In this issue:
The Kingdom of Satan
David Clayton
One of the greatest misunderstandings in Christianity is the nature of the conflict between God and Satan. Many people imagine it as a struggle of power, almost like two opposing armies – God on one side and Satan on the other – each trying to overpower the other. But when we examine the Bible carefully, we begin to see that this is not the real issue at all. The conflict is not about who is stronger. That question is already settled. There is no comparison between the power of God and the power of any created being. The real issue is something much deeper.
In Isaiah 14 we get a glimpse into Satan’s ambition when we see him saying, “I will be like the Most High.” This cannot mean that Satan wanted to become equal with God in power, because that is impossible. It cannot mean that he wanted to match God in outward glory, because even if you gathered together all the brightness and beauty of created beings, it would not begin to compare with the glory of the Creator.
Satan could not build his kingdom by force. He had no weapons that could overthrow God, and he had no power to compel created beings to follow him. So we must look deeper. What is the one area where a created being could attempt to be like God? The answer is in the matter of authority – in the matter of directing, controlling, and governing others.
If you think about it carefully, this is what rulership really is. It is not just having power; it is being the one whom others look to, the one whose voice determines what is done. This is what every political leader seeks, whether openly or secretly. It is what every dictator craves – to be the one whose word is final. In this sense, Satan’s ambition becomes clearer. He wanted to occupy the place where God stands, not in terms of creative power, but in terms of being the one who governs the lives of others. He wanted to be the source of direction. He wanted to be the one to whom others would look.
Satan’s Kingdom Established
God created intelligent beings with freedom, and because of that freedom, allegiance must always be voluntary. You cannot force a person to truly follow you. You may control their actions for a time, but you cannot control their heart unless they choose it.
This means that if Satan was going to succeed, he needed a method that would reach deeper than outward behavior. He needed a way to influence what people think, how they understand reality. This is why the battle is fought at the level of the mind. Information is presented, ideas are introduced, and those ideas shape belief. Once belief is shaped, the heart follows, and then the actions follow naturally after that. In other words, whoever controls the thinking eventually influences the way people live.
This helps us to understand why the first great victory Satan achieved came through a conversation. When he spoke to Eve, he was not simply trying to get her to eat a piece of fruit. That was only the surface. What he was really doing was introducing a new way of thinking. He was making her think differently about God, and at the same time redefining her understanding of herself. When he said, “God knows that in the day you eat, you shall be as gods,” he was planting a seed—an idea that self could function independently of God.
Now, it is important to notice something here. Satan did not openly present rebellion. He did not say, “Turn away from God and follow me.” If he had done that, the deception would have been obvious. Instead, he presented something that seemed reasonable, even appealing. He suggested that there was a higher level of existence available, that they could rise to something greater, that they could step into a more enlightened state. This is how deception always works. It rarely presents itself as something evil. It presents itself as something desirable, something that appears to bring improvement.
Self government
When Adam and Eve accepted that idea, something shifted inside them. Before that moment, they lived in dependence on God. Their lives were governed by trust. They looked to God for direction, and that relationship was the source of their stability. But when they accepted Satan’s idea, they moved the center. Instead of looking outward to God, they turned inward to themselves. They began to evaluate, to decide, to determine based on their own perception. That shift may seem small, but in reality it is everything. It is the difference between two kingdoms. It is the difference between living under God’s government and living under the government of self.
Once that shift took place, Satan had what he needed. He did not need to sit on a visible throne. He did not need people to bow down and call him “lord.” All he needed was for them to adopt his principle. Once self became the center, his system was in place. This is why Satan’s kingdom is so difficult to recognize. It does not always look like open rebellion. It often looks like independence. It looks like people making their own decisions, defining their own lives, determining their own paths. But independence from God is not neutral. It is alignment with another system.
This is why, later on, when Satan spoke to Jesus and said that all the kingdoms of the world had been delivered to him, he was telling the truth. The authority had been transferred to him because his governing principle had been accepted. Humanity, which was meant to live under God’s direction, had embraced a different way of living. And that change in principle resulted in a change in rulership.
Now, when we bring this forward into the present world, we begin to see how deeply this system has taken root. Satan’s kingdom is not limited to obviously sinful behavior. It is embedded in the very structure of how people think. It is present in the idea that we can define ourselves, that we can determine what is right and wrong, that we can live independently of God and still be whole. This is why the problem is so universal. It is not just that people commit wrong acts. It is that the entire system of life has been built around the wrong center.
So external solutions never truly solve the problem. You can introduce laws, you can enforce discipline, you can encourage moral behavior, but if the center remains the same, the system remains the same. A person may appear improved, but the governing principle has not changed. Self is still in charge, and as long as self is in charge, the same patterns will eventually reappear.
