Biblical prophecy reveals God’s sovereign plan for humanity, providing a roadmap for the past, present, and future. It demonstrates His faithfulness to fulfil His promises and offers believers hope as they anticipate His redemptive plan’s culmination. While some prophecies have already been fulfilled, others point to future events, including the return of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This guide explores the nature, purpose, and significance of biblical prophecy, equipping believers to understand and apply its truths in their lives.
The Nature of Biblical Prophecy
1. Prophecy is God’s Revelation
Prophecy is not speculation but divine revelation from God, delivered through His chosen messengers:
“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.” (2 Peter 1:20-21)
2. Prophecy is Both Forth-Telling and Foretelling
Biblical prophecy includes declarations of God’s truth for the present (forth-telling) and predictions of future events (foretelling):
“And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.” (John 14:29)
3. Prophecy Points to Christ
The ultimate purpose of prophecy is to reveal Jesus Christ as the centre of God’s redemptive plan:
“For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Revelation 19:10)
The Purpose of Biblical Prophecy
1. To Reveal God’s Sovereignty
Prophecy demonstrates that God is in control of history and that His purposes will be accomplished:
“Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.” (Isaiah 46:10)
2. To Build Faith
Fulfilled prophecy strengthens our faith in God’s Word and His promises:
“And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.” (Luke 24:44)
3. To Provide Hope
Prophecy offers hope by reminding us of God’s ultimate victory over sin, evil, and death:
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
4. To Call People to Repentance
Many prophecies include warnings of judgment, urging people to turn from sin and return to God:
“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.” (Ezekiel 18:30)
Key Themes in Biblical Prophecy
1. The First Coming of Christ
Prophecies about the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus were fulfilled in His first coming:
“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel.” (Micah 5:2)
2. The Return of Christ
The New Testament is filled with prophecies about Christ’s second coming, when He will judge the world and establish His kingdom:
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
3. The Establishment of God’s Kingdom
Prophecy assures us of the ultimate establishment of God’s eternal kingdom, where righteousness and peace will reign:
“And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.” (Daniel 7:27)
4. The New Heaven and New Earth
The Book of Revelation describes the final restoration of creation, where God will dwell with His people forever:
“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” (Revelation 21:1)
How to Understand Biblical Prophecy
1. Study Prophecy in Context
Understanding the historical and cultural context of a prophecy helps clarify its meaning and application:
“Rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
2. Recognise Fulfilled Prophecies
Study prophecies that have already been fulfilled to see how God’s Word is reliable and trustworthy:
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” (Matthew 5:17)
3. Look for Christ in Prophecy
Every prophecy ultimately points to Jesus Christ and His redemptive work:
“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27)
4. Interpret Prophecy with Humility
Prophecy often includes symbolic language and mysteries that require careful interpretation. Avoid speculation and focus on God’s revealed truth:
“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face.” (1 Corinthians 13:12)
Practical Applications of Biblical Prophecy
1. Live with Expectation
Prophecy reminds us to live in anticipation of Christ’s return, staying faithful and ready:
“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 24:44)
2. Share the Gospel Urgently
The certainty of God’s plan compels us to share the gospel with those who do not yet know Him:
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matthew 24:14)
3. Trust in God’s Sovereignty
Knowing that God controls the future gives us peace in uncertain times:
“The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.” (Psalm 33:11)
4. Persevere Through Trials
Prophecy assures us that present suffering is temporary and that God’s ultimate victory is certain:
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)
A Prayer for Understanding Prophecy
Lord, open my eyes to Your perfect plan,
Reveal to my heart the work of Your hand.
Teach me to trust Your Word so true,
To live in hope and to wait on You.
Help me proclaim Your truth and grace,
Until we see You face to face.
Strengthen my faith in the things to come,
In Jesus’ name, my Lord, Your kingdom come.
Amen.
In Conclusion
Biblical prophecy is a profound testament to God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and redemptive plan. It provides clarity for the present, hope for the future, and confidence in God’s promises.
May you study prophecy with reverence and faith, allowing it to deepen your trust in God and inspire you to live with purpose and expectation. Let its truths shape your life as you await the glorious return of Christ and the fulfilment of His eternal plan.
