Topical Bible: Prophecy is for the Benefit of After Ages

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Prophecy, as presented in the Bible, serves a multifaceted purpose, one of which is to benefit future generations. This concept is woven throughout the Scriptures, where prophetic messages often transcend the immediate context and speak to the unfolding of God's plan across the ages.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Peter emphasizes the enduring nature of prophecy in his epistle, highlighting its relevance for future believers. In 2 Peter 1:19, he writes, "We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts." This passage underscores the prophetic word as a guiding light, not only for its original audience but for all who come after.

The Old Testament prophets often delivered messages that had both immediate and far-reaching implications. For instance, the prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah were not only pertinent to the people of Israel but also pointed to the hope and salvation available to all humanity through Jesus Christ. Isaiah 9:6-7 speaks of a child born to us, whose government and peace will have no end, a prophecy fulfilled in Christ and still relevant to believers today.

Purpose and Fulfillment

Prophecy serves to reveal God's sovereign plan and to assure believers of His control over history. The fulfillment of prophecy in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is a testament to its reliability and divine origin. As stated in Luke 24:44, Jesus Himself affirmed, "These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms."

The prophetic writings also serve as a source of encouragement and hope for future generations. The Book of Revelation, for example, provides a vision of the ultimate triumph of God over evil, offering assurance to believers facing persecution and trials. Revelation 1:3 pronounces a blessing on those who read and heed the words of the prophecy, indicating its ongoing relevance and benefit.

Instruction and Warning

Prophecy is not only a source of hope but also a means of instruction and warning. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 10:11, refers to the events of the Old Testament as examples written down for our admonition, "on whom the ends of the ages have come." This suggests that the lessons contained within prophetic narratives are intended to guide and instruct future generations in righteousness and faithfulness.

The prophetic books often contain calls to repentance and warnings of judgment, serving as reminders of God's holiness and justice. These messages are timeless, urging each generation to turn to God and live according to His statutes.

Continuity and Consistency

The continuity of prophecy throughout the Bible demonstrates its divine origin and purpose. From Genesis to Revelation, prophecy reveals a consistent narrative of redemption and restoration. The promises made to Abraham, the covenant with David, and the new covenant prophesied by Jeremiah all find their fulfillment in Christ and extend their blessings to all who believe.

In Romans 15:4, Paul writes, "For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope." This encapsulates the enduring benefit of prophecy, providing instruction, encouragement, and hope to believers across the ages.

Conclusion

The prophetic word, as recorded in the Bible, is a testament to God's unchanging nature and His eternal plan for humanity. It serves as a beacon of light, guiding and instructing believers throughout history and into the future. Through prophecy, God communicates His purposes, offers hope, and calls each generation to faithfulness and obedience.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 1:12
To whom it was revealed, that not to themselves, but to us they did minister the things, which are now reported to you by them that have preached the gospel to you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Need of the New Testament Scripture.
... that heareth the words of the prophecy of this ... church of Rome, have imagined that
after eighteen centuries ... What is the benefit of writing under the direction ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxiv the need of the.htm

Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge.
... will, the knowledge of it does not benefit us ... if we have not a constant hunger and
thirst after the full ... king, and had confirmed his preaching and prophecy by a ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty fourth sunday after trinity.htm

The Prophetic Theme. Rev. Gervase Smith.
... of the Church: their search is for their own personal benefit. ... "Sweet is the harp
of prophecy; too sweet ... ran by, and flowed still forward to after ages; and by ...
/.../the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the prophetic theme rev gervase.htm

Christ and his Cross the Centre of the Universe
... of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy' then I ... with which He met His disciples after
the Resurrection: 'O ... Christ, other orders of creatures do benefit thereby, and ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/christ and his cross the.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... and thereby fulfilled the prediction of prophecy.{HORIZONTAL ELLIPSIS ... text of the
anathematisms in which, after a statement ... ELLIPSIS} As it is of benefit to us ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

Light through Darkness.
... God in the Christian age, for whose benefit these prophecies ... exact time and in the
manner foretold by prophecy. ... the anointing of the Spirit, after His baptism ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /19 light through darkness.htm

Light through Darkness
... God in the Christian age, for whose benefit these prophecies ... exact time and in the
manner foretold by prophecy. ... the anointing of the Spirit after His baptism ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 19 light through darkness.htm

Letter clxiv. (AD 414. )
... established beyond question that the Lord, after He had ... to gainsay either that utterance
of prophecy, "Thou wilt ... without the purpose of bringing benefit to any ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter clxiv a d 414.htm

On the Passion, iii. ; Delivered on the Sunday Before Easter.
... the performance of which the spirit of prophecy had once ... V. S. Peter was the first
to benefit by his ... Peter was the first to prove, who, after the fierce blast ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon liv on the passion.htm

For with what Purpose in view did Providence Accomplish the ...
... And to confer what benefit upon the human race did ... of Him who was looked for, did,
after the advent ... and believed Him to be the object of prophecy, while others ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xxviii for with what.htm