Topical Bible: Prophecy is the Foretelling of Future Events

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Prophecy, in the biblical context, refers to the divinely inspired revelation of future events. It is a significant aspect of the biblical narrative, serving as a means by which God communicates His will and purposes to humanity. Prophecy is not merely prediction; it is a declaration of God's sovereign plan, often calling for repentance, faith, and obedience.

Old Testament Prophecy

The Old Testament is replete with prophetic messages delivered by individuals known as prophets. These prophets, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, were chosen by God to convey His messages to the people of Israel and, at times, to surrounding nations. Prophecies in the Old Testament often addressed immediate circumstances, such as impending judgment or deliverance, while also pointing to future events, including the coming of the Messiah.

One of the most notable Messianic prophecies is found in Isaiah 7:14, which foretells the virgin birth of Christ: "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." This prophecy, among others, underscores the dual nature of biblical prophecy, addressing both near and distant future events.

New Testament Prophecy

In the New Testament, prophecy continues to play a crucial role, particularly in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself is the fulfillment of numerous Old Testament prophecies, and He also prophesied future events, including His own death and resurrection (Matthew 16:21) and the destruction of the Jerusalem temple (Matthew 24:2).

The New Testament also introduces the prophetic ministry within the early church. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, emphasizes the importance of prophecy as a spiritual gift meant to edify the church. In 1 Corinthians 14:3, Paul states, "But the one who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort." This highlights the role of prophecy in strengthening and guiding the Christian community.

The Book of Revelation

The Book of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament, is a prophetic work that unveils the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Written by the Apostle John, Revelation contains vivid imagery and symbolism, revealing the culmination of history and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. Revelation 1:3 pronounces a blessing on those who read and heed its prophetic message: "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."

The Purpose and Nature of Prophecy

Prophecy serves multiple purposes within the biblical framework. It acts as a testament to God's omniscience and sovereignty, affirming that He is the author of history and that His purposes will ultimately prevail. Prophecy also serves as a call to repentance and faith, urging individuals and nations to align themselves with God's will.

The nature of prophecy is both conditional and unconditional. Some prophecies are contingent upon human response, as seen in the warnings given to Israel through the prophets. Others are unconditional, revealing God's predetermined plan, such as the promise of a Savior.

Conclusion

In summary, prophecy is a divine communication that reveals future events, serving as a testament to God's sovereignty and a call to faith and obedience. Through prophecy, God unveils His redemptive plan, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the ultimate establishment of His eternal kingdom.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 49:1
And Jacob called to his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 24:14
And now, behold, I go to my people: come therefore, and I will advertise you what this people shall do to your people in the latter days.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Death of Valentinian the Younger, Emperor in Rome, through ...
... Prophecy of John, the Monk of Theba??s. ... for being conversant with every means of
foretelling the future ... stated, was celebrated for his knowledge of the future. ...
/.../chapter xxii death of valentinian the.htm

Let us See How He Continues after This: "These Events...
... it would happen; but the future event itself ... who was endowed with foreknowledge,
of foretelling its occurrence. ... of the imprecations contained in the prophecy. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/chapter xx let us see.htm

Second Sunday after Epiphany
... Prophecy is of two kinds: One is the foretelling of future events, a gift or power
possessed by all the prophets under the Old Testament dispensation, and by ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after epiphany.htm

The General Service to a Prophet.
... Spirit, from Whom wast thou also enriched with the grace of prophecy. ... as in a mirror
the divinely shining prophecies, foretelling the future as current ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter vii the general service.htm

The Doctrine of the Truth Continued.
... And the word of prophecy [1092] was committed unto them, not for one age only ... to
persuade men not to be remiss; while, by foretelling future events, they have ...
/.../hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/chapter xxix the doctrine of the.htm

To Make up for Our Delay in This, we Bring under Your Notice ...
... Hence there is among us an assured faith in regard to coming events as things already
proved to us, for ... All time is one to prophecy foretelling the future. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/apology/chapter xx to make up.htm

Witnessing Better than Knowing the Future
... It is always wise to pitch on a long period of prophecy, that you may be out of
the way if the ... Nor do I know that, by foretelling the future, you would ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/witnessing better than knowing the.htm

Inviolable Messiahs and Prophets
... that is to say, predicters of future events"but one ... of God's thoughts and God's truth,
that is prophecy. ... had the gift of beholding and foretelling visions of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/inviolable messiahs and prophets.htm

Psalm CXIV.
... therefore, although the wonderful spirit of prophecy doth look ... he witnesseth that
he is foretelling the future ... words of the past tense the future is secretly ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxiv.htm

The Hebrew Prophecies.
... "The English words 'prophet, prophecy, prophesying,'" says ... to prognosticate,' 'a
predicter, a foreteller,' 'foreseeing or foretelling future events;' and in ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter v the hebrew prophecies.htm