This brings us to a very important realization. The real root problem is not the way we behave, the problem centers around government. Who is ruling the life? Who is making the final decisions? Who controls the direction of a person’s life?
Now we begin to understand that Satan’s kingdom is not just a loose collection of wrong ideas. It is a structured system of government, built on a clear and consistent principle. That principle can be stated very simply: self is god.
Satan’s goal is not merely to have people behave badly. In fact, if he could accomplish his purpose without people ever committing obvious sins, he would be just as satisfied. His real goal is much deeper than behavior. It is to establish a way of life where self occupies the place that belongs to God. Once that happens, everything else follows naturally.
The conflict is not simply between God and Satan as two opposing personalities. The real conflict is between God and self. Wherever self takes the position of authority, Satan’s kingdom is present, even if Satan is never mentioned, never acknowledged, and even if people deny that he exists.
In the beginning, in the Garden of Eden, the idea of self-government was introduced in a very simple form: “You shall be as gods.” It was a suggestion, something that seemed small and harmless. But as time has passed, that same idea has grown, developed, and matured until it now stands openly in the world as a fully formed philosophy.
Satan’s Manifesto
A very striking example of this can be seen in what is known as the Church of Satan. When people hear that name, they often imagine something dramatic – people bowing down, performing rituals, worshipping a visible devil. But when you examine what they actually teach, something very surprising emerges. They openly say that they do not believe Satan exists as a real being. They do not claim to worship a literal devil. Instead, they say that Satan represents something else. He represents self.
Anton LaVey, founder of the Church of Satan, defined Satan as a symbol of the self, representing individualism, carnal indulgence, and human potential rather than a literal deity. Key quotes from The Satanic Bible and other writings highlight this. For example: “Say unto thine own heart, ‘I am mine own redeemer'” In simple terms, the Church of Satan teaches, “You are your own god.”
Now think about this carefully. This is the same principle that was introduced to Eve in the Garden. But here it is no longer hidden. It is no longer subtle. It is openly declared. Six thousand years later, the idea has matured. What began as a suggestion has become a system.
This principle is not limited to those who identify with that movement. In fact, many people who would strongly reject the name “Satanism” are nevertheless living by the same principle. They may believe in God, they may attend church, they may consider themselves moral people, but if self is the one making the final decisions then the governing principle is the same. This is why we must be very careful not to think of Satan’s kingdom in terms of labels. It is not about what people call themselves. It is about how they live and what principle governs their lives.
Now, we see this principle expressed very strongly in two major ways in the world today, and these are becoming more dominant than ever before.
The first is in the area of spiritual identity. According to the Bible, man is a fallen being. We are created beings who have turned away from God and are in need of restoration. But modern thinking, especially through evolutionary theory, presents a completely different picture. It tells us that we are not fallen – we are rising. We began as simple life forms, and over millions of years we have developed into what we are today, and we are continuing to evolve and to improve.
This philosophy tells a person, “You are not a fallen creature in need of God. You are an advancing being, moving upward, becoming greater.” And if that is true, then it naturally leads to the idea that you have the right to shape your own future, define your own path, and determine your own destiny.
The second major expression is in the area of physical identity. The Bible is very clear that God created human beings male and female, but modern thinking challenges this as well. It suggests that a person has the right to define their own identity, not only in terms of personality or preference, but even in terms of gender!
Now again, we must see what is happening beneath the surface. This is not simply about social acceptance or personal choice. It is about authority. It is about who has the right to define reality. When a person says, “I will decide what I am,” they are stepping into the place of God. They are saying, in effect, “I am my own god!” This is exactly the same principle we saw in the beginning. It is self taking the place of God.
Now, these two ideas—evolutionary identity and self-determined identity—are spreading across the world at an unprecedented rate. They are taught in universities, promoted in media, and increasingly accepted in society. And while many people may not realize it, they are all pointing in the same direction. They are reinforcing the idea that man is self-defining, self-governing, and ultimately self-sufficient.
In Romans 1, we are told that when people turn away from God and begin to worship the creature instead of the Creator, certain changes follow. The most significant change of all is a confusion in sexual behavior.
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: . . . For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another . . . (Rom 1:21-27)
The passage shows that these things are not random developments. They are connected. When the foundation shifts, the structure built upon it shifts as well.
It is important to understand that God is not speaking here about individuals who recognize their problems and struggle with sin. He is speaking about great changes which take place in societies when people reject God. People are often caught up in these systems without fully understanding what lies behind them. But the principles themselves are clear. They are expressions of a kingdom where self is central.
Satan’s Apparent Advantages
When we look at the world from a human perspective, it often seems that Satan has the advantage. He appears to control the major areas that shape human life. He has influence over wealth, over education, over political systems, and over the flow of information. The institutions that shape how people think – universities, media, governments – largely operate on the principle of self-rule rather than dependence on God.
