A guide to the proper use and understanding of the various charts and timelines outlining the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation available on this site and in my books:

1. Locate the starting point of the prophecy in the stream of history as provided by the angel, and follow the historical events to the end of the prophetic history, which often terminate with the Second Coming of Christ.
2. Recognize that the length of the prophecy is determined by adopting the principle which the Reformers acknowledged: that a day in prophecy stands for a literal year, comprising 360 days.
3. God has revealed in his law the principles that underlie all true prosperity both of nations and of individuals. The events outlined in these charts must be viewed in light of this Biblical perspective.

These outline prophecies reveal the true philosophy of history: Historians relate man’s achievements, his victories and his success in climbing to worldly greatness in such a way that the growth of nations, the rise and fall of empires, appear as dependent primarily on the will and power of men. The shaping of events seems, to a great degree to be determined by man’s power, ambition, or caprice. But the strength of nations and of individuals is not found in the opportunities and facilities that appear to make them invincible; it is not found in their boasted greatness. That which alone can make men great or strong is the power and purpose of God. Men and nations, by their attitude toward his purpose, decide their own destiny.

These principles are made clear in the Word of God which draws back the curtain on the stage of history, and we witness, behind, above, and through all the play and counter play of human interests, and power and passions, the agencies of the all-merciful One, silently and patiently working out the counsels of his will. Thus the power exercised by every ruler on earth is Heaven-imparted; and upon his use of the power so bestowed his success depends. To each the word of the divine Watcher is:

I have girded you though you have not known me.

Isaiah 45:5