Prophetic Measuring Lines Terminate

The period to which we here allude, “the time of the end,” is also noteworthy because of its marking the termination of the two longest time periods of Bible prophecy. The first of these is referred to both by Daniel and by John. It is spoken of variously, but identically, as “a time and times and the dividing of time” (Daniel 7:25); “a time, times, and an half” (Daniel 12:7); “a thousand two hundred and threescore days” (Revelation 12:6); “a time, and times, and half a time” (Revelation 12:14); and “forty and two months” (Revelation 13:5).AGP 233.1

The basis upon which this prophetic period is reckoned involves, of course, the recognized principle that the prophetic “day” represents a literal year in fulfillment. This is clearly indicated by a prophet contemporary with Daniel. (See Ezekiel 4:6.) A “time” is equivalent to a year, consisting, according to Jewish reckoning, of twelve thirty-day months. Thus three and a half times, or years, is, in fulfillment, precisely the same as forty-two months, that is, 1260 prophetic “days,” or literal years.AGP 233.2

A study of the statements regarding this prophetic period of 1260 years shows that it is the time during which the power typified by the “little horn” on the fourth beast (Daniel 7:8)—a symbol of Rome—is to have supremacy, especially as a persecutor of the saints of God, who are to “be given into his hand,” for this specified period (verse 25). In the twelfth chapter of Revelation, the church, under the symbol of a woman, is represented as fleeing from the wrath of the dragon (Satan). In the chapter following, the persecuting “beast” is said to have power “to continue forty and two months.” Revelation 12:6; 13:5.AGP 233.3

It is generally understood by Protestant commentators that the “little horn” of Daniel 7 and the leopardlike beast of Revelation 13, find a striking fulfillment in the rise and work of the papacy, during the period of its domination. But the singularAGP 233.4

characteristic of the papacy that marked her career of oppression was the union of the apostate Christian church and the Roman state. When that union was effected, with foreign, hindering influence removed, her dominance was assured. She was then able to use the arms of the secular power against those whom she condemned as heretics. As her union with, and control of, political governments was gradually broken toward the end of her period of dominance, so her power to control the consciences of men, and to persecute her opponents, likewise waned, until she was again brought into subjection by a foreign power.AGP 234.1