Prophecy in the Bible
Taken in part from the Power Pint presentation: Study of the Future Events by James F. Davis
The Worlds Worst Predictions:
-King George II said in 1773 that the American colonies had little stomach for revolution.
– An official of the White Star Line, speaking of the firm’s newly built flagship, the Titanic, launched in 1912, declared that the ship was unsinkable.
– In 1939, The New York Times said the problem of TV was that people had to give their eyes to a screen, and that the average American wouldn’t have time for it.
– An English astronomy professor said in the early 19th century that air travel at high speed would be impossible because passengers would suffocate.
Question: How do we know that the Bible can predict future events?
Answer: The Bible has a 100% track record of doing so.
* Daniel predicted Alexander the Great
* Micah predicted Jesus would be born in Bethlehem
* Jeremiah predicted the 70 year captivity
* Jesus predicted the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.
* And the list goes on and on and on…
The Importance of Biblical Prophecy
J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy lists 1,239 prophecies in the Old Testament and 578 prophecies in the New Testament, for a total of 1,817. These encompass 8,352 verses out of 31,102. Thus, about 26-27% of the Bible is biblical prophecy.
Thus, one would have to conclude that biblical prophecy is important in the Bible and worthy of study.
The Fact of Christ’s Coming
The Second Coming of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:7)
It was foretold by:
– Prophets (Daniel 7:13)
– Apostles (1 Timothy 6:14)
– Angels (Acts 1:1-10-11)
– Christ Himself (John 14:3)
The Two Aspect so Christ’s Coming
Rapture Revelation
Thief in the night (1 Thess. 5:2) As a King (Rev. 1:7)
For His Saints (1 Thess. 4:16-17) With His Saints (1 Thess. 3:13)
Unexpected (Matt. 24:44) Heralded (Rev. 19:11-16)
Man of Sin Revealed (2 Thess. 2:3) Man of Sin Destroyed (2 Thess. 2:8)
Tribulation Period
The “Tribulation” or “Great Tribulation” is an unpredicted time of suffering and trial in the world that immediately precedes the second coming of the Lord. (Matthew 24:21-22; Revelation 7:13-14)
What is the Tribulation?
– It’s a period that last 7 years (Daniel 9:27; Revelation 13:5).
– It’s a time of God’s wrath (Revelation 6:17) and involves at least three series of judgements from God toward the world that are global in nature (Revelation -18).
– The suffering and conflict will be greater that has ever been seen (Matthew 24:21-22).
– It involves a unique manifestation f evil driven by the Devil, the Antichrist and the False Prophet Revelation 13).
– People will be faced with a stark choice to repent and worship God or follow evil and receive the consequences of this choice (Revelation 9:20-21).
The Teaching of the Rapture
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-52
Rapture Views – Three major Views of “when”
– Pre-tribulation View: Rapture at beginning of the 7 year tribulation.
– Mid-tribulation View (Pre-wrath View): Rapture is in the middle or somewhat after the middle of the 7 year tribulation period.
– Post-tribulation View: Premature at the end of the 7 year tribulation.
Basic Arguments for the Pre-tribulation Rapture View:
1. Daniel’s 70 week prophecy, he states are for “his people” (Daniel 9:24). This must refer to national Israel and since the first 69 weeks primarily refer to the time when God is focusing His program on the nation of Israel it make sense that the 70th week would as well. The 70th week, a seven year period, is the same length of time of the tribulation and Daniel’s events fit well with a future tribulational framework (abomination of desolation (Matthew 24:15), etc.).
2. While the church is explicitly mentioned many times in Revelation 2-3, it is not explicitly mentioned once in chapters 4-19. It is true that believers are described in Revelation 7:9-17, but they are not described as the “church.” During Revelation 4-19 the focus appears to be on the tribes of Israel (Revelation 7:1-8).
3. In Revelation 3:10, the church is to be kept from the hour or time of trial that is coming on the whole world, not protected through it. We are not just kept from the trial but kept from the time of it. The phrase “to test those who dwell on the earth” (cf. Revelation 6:10; 8:13; 11:10; 13:8, 14; 17:2, 8) is God’s purpose for the event and refers to the unbelieving world some of whom will turn in belief to God.
4. Lastly, the church is not appointed to wrath (1Thessalonians 5:9), and it is clear that even from right at the start of the tribulation God’s wrath is unleashed in terrifying force (Revelation 6:16-17).