that the persecutor’s reign is limited and his destruction is guaranteed by God Himself.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 4: Daniel 8:1-14

October 1, 2025September 9, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Daniel 8:1-14

Daniel describes another vision he has. He saw a ram with two long horns. One of the horns was longer than the other but grew up later. The ram charged toward the west, north, and south. No animal could stand against it, and none could rescue from its power. It did as it pleased and became great.

Then a goat with a horn between its eyes appeared. It charged the ram, attacked it, and shattered its horns. The ram was powerless to stand against it; the goat knocked it to the ground and trampled on it, and none could rescue the ram from its power. The goat became very great, but at the height of its power, the large horn was broken off, and in its place four prominent horns grew up toward the four winds of heaven.

Out of one of them came another horn, which started small but grew in power. It grew until it reached the host of the heavens, and it threw some of the starry host down to the earth and trampled on them. It set itself up to be as great as the commander of the army of the Lord; it took away the daily sacrifice from the Lord, and his sanctuary was thrown down.Because of rebellion, the Lord’s people and the daily sacrifice were given to it. It prospered in everything it did, and truth was thrown to the ground.

A holy one asked how long till the vision is fulfilled. It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be reconsecrated.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 4: Daniel 8:1-14

9) Here, Daniel describes another vision he has. He saw a ram with two long horns. One of the horns was longer than the other but grew up later. The ram charged toward the west, north, and south. No animal could stand against it, and none could rescue from its power. It did as it pleased and became great. Then a goat with a horn between its eyes appeared. It charged the ram, attacked it, and shattered its horns. The ram was powerless to stand against it; the goat knocked it to the ground and trampled on it, and none could rescue the ram from its power. The goat became very great, but at the height of its power, the large horn was broken off, and in its place four prominent horns grew up toward the four winds of heaven.

In Daniel 7, he saw:

Daniel had a dream/vision of beasts that came up from the sea.

The first beast was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. Its wings were torn off, and it was lifted from the ground so that it stood on two feet like a human being, and the mind of a human was given to it.
The second beast looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told, ‘Get up and eat your fill of flesh!’
The third beast looked like a leopard. And on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. This beast had four heads, and it was given authority to rule.
The fourth beast—terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns.

Another horn appeared and uprooted other horns. The horn had eyes and a mouth that spoke.

Daniel then saw God (the Ancient of Days) on his throne. A river flowed before him he was attended by thousands.

The beast was then slain. The other beasts were stripped of authority.

Then Daniel saw Jesus (the Son of Man). He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom will never be destroyed.

The difference:

The vision in Daniel 7 is a broad overview of four monstrous gentile empires (including Babylon and Rome) rising from the chaotic sea, spanning all of history until the Son of Man’s final judgment.

Daniel 8 is more focused. It uses specific sacrificial animals (a ram and a goat) to detail only the Medo-Persian and Greek empires. Its climax is not the end of the world, but the specific persecution of Israel and the desecration of the Jerusalem Temple.

10) These verses depict a shift from earthly chaos to the ultimate authority of the heavenly court. The “Ancient of Days” (God the Father) takes His seat as the eternal and righteous Judge. The symbols of fire, the white throne, and the opened books signify that a time of final, divine judgment has come. The most arrogant and blasphemous earthly power (the fourth beast) is judged and utterly destroyed, demonstrating God’s absolute sovereignty over all human history.

11) Suffering is temporary and temporal while we are here on Earth. God is in control, and one day, we won’t suffer at all.

This truth raises profound and difficult questions. Hearts might cry out, “If God is good and in control, why must His people suffer at all?” Minds might grapple with the purpose, asking, “Why allow this pain if the end is already determined?” This leads to the most pressing question for those in the midst of trial: “How can I endure until the promised limit is reached?” It forces a struggle between trusting God’s sovereignty and the painful reality of suffering.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 4: Daniel 8:1-14

Amazing how Daniel had visions and shared them with all Christians to come, to give us hope that suffering is not forever, and God does win in the end.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 4: Daniel 8:1-14

Map of Susa:

The ram represents the Meso-Persian Empire, which is the empire that conquered Babylon. A ram was a symbol of Persia.

The different sizes of the horns represent the different empires. Persia was larger than the Medes and emerged after the Medes.

The male goat is Greece (Daniel 8:21-22).

The Greeks rose from the west suddenly under Alexander the Great. Their enemy was the Persians, whom they often fought and eventually defeated. Alexander died, and his kingdom was divided 4 ways.

