The Nature Of Bible Prophecy

“I’m interested in the future, because that’s where I’m going to spend the remainder of my life.” - Dwight Eisenhower

I. BIBLE PROPHECY ORIGINATES IN THE MIND OF GOD.

“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 Peter 1:21 (KJV)

1. Thus, it is accurate.

2. Thus, it is certain.

II. BIBLE PROPHECY OFTEN CARRIES MANY FULFILLMENTS.

1. A historical Antichrist (Old Testament)

2. A future Antichrist (New Testament)

III. BIBLE PROPHECY OFTEN ASTONISHES EVEN THE PROPHET.

1. Daniel got sick.

2. Daniel was confused.

3. Daniel was led to confession.

IV. BIBLE PROPHECY REQUIRES RESPONSE.

#1: Bible Prophecy Has a Cleansing Influence.

“Yes, dear friends, we are already God’s children, and we can’t even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when he comes we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who believe this will keep themselves pure, just as Christ is pure.” 1 John 3:2-3 (NLT)

#2: Bible Prophecy Has a Calming Influence.

“Don’t be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know where I am going and how to get there.” John 14:1-3 (NLT)

#3: Bible Prophecy Has a Comforting Influence.

“Now, concerning those who from time to time pass away, we would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, lest you should mourn as others do who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus has died and risen again, we also believe that, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who shall have passed away. For this we declare to you on the Lord's own authority--that we who are alive and continue on earth until the Coming of the Lord, shall certainly not forestall those who shall have previously passed away. For the Lord Himself will come down from Heaven with a loud word of command, and with an archangel's voice and the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Afterwards we who are alive and are still on earth will be caught up in their company amid clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we shall be with the Lord for ever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. “1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (WNT)

#4: Bible Prophecy Has a Controlling Influence.

“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NLT)