In this lesson on eschatology, we focus on the importance of prophecy and why believers should study it. Prophecy demonstrates the reliability of Scripture—over 25 prophecies concerning Christ were fulfilled within a 24-hour period at the cross, written nearly 500 years before they happened. Such fulfillment shows the precision and value of God’s Word for the Christian life.
We then turn to the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17), which promises comfort and assurance that both the dead in Christ and those alive at His coming will be gathered to meet Him. This leads into rules for interpreting prophecy: Scripture must be understood with the same principles as the rest of the Bible—no special or allegorical rules. The meaning of the text should be drawn from the passage itself, not imposed upon it.
A major error addressed is Amillennialism, which denies a literal thousand-year reign of Christ and allegorizes Revelation 20. By contrast, a literal interpretation shows Satan will be physically bound, righteousness will reign, and Christ’s kingdom will last a thousand years. Misreading prophecy leads to confusion, such as claims that the church will go through the tribulation, though believers are not appointed to wrath but to salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:9).
Other interpretive principles include:
Prefer clear passages over obscure ones.
Acknowledge ignorance when uncertain rather than forcing an interpretation.
Ground understanding in the original languages, noting distinctions in words like “power” and “grace.”
Recognize distinctions between covenants, promises, dispensations, and kingdoms (e.g., kingdom of God vs. kingdom of heaven).
Avoid allegorizing or imposing double meanings unless Scripture itself indicates them (Isaiah 7:14 fulfilled in Matthew 1:23).
Keep past, present, and future dealings of God in their proper context.
Finally, the lesson emphasizes that Christians are under grace, not law. David and Israel lived under a different dispensation; we must not apply their covenant promises directly to the Church. Our citizenship is heavenly (Philippians 3:20), and our calling is distinct. Prophecy points us to these realities, and when interpreted literally and contextually, it strengthens our faith, provides clarity, and gives us hope as we await Christ’s return.