Because of Alexander the Great, who spread Greek culture and language everywhere he went, the New Testament was written in Greek.

The little horn was Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who ruled over Syria and Israel’s land under the Seleucid dynasty.

Horns symbolize military power.

We see “the Glorious Land” used for Israel in the Bible Ezekiel 20:6 , Ezekiel 25:9, Daniel 11:16 and 11:41, and in Psalm 48:2.

Antiochus Epiphanes fulfills exactly what these Scriptures say about him.

The host and stars are symbols used in the Old Testament for angels, kings, and leaders, or God’s people (Genesis 15:5, 22:17, 26:4), (Exodus 12:41)

The holy one speaking could be Jesus.

The 2,300 is most likely days. This is prophecy fulfilled as it conclusively happened.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 8:1-14 presents a symbolic vision detailing the transition of power from the Medo-Persian Empire to the Greek Empire, and the subsequent rise of a tyrannical king who persecutes God’s people.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

The Ram and the Goat: The powerful two-horned ram represents the Medo-Persian Empire. It is violently conquered by a swift, one-horned goat from the west, which symbolizes the Greek Empire under the meteoric conquests of its first king, Alexander the Great (the “prominent horn”).
The Broken Horn and the Four Horns: The prominent horn breaking off at the height of its power represents Alexander the Great’s sudden death. The four horns that rise in its place symbolize the four successor kingdoms that his generals carved out of his vast empire.
The “Little Horn”: A small but arrogant horn emerges from one of the four kingdoms. This figure represents the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes. His defining actions are blasphemous arrogance against heaven and a direct assault on the Jewish religion, specifically by stopping the daily sacrifices in the Jerusalem Temple and desecrating the sanctuary.
The Promise of Restoration: The vision concludes by revealing that this period of desecration is limited. A heavenly voice declares that after 2,300 “evenings and mornings” (a set period of time), the sanctuary will be reconsecrated, offering a firm promise of hope and eventual restoration beyond the intense suffering.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 3: Daniel 7:15-28

September 30, 2025September 13, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Daniel 7:15-28

Daniel was troubled by his previous dreams (Daniel 7:1-14) and asked for an interpretation.

The four great beasts are four kings that will rise from the earth. But the holy people of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever.

The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth. The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them, another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings. He will speak against the Most High and oppress his holy people and try to change the set times and the laws. The holy people will be delivered into his hands for a time.

But his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. Then the sovereignty, power, and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 3: Daniel 7:15-28

6) Daniel was troubled before because the beasts were terrifying, and he was scared. Daniel knew that dreams had meanings since he could interpret dreams with God’s help. So, he did not know what horror his dream meant. Afterward, he was scared as wars and destruction were described. Lack of understanding causes fear.

7a) The fourth beast was not a beast of known animals like the other beasts. Daniel says the fourth beast had iron teeth and bronze claws—the beast that crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It had ten horns on its head, and the horn that looked more imposing than the others had eyes and a mouth that spoke boastfully.

b) Knowing that God was in control. His faith in God. And, knowing that God would prevail and His kingdom would be everlasting.

8 ) I can get through anything with God’s strength. I live knowing this is not my home and everything is just temporary. I am not afraid because I know God has got it. And, I feel I live more and worship more, too.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 3: Daniel 7:15-28

I love how God always wins in the end. It’s good to know that despite the hardships, a happy ending is near!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 3: Daniel 7:15-28

Daniel’s vision was most likely more than what he told us. So, you can imagine his fear just from what we know!

Succinctly, the passage means that four kings are conquered by God, and their kingdoms are given to God’s people. You’ll note that this is very similar to Nebuchadnezzar’s vision in Daniel 2. There, we saw four empires rise and fall to God.

God shows us here how he sees the empires — as animals.

Note Jesus is more often a lamb, not a wild beast with no conscience.

Many people wonder how this will end since the Roman Empire (the 4th kingdom) is long gone. Bible scholars believe there will be a “New Rome” at the End Times.

Most believe that the 10 kings mentioned are not literal since they don’t exist yet.

The notable horn is the Antichrist.

The little horn will have limited power and shall only rule for 3.5 years (time and times and half a time). This phrase is used in Revelation (11:2-3, 12:6 and 13:5) to refer to half of the last seven-year period of man’s rule on this earth.