This creates a powerful environment. From the time a person is young, he is taught to think in a certain way. He is trained to rely on his own reasoning, to trust human systems, and to view dependence on God as unnecessary or even backward. By the time he reaches adulthood, these patterns are deeply ingrained.
This is why God’s way often appears weak in comparison. The message of surrendering self, of depending on God, of allowing Christ to live within – these things can seem simple, even unsophisticated. They do not carry the same outward weight as wealth, power, or intellectual achievement. But this is only how it appears on the surface because God is not trying to compete within the same system.
God’s Answer
What appears weak from a human point of view is often the very place where God’s strength is revealed.
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; (1Cor 1:25-27)
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. (2Cor 4:7)
An earthen vessel is something ordinary, something fragile, something something cheap. It is not impressive. It is not strong in itself. And that is exactly the point. When God works through something weak, it becomes clear that the power is not coming from the vessel. It is coming from God.
If God chose to work through the strongest, the most intelligent, and the most powerful people in the world, then it would always be possible to say that the results came from human ability. But when He works through ordinary people, through those who do not appear impressive, then the source of the power becomes unmistakable. The attention is drawn away from the person and directed toward God.
Satan’s kingdom is built on the principle of self-government – self in control. God’s kingdom is built on something entirely different. It is built on God in control from within. Instead of strengthening self so that it can rule better, God replaces self as ruler. He does not improve the old system; He introduces a new one.
This is what the Bible means when it speaks about “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” This is not just a comforting phrase. It is a description of how God’s kingdom operates. The solution to the problem of self-rule is not better rules. It is not stronger discipline. It is not greater effort. The solution is a new life – a new governing presence inside the person.
So the gospel is radically different from every other system. Every human system tries to deal with behavior. It tries to manage what people do. It sets up rules, expectations, and consequences. But God’s system goes deeper. It addresses the source. It changes who is in control.
Of course, this does not mean that Christians become passive or lose individuality, it does not mean that a person becomes a puppet. This is a common misunderstanding, and it is one of the arguments Satan uses to discourage people from surrendering to God. He suggests that if God is in control, then the person loses freedom. But this is not true. In reality, the opposite is true.
When self is in control, a person is not truly free. Self is influenced by fear, by pride, by desire, by habit. It reacts to circumstances and is often driven by things it does not fully understand. What appears to be freedom is often just another form of bondage. But when God is in control, the person is connected to the source of truth, the source of life, and the source of love. The life that flows from that connection is stable, consistent, and aligned with what is good.
This is why Jesus could say that the truth makes people free. Freedom is not the ability to do whatever self desires. Freedom is the ability to live in harmony with what is right, and that kind of freedom can only exist when the right One is in charge.
So again, we come back to the central question. It is not, “How can I improve myself?” It is not, “How can I manage my behavior better?” The real question is, “Who is governing my life?” Because everything else flows from that.
The Mission of the Kingdom
Once we understand this, we also begin to understand the mission that has been given to God’s people. The gospel is not simply a message about forgiveness, although forgiveness is included. It is not simply a message about future reward, although there is a future hope. At its core, it is a message about a new kingdom – a new way of living where God Himself takes His rightful place.
Paul says,
For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. (1Cor 2:2)
This is not because Paul had nothing else to say, but because everything else flows from that one reality. The cross represents the end of self-rule. It represents the point where the old life is brought to an end so that a new life can begin.
When the cross is understood in this way, it becomes more than a historical event. It becomes a present reality. It becomes the doorway through which a person passes from one kingdom into another. It is the place where self loses its claim to rule, and God takes His rightful place.
The Final Issue
So now we can see that the entire conflict between God and Satan comes down to one central issue. It is not primarily about behavior. It is not even primarily about knowledge. It is about government. It focuses on the issue of who sits at the center of life and directs it.
So it is clear that the problem cannot be solved simply by improving behavior. A person may try very hard to do what is right. He may discipline himself, restrain himself, and follow moral guidelines. But if the one making the final decisions is still self, then the root issue has not been addressed. It is like trying to improve the fruit of a tree while leaving the root unchanged. For a time, things may look better, but eventually the same patterns will return, because the source has not been replaced.
On the other hand, God’s kingdom operates on a completely different basis. It is not built on self trying to become better. It is built on self stepping aside so that God can take His place. It is built on a new center, a new source of life, a new governing presence. When Christ lives in a person, the change does not begin with rules—it begins with relationship. It begins with a connection to the One who is life itself.
The Christian life is not primarily about trying to live for God. It is about allowing God to live in you. That may sound like a small difference, but it changes everything. Trying to live for God still leaves self in control, trying to perform, trying to achieve. But allowing God to live in you shifts the control. It places God at the center, and life begins to flow from Him.
So the really important question is not, “What are the rules?” because rules can exist in both systems. Satan’s kingdom can have rules. Religion can have rules. Moral systems can have rules. The presence of rules does not determine which kingdom a person belongs to.
