The Prophetic Word

The Divine Revelation

In the boundless expanse of human understanding, there exists a sacred text that transcends the confines of mere literature.

The Bible, a profound testament to the essence of divinity, embodies a revelation that illuminates the very fabric of existence itself.

It is not merely a collection of words, but a gateway to the eternal truths that shape our world.

Within its pages, the Bible unfolds a tapestry of divine wisdom, revealing the intricate dance between God and humanity.

It speaks of the Fall of Man, the redemptive path of salvation, and the grand design that guides the unfolding of the ages.

Through its narratives, we encounter the profound interplay of

four divine personas

1- the Father,

2- the Son,

3- the Holy Spirit,

4-and the Adversary.

This sacred scripture paints a vivid portrait of

three realms -

1- the celestial heights of Heaven,

2-the earthly realm where mortals tread, and the

3-abyssal depths of Hell.

Within these realms, the destinies of

three distinct groups unfold -

1-the chosen people of Israel,

2-the diverse tapestry of the Gentiles, and

3-the radiant assembly known as the Church of God.

Across the annals of time, the Scriptures were unveiled in fragments, a mosaic of divine inspiration spanning millennia.

From the pen of kings and statesmen to the humble scribes and visionaries, the voices of forty authors converge to form a harmonious symphony of faith.

Their words echo through the corridors of history, resonating with the timeless truths that transcend the boundaries of mortal understanding.

Though penned in the sands of ancient lands, the Bible's message transcends the constraints of geography.

From the desolate wilderness of Sinai to the bustling streets of Jerusalem, from the grandeur of Solomon's temple to the solitude of Patmos' shores, its verses resound with a universal resonance that transcends cultural divides.

In a world fraught with discord and division, the Bible stands as a beacon of unity and coherence.

It is not a disjointed medley of antiquated beliefs and fables, but a progressive revelation that unfolds with divine precision.

From the wisdom of the Patriarchs to the visions of the Prophets, from the teachings of the Apostles to the grace of the New Covenant, the Old and New Testaments converge as twin pillars of a singular truth.

As we journey through the hallowed pages of this sacred tome, let us embrace the profound unity that binds past, present, and future in a timeless embrace.

For in the words of the prophets and apostles, we find not just a road map to salvation, but a testament to the enduring power of divine love that transcends all boundaries and unites humanity in a tapestry of faith and hope. ```markdown

A. Unveiling the Mysteries of the Sacred Texts

In the intricate tapestry of ancient scriptures, the interwoven threads of the old and the new create a divine harmony that transcends time and space.

Just as the New is "enfolded" in the Old, and the Old is "unfolded" in the New, so too must we delve deep into the layers of wisdom and revelation contained within the sacred texts.

The Bible, a testament to God's divine guidance, speaks to us in a language that is both profound and accessible. Its words, though ancient, hold a timeless power that transcends linguistic barriers.

When translated into any tongue, the essence of its message remains unaltered, infusing each language with the purity of its wisdom.

Within the pages of the Bible, we encounter a trinity of languages:

1- the Figurative,

2-the Symbolical,

3- and the Literal.

Through figurative expressions like "Harden not your heart" or "Let the dead bury their dead," the deeper truths are unveiled, inviting us to discern their meanings within the context of the narrative.

Symbolic language, such as the visions of Nebuchadnezzar's "Colossus" or the portrayal of Christ among the "Seven Candlesticks," beckons us to unravel the mysteries hidden within its imagery.

Like pieces of a divine puzzle, these symbols find their explanations scattered throughout the scriptures, waiting to be discovered by the seeker of truth.

Yet, amidst the veils of symbolism, the Bible also speaks to us in the language of everyday life.

Its narratives, teachings, and exhortations resonate with the cadence of human experience, guiding us through the complexities of faith and morality.

In our quest for understanding, we must approach the scriptures with humility and openness, allowing the text to speak for itself without imposing our preconceptions or biases upon it.

The pitfalls of

a.Misinterpreting,

b. Misapplying, or

c. Dislocating

the sacred texts are ever-present, leading many astray in their search for spiritual truth.

To navigate these treacherous waters, we must embrace the parabolic method of imparting truth, as exemplified by Jesus and the prophets of old.

Through the lens of mystery and metaphor, the deeper layers of meaning within the scriptures are revealed, inviting us to embark on a journey of discovery and enlightenment.

Just as a sealed letter contains hidden truths waiting to be unveiled, so too does the Bible hold within its pages a wealth of wisdom and insight.

