Daniel 12:2: 12 Questions on the Eternal Resurrection and Judgment

That sounds like a very specific and important topic! I am happy to write both the sermon and a corresponding outline for "Daniel 12:2: The 12 Questions and Answers" aligned with Ellen G. White's teachings.

The Certainty of the Awakening: Twelve Questions on Daniel 12:2

My beloved friends, we gather today before one of the most solemn verses in all of Holy Writ, a verse that strips away all worldly illusions and presents before us the final, eternal outcome of human life. The prophet Daniel, looking forward to the time of the end, declared: “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt” Daniel 12:2.

This is not a matter for speculative debate or idle curiosity; this concerns the salvation of the soul and our eternal destiny14LtMs, Ms 162, 1899, par. 2. The whole universe watches the closing scenes of the great controversy, and nothing is more important than being loyal to the God of heavenRR 52.3. Today, we break the bread of life by examining the mysteries unveiled in this prophecy, presenting simple, plain lessons that are easily understood, even by the youngest among us, and confirming our faith in the resurrection through Jesus Christ, the central theme of every true discourseST June 20, 1906, par. 4+1.

📖 A Story of Steadfastness

To understand who will awaken to everlasting life, we must look to the example of faithfulness. Think for a moment of Daniel, who was but a youth when carried away captive into Babylon, yet he purposed in his heart to be true to the God of heaven12LtMs, Ms 122, 1897, par. 25+1. He and his companions determined they would not defile themselves with the king’s meat or wine, recognizing that their eating and drinking had a direct influence upon their physical, mental, and moral natureTSDF 154.9.

They resisted the temptation to self-indulgence, choosing strong resolution and vigilant watchfulnessCSA 56.7. Because they honored God, He gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, so that the king found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers in his realmFE 247.1+2.

Children, Daniel’s life teaches us that the wisdom God gave him was the result of humiliation and earnest seeking; he stood as a rock of integrityRH February 8, 1881, par. 25+1. If we, like Daniel, strive to do right because it is right, the victory will be gainedCSA 56.7. God rewards faithfulness with knowledge, skill, and eternal life, preparing us to stand in our lot at the end of the days Daniel 12:13.

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12 Questions on the Resurrection

The science of salvation must be the burden of every sermon, and the revelation of eternal life, flowing from the cross of Calvary, is the mystery of godliness we must unveil9LtMs, Ms 61, 1894, par. 3. To gain clarity and certainty regarding our future, let us turn to the Word and ask twelve vital questions concerning the awakening foretold in Daniel 12:2.

Q1: What is the present condition of the dead?

A: They sleep. The Bible clearly teaches that the dead do not go immediately to heaven or hell, but are represented as sleeping until the resurrectionDD 17.2. When the silver cord is loosed, man’s thoughts perish, and those who go down to the grave know no more of anything done under the sun Ecclesiastes 12:6+1. The resurrection of the flesh would be a thing in vain if the souls were already in full gloryGC 547.1.

Q2: When does the reward or punishment occur?

A: At the close of this world’s history, at the voice of the Son of God. Nowhere in the Sacred Scriptures is it stated that the righteous go to their reward or the wicked to their punishment at deathDD 17.2. They sleep, and are awakened by the trump of God to a glorious immortality 1 Corinthians 15:52-54DD 17.2. Christ asserted His divine power, declaring that the hour is coming when all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth John 5:28.

Q3: How many general resurrections are foretold in prophecy?

A: Two great resurrections are clearly defined: the resurrection of life and the resurrection of damnation John 5:29. Daniel foresaw that many of them that sleep in the dust shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt Daniel 12:2. The first resurrection will be that of the righteous dead, upon whom the second death shall have no power Revelation 20:64LtMs, Lt 113, 1886, par. 14.

Q4: What event precedes and guarantees the first resurrection?

A: The death and subsequent victory of Jesus Christ. Our Saviour, the Surety, descended into the prisonhouse of the grave, but He could not be held by death10MR 385.1. He burst the fetters of the tomb, came forth a triumphant conqueror, and proclaimed over the rent sepulcher of Joseph: “I am the resurrection, and the life” John 11:25RH February 25, 1896, par. 11+1. This proclamation paves the way for everyone to do the same9LtMs, Ms 16, 1894, par. 38.

Q5: What is the nature of the body that is raised to life?

A: The righteous body is changed, being raised in glory and power. The body laid away to molder in the grave is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: it is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory 1 Corinthians 15:42-43COL 87.1. God gives it a body as it pleases Him; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body15LtMs, Ms 76, 1900, par. 11.

Q6: What happens to the righteous living at the end?

A: They are translated without seeing death. At the time of Christ’s second coming, the raising of Lazarus represented the resurrection of the righteous dead, and the righteous living shall be translated to heaven without seeing deathHLv 354.6. They shall appear with Christ in glory Colossians 3:4.

Q7: What great period occurs between the two resurrections?

A: The thousand years, during which the judgment of the wicked takes place15MR 321.3+1. During this time, the righteous judge the world, comparing the acts of the wicked with the statute book, the Bible, and deciding every case according to the deeds done in the body 1 Corinthians 6:2-3GC88 660.3.