The real question is, “Who is in charge?” If self is in charge, then even good rules become tools of pride and self exaltation. A person may succeed and become proud, or fail and become discouraged. But in both cases, self remains at the center. But when God is in charge, then the life that is lived is no longer driven by self-effort. It is guided by a different source. It is shaped by a different influence.
This is why the gospel is such good news. It does not simply tell people to try harder. It does not simply give them a higher standard and expect them to reach it. It offers a new life, a new center, a new ruler. It offers the possibility of moving from the kingdom of self into the kingdom of God.
Irreconcilable
In the world around us, we can see these two kingdoms operating side by side. We see the kingdom of self expressed in countless ways—in independence from God, in the belief that man can determine his own path. And we see the kingdom of God wherever there are people who have surrendered themselves and allowed God to take control from within.
These two kingdoms cannot be combined. A person cannot have self in control and God in control at the same time. One must give way to the other. This is why the call of the gospel is so clear and, at times, so challenging. It calls for a change at the deepest level. It calls for a transfer of authority within the life. But it is also the only real solution. Because as long as self remains on the throne, the same problems will continue. The same struggles, the same failures, the same instability. But when God takes His place, something new begins. Not just outwardly, but at the very center of life.
So in the end, the question is not complicated It is not a question that requires advanced education or complex reasoning. It is a question that every person can understand, because it speaks to the most basic reality of human existence. The critical question is, who is your God?
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The Exceedingly Great Horn
The book of Daniel is widely recognized as one of the great prophetic books of The Bible, however it is also acknowledged that the prophecies are not the easiest to understand and of course, there is a great deal of disagreement about how some of these prophecies should be interpreted.
There are four major prophecies in the book of Daniel which focus on events far in the future from Daniel’s time – well, actually, there are five prophecies, but some interpreters believe that two of these prophecies (those found in chapters 8 and 9) are actually two parts of the same prophecy, so there are really four.
The first prophecy is found in Daniel chapter 2 where King Nebuchadnezzar dreamed of seeing a great image which was made up of five different materials. The head was made of gold, the breast and arms of silver, the belly and thighs of brass, the legs of iron, and the feet of iron mixed with clay.
God gave Daniel the interpretation of the dream and told him that the image represented four great empires which would rule over the earth. The first of these was Babylon, which was represented by the head of gold,. This would be followed by the Kingdom of the Medes and Persians (Medo-Persia), which was represented by the breast and arms of silver. This was followed by Greece, the brass kingdom, while the legs of iron represented the great kingdom of Rome. The feet of iron and clay represented the same empire of Rome, but broken up into smaller kingdoms, some weak and some strong.
All the prophecies related
The other prophecies in Daniel’s book all are related to this first prophecy. All of them focus on the same kingdoms or empires with each succeeding prophecy giving us more details concerning the history of these four kingdoms. In Daniel 7, the same four kingdoms are represented as a Lion with two wings, a bear with three ribs in its mouth, a leopard with four heads and four wings, and a terrible, indescribable beast with ten horns.
The next prophecy is found in Daniel chapter 8. In this prophecy there is no mention of Babylon because by the time Daniel had this vision, the empire of Babylon was almost at the end of its reign and it was about to be overthrown by the next kingdom, Medo-Persia. It would have no more involvement in history, so God did not include Babylon in the prophecy.
In this vision Daniel saw a ram, which was attacked by a he-goat which overthrew the ram. This goat had a great horn in its head. The horn was broken off and from its root, there came four other, smaller horns. From one of those horns there came another horn which became greater than all the others and was described as being “exceedingly great.”
Daniel was told clearly that the ram represented the kingdom of Medo-Persia, while the goat represented the kingdom of Greece. The horn on the head of the goat represented the first king of Greece, Alexander the Great. After Alexander’s death, the Greek kingdom was divided into four parts, represented by the four small horns. Each division was governed by one of Alexander’s four generals, Cassander, Ptolemy, Lysimachus and Seleucus.
It was out of one of these divisions that the exceedingly great horn arose.
Who is the great horn?
There is a lot of disagreement about the identity of this great horn. It is represented as coming out of the Greek kingdom and because of this most Bible commentators believe that this horn must represent one of the kings of Greece. They identify this king as a man named Antiochus Epiphanies who actually made war against the Jews and greatly offended them by offering swine’s blood on the altar of their temple.
If this interpretation is true, it would put this prophecy entirely in the distant past, fulfilled in the history of the Jewish nation before the time of Christ. This would mean that this prophecy of chapter 8 is out of sync with the other prophecies of Daniel, because all of the others have to do with the restoration of the great spiritual kingdom of Christ – not the kingdom of the Jews. We should note, However, that Antiochus Epiphanies was not a great king, he was not one of the outstanding Greek kings such that he should be given the label, “exceedingly great, which is how Daniel referred to the horn.”