By approaching the scriptures with reverence, discernment, and an open heart, we unlock the mysteries of the sacred texts, allowing their transformative power to illuminate our path and guide us on our spiritual journey.

In the realm of the written word, there exists a profound mystery that transcends the mere ink on the pages.

It is a mystery that beckons us to delve deeper, to seek understanding beyond the surface.

The Scriptures, revered by many as a beacon of truth and wisdom, hold within their sacred verses the very essence of divine inspiration.

B. **Unveiling the Source**

The age-old question echoes through the corridors of time - is the Bible God's book or man's creation?

A question that stirs the soul and challenges the intellect.

To unravel this enigma, we must turn our gaze towards the source, towards the divine Author whose presence whispers through the words.

If we view the Scriptures as mere human compositions, devoid of divine intervention, then they are but frail reflections of mortal thoughts.

Yet, if we embrace the belief that God Himself breathed life into these pages, then we behold a tapestry of truth unfurled before us, woven with threads of eternity.

C. **The Hand of Providence**

The Scriptures, with their unflinching gaze into the flaws of humanity, stand as a testament to their divine origin.

They do not shy away from portraying the faults of revered figures like Abraham, Moses, and David.

Instead, they paint a raw and unvarnished picture of human frailty, a testament to the honesty and integrity of the text.

The very essence of inspiration lies in the divine guidance that led the hands of chosen scribes to pen down the sacred words.

It is in this act of divine collaboration that the Scriptures find their true essence, transcending the boundaries of mortal limitations to touch the realms of the eternal.

D. **The Breath of God**

2Tim. 3:16.

2 Timothy 3:16 KJV 1900

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God," proclaims the sacred text.

All Scripture (the Graphe writing),

is given by inspiration

(The op-neu-stos), that is, is-

GOD BREATHED.

In those words, we find the heartbeat of divine revelation pulsating through the verses.

It is a declaration that transcends time and space, affirming the eternal nature of the written word. To understand the concept of inspiration is to grasp the notion that God Himself guided the hands and hearts of men to inscribe His divine will upon the parchment.

It is a testament to the interactive dance between the Creator and His creation, a symphony of truth and wisdom harmonizing in perfect unity.

E. **Embracing the Divine Dialogue**

As we immerse ourselves in the sacred text, let us not merely read but listen.

Let us attune our hearts to the whispers of the Holy Spirit, guiding us through the labyrinth of divine revelation.

For in the dialogue between the soul and the Scriptures, we find not just words on a page, but a living, breathing testament to the eternal truths that transcend all boundaries.

In the tapestry of the Scriptures, woven with threads of divine inspiration, we find not just a collection of words, but a road map to the soul's journey towards salvation.

Let us, therefore, embrace the divine authorship of the Scriptures and delve into their depths with reverence and awe, for in their sacred verses, we discover the timeless wisdom of the ages.

1. The Divine Inspiration of Scripture

In the sacred texts of Matthew and John, a profound truth resonates through the verses, echoing the power of divine inspiration.

Within the 49 chapters and 1950 verses lie the profound words of Jesus, declaring His message not his own but that of the Father who sent Him.

John 12:49, John 12:50.

John 12:49 KJV 1900

For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

John 12:50 KJV 1900

And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

In this revelation, we witness the transcendence of God's ability to write and speak, guiding the words of humanity with divine purpose.

2. Embracing the Wholeness of Inspiration

The essence of divine inspiration permeates every facet of the Bible, from the genealogical tables to the climactic narratives of Exodus.

Even the minutest details, such as the Hebrew letters 'jot' and 'tittle,' bear the sacred imprint of divine guidance.

As Jesus emphasized in Matt. 5:17, Matt. 5:18, every element, no matter how seemingly insignificant, contributes to the complete revelation of God's truth.

Matthew 5:17 KJV 1900

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

Matthew 5:18 KJV 1900

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

3. Illuminating God's Plan

Through History The historical accounts woven into the fabric of scripture, from the Fall of Man to the Great Flood, carry the weight of divine inspiration.

Through the discerning hand of inspired writers, only those narratives essential to unveiling God's eternal purpose were recorded.

The meticulous selection of historical events serves as a beacon, guiding humanity towards a deeper understanding of God's providence.

4. The Divine Collaboration in Writing How did the sacred writers pen the scriptures?

Were they mere conduits of divine revelation, transcribing the words of God without personal agency?

The scriptures attest to a profound collaboration between humanity and the divine, where the sacred writers, moved by the Holy Ghost, articulated the precise thoughts of God.

