📖 The Reason for Studying Prophecy
Prophecy is an essential part of Scripture. In fact, when the Bible was written, nearly one-quarter of it was prophecy.
We see this in the many fulfilled prophecies of Scripture:
God said to Adam, “Dying, you will die” (Genesis 2:17).
Israel’s captivity in Egypt was foretold in Genesis 15:13 and fulfilled in Exodus 12:40, confirmed again in Galatians 3:17.
Even the captivity of Israel’s two kingdoms was warned in Joshua 24:20 and Deuteronomy 30:1–3.
We also find prophecies concerning the birth of Jesus Christ.
His lineage was foretold from the beginning:
– He is the seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15).
– Born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:22–23).
– Through the line of Seth (Genesis 4:25).
– Through Noah (Genesis 9:1).
– Through Abraham (Genesis 22:17).
– Through Isaac (Genesis 21:12).
– Through Jacob (Genesis 25:23; 28:3–4).
– Through Judah (Genesis 49:10).
– Through Perez—whose name means “to break through” (Genesis 38:27–29).
– Through King David (2 Samuel 7:12–13; Romans 1:3).
The time of His birth was foretold in Daniel 9:25–26, and the place of His birth—in Bethlehem—was given in Micah 5:2, fulfilled in Luke 2:4 and 15.
All the prophecies concerning His first coming were literally fulfilled. In fact, around 25 separate prophecies—written over a span of 500 years—were fulfilled in a single 24-hour period at the cross.
– “He trusted in the Lord, let Him deliver Him” (Psalm 22:8; Matthew 27:41, 43).
– “They divided His garments, casting lots for His clothing” (Psalm 22:18; Matthew 27:35; Luke 23:34).
– “They pierced His hands and His feet” (Psalm 22:16; John 20:25).
But there are still prophecies waiting to be fulfilled.
– The Kingdom and future rule of Christ upon the earth.
– Christ’s return for the Church.
– The promises to Israel.
In fact, there is more prophecy about Christ’s second coming than about His first. Scripture reminds us that prophecy must be rightly divided between the Jews, the Gentiles, and the Church of God (1 Corinthians 10:32).
Prophecy is also very practical for the Christian life.
– The Rapture is given for our comfort (1 Thessalonians 4:18).
– When we see Christ, we will be like Him, which encourages us to live in purity (1 John 3:2–3).
– Prophecy exhorts us to faithful service (1 Corinthians 15:51–58).
Finally, studying and understanding prophecy is crucial for rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). Without prophecy, we cannot fully appreciate our blessed hope (Titus 2:13). Knowing prophecy equips us to give an answer for the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15). And it impacts the way we live, as 1 John 3:2 reminds us.
Prophecy is not just about the future. It is about living with hope, with purpose, and with the certainty that God’s Word always comes to pass.
