What role does prophecy play in understanding God's will in Ezekiel 21:1? The inspired text - “Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,” (Ezekiel 21:1) Prophecy delivers God’s own voice - “The word of the LORD” signals direct revelation, never mere human opinion (2 Peter 1:20-21). - Because Scripture is accurate and literal, the prophet records God’s will exactly as spoken. Prophecy makes God’s immediate will unmistakable - In this chapter the announced “sword” against Jerusalem states precisely what God is about to do. - Amos 3:7 shows the pattern: God reveals His plan to prophets before acting. Prophecy issues a merciful warning - Judgment foretold is also an invitation to repent (Ezekiel 33:11). - By heeding the prophetic word, hearers can realign with God’s moral will and avoid discipline. Prophecy vindicates divine sovereignty - Fulfillment proves “I the LORD have spoken” (Ezekiel 21:5), displaying total control over history. - Isaiah 46:9-10 links fulfilled prophecy with God’s unique authority to declare the end from the beginning. Prophecy strengthens steadfast faith - Every realized prophecy, from Joshua 21:45 to Christ’s first coming (Hebrews 1:1-2), confirms that God keeps His word. - Believers rest on the certainty that future promises stand as firm as past fulfillments. Living in light of prophetic revelation - Receive every prophetic word in Scripture as unerring truth. - Submit attitudes and decisions to the will God has plainly spoken. - Trust that God’s revealed purposes will come to pass exactly as declared. |
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