In 2 Pet. 1:20-21, the scriptures proclaim a unity of purpose, where human interpretation yields to the divine orchestration of truth.

In the symphony of scripture, the harmonious interplay of human agency and divine guidance creates a masterpiece of inspiration, illuminating the path to eternal truth.

2 Peter 1:20–21 KJV 1900

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. Embracing Divine Inspiration:

The Power of Prophetic Revelation In the realms of ancient prophecy, a mystical dance unfolded between human vessels and divine utterances, a sacred symphony orchestrated by unseen hands.

The Old Testament Prophets, guided by a higher power, penned words beyond their comprehension, serving as mere instruments for transcendent truths.

6. **Unveiling Mysteries Beyond Understanding**

The enigma of prophetic revelation shrouded the ancient scribes, as they inscribed messages that transcended their own knowledge.

Like humble scribes transcribing celestial whispers, they surrendered to the divine flow, their words awaiting interpretation by those with eyes to see and ears to hear.

We know that thought can only be expressed in words and those words must express the exact thought of the speaker or writer, otherwise his exact thought is not expressed.

We see then that inerrancy demands that the sacred writer be simply an amanuensis.

This we see is what the Scriptures claim for themselves. In 2 Pet. 1:20-21, we read that-"No prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation."

2 Peter 1:20–21 KJV 1900

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.

That is, no man has a right to say what the Scriptures, according to his opinion, means. Why? Because-

"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."

And this is confirmed by the fact that much that the Old Testament Prophets wrote they did not themselves understand 1Pet. 1:10, 1Pet. 1:11.

1 Peter 1:10 KJV 1900

Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:

1 Peter 1:11 KJV 1900

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.

They must then have seen mere amanuenses, recording words that needed an interpreter.

That they were mere instruments is shown by the fact that not all of them were good or holy men, as Balaam (Num. 22:38; Num. 23:26), King Saul (1Sam. 10:10- 1Sam. 10:12; 1Sam. 19:20-22), the Prophet of Bethel (1Kings 13:7-9; 1Kings 20:22; 1Kings 20:26), and Caiaphas, John 11:49-51.

Numbers 22:38 KJV 1900

And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.

Numbers 23:26 KJV 1900

But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, Told not I thee, saying, All that the Lord speaketh, that I must do?

1 Samuel 10:10–12 KJV 1900

And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them. And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets? And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?

1 Samuel 19:20–22 KJV 1900

And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied. And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also. Then went he also to Ramah, and came to a great well that is in Sechu: and he asked and said, Where are Samuel and David? And one said, Behold, they be at Naioth in Ramah.

1 Kings 13:7–9 KJV 1900

And the king said unto the man of God, Come home with me, and refresh thyself, and I will give thee a reward. And the man of God said unto the king, If thou wilt give me half thine house, I will not go in with thee, neither will I eat bread nor drink water in this place: For so was it charged me by the word of the Lord, saying, Eat no bread, nor drink water, nor turn again by the same way that thou camest.

1 Kings 20:22 KJV 1900

And the prophet came to the king of Israel, and said unto him, Go, strengthen thyself, and mark, and see what thou doest: for at the return of the year the king of Syria will come up against thee.

1 Kings 20:26 KJV 1900

And it came to pass at the return of the year, that Ben-hadad numbered the Syrians, and went up to Aphek, to fight against Israel.

John 11:49–51 KJV 1900

And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;

7. **Instruments of the Sacred Word**

Not all who bore the mantle of prophecy walked the path of righteousness, for even flawed vessels could serve as channels for divine communication.

From the enigmatic Balaam to the conflicted King Saul, the tapestry of prophecy was woven by a diverse array of souls, each playing a unique role in the grand design.

8. **The Sacred Covenant of Divine Utterance**

Within the sacred scriptures, the echoes of God's voice resounded through the ages, as prophets attested to receiving direct revelations from the Almighty.

With unwavering faith, Moses, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and a host of others proclaimed, "The Lord said," bearing witness to the sanctity of their divine commission.

Behold, I have put My Words In Thy Mouth." Jer. 1:6-8.

Jeremiah 1:6–8 KJV 1900

Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.

Ezekiel, Daniel, and all the prophets make the same claim.

