Page 499 - Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible Christianity. Based on the King James Bible

PROPHECY

each and all of them, from the first to the last, an index drawn with that degree of light and shade that the
is to be found in the prophecies, we may warrantably faithfulness of the picture may best be seen from the
conclude that they could only have been revealed by proper point of observation—the period of their
the Ruler among the nations, and that they afford completion. Prophecy must thus, in many instances,
more than human testimony of the truth of have that darkness which is impenetrable at first, as
Christianity.” (Alexander Keith, Christian Evidences: well as that light which shall be able to dispel every
Fulfilled Bible Prophecy, p. 8).
How Bible Prophecies Are Different from Other doubt at last: and, as it cannot be an evidence of
Christianity until the event demonstrates its own truth,
Prophecies it may remain obscure till history becomes its
(1) Bible prophecies are detailed rather than interpreter, and not be perfectly obvious till the
ambiguous and general. Names are given (Is. 45:1-3). fulfillment of the whole series with which it is
Locations are given (Mi. 5:2). Minute details are given connected” (Ibid., pp. 7-8).
(Ps. 22; Is. 53; Lk. 19:41-44). Dates are given (Da. Why Every Christian Should Study Prophecy
9:24-27; Je. 25:11-12). Exact order of events is given
(Da. 7). (2) Bible prophecies have never failed. Bible (1) Prophecy is Revelation (De. 29:29; Am. 3:7; Mt.
prophecy stands in great contrast with the hazy, 13:10-12; Re. 1:1; 22:6,10). According to these and
imperfect predictions of astrologers and of other non- many other passages, prophecy is said to reveal secrets,
inspired soothsayers. (3) Bible prophets agree perfectly not hide them. Prophecy is light, not darkness. It is false
in their prophecies. Compare Enoch’s prophecy of teachers who have made prophecy seem to be so
Christ’s second coming (Jude 14-15) with that made by obscure. (2) Prophecy is a blessing (Re. 1:3). (3)
Isaiah (Is. 13:3-5), Christ (Mt. 24:30), Paul (2 Th. Prophecy is necessary for spiritual perfection (2 Ti.
1:7-9), and John (Re. 19:11-21). Though separated by 3:16-17). We are told that ALL Scripture is given by God
centuries, these prophecies agree perfectly. (4) Bible and is profitable and necessary for the building of the
prophets lived holy lives in conformity with their mature Christian. Is prophecy not a large part of
message. Those familiar with astrologers and other Scripture? Indeed, prophecy is woven into the very
pagan prophets know they do not live holy lives. (5) warp and woof of the Word of God. The study of,
Bible prophets did not prophesy for money. In fact, they understanding of, and obedience to prophecy is seen as
were often persecuted and impoverished because of essential for a strong Christian life. (4) Prophecy is
their prophecies. Their motive was never for personal dependable (Is. 25:1; 2 Pe. 1:19-21). According to the
gain. Apostle Peter, in the first chapter of his second epistle,
Why are the prophecies not even more explicit. It is the written prophetic Word is more dependable than
visions (2 Pe. 1:16), than voices (2 Pet. 1:17), than
true that Bible prophecy, especially to the eye of the great spiritual mountaintop experiences (2 Pe. 1:18).
unbeliever, may appear somewhat obscure. There is (5) It is a responsibility to study prophecy (Lk. 24:25-27).
much symbolism in Bible prophecy which must be The Lord Jesus Christ firmly rebukes the disciples for
interpreted by a diligent comparison of Scripture with not believing prophecy. At the judgment seat of Christ
Scripture. The prophecies are not always given in a every Christian will be held accountable for whether or
concise, logical order, but are scattered throughout the not he studied and believed the prophecies of the Bible.
text of Scripture. Dr. Alexander Keith gave an interesting In light of this warning, we must reject the tendency by
and helpful reply to this matter in the early 1800s. “And so many to treat prophecy lightly. Not only will the
if the prophetical part of Scripture which refers to the Christian be held accountable for his attitude toward
rise and fall of kingdoms, had been more explicit than it prophecy, but the unbeliever will be, as well. In Lk.
is, it would have appeared to encroach on the free 16:29-31, Abraham told the rich man in hell that his lost
agency of man; it would have been a communication of brothers on earth would be accountable for whether or
the foreknowledge of events which men would have not they believed the prophets. (6) Bible prophecy has
grossly abused and perverted to other purposes rather power to sanctify the life. It gives hope in a hopeless world
than to the establishment of the truth; and, instead of (Ro. 15:4). It gives joy (Jn. 8:56). It gives comfort (1
being a stronger evidence of Christianity, it would have Th. 4:18; Is. 40:1, 2). It gives understanding in the
been considered as the cause of the accomplishment of midst of confusion (Da. 9:1-2). It produces diligence
the events predicted ... and thus have afforded to the and purity (Ro. 13:11-14; 1 Jn. 3:1-3). It produces
unbeliever a more reasonable objection against the patience and endurance in the midst of trials (2 Co.
evidence of prophecy than any that can be now 4:16-18). It stimulates Christian labor (1 Co. 15:51-58).
alleged. ... whenever the knowledge of future events It brings time and life into proper perspective with
would have proved prejudicial to the peace and eternity (Ps. 73:1-3, 12-17; Is. 26:20; 29:17; 54:7-8). It
happiness of the world, they are couched in allegory, stimulates Christians to abide in Christ (1 Jn. 2:28). (7)
which their accomplishment alone can expound, and

Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity 499