Bible Prophecy Lesson 1

Clyde J. Haney

Introductory Lesson 1

( Let us enter this subject with prayer for divine illumination.)

Study of Prophecy perhaps is one of the greatest s subjects but has also fallen pray to so much abuse. Because of this it has also been neglected, do to fear. SOme have branded this subject as non-essential or unimportant.

For example the book of Revelation, many say its to confusing and no need to the read it, but there is a blessing into reading this book.

Revelation 1:3 “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.”

How does one keep what one does not look into to study?

Clyde J Haney wrote “To the mind of most Christians when “Prophecy” is mentioned flashes the thought of mystery and speculation.

What can this be due to?

Due to theories produced by speculators who endeavor to teach their own interpretations instead of letting the Scriptures interpret themselves.

Question

How did the Spiritual and Wise men know Jesus was to come and then find Him when He did come?

The Bible is unlike all other religious books in that it bases its “Authenticity,” “Authority,” and “Inspiration” on PROPHECY. All other religious books contain no predictions as to the future. If its authors had attempted to foretell future events, their unfulfillment would long ago have discredited their writings. Prophecy is – HISTORY WRITTEN IN ADVANCE, and proves the foreknowledge of God. This the Prophet Daniel opened to the heathen king, Nebuchadnezzar, in his interpretation of the king’s “Dream”– “The Great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass HEREAFTER: and the ‘Dream’ is certain, and the interpretation thereof SURE.” Dan. 2:45. Prophecy is twofold, “descriptive” and “predictive.” The prophets were both “forth-tellers” and “fore-tellers.” They had both “insight” and “foresight.” Their prophetic utterances were not the deductions of reason, but were imparted to them by the Holy Spirit – “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.” 2 Pet. 1:21. The importance of the study of the “Prophetic Scriptures” is seen when we recall that two-thirds of the Scriptures are prophetic, either in type, symbol, or direct statement, and that more than one-half of them are as yet unfulfilled; and as those that have been fulfilled were literally fulfilled, as the promises in reference to the “First Coming” of Christ, so those as yet unfulfilled, will be as literally fulfilled. If then we would know the “MIND OF GOD” as to the future we must study the “Prophetic Scriptures,” or remain in that class that the Apostle Peter speaks of as being-“WILLINGLY IGNORANT,” so as to claim “ignorance” as an excuse for conduct. 2 Pet. 3:3-8. We are living in a “Dark World,” and we need the “SURE WORD OF PROPHECY” to LIGHT us over the stormy “Sea of Time.” 2 Pet. 1:19. When men see that God has a “Plan and Purpose in the Ages” they will take heart and not be discouraged by the things that are taking place on the earth in these days.