The only power which followed Greece which could be described as “exceedingly great,” was the kingdom of Rome. Rome, of course, was much greater than either Medo-Persia or Greece. This suggests that this exceedingly great horn represented Rome, and not Antiochus Epiphanies.
However, this interpretation also has a problem; Why would God represent the great kingdom of Rome as a horn arising from out of the Greek kingdom? Historically, Rome did not arise from Greece, so this is a major problem if we identify the horn as Rome.
The Bigger Picture
One of the most important keys in understanding the book of Daniel, is to recognize the overall focus of the four different visions contained in the book. It is a popular belief that these four prophecies are simply the same history repeated and expanded several times, but there is more to it. Daniel does not merely repeat the same prophecy in four different forms. The visions are similar, but there are some significant differences. Each of the prophecies actually describes a different aspect of a great work of restoration.
In order to understand this, let us consider the situation in which Daniel and his people were at the time when the prophecies of Daniel were given. Daniel’s people, the Jews, at that time represented the kingdom of God on earth. Their entire kingdom had been devastated, utterly destroyed by the Babylonians. The four great elements which made up a kingdom were all gone. These four elements were:
The Territory
The government
The religious system
The people
First of all, they had lost their territory, the physical land belonging to the Jews had been overrun and subdued by the Babylonians, strangers now occupied the land.
Secondly, the government had been destroyed. The last king, Zedekiah, had been taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar, his eyes were dug out and he was taken as a prisoner to Babylon where he eventually died. The king and his government were gone.
Thirdly, the religion or the worship system of the kingdom was gone. The sanctuary, the center of their worship, had been totally destroyed, all the vessels used in the services had been taken away to Babylon, the priests no longer ministered in the temple and in fact, almost all of them were captive in Babylon. The worship system was gone.
Fourthly, the people themselves were gone. The majority of the Jews had been taken as captives to Babylon, the people of the kingdom were gone so every element that constituted a kingdom had been destroyed.
The Jews, including Daniel, longed for, and looked for the day when their kingdom would be restored by God. This was their dream, this was their deep-seated hope. This was the situation when God started giving these prophecies recorded in the book of Daniel. However, as we look at these prophecies something becomes clear: God’s restoration plan was very different from what the Jews had in mind. The Jews were focused on the restoration of their local kingdom in the land of Canaan, God’s plan was focused on something far, far greater.
a greater kingdom
Nevertheless, God used the situation of the Jews as a foundation from which he described this greater restoration to take place in the distant future, something infinitely beyond the little nation of the Jews and their localized situation. Their captivity, the devastation of their land, government and worship were all a miniature illustration of what would happen to the much greater, true spiritual kingdom of God, which was established at the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.
Over the two thousand years since Christ’s kingdom was setup, apostasy in the church and the intrusion of antichrist elements resulted in a spiritual situation similar to where the Jews were at the time of Daniel’s prophecies. God’s people were taken “captive” by a Babylonian system of worship, The people were effectively enslaved by false religious ideas which intruded between them, and the spirit of God. Denominational governments replaced the direct government of Christ, through his spirit. Christians were made captives to the methods and principles of humanity rather than living by the principle of personal accountability to God.
This was the greater captivity which the book of Daniel focuses on, and from which Daniel describes deliverance for the people and restoration for the kingdom.
Four Restorations
Daniel 2 emphasizes the restoration of the territory of the kingdom. In chapter 2, the great stone, representing the kingdom of God, becomes a great mountain and fills the whole earth.
Daniel 7 focuses on the restoration of the government of the kingdom – the Son of man, Jesus, becomes king and receives everlasting dominion while all the kingdoms of this world are destroyed.
Daniel 8 focuses strongly on the restoration of true worship of the sanctuary and the ministry of Jesus, the great high priest.
Daniel 10–12 is focuses on Michael, (Jesus) the great warrior finally restoring the people of the kingdom, God’s children taken from all nations on earth.
Confusion about Chapter 8
Almost everyone will agree in the way they interpret the prophecies of Daniel chapters 2, 7 and 12. They will agree that these prophecies point to some great work of restoration and deliverance of Christ’s people and Christ’s kingdom which is to take place sometime in the future. At that time the kingdom of God is to overthrow all earthly kingdoms and Christ will rule as king forever.
However, when it comes to chapter 8, there is a completely different conclusion. As we already pointed out, most believe that Daniel chapter 8 is not speaking of a future restoration relating to the kingdom of God, but to something which happened to the Jews and their system of worship way back in the distant past, more than 2000 years ago, in the days when the Greek kingdom ruled the world.