Jesus establishes his kingdom immediately after the end of the fourth kingdom. This causes problems for Bible scholars. Therefore, this is either symbolic or hasn’t happened yet.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 7:15-28 provides the divine interpretation of the vision, focusing on the suffering God’s people will endure under the final beastly kingdom and guaranteeing their ultimate, triumphant vindication.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

The “Little Horn” as the Final Enemy: The interpretation centers on the terrifying fourth beast and its “little horn.” This figure is revealed to be a future, arrogant ruler who will blaspheme God (“speak against the Most High”) and actively persecute His “holy people.”
A Limited Period of Suffering: The angel explains that the faithful will be handed over to this power for a specific, symbolic period (“a time, times and half a time”). This is a crucial assurance that while the persecution will be severe, it is finite and measured by God, not an uncontrolled or endless tragedy.
The Certainty of Judgment: The vision makes it clear that the heavenly court will ultimately sit in judgment. The “little horn’s” power will be definitively taken away and permanently destroyed. This reveals that all earthly persecutors are subject to God’s final and just verdict.
The Ultimate Victory of the Saints: The climax of the interpretation is the promise that after the judgment, all sovereignty, power, and greatness will be given to the “holy people of the Most High.” Their suffering is temporary, but their inheritance is an everlasting kingdom.

In essence, this passage is a sober warning of coming persecution, but it is ultimately a message of profound hope, assuring the faithful that their suffering is limited and their ultimate vindication and eternal reign are certain.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 2: Daniel 7:1-14

September 29, 2025September 9, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Daniel 7:1-14

Daniel had a dream/vision of beasts that came up from the sea.

The first beast was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. Its wings were torn off, and it was lifted from the ground so that it stood on two feet like a human being, and the mind of a human was given to it.
The second beast looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told, ‘Get up and eat your fill of flesh!’
The third beast looked like a leopard. And on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. This beast had four heads, and it was given authority to rule.
The fourth beast—terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns.

Another horn appeared and uprooted other horns. The horn had eyes and a mouth that spoke.

Daniel then saw God (the Ancient of Days) on his throne. A river flowed before him he was attended by thousands.

The beast was then slain. The other beasts were stripped of authority.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 2: Daniel 7:1-14

3a)

Four winds of heaven: 4 angels hold back the 4 winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land, sea, or tree.

Great sea: The great sea is depicted as roaring.

Lion, eagle: An eagle represents power. A lion represents strength.

Bear: A symbol of consequences for sin.

Leopard: A leopard is stealthy.

Iron teeth, 10 horns: Horns enact justice. A horn symbolizes strength, and here the Lord gives strength.

Natural Elements

Four Winds of Heaven
- Qualities: The winds are described as powerful forces “churning up” the great sea. They represent a chaotic, foundational disturbance that brings about great change.
- Significance: In Scripture, winds often symbolize the powerful, invisible acts of God, sometimes in judgment or to bring about His sovereign will upon the earth (Jeremiah 49:36). Here, they signify that the turmoil of human history, from which empires rise, is ultimately stirred by a divine, heavenly power.
Great Sea
- Qualities: The sea is vast, dark, chaotic, and tempestuous. It is the source from which the monstrous beasts emerge.
- Significance: The sea is a common biblical metaphor for the abyss, chaos, and the tumultuous Gentile (non-Jewish) nations of the world in their restless and ungodly state (Isaiah 17:12, Revelation 17:15). That the beasts arise from the sea signifies that these earthly empires are of human, chaotic, and profane origin, not from heaven.

The Four Beasts

Lion with Eagle’s Wings (First Beast)
- Qualities: A combination of the king of beasts and the king of birds, representing supreme strength, speed, and majesty. The vision includes its wings being plucked off and it being given a human heart.
- Significance: This beast is historically interpreted as the Babylonian Empire. The lion was a prominent symbol of Babylon. The combination with an eagle represents its initial power and swift conquests. The removal of its wings and the giving of a human heart is widely seen as a reference to King Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling in Daniel 4, where his beast-like pride was replaced with humility.
Bear (Second Beast)
- Qualities: A lumbering, powerful, and ferocious beast, raised up on one side with three ribs in its mouth. It is commanded to “devour much flesh.”
- Significance: This represents the Medo-Persian Empire. The bear’s brute strength reflects the empire’s massive armies. Being “raised up on one side” symbolizes the unequal partnership between the Medes and the Persians, with the Persians being the more dominant power. The three ribs signify three major conquests made by the empire (such as Lydia, Babylon, and Egypt).
Leopard (Third Beast)
- Qualities: A leopard with four wings on its back and four heads. It is characterized by extreme speed and agility.
- Significance: This symbolizes the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great. A leopard is already swift, but the four wings represent the unprecedented speed of Alexander’s conquests. The four heads signify the division of his empire among his four leading generals after his sudden death.
Iron Teeth and 10 Horns (Fourth Beast)
- Qualities: An unnamed, terrifying beast, different from all the others. It is described by its actions: crushing, devouring, and trampling with its large iron teeth. It has ten horns, representing power and rulers.
- Significance: The iron directly connects this beast to the legs of iron in Daniel 2, representing the Roman Empire. Its actions depict a new level of ruthless, all-consuming military and political power that would dominate its predecessors. The ten horns are generally understood to represent the rulers or divisions of power that would come from this empire.