Q8: What vital experience must believers have to gain the resurrection of life?

A: True conversion and justification by faith. The conversion of the soul is, as it were, a resurrection from the dead, passing from death unto life John 5:25BEcho January 15, 1889, par. 3. No one can be justified by any works of his own; justification is obtained solely through faith in the atonement made through Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrectionST March 6, 1893, par. 1.

Q9: How does faithfulness relate to the resurrection of life?

A: Faithfulness prepares us for purification and trial. Daniel saw that at the end, many shall be purified, and made white, and tried Daniel 12:10RH March 7, 1899, par. 8. Those who refuse to take up the cross and indulge their selfish propensities will be among the wicked who do wickedly and shall not understand13LtMs, Ms 50, 1898, par. 14. Faithfulness unto death is promised a crown of life Revelation 2:10GC 41.2.

Q10: Why do many struggle with doubts concerning the resurrection?

A: Because they look at human reasoning, speculation, and the traditions of men, rather than the Word of God. The Sadducees, who were skeptical, denied the doctrine of the resurrection, seeking to confuse others and bring the faith into contempt19LtMs, Ms 28, 1904, par. 4+1. Some even advanced vain, unessential theories, saying that the resurrection is past already, which overthrew the faith of some7BC 917.10+1. We must shut the door of our hearts to doubts and cling to the precious Word of eternal life2MCP 676.1+1.

Q11: What is the primary purpose of studying the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation?

A: To understand the definite message for our time and recognize Christ's mission and His second coming. Christ urged upon His disciples the importance of prophetic study, referring to the prophecy given to Daniel Matthew 24:15DA 234.1. The entire system of Judaism was a compacted prophecy of the Gospel, and all the prophets witness of Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrectionHLv 148.3+2.

Q12: What will be the first thought of the righteous upon awakening?

A: A triumphal shout over the vanquished foe. As they arise from their deep slumber, their first glad thought will be echoed in the shout: “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” 1 Corinthians 15:55DD 17.2. They begin to think just where they ceased, rising to meet the Lifegiver who shall welcome them to the joy of the blestDD 17.2+1.

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The Life-Giving Balm

My brothers and sisters, we have a crucified Saviour, and we have a risen Saviour9LtMs, Ms 16, 1894, par. 38. Christ is the center of the church on earth, seen and acknowledged by faith1888 453.1. He laid aside His robes of glory, was stretched upon the cross, and burst the fetters of the tomb, triumphing over death and the grave5LtMs, Ms 20, 1888, par. 60. This is the matchless love that causes seraphim and cherubim to cover their faces with their wings; how much more should it humble usRH February 25, 1896, par. 11!

The cross speaks life, and not death, to the soul that believes in Jesus9LtMs, Ms 61, 1894, par. 3. By virtue of His resurrection, He is our divine presence in every placeRH February 25, 1896, par. 11. He is able to keep that which we commit to His trustLP 333.1. The light that shines from the fresh unfolding of truth glorifies the old, and He who rejects the present truth does not really possess the old, for it loses its vital powerST June 20, 1906, par. 4.

We must avoid the atmosphere of skepticism that prevails everywhere4T 448.1+1. Do not be slow of heart to believe, like a doubting Thomas, requiring perfect knowledge before yielding your faith1LtMs, Ms 5, 1867, par. 4+1. Instead, let us look beyond the shadow to Jesus, the precious Saviour, and welcome the life-giving rays that shine from the cross of CalvaryRH September 1, 1891, par. 6+1.

The Final Appeal: What Will You Do?

The truths concerning the resurrection of life and the resurrection of damnation are not obscure; they are given to remove every doubt and difficulty in understanding the way of salvation2MCP 671.1+1.

The Lord has given us sufficient evidence, and He calls for men and women who have hearts as true as steel, who will stand steadfast in integrity, undaunted by circumstances4T 448.1+1. Will you heed the prophetic warning and prepare for the awakening?

You are not to serve or glorify yourself; your whole being, body, soul, and spirit, is Christ’s property, purchased at an infinite cost15LtMs, Lt 100, 1900, par. 9+1. Christ remains with us today to explain the prophecies and leave no chance for temptation to skepticismYI November 18, 1897, par. 4+1.

The question of what you will do to inherit eternal life must come home to every heart14LtMs, Ms 162, 1899, par. 2. What are you going to do?

1. Will you choose faithfulness, following the example of Daniel, aligning your life according to the Word of God, and seeking that higher education which comes from above, that you may be among the wise who understand Daniel 12:1014LtMs, Ms 92, 1899, par. 11+1?

2. Will you embrace the love of Christ, which alone can make the soul fruitful unto good works, putting away all bitterness, wrath, and evil speaking, and finding your access to grace through Him Romans 5:2+1SpTA02b 118.1?

3. Will you cling to the promise of the One who proclaimed, “I am the resurrection and the life,” so that you shall not fear death, but look forward to the morning when the broken links of the family chain shall be reunited John 11:255LtMs, Ms 20, 1888, par. 60+1?

