Topical Encyclopedia The concept of prophecy in the Bible is not merely about foretelling future events but encompasses the revelation of God's will and purpose for humanity. The blessedness associated with reading, hearing, and keeping prophecy is a theme that underscores the transformative power of God's Word and the spiritual enrichment it brings to believers.Scriptural Foundation The Book of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament, explicitly highlights the blessedness of engaging with prophecy. Revelation 1:3 states, "Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey what is written in it, because the time is near." This verse sets the tone for the entire book, emphasizing the importance of not only reading and hearing the prophetic words but also keeping them—living in accordance with the divine truths revealed. Reading Prophecy Reading prophecy involves an active engagement with the Scriptures. It is an invitation to delve into the mysteries of God's plan and to gain insight into His character and purposes. The act of reading is not a passive exercise but a spiritual discipline that requires attentiveness and openness to the Holy Spirit's guidance. The Berean approach to Scripture, characterized by diligent study and examination, is encouraged for those who seek to understand prophetic writings deeply. Hearing Prophecy Hearing prophecy goes beyond the mere auditory reception of words. It involves a heart posture of receptivity and humility, acknowledging the authority of God's Word. Romans 10:17 reminds us, "Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." Hearing prophecy, therefore, is integral to the growth of faith, as it allows the believer to internalize and respond to God's revelations. Keeping Prophecy Keeping prophecy is the practical outworking of reading and hearing. It involves obedience and the application of prophetic truths to one's life. James 1:22 exhorts believers, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." The blessedness of keeping prophecy is found in the alignment of one's life with God's will, resulting in spiritual maturity and readiness for the fulfillment of God's promises. The Role of Prophecy in the Believer's Life Prophecy serves as a source of hope and encouragement, especially in times of trial and uncertainty. It reassures believers of God's sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom. The prophetic messages throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament prophets to the apocalyptic visions in Revelation, provide a framework for understanding God's redemptive plan and the believer's role within it. The Eschatological Perspective The eschatological nature of many prophecies, particularly in the New Testament, calls believers to live with an eternal perspective. The anticipation of Christ's return and the establishment of His kingdom motivates a life of holiness and vigilance. The blessedness of engaging with prophecy is thus intertwined with the hope of future glory and the assurance of God's faithfulness. In summary, the blessedness of reading, hearing, and keeping prophecy is a multifaceted experience that enriches the believer's spiritual journey. It fosters a deeper relationship with God, cultivates faith, and inspires a life of obedience and hope. Through prophecy, believers are invited to participate in the unfolding narrative of God's redemptive work in the world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 1:3Blessed is he that reads, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 22:7 Library Walking with God Letter cxxxvii. (AD 412. ) Matt. xxi. 33-44. Translated from the Greek. Faustus Willing to Believe not Only that the Jewish but that all ... Homilies on the Gospel of John. Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects. The Plenary Inspiration of Every Part of the Bible, vindicated and ... Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men A Treatise of the Fear of God; Resources What is the spiritual gift of prophecy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the prophecy of St. Malachy? | GotQuestions.org What is the prophecy of 2,300 days in Daniel? | GotQuestions.org Prophecy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Prophecy is a Light in Dark Place Prophecy is for the Benefit of After Ages Prophecy is not of Private Interpretation Prophecy is the Foretelling of Future Events Prophecy: (Respecting Individuals, See Under Their Names) of Apostasy Prophecy: (Respecting Individuals, See Under Their Names): Amos Prophecy: (Respecting Individuals, See Under Their Names): Cessation of Prophecy: (Respecting Individuals, See Under Their Names): Elijah Prophecy: (Respecting Individuals, See Under Their Names): Exemplified in Pantomime Prophecy: (Respecting Individuals, See Under Their Names): Ezekiel Prophecy: (Respecting Individuals, See Under Their Names): False Teachers Prophecy: (Respecting Individuals, See Under Their Names): Haggai Prophecy: (Respecting Individuals, See Under Their Names): Inspired Prophecy: (Respecting Individuals, See Under Their Names): Isaiah Prophecy: (Respecting Individuals, See Under Their Names): Jeremiah Prophecy: (Respecting Individuals, See Under Their Names): Jonah Prophecy: (Respecting Individuals, See Under Their Names): Proof of God's Foreknowledge Prophecy: (Respecting Individuals, See Under Their Names): Publicly Proclaimed Prophecy: (Respecting Individuals, See Under Their Names): Sure Fulfillment of Prophecy: (Respecting Individuals, See Under Their Names): Tribulations of the Righteous Prophecy: (Respecting Individuals, See Under Their Names): Written in Books Prophecy: (Respecting Individuals, See Under Their Names): Zechariah Prophecy: A Gift of the Holy Spirit Prophecy: Blessedness of Reading, Hearing, and Keeping Prophecy: Came not by the Will of Man Prophecy: Christ the Great Subject of Prophecy: Fulfilled Respecting Christ Prophecy: Gift of, Sometimes Possessed by Unconverted Men Prophecy: Given from the Beginning Prophecy: God Gives, Through Christ Prophecy: God is the Author of Prophecy: Guilt of Pretending to the Gift of Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Cannibalism Among the People of Israel Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Captivity of the Jews Predicted and Fulfilled Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Concerning John the Baptist (As the Forerunner of the Messiah) Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Concerning the Rebuilding of Jericho Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Conquests of Jeroboam Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Death of the Prophet of Judah Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Destruction of Ben-Hadad's Army Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Destruction of Sennacherib's Army, and his Death Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Extinction of Baasha's House Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Extinction of Jeroboam's House Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Jezebel's Tragic Death Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Judas Iscariot's Self-Destruction Predicted Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Judas' Self-Destruction Fulfilled Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Rachel Weeping for Her Children Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Spiritual Blindness of the Jewish Leaders Predicted Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: That Blindness Fulfilled Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: That Purpose Fulfilled Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Betrayal of Jesus by Judas Fulfilled Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot Predicted Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Birth and Zeal of Josiah Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Captivity of the Southern Kingdom (Judah) Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Death of a Man Who Refused to Strike a Prophet Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Death of Ahab Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Death of Ahaziah Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Death of the Samaritan Lord Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Deliverance of Jeremiah Predicted and Fulfilled Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Destruction of the Ship Predicted and Fulfilled Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Drought, Foretold by Elijah Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The End of the Famine in Samaria Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Invasion of Judah by the Chaldeans Fulfilled Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Invasion of the Southern Kingdom by the Chaldeans Predicted Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Mission of Jesus Predicted Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit Predicted Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Outpouring of the Spirit Fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Striking of Syria by Joash Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Transporting of Elijah to the Heavens Prophecy: Old Testament Messianic Passages Quoted in the New Testament Prophecy: Punishment For: Adding To, or Taking From Prophecy: Punishment For: Not Giving Ear To Prophecy: Punishment For: Pretending to the Gift of Prophecy: They Who Uttered: Filled With the Holy Spirit Prophecy: They Who Uttered: Moved by the Holy Spirit Prophecy: They Who Uttered: Ordained by God Prophecy: They Who Uttered: Raised up by God Prophecy: They Who Uttered: Sent by Christ Prophecy: They Who Uttered: Sent by God Prophecy: They Who Uttered: Spoke by the Holy Spirit Prophecy: They Who Uttered: Spoke in the Name of the Lord Prophecy: They Who Uttered: Spoke With Authority Prophecy: Written by an Amanuensis Related Terms |