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Bible students have long seen the connection between Daniel 3 and what Revelation teaches about last-day events. And with good cause, too, because Daniel 3—with the command, punishable by death, to “worship the image” (Dan. 3:15)—reflects what Revelation teaches about the command, punishable by death, to worship another image. “He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed” (Rev. 13:15, NKJV).

Read Revelation 13:11–17; Revelation 14:9, 11, 12; Revelation 16:2; Revelation 19:20; and Revelation 20:4. What contrast is present here that pits the commandments of God against the commandments of men?

God’s people are called to worship “ ‘Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.’ ” That is, the Creator, as opposed to the beast and its image. The three Hebrew boys, facing a similar threat, refused to worship anything other than the same Creator God. Hence, however different the circumstances between what happened on the plain of Dura, with the command to worship the image, as opposed to the Creator and what will happen worldwide with the call to worship the image as opposed to the Creator—the principle is the same.

Read Romans 1:18–25. (Notice the link between Romans 1:18 and Revelation 14:9, 10 about “the wrath of God.”) In what way is the issue over worshiping the image just another manifestation of this same principle regarding to whom humans ultimately give their allegiance?

Worship doesn’t necessarily mean bowing and offering incense, though it can. We worship whatever holds our ultimate allegiance. When you consider who God is, our Creator and—after what He has done for us in Jesus—our Redeemer as well, then of course He alone should be worshiped. Anything else is idolatry. Perhaps this helps explain Jesus’ hard words here: “ ‘He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad’ ” (Matt. 12:30, NKJV). Final events are simply going to be a dramatic manifestation of this truth.

Jesus teaches us how to bear spiritual fruit through staying connected to Him as the true vine.

Larry Witzel talks about what it really takes to succeed in life, family, and ministry. He shares valuable lessons he’s learned and passed on to his kids.

A central and repeatedly emphasized theme is Pr. Kern refutation of the belief that suffering, illness, or calamity are direct punishments from God for specific sins. This "suffering theology" is presented as a "big misconception" that distorts God's character and obscures the cosmic conflict.

The sermon unequivocally attributes suffering to Satan, the "enemy of God." It argues that attributing pain, disease, and disaster to "acts of God" is a "distortion" that "not only misrepresents the character of God, but also obscures the cosmic conflict that began in heaven and now place in our earth."

In conclusion, the sermon challenges prevailing misconceptions about suffering and God's character, urging the congregation to embody Christ's love and compassion in a world prone to judgment and spiritual blindness. It calls for a focus on personal transformation and outward ministry, emphasizing that the most profound evidence of faith is a life changed by Jesus, enabling others to "see Jesus" through them.

Salvation comes through a living faith that works through love, not just intellectual belief. Jesus calls us to total commitment, demonstrated by loving God and loving others as He loved us. The Holy Spirit's most important work is transforming our hearts by pouring God's love into them. As we behold Christ, we're changed into His image, becoming more loving. We're called to share this transformative love with others who need certainty, truth, direction, and urgency in these final moments of Earth's history.

Allusions Images Symbols: How to Study Prophecy — Precursors — Worshiping the Image

Join us as we study the Bible Study Guide for the second quarter of 2025 called Allusions Images Symbols: How to Study Prophecy. We are studying the lesson for week 12 called Precursors.    

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