Are we really supposed to interpret Prophecy of Scripture? Does the Bible give us any instruction regarding this subject? Let's see if we can find some Biblical instruction.
The Apostle Peter said...for we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty...II Pet. 1:16. Peter had first hand knowledge of the first coming of Jesus Christ, so what he says about prophecy of scripture can be trusted. Peter went on to say...no prophecy of scripture is of any private interpretation...for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit...II Peter. 1:20-21. Why do we disobey the Apostle Peter?
Did Jesus explain to us the purpose of prophecy of scripture?
1. Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass you may believe that I am He.
John 13:19.
2. And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe.
John 14:29
3. But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told.
John 16.4.
Can you find anywhere in these words of Jesus, explaining the purpose of prophecy of scripture, where He instructs us to interpret His prophecies? So why do human beings insist on interpreting prophecy of scripture? I wish I knew, but I am sure that pride, competition and greed play a part. Thousands of books and movies on this topic have flooded the market, generating millions of dollars for the producers, making millions of famous people. Men still clamor to be the first to be credited with "all knowledge" -- the one who cracked the code, so to speak.
What did God say regarding His promises...now the just shall live by faith; and if any man draws back, my soul has no pleasure in him...Heb. 10:38. If we draw back from living by faith, God will have no pleasure in us. God doesn't ask us to interpret Him, He asks us to trust Him with our future. No wonder Jesus said...when the Son of Man comes, will he really find faith on the earth?...Luke 18:8. This is a very sobering statement - one we should meditate on.
Most of you know that Sir Isaac Newton is an acclaimed scientist. But did you know that he was an avid researcher of prophecy of scripture? In the pursuit of prophetic understanding he made a profound statement in 1692, which perfectly confirms our study at this time. He said, "The folly of interpreters has been, to foretell times and things, by this Prophecy, as if God designed to make them Prophets. By this rashness they have not only exposed themselves, but brought the Prophecy also into contempt. He (God) gave the Prophecies, not to gratify men's curiosities by enabling them to foreknow things, but that after they were fulfilled they might be interpreted by the event and His own providence, not the interpreters--the event predicted many ages before, will then be a convincing argument that the world is governed by Providence.
Sir Isaac Newton said that the folly of interpreters is to foretell time & things by using this Prophecy, as if God designed to make them Prophets. He understood clearly, and aligned his opinions regarding prophecy of scripture with the Apostle Peter, and Jesus Christ. When the prophecy is fulfilled it is interpreted by the fulfilled event - and God gets all the praise and glory for foretelling His plans for men on the earth. Now isn't this exactly what Jesus said about the purpose of prophecy of scripture?
We must study prophecy of scripture, because some of the verses are clear as a bell as to their meaning, but we still won't know the time of fulfillment, unless of course, that prophecy has already been fulfilled and historically documented. We are allowed to define the metaphors, enigmas, riddles and esoteric imagery in prophecy of scripture in order to unlock the message of the prophecy and identify the participants. God wants us to understand, reveals to His friends some things, so we can cooperate with Him, rather than work against His plans and purposes for us.
It is up to us to search historical documents to find where prophecy has been fulfilled and place it in its proper sequential date of fulfillment, so we can sort out unfulfilled scripture from fulfilled scripture
When we were last together I asked, "Do we have a more detailed description of the End of the World generation than we did of those who perished in Noah's flood?" Yes we do, and more signs of the times are appearing on a daily basis. Yet, Jesus said...But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only...Matt. 24:36. Flee from anyone who gives exact dates for the return of the Lord Jesus and the end of the world. But we are to be discerners of the times by watching the signs of the times.
When the apostles asked Jesus what events will signal His return and the end of the world, He went into great detail about the signs they should watch for -- many false teachers; wars--nations will turn against nations; earthquakes in various places; famines & pestilence; fearful sights & signs from Heaven; signs in the sun, moon & stars; distress of nations on the earth with perplexity; men's hearts failing them from the expectations of these things coming on the earth; persecution of His Church...Luke 21:7-28.
We know that the apostles believed that Jesus would return in their day, producing the end of the world. While the apostles did experience some of these things, Jesus was explaining in detail what must precede His return so they could write it down, so future generations would watch for these signs, and be prepared for His return - someday He will return.
Rather than seeking God, many in the 21st century are seeking guidance from spirit guides, psychics, and mediums. Is this a sign of the times? Stay tuned...
God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question~~~
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