Prophecy Primer
Why study Bible Prophecy?
The importance of studying and understanding bible prophecy is found throughout the Bible. Nearly one fifth of the Bible was prophetical when it was written.
If we were to ignore prophecies (both fulfilled and unfulfilled) we would be doing a disservice to ourselves in that we would not be studying the whole Word of God.
Bible prophecies were referenced and taught by: the Old Testament Prophets, the Apostles, and Jesus Christ. Prophecies are found throughout the Bible starting in Genesis and going through the book of Revelation.
The worth of Prophetical study lies in the fact that prophecies are:
1. A validation of the Word of God.
2. Warnings to people, or groups of people on what consequences their actions will bring upon them.
3. A roadmap for the future.
4. An assurance of our salvation.
1. Jesus taught the disciples prophecy when He was asked.
In the 24th chapter of Matthew, we see the disciples asking Jesus about the end of the age and the associated signs. Jesus did not scold them or tell them that they had no business asking such a question. He answered their question with a profound discourse that illuminates the Old Testament prophecies concerning the end of the age.
2. Jesus rebuked the Jewish leaders because they could not discern the signs of the time.
The leaders asked Jesus to prove who He was on different occasions by showing them a sign. Jesus told them that they could not see the signs all around them and the only sign they would be given is the sign of Jonah. The account of Jonah being in the whale for three days is a type ( or model) of Jesus being dead for three days.
3. The prophets in the Old Testament searched the scriptures for the signs of the Messiah.
We see in 1 Peter 1:10-12 that the prophets searched the scriptures for the signs that would accompany the Messiah.
Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace [that should come] unto you:
Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
4. Prophecies have been given to us by God
We see in 2 Peter 1:19-21 that the Holy Spirit moved men to write the prophecies.
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.
5. Daniel studied the prophecies of Jeremiah before God revealed the timing of the Messiah to Daniel
Daniel 9:2 reveals that the Prophet Daniel was studying the book of Jeremiah shortly before God revealed the prophecy of the timing of the Messiah.
In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.
Method of Interpretation
I adhere to the literal-scriptural method of interpretation. In a nutshell, this method of interpretation is accomplished by taking the literal translation of the scriptures, within the context of the passages, whenever possible.
When the passage is obviously symbolic, the symbolism is compared to other similar symbolic passages for interpretation.
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