The most obvious question is, why would this prophecy alone refer to the Jewish nation, when all the other prophecies of Daniel focus on the greater, eternal kingdom of God, with Christ as the head of it? Why would this single chapter of the book of Daniel be focused on an event in the history of the Jews, when none of the other prophecies in the book have this kind of focus? It seems illogical and completely out of sync with the rest of the book.
The real reason for the confusion is the fact that the great horn is represented as coming out of the Greek kingdom. Why would God represent Rome in this way, if the prophecy of chapter 8 really is focusing on the same thing as the other prophecies?
The focus is religion
The answer becomes clear when we consider the focus of Daniel chapter 8. As we already highlighted, Each prophecy has a particular focus relating to the kingdom: Daniel 2 focused on the territory, Daniel 7 focused on the government, Daniel 11-12 focused on the people, but Daniel 8 focused on the religion of the kingdom. When we understand this, the mystery concerning the exceedingly great horn is solved.
Here is a fact which is well known, but which is not considered when this question is examined: Politically, Rome conquered Greece. But culturally and religiously, Greece deeply influenced Rome. Roman religion absorbed Greek gods under Roman names. Greek philosophy shaped Roman thought. Greek religious concepts flowed into Roman civilization. In many ways, Rome became the carrier of Greek religious and philosophical ideas. It is in this sense that Rome was said to grow out of Greece (as the exceedingly great horn was seen to do).
As a political empire, there was no way that it could be said that Rome emerged from Greece. However, when we consider the focus of Daniel chapter 8 , it is easier to understand why Rome could be described as a power arising out of Greece. Remember that in Daniel chapter 8, the focus is on the restoration of the religion of the kingdom. The chapter is focusing on the conflict between religious powers which eventually climaxes with the triumph of the true religion when the sanctuary is cleansed, or restored. The conflict in chapter 8 is a conflict between religious elements.
Even the symbols used in the prophecies help us to understand the focus of each prophecy. In Daniel chapter 2 where the focus is on the restoration of the physical territory, God uses a symbol made up of the elements of the earth, various metals and clay. In Daniel 7 where the emphasis is on government, the symbols used are fierce wild animals, fitting symbols of the savage and warlike nature of earthly governments.
However, in chapter 8, what symbols do we see? We see a ram and a he-goat. These are animals that were used in the religious worship system of Israel, they were sacrificial animals and this gives us another clue that the focus of Daniel chapter 8, is the conflict between religions, with God’s true religion being restored at the end. From this perspective it makes much more sense that the horn represents Rome whose religious system was greatly influenced by, and even was taken over by the religion of the Greeks.
So if Daniel 8 is concerned primarily with worship, sanctuary truth, and religious corruption, then it makes sense that Rome would appear as an extension of the Greek system rather than simply as another political empire. The prophecy is tracing not merely political succession, but the development of a religious system that would interfere with humanity’s understanding of God.
When Rome became a power which attacked the religion of Christ, it was not through Roman religious ideas, but through religious traditions which had their origins in the Greek kingdom.
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Abounding Sodomy
An end-time indicator
There are many people today, even among Christians, who claim that sodomy is just one of many sins and not really any indicator of a society on the brink of destruction. Those who take this position do not seem to understand that there is no other sin on planet earth which is being so openly, aggressively and persistently promoted. Yes, adultery is legal and so is fornication. However, there are no “adultery pride,” parades or signs being plastered all over the the media, pushing for the practice of adultery. Nobody is losing his job, or being fined for speaking out against any sin, other than the sin of sodomy. So it is false to suggest that it is no different from any other sin. Normally, humanity opposes blatant sin, especially if it is perverted behavior, such as bestiality, incest, sodomy, pedophilia etc. But rather than being frowned upon, Sodomy has reached the place where it is now being PROMOTED.
The attitude of humanity towards this unnatural sin is startling. It is unnatural, contrary to nature, to common sense, to the word of God, and yet the powers that be, demand that everyone must accept it, and furthermore, must refrain from speaking against it! Most alarming of all is the number of so-called Christians and “Christian” denominations which, in defiance of the clearly revealed will of God, have accepted the gay lifestyle!! One has to be blind to see no cause for alarm in this.
In Romans chapter 1, the apostle Paul certainly identifies the homosexual lifestyle as significant and explains that it is the natural consequence of the rejection of God. Paul has a lot to say about sin and what it is, but here, he deliberately spends some time discussing the degeneracy of humanity when it deliberately rejects light and degrades God to the level of created things. He states clearly that the visible consequence of this moral collapse, is that men begin to lust after other men, and women after other women. That is what the inspired word says.
The Bible tells us in Ezekiel 16:49, that Sodom “committed abominations,” therefore God took them away. Yes, the underlying reason for their abominable behavior was “pride, fullness of bread and an abundance of idleness.” By those criteria, every developed country in the world should have been destroyed long ago. The fact is, however, that this lavish, idle lifestyle led the Sodomites to “commit abominations” and this is why the civilization was destroyed. It was not their lifestyle, but the resulting abomination which caused Sodom’s destruction. Jude supports this fact by telling us that they were destroyed because they went after “fornication and strange flesh.” Not because they were rapists or because they were rich and idle.