The Lord stands ready to receive you and will be a Father unto you 2 Corinthians 6:17-18. Ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find Matthew 7:722LtMs, Lt 24, 1907, par. 6. Now is the time to banish the spirit of complaining and open your heart to the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, finding peace in perfect submissionYI December 27, 1900, par. 6.

I entreat you, make the solemn choice now. Choose the resurrection of life. Come out of the cave of unbelief, and stand with GodRH September 1, 1891, par. 6. Let your last thought spring forward, even now, to meet the Lifegiver! Let us resolve to do His commandments, that we may have right to the tree of life and enter in through the gates into the city Revelation 22:1410LtMs, Ms 16, 1895, par. 8. Amen.

Here is the sermon outline

The Certainty of the Awakening: Twelve Questions on Daniel 12:2

I. Introduction: The Solemnity of the Awakening Daniel 12:2

• Core Text: "And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt."
• Theme: This verse addresses eternal destiny and the final outcome of human life.
• Urgency: The message concerns the salvation of the soul and must be understood plainly.

II. A Story of Steadfastness: The Example of Daniel

• Daniel's Loyalty: As a youth captive in Babylon, Daniel purposed in his heart to be true to God.
• Principle of Health: He and his companions understood that eating and drinking influence the physical, mental, and moral nature.
• Result of Faithfulness: Because they honored God and chose integrity, they were rewarded with knowledge, skill, and wisdom, preparing them for their lot at the end of days.

III. Twelve Questions on the Resurrection Daniel 12:2

A. The State of the Dead and Timing of Reward

1. Q1: What is the present condition of the dead?
   • A: They sleep Ecclesiastes 12:6. They know nothing done under the sun, awaiting the resurrection.
2. Q2: When does the reward or punishment occur?
   • A: At the close of this world's history, at the voice of the Son of God. They are awakened by the trump of God 1 Corinthians 15:52-54+1.
3. Q3: How many general resurrections are foretold in prophecy?
   • A: Two: The resurrection of life and the resurrection of damnation John 5:29. The first is of the righteous, upon whom the second death has no power Revelation 20:6.

B. Christ's Victory and the Nature of the Risen

4. Q4: What event precedes and guarantees the first resurrection?
   • A: The death and victory of Jesus Christ. He burst the fetters of the tomb, proclaiming, "I am the resurrection, and the life" John 11:25.
5. Q5: What is the nature of the body that is raised to life?
   • A: It is changed from corruption to incorruption, and from dishonor to glory 1 Corinthians 15:42-43. It is raised a spiritual body.
6. Q6: What happens to the righteous living at the end?
   • A: They are translated without seeing death, appearing with Christ in glory Colossians 3:4.

C. Judgment, Conversion, and Preparation

7. Q7: What great period occurs between the two resurrections?
   • A: The thousand years (Millennium), during which the righteous judge the world, comparing the wicked's acts with the Bible 1 Corinthians 6:2-3.
8. Q8: What vital experience must believers have to gain the resurrection of life?
   • A: True conversion (resurrection from death unto life, John 5:25) and justification obtained solely through faith in Christ's atonement.
9. Q9: How does faithfulness relate to the resurrection of life?
   • A: Faithfulness prepares us for purification and trial Daniel 12:10. Only those who are faithful unto death are promised the crown of life Revelation 2:10.

D. Understanding Prophecy and the Awakening Moment

10. Q10: Why do many struggle with doubts concerning the resurrection?
    • A: Because they rely on human reasoning, speculation, and traditions, rather than the clear Word of God (e.g., the skepticism of the Sadducees).
11. Q11: What is the primary purpose of studying the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation?
    • A: To understand the definite message for our time, recognizing Christ's mission and His second coming.
12. Q12: What will be the first thought of the righteous upon awakening?
    • A: A triumphal shout over the vanquished foe: "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" 1 Corinthians 15:55. They rise to meet the Lifegiver.

IV. The Life-Giving Balm: Christ the Risen Savior

• The Center of Faith: We have a crucified and risen Savior; Christ is the center of the church, acknowledged by faith.
• Matchless Love: Christ's triumph over death should humble and inspire us.
• Avoiding Skepticism: We must reject doubts and cling to the precious Word of eternal life, embracing the present unfolding of truth.

V. The Final Appeal: Choosing the Resurrection of Life

• Call to Integrity: God calls for men and women who have hearts true as steel, standing steadfast in integrity.
• Ownership: Our entire being is Christ’s property, purchased at an infinite cost.
• The Decision: What will you do to inherit eternal life?
  1. Choose Faithfulness: Follow Daniel's example and seek the wisdom that comes from above.
  2. Embrace Christ's Love: Put away bitterness and find access to grace through Him Romans 5:2+1.
  3. Cling to the Promise: Believe in the One who is "the resurrection and the life" John 11:25, looking forward to the reunion of the family chain.
• Conclusion: Now is the time to banish complaining, find peace in submission, and resolve to keep His commandments, gaining the right to the tree of life Revelation 22:14.