Why Study Bible Prophecy? by: Darrell G. Young Israel reveled in the idea that they were the lawful children of Abraham, but unlike Abraham who yearned to see the coming of Jesus, the children of Israel became blinded to the greatest joy of Abraham. The Jews even took up stones to cast at Jesus for stating that he was before Abraham, and was actually greater than Abraham. John 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my (Jesus) day: and he saw it, and was glad. Clearly, history reveals that Israel missed the coming of the Lord the first time. How sad that fact is! It would be sadder still for his bride (the Church) to be found ignorant about his second advent when he has given us so much information concerning it. Among Jesus last words to his disciples prior to his march to Calvary was an exhortation to watch for his return. (Mark 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.) I often refer to this statement of Jesus as the 11th commandment. I take it seriously, and I fervently believe that we are living in the generation that is indeed witnessing the signs for the 2nd coming of the Lord. The prophets of the Old Testament were the inspired instruments sent by the God of Israel (Jacob) to speak to his people warning them of their departure from his Law and his ways. As God's model nation, Israel was to set the example for the rest of the world of what a Holy People should look like to outsiders. When there was significant deviation from God's intentions for Israel, he spoke to his people through the prophets. The prophets warned of impending consequences for persistent failures on the part of the king, the priests and the people. They also spoke of the certainty of Israel's long term future, of her coming Messiah and of the Messiah's eventual reign over Israel and the whole world from the throne of his father David in the city of Jerusalem. The predictions of the prophets regarding Israel and the surrounding nations have in times past been fulfilled with minute accuracy, and yet there is much more to come in the days that lie just ahead of us in these very days. The absence of prophecy study in modern churches is a staggering defeat for every individual Christian, and an incalculable “biblical-world-view and spiritual loss” within the Christian community. When I reflect on the fact that Revelation 22:19 mandates that no one should ever dare “take away” from the prophetic word, I shudder in horror at the consequences for our churches and pastors when they neglect to share God’s prophetic word, but instead choose to leave it unmentioned, and hid in the closet! Satan couldn’t do a better job of taking the prophetic word away himself! (the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy: see Revelation 19:10) The study of Bible prophecy is commonly known in professional circles as the science of eschatology, and while it may be difficult to understand in some areas, and there may be topics that tend to bewilder us, the fervent study of the Biblical prophetic record remains an invaluable and irreplaceable resource. John the Revelator conveyed the promise of God that the avid studious devourer of prophecy would receive a special blessing from the faithful pursuit of studying the signs for the imminent return of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.) Therefore, I shall offer several reasons why today’s Bible student should endeavor with all due haste to study prophecy. #1…. Prophecy Reveals the Absolute Sovereignty of God Satan has conspired to dethrone the God of the universe and seat himself above the stars of God (Isaiah 14) with his Antichrist (II Thessalonians 2) on the throne in Jerusalem. But prophecy reveals that the great I AM, Jehovah God is still sovereign and still reigns, and will soon put down Satan’s cosmic rebellion of evil. Satan would like to have the world believe that he is a victorious god, but in reality, he has already been defeated and is sentenced to destruction. Revelation 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. Psalms 146:10 The Lord shall reign forever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the Lord. The grandest scene within the prophetic scope of The Revelation record is the majestic view of almighty God’s heavenly throne, high and lifted up, with the saints and hosts of all the ages gathered around before him, casting their crowns at his feet, giving glory and honor to the one almighty Sovereign God. Heaven remains God’s throne while the earth and the nations will become his footstool. (Isaiah 66:1; Matthew 5:35; Acts 7:49) Satan would like nothing better than to hide prophecy and keep the world blinded to the reality that God is still the royal sovereign ruler of the entire universe. #2…. Prophecy Verifies the Bible as God’s Absolute Word #3…. Prophecy Brings Comfort/Consolation to the Christian Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing (rapture) of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. II Thessalonians 2:13-17 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work. #4…. Prophecy Arms the Believer Against False Prophets Luke 21:8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. I John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. II Timothy 4:2-4 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 1 Timothy 4:1-2 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; II Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. #5…. Prophecy Purifies the Hope/Life of the Believer 1 Peter 1:6-8 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. I John 3:2-3 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. #6…. Prophecy Promotes Evangelism Acts 3:20-21 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. #7…. Prophecy Builds & Strengthens Faith II Peter 1:16-21 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. #8…. Prophecy Reveals God’s Providential Plan Ephesians 1:9-10 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: Revelation 10:7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. #9…. Prophecy Strengthens Our Patience 1 Peter 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; II Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack ( slow or tarrying) concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.James 5:7-8 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. #10… Prophecy Alerts us to the “Signs of the Times” Matthew 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
#11… Prophecy Highlights His/Our Victory
I John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Revelation 5:9-10 For thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Revelation 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. Romans 6:8-9 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. Isaiah 32:17-18 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places; #12… Prophecy Reveals Satan’s Final Defeat Revelation 20:1-2 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, Revelation 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Romans 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Revelation 19:15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. #13… Prophecy Exposes Satan’s Plan Isaiah 14:12-14 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. II Thessalonians 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. #14… Prophecy Eliminates Fear & Ignorance Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. The very word "prophet" suggests a cause, or reason to SHINE! It is derived from a Greek root (phet) which means, "to cause to shine," and is linked with the prefix "pro" which means "before." Thus a prophet or prophecy is that which stands before, and causes the word of God for the Last Days to literally shine, before it even comes to pass. Holy Spirit inspired speakers and writers of prophecy are known as “prophetes”or “propheteia.” Prophets are no longer a functionary of God to this world. Prophets were utilized of God to deliver his message before the manifestation of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ was the Last Prophet! All the New Testament prophecies were expositions on Jesus Christ’s, revelations whether they were in person or through “The Revelation!” Hebrews 1:1-2 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Why study Bible prophecy? I think that these 14 reasons should enlighten people as to why we should study the Bible thoroughly to understand the prophetic word. Someone has estimated that the Bible is one/third prophetic in its content. If that ratio is anywhere near to being accurate, then why doesn’t it get the needed attention that it deserves, and why not today? Could it be that there is a force in our world today that doesn’t want that “Before Light” to Shine? We have a “cause today” to let the LIGHT of prophecy SHINE! Revelation 22:10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. Isaiah 42:9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. ) Isaiah 46:9-10 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Romans 13:11-12 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Focus on Jerusalem Prophecy Ministry By: Darrell G. Young October 2003
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