The book of Revelation tells us in chapter 11, that the final work of God will come to an end when His witnesses are “killed” in the streets of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt. Of course there is need to properly understand what this entire passage is saying, but the reference to Sodom is significant.
It seems clear that the behavior of Sodom, so prominent in the world today, is one of the major indicators which tells us that we are at the end of time!
And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know. (Gen 18:20-21)
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Campmeeting Report
As alwys, our Jamaican campmeeting fell on the Easter week-end. This is the time when we have two holidays in Jamaica, on Friday and Monday, so it is much more convenient for the believers to attend, as everything is shut down on those days. The dates this year were Thursday April 2 – Monday, April 8.
As usual, people came from different parts of Jamaica. We had people from Saint Catherine, Kingston, Saint Elizabeth, Saint James, and of course, Manchester. Additionally, many more joined us online as the meetings were streamed live on Zoom.
The unfortunate thing is that in Jamaica, the Easter week-end always falls during the rainy season, so of course we had rain on most days. However, this did not detract from the overall tone of the camp meeting. People still had a very good spiritual time, and the fellowship was very enjoyable. The rain was mostly late in the evenings, but the mornings were beautifully bright and sunny.
This year, our speakers were Daniel Clayton, David Clayton, Tracey Wilson, and for the first time, brother Joseph Williams who came from Kingston. His animated presentations were a great blessing in addition to his exhortations that we should value highly, the things which God has taught us. Brother Gregory Maxwell also came all the way from Florida to share with us, and his presentations on family issues were thoroughly enjoyed. We also had a lively presentation on the topic of Jamaican herbs by Sister Tracy Williams.
The theme for the camp meeting was The Glory of His Grace. Although this theme was not followed strictly by the speakers, all the messages were focused on Christ and the grace of God. The theme of the grace of God came out clearly in all the presentations.
We tried to make camp a little different this year by including, on a couple of nights, social activities such as Bible games and quizzes, which were thoroughly enjoyed, especially by the young people.
This camp meeting lasted from Thursday evening until Monday morning, and as always, when it ended, it all seemed too short.
It will be another year before we meet again for this camp meeting, but we concluded that, in the interim, we would plan other meetings of a similar nature, such as possibly summer camps for the youth and definitely conventions once or twice per year, when we could all come together, even if only for a day.
Once again, at the end, we were reminded of how important these meetings are and why, as we come closer to the end, there is the necessity of having more and more of them.
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Oral Health
Lenworth Frankson
Good oral hygiene serves as a crucial protective shield for your entire body, directly lowering your risk of chronic systemic illnesses. While brushing and flossing keep your smile bright, their most vital function is controlling harmful oral bacteria. When neglected, these microbes cause localized gum inflammation that can enter your bloodstream, triggering systemic health complications across your vital organs.
Systemic Health Benefits
Cardiovascular Protection: Keeping your gums healthy lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes. According to the Mayo Clinic, oral bacteria from severe gum disease (periodontitis) can travel through blood vessels, leading to arterial plaque buildup and blood vessel inflammation.
Blood Sugar Control: Managing oral bacteria reduces insulin resistance. Severe gum disease causes chronic body-wide inflammation, making it significantly harder for the body to utilize insulin efficiently and properly regulate blood sugar.
Enhanced Digestion: Maintaining strong, pain-free teeth ensures optimal mechanical breakdown of food. Thorough chewing allows your digestive system to absorb essential vitamins and nutrients much more efficiently.
Healthy Pregnancy Outcomes: Preventing gum infections protects developing fetuses. Research shows a connection between active periodontal disease to higher rates of premature births and low birth weights.
A Role in Respiratory Health
It is a known and proven fact that a person’s oral health can impact their respiratory system. The connection between the two may not be immediately obvious, but maintaining a healthy mouth can play a vital role in protecting one’s lungs.
For starters, bacteria from the mouth can be aspirated into the lungs, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic lung conditions. This can lead to respiratory infections such as pneumonia and exacerbate existing lung diseases. By maintaining good oral hygiene, you can reduce the risk of these potentially serious infections.
In addition, gum disease has been linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition that affects millions worldwide. Inflammation from gum disease can contribute to airway inflammation and worsen COPD symptoms. By managing your oral health, you may experience better respiratory function and a higher quality of life.
Lastly, routine dental care can be a preventative measure for respiratory health. Regular check-ups allow dental professionals to identify and address any potential issues before they affect your lungs. This proactive approach helps maintain both your oral health and respiratory wellbeing.