The expressions-"The Lord Said," "The Lord Spake Saying," "Thus Saith the Lord, " etc., etc., occur 560 times in the Pentateuch, 300 times in the Historical and Prophetical books, 1200 times in the Prophets (24 times in Malachi alone), in all over 2000 times in the Old Testament, thus proving the statement of Peter, that Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

9. **Diverse Voices, Unified Truth**

The tapestry of prophetic voices bore witness to the multifaceted nature of divine communication, as each messenger brought forth a unique expression of the eternal truth.

From the visionary symbolism of Ezekiel to the poetic musings of David, the varied styles of the prophets reflected the multifaceted nature of divine inspiration.

10. **The Art of Divine Paraphrase**

In the intricate tapestry of scripture, the art of divine paraphrase revealed the fluidity of prophetic revelation.

As the Apostle James reimagined the words of Amos, the essence of the message remained unaltered, transcending literal interpretation to capture the spirit of eternal truth.

11. **Unlocking the Sacred Code**

In the labyrinthine corridors of prophetic scripture, the key to unlocking its mysteries lies not in rigid adherence to literalism but in embracing the fluidity of divine inspiration.

As we delve into the depths of ancient prophecy, let us seek not just words on a page but the living essence of divine truth, transcending human limitations to embrace the boundless wisdom of the ages.

In the symphony of prophetic revelation, let us be attuned to the whispers of the divine, for in the sacred dance of inspiration, we find not just words but the eternal song of the universe, echoing through the corridors of time.

I) Embracing Divine Inspiration:

Unveiling the Spiritual Journey In the realm of divine revelation, the essence of inspiration transcends mere words on a page; it embodies the very essence of the Holy Spirit weaving through the tapestry of human existence.

As we delve into the depths of spiritual enlightenment, we are beckoned to explore the profound connection between the Spirit of Christ and the prophetic voices that echo through the ages.

II) The Symphony of Spiritual Illumination

In the sacred text of 1 Peter 1:11, we are reminded of the divine orchestration where the "Spirit of Christ" resonates through the souls of the prophets, foretelling the solemn path of His suffering.

1 Peter 1:11 KJV 1900

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.

It is in this divine communion that the veil between the earthly realm and the heavenly sphere is lifted, revealing the timeless truths that reverberate through the corridors of time.

III) Unveiling the Veil of Revelation

As we ponder the distinction between mere mortal inspiration and the divine breath of revelation, we are reminded of the sacred covenant that binds humanity to the eternal wisdom of God.

The revelation bestowed upon us is not merely a glimpse into the unknown but a profound unveiling of the intricate web of God's divine plan for the ages.

IV) A Tapestry of Spiritual Understanding

In the realm of spiritual illumination, the Holy Spirit dances with grace and wisdom, illuminating the path of the seeker with divine light.

Through the lens of spiritual discernment, we are guided to unravel the mysteries of the scriptures, allowing our hearts to be ignited with the fervor of divine revelation.

That is an illuminating statement in 1Pet. 1:11, where the Apostle tells us that it was the "Spirit of Christ" that testified through the Prophets of His "Sufferings."

1 Peter 1:11 KJV 1900

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.

That is, the "Spirit of Christ" took possession of the Prophets and through them forecast or prophesied his "Sufferings" on the Cross, as in Isa. 53:1-3.

Isaiah 53:1–3 KJV 1900

Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, And as a root out of a dry ground: He hath no form nor comeliness; And when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: And we hid as it were our faces from him; He was despised, and we esteemed him not.

V) The Eternal Flame of Preservation

In the hallowed presence of the Holy Spirit, we are not merely vessels of inspiration but conduits of divine truth.

As we traverse the sacred path of spiritual Illumination, may our souls be kindled with the eternal flame of wisdom, illuminating the path to a deeper understanding of God's eternal purpose in the ages.

VI) Embracing the Divine Tapestry

In the grand tapestry of existence, let us embrace the divine threads of inspiration, revelation, allow me to add one more piece to the divine tapestry , Preservation and illumination, weaving a symphony of spiritual understanding that transcends the boundaries of time and space.

"Spiritual Illumination" is different from Bible Inspiration , Revelation, preservation.

It is the Work of the Holy Spirit in the Believer, by which he has his "Spiritual Understanding" opened to understand the Scriptures. John 16:12-14.

John 16:12–14 KJV 1900

I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

The "Natural Man" cannot receive the things of the spirit of God, " neither can he know them, because are Spiritually Discerned. 1Cor. 2:11-13.

1 Corinthians 2:11–13 KJV 1900

For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

As we embark on this sacred journey, may our hearts be open to the whispers of the Holy Spirit, guiding us towards a deeper communion with the eternal mysteries of God's divine plan for the ages.