Topical Encyclopedia
Prophecy in the Bible serves as a divine communication from God, often revealing His will, purpose, and plan for humanity. The fulfillment of prophecy is a testament to the sovereignty and omniscience of God, demonstrating His control over history and His faithfulness to His word. Throughout Scripture, various prophecies have been fulfilled, each serving a specific purpose in God's redemptive plan.
Purpose of ProphecyThe primary purpose of prophecy is to reveal God's will and to guide His people. Prophecies often serve to warn, instruct, or encourage the faithful, providing insight into God's character and His expectations for His followers. In the Old Testament, prophets were raised to call Israel back to covenant faithfulness, to warn of impending judgment, or to foretell the coming of the Messiah. In the New Testament, prophecy continues to play a crucial role in affirming the identity and mission of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the Church.
Fulfilled Prophecies1.
The Birth of Jesus Christ: One of the most significant fulfilled prophecies is the birth of Jesus Christ. The prophet Isaiah foretold the virgin birth, saying, "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel" (
Isaiah 7:14). This prophecy was fulfilled in the New Testament, as recorded in
Matthew 1:22-23, where the birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary is described as the fulfillment of Isaiah's words.
2.
The Suffering Servant:
Isaiah 53 provides a detailed prophecy of the suffering and atoning work of the Messiah. It describes a servant who would be "pierced for our transgressions" and "crushed for our iniquities" (
Isaiah 53:5). This prophecy finds its fulfillment in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, as the New Testament writers affirm that Jesus' death and resurrection were in accordance with the Scriptures (
1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
3.
The Destruction of Jerusalem: Jesus Himself prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, saying, "Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down" (
Matthew 24:2). This prophecy was fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the Roman army, led by Titus, destroyed Jerusalem and the Second Temple, marking a significant moment in Jewish history.
4.
The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit: The prophet Joel spoke of a time when God would pour out His Spirit on all people: "And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions" (
Joel 2:28). This prophecy was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, as described in
Acts 2, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to preach the Gospel with boldness.
The Role of Fulfilled ProphecyFulfilled prophecy serves to confirm the reliability and authority of Scripture. It demonstrates that God's word is true and trustworthy, providing believers with assurance that God's promises will come to pass. The fulfillment of prophecy also serves as a witness to the world, pointing to the divine nature of the Bible and the truth of the Christian faith. As believers reflect on fulfilled prophecies, they are reminded of God's faithfulness and are encouraged to trust in His future promises.
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Ephesians 4:8,10Why he said, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
Miscellaneous Subjects.
... Miscellaneous Subjects. ... Such argument betrays ignorance in the nature and spirit
of prophecy. ... When he came its object or purpose was fulfilled and had an end. ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xvi miscellaneous subjects.htm
The Hidden Treasure.
... the four exoteric parables addressed to a miscellaneous assembly, and ... it wrapped
up in allegoric prophecy which nothing ... to drop when it has fulfilled its office ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/v the hidden treasure.htm
Introduction.
... ably, moreover, have our predecessors fulfilled their tasks ... people's regard, explained
the prophecy to their ... to good account your miscellaneous observation of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/introduction.htm
An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
... this time the debate became miscellaneous and repetitious ... The original promise was
fulfilled in the ... charge, unmindful of what law, prophecy, Psalms, Apostles ...
/.../chapter ii name analysis of.htm
The Deists.
... Lord Shaftesbury's 'Miscellaneous Essays,' which were ultimately grouped in ... that
these prophecies were fulfilled not in ... its fulfilment of prophecy, its miracles ...
/.../abbey/the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter iii the deists.htm
Resources
Is Zechariah 11:12-13 a Messianic prophecy? | GotQuestions.orgHave any aspects of end times prophecy been fulfilled? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does Matthew 27:9 attribute the prophecy to Jeremiah when it is from Zechariah? | GotQuestions.orgProphecy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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