Unexpected Benefits
When we think about oral hygiene, the first thing that comes to mind is preventing cavities and maintaining fresh breath. While these are important aspects, good oral hygiene offers a multitude of surprising benefits that go beyond just a beautiful smile.
First, consistent oral care can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Research shows that poor oral health is linked to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and even certain cancers. By keeping up with regular brushing and flossing, you are actively reducing inflammation and bacteria that could contribute to these serious health issues.
Second, maintaining good oral hygiene has been found to improve mental health. The simple act of caring for your teeth can enhance self-esteem and reduce anxiety. A healthy, bright smile can foster positive social interactions and increase self-confidence, ultimately contributing to better mental wellbeing.
Third, good oral health is beneficial for maintaining a balanced diet. When your mouth is in optimal condition, you can chew food more effectively, aiding digestion and allowing better absorption of nutrients. This means your body can function more efficiently, providing the energy and vitality needed for daily activities.
Mental Wellbeing
A healthy smile is not just about aesthetics; it also plays a crucial role in mental wellbeing. The connection between oral health and mental health is a two-way street, where each can significantly impact the other.
Firstly, the act of maintaining good oral hygiene can have a positive effect on mental health by promoting a sense of accomplishment and routine. For those struggling with mental health challenges, establishing a daily oral care routine can provide structure and a sense of control, contributing to improved mood and wellbeing.
Additionally, the appearance of one’s smile can influence self-esteem and social interactions. Feeling confident in your smile can lead to more positive social experiences, while poor oral health or missing teeth can contribute to feelings of embarrassment or isolation. By taking care of your oral health, you can boost self-confidence and enhance mental wellbeing.
Lastly, mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can lead to neglect of oral hygiene. This neglect can result in oral health issues that further exacerbate mental health struggles. Seeking support from professionals, including dental experts can help break this cycle and improve both oral health and mental wellbeing.
Oral Health and Nutrition
Oral health and nutrition are intrinsically linked, each influencing the other in significant ways. Understanding this connection can empower individuals and families to make healthier choices for both their mouths and bodies.
Firstly, a healthy mouth is essential for effective chewing and digestion. When your oral health is compromised, it can lead to difficulties in chewing and swallowing, impacting nutrient absorption. By maintaining good oral health, you ensure that your body receives the nutrients it needs to function optimally.
In addition, nutrition plays a vital role in oral health. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports strong teeth and gums. Foods high in sugar and acidity, on the other hand, can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Educating yourself about the impact of diet on oral health can guide healthier food choices for you and your family.
Lastly, professional guidance can help bridge the gap between oral health and nutrition.
Signs of poor oral hygiene
The most common signs of poor oral hygiene include:
● Bleeding gums.
● Tooth decay.
● Chronic bad breath.
● Loose teeth.
● Gum recession.
● Mouth sores that don’t go away.
● Toothache.
● Swelling of the jaw.
● Gingivostomatitis, an infection of the mouth caused by certain bacteria or viruses.
The Power of Prevention
Your mouth acts as the primary gateway to your body’s internal systems. By using targeted tools, like a soft-bristled toothbrush, antibacterial mouthwash, and interdental brushes, you stop pathogens at the entry point. Investing a few minutes into oral maintenance every day preserves your long-term physical vitality, systemic immune strength, and metabolic health.
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Simply Time
Time came when I came, an insignificant blob,
And it grew with me, in joy, mirth, with every sob.
Invincible youth was I, time kept my pace,
I never cared what I did, It wasn’t me who was in haste.
Within grew workings beyond this programmed body,
But time marked time, and my destiny unclear, seemed muddy.
The spring in my step slowed to a dignified walk,
Just time, relentless hound, kept vigil, and marked every mark.
Then moved upon me age, time now sought its way,
So I fought tooth and nail, but time sought its pay
All too soon time had sped ahead, now it had made my bed,
Slowly bit by bit I sank, and clawed, for just a moment, but time had fled
You cannot win its time, it’s your friend in youth,
But then comes time, you’ll have to fade, quite a persistent truth.
So my friend, learn to live with it, while its sunshine,
For there comes the time that we must give time, Time.
Gideon Clayton
June 2026
Open Face is dedicated to the promotion and the restoration of apostolic Christianity. In particular to the restoration of those truths which have been cast down to the ground and trampled underfoot by the papacy, and adopted by her daughters.
Our purpose is to motivate our readers to commit themselves wholly to the task of personal preparation for the coming of the Lord, and to the taking of the final warning message to every nation, kindred, tongue and people.
Open Face is published bi-monthly, and is sent free of cost to all who desire to receive it.
Editor: David Clayton
P.O. Box 23,
Knockpatrick, Manchester,
Jamaica, West Indies
+1 (876) 361-8555
email: vidclay@gmail.com
Website: http://www.restorationministry.com
