Prophecy, Why Given

The Giving of Prophecy

Why were the Sacred Writings given?

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4. 

What by means is all Scripture given?

“All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16. 

For what is it profitable?

“Useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness” Verse 16.

How was the prophecy given?

“For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:21.  

Secrets of the Future

What is the Lord able to do regarding the future?

“See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.” Isaiah 42:9.

How far-reaching is God’s ability to reveal the future?

“Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning. From ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.”

Isaiah 46: 9, 10. 

Note – Since God knows all things; the future is present with God. More, perhaps, than any other one thing, the prophecies of the Bible and their fulfillment bear witness to its divine inspiration.

To whom does God reveal the secrets of the future?

“Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.” Amos 3:7.

To whom do the things which have been revealed belong?

“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.” Deuteronomy 29:29.

More Certain Than Sight

What testimony did the Apostle Peter bear concerning his experience on the Mount of Transfiguration? 

“We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” 2 Peter 1:16. 

When did he say he saw the majesty of Christ and heard the voice from heaven?

‘We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the scared mountain.” Verse 18.

How does he emphasize the reliability of prophecy?

“And we have the word of the prophets made more certain. Verse 19

Note – Every fulfillment of prophecy is a confirmation of the truthfulness and reliability of prophecy.

What admonition is therefore given?

“And you will do well to pay attention to it, as a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” Verse 19. 

Jesus and the Theme of Prophecy

What has ever been the theme of God’s prophets?

“For you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care.” 1 Peter 1: 9, 10.

Whose Spirit inspired their utterances?

“Trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.”

Verse 11. 

In what prophecy did Christ recognize Daniel as a prophet?

“So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that caused desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel – let the reader understand – then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” Matthew 24:15.

To what time were the prophecies of Daniel, as a whole, to be sealed?

“But you, Daniel, close up and seal the worlds of the scroll until the time of the end. many will go here and there to increase knowledge.” Daniel 12:4.

What assurance was given by the angel that these prophecies would be understood in the last days?

He replied, “Go your way Daniel, because the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end. Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.” Verses 9, 10.

What is the last book of the Bible called?

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what soon must take place. .He made it known to his servant John.” Revelation 1:1.

What is said of those who read, hear, and keep the things contained in this book?

“Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” Verse 3.

The Book of Books

Within this ample volume lies

The mystery of mysteries.

Happiest they of human race

To whom their God has given grace

To read, to fear, to hope, to pray,

To lift the latch, to force the way;

But better had they ne’er been born

That read to doubt or read to scorn.