b) These images offer hope, awe, and assurance of where believers will go at the end of time. We don’t have to fear human inventions or rulers; God is in charge now and forever and justice is assured!

4a) God is the Ancient of Days. It represents heaven and, more specifically, the Last Days. Fire is power, and all are attending him. The Book of Life is open.

What the Symbols Represent

The symbols surrounding the Ancient of Days are imagery of a divine, heavenly courtroom convened for ultimate judgment:

White Clothing and Hair: The clothing “white as snow” and hair “like pure wool” represent God’s absolute purity, holiness, and righteousness. White is the color of perfection, signifying that the Judge of all history is without any stain of sin or injustice. The white hair also symbolizes infinite wisdom.
The Flaming Throne and Blazing Wheels: The throne of fire symbolizes God’s awesome power and his unapproachable holiness. Fire in the Bible often represents both purification and judgment. The blazing wheels, reminiscent of the vision in Ezekiel 1, signify God’s omnipresence—His judgment is not static but can reach anywhere.
The River of Fire: Flowing from the throne, this river represents the unstoppable and all-consuming power of God’s justice. It is the active force of His judgment, purging and destroying all that is unholy before Him.
The Heavenly Host: The “thousands upon thousands” who attend Him are the angelic court. Their immense number signifies the majesty, glory, and power of the divine King and Judge.
The Seated Court and Opened Books: This is the imagery of a formal legal proceeding. The “court was seated” indicates that the time for judgment has officially begun. The “books were opened” signifies a divine accounting of all deeds. It reveals that the actions of all earthly rulers and kingdoms have been recorded and will be judged according to God’s perfect, righteous standard.

b) Jesus is “one like a son of man.”

c) It’s God and Jesus, so Father and Son. Both are rulers of everything. Jesus will be the final judge of all of humanity.

The Ancient of Days (God the Father) is the eternal Sovereign who sits in judgment. The “one like a son of man” (Jesus Christ) is the divine heir. Their relationship is one of the ultimate authority, bestowing all power upon the rightful ruler, who receives his everlasting kingdom from the Father.

For believers, the vision provides hope and assurance that earthly oppression is temporary and their righteous King will be vindicated. For all others, it is a sober warning that all human kingdoms are fleeting and will ultimately be judged and subjected to the Son of Man’s eternal, universal rule.

5) I find comfort and security in Jesus, as well as hope. Others see Jesus as a threat, responding with defiance, indifference, or fear of final accountability.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 2: Daniel 7:1-14

This lesson was most definitely full! The symbolism and the vision are great!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 2: Daniel 7:1-14

This is the beginning of Daniel’s visions that are recorded (they are in Daniel 7-12). The life of Daniel is in Daniel 1-6.

Fun Fact: Halfway through Daniel, he goes from a third-person account of his court stories to a first-person account of his prophecies.

Fun Fact: Daniel wrote his book in both Hebrew and Aramaic (2:4-7:28). Bible scholars believe that when Daniel wrote in Hebrew, he was addressing a Jewish audience.

This vision is before the Babylonians were conquered by the Medo-Persian Empire and after Nebuchadnezzar’s reign.

The Great Sea is most likely the Mediterranean Sea here.

Seas are dangerous since most ancient people could not swim. Seas are also seen as Gentile nations in the Bible (Psalm 74:13, Psalm 89:9, Isaiah 57:20).

The winds could be either God’s power ( Psalm 35:5, Psalm 48:7, Psalm 107:25 Isaiah 27:8 and Isaiah 41:16) or Satan’s forces (Revelation 7:1).

Lions and eagles are at the top of their respective food chains.

Lions are strong, majestic, and fast.

Bears are slower but stronger.

A leopard makes sudden, surprise attacks.

The fourth beast is indescribable but the most powerful.

Horns represent power.

Daniel tells us that they represent four kingdoms (Daniel 7:17).

