(A message preached by Rev Ivan Foster in Kilskeery Free Presbyterian Church in two parts on July 8th & 9th, 2018.)

Scripture: "And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up," Daniel 8:23.

The 'transgressors' are the 'rebels, the revolters' that are part of that latter-day 'perilous times' spoken of by Paul. "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come," 2 Timothy 3:1.

The word 'full', as used by Daniel means 'the consummation', the 'final finish'.

We have a picture of the meaning of these words in the first book of the Bible, Genesis. Genesis 15:13-16. There is the same word 'full' as employed by Daniel.

I. WE CAN SAY THAT THE END OF THIS AGE AND THE RETURN OF THE LORD JESUS WILL COME WHEN MAN'S REBELLION HAS REACHED ITS FULNESS.

See Daniel 8:17-25.

1. That is a pattern seen many times in the outworking of God's purpose amongst men. The Old World - Gen 6:11-13. Sodom & Gomorrah - Gen 18:20-21, 19:12-13, 27-28. The Jewish nation - 1 Thess 2:13-16.
All these events are illustrative of the final outworkings of God's judgments against men's sins.

2. We can see that pattern developing around us.

a. Politically. God is openly and repeatedly defied by legislators who pass laws that legalise that which God has outlawed and making illegal that which God commands! Divorce, penalty for murder, abortion, gross immorality and now the ultimate defiance - legalising of sodomy. All imposed upon the nation by a small but vociferous lobby!

b. Ecclesiastically. The professing 'Church' has embraced apostasy and championed that which is not of God.
Christ's commission - Matt 28:18-20. Today, the 'Church' sees its commission to defy that commission. Mustard tree invaded by 'birds', Matt 13:31-32.

c. The Christian will feel the influence of this rising tide of sin. "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold," Matthew 24:12. The phrase means "To cool by blowing". It is what we do with our porridge! Christian, have you grown cool like the Laodiceans, "lukewarm? Rev 3:14-18. Beware!!