Lion and eagle — Babylon. Also, they can represent Nebuchadnezzar (Jeremiah 49:19-22)
Bear — Medo-Persian Empire. The three ribs could represent Babylon, Egypt, and Lydia (the lands they conquered)
Leopard — Greek Empire. When Alexander the Great died, his empire was divided into 4 parts (hence, the 4 heads) and 4 rulers (Casander, Lysimachus, Seleucus, and Ptolemy)
Indescribable Beast — Roman Empire

God knows the future.

The Ancient of Days is God the Father, as symbolized by His white hair and garments. Angels and humans surrounded him. It represents eternity.

Fun Fact: The term “Ancient of Days” is only used in the book of Daniel.

Fire often represents judgment. God is also seen in fire (Exodus 3:2; 19:18, Ezekiel 1:4-5). Therefore, it can represent holiness, too.

Appearing on clouds symbolizes divine authority.

Sea often represents chaos, threats, and strife.

There are several books in the Bible, but most likely this is the Book of Life since it’s also foreshadowing the End Times.

The Son of Man (Jesus) comes to establish dominion on earth.

The boastful words of the horn are from the Antichrist (Revelation 13:5-6). Jesus will crush the Antichrist.

Fun Fact: The Son of Man was used by Jesus to describe himself over 80 times in the Gospels.

The Little Horn includes the things the Lord hates (haughty eyes and a lying tongue). Proverbs 6:16-19

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 7:1-14 is an apocalyptic vision that reveals God’s sovereign control over history, contrasting the brutal nature of human empires with the glory of His eternal kingdom.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

The Four Beasts: The four monstrous beasts rising from the chaotic sea (lion, bear, leopard, and a terrifying fourth beast) represent a succession of violent and predatory earthly kingdoms (traditionally identified as Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome). The final “little horn” symbolizes the peak of arrogant, blasphemous human power that persecutes the faithful.
The Ancient of Days: The vision then shifts to the heavenly court, where the “Ancient of Days” (God the Father) sits as the ultimate and eternal Judge. This scene reveals that while empires create chaos on earth, God remains enthroned in absolute authority, and a time of final judgment is set when all earthly powers will be held accountable.
The “One Like a Son of Man”: The climax of the vision is the appearance of a divine figure who comes “with the clouds of heaven.” Unlike the beasts from the chaotic sea, he has a human appearance and a heavenly origin. This messianic figure does not seize power but is presented before the Ancient of Days.
The Everlasting Kingdom: The Son of Man is given everlasting dominion, glory, and a kingdom that will never be destroyed. This reveals God’s ultimate plan: to judge the violent human kingdoms and replace them with the eternal, universal, and righteous reign of His chosen messianic King.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 6, Day 5: Revelation 3:18-22

October 3, 2024September 28, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 3:18-22

Jesus tells them to buy from him gold refined in the fire, so they can become rich; white clothes to wear, so they can cover their shameful nakedness; and salve to put on their eyes, so they can see. Jesus rebukes and disciplines those he loves. Jesus awaits at the door; all the people have to do is invite him in. Whoever is victorious will have the right to sit with Jesus on his throne.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 6, Day 5: Revelation 3:18-22

12a) Spiritual wealth, salvation, holiness, righteousness.

b) Whoever is victorious will have the right to sit with Jesus on his throne. Eternal life.

13) God rebukes those he loves so that they will grow closer to him and be more like him. He disciplines us for our good so that we may share in his holiness.

14a) God disciplines his people with consequences for their actions and decisions so that they can grow closer to him. Pain in childbirth. Pain in toiling the land for food. They may suffer consequences of the law as discipline. They may be shunned as well for their actions.

b) To learn and grow in faith. To be true sons and daughters of God so that we can share in his holiness.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 6, Day 5: Revelation 3:18-22

We should have a healthy attitude towards discipline in our lives. Otherwise, we wouldn’t grow closer to God. There would be no incentive to do so.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 6, Day 5: Revelation 3:18-22

If the church of Laodicea would turn to Jesus, they would be clothed, they would see, and they would be spiritually rich.

We should want to be disciplined by God. It shows his love for us.

We need to repent and turn from our ways.

Jesus invited the church to knock at his door, dine with him, have a relationship with him, and be in his presence. We must invite Jesus into our lives. He stands waiting to respond to us!

Jesus wants to offer them a renewed spiritual vision.

He wants fellowship with us. The invitation is for all of us!

We must hear Jesus’ call on our lives.

Fun Fact: Jesus reprimands the church of Laodicea the harshest.