FOUNDATIONAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION

THE ACCURACY OF PROPHECY

            One third of the bible is considered prophecy. All through the Old Testament there are many references to events that would come during the 6,000 years of mankind’s history. It is important to keep these prophecies in their timeline of events. Many of the prophesies have already been fulfilled. An example of this are the many prophesies that predict the coming of Jesus the first time.

One should first understand that there are three main themes of prophecy presented by the prophets. These two themes are:

• Prophesies concerning the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

• Prophesies concerning the domination of world governments of mankind.

• Prophesies concerning the coming Kingdom of God to this earth and who will be in it with Jesus Christ at the first Resurrection of the saints.

            Christians understand that our faith and hope come by believing in Jesus Christ.  We can have peace of mind about things in this life and the prophesies, adverse events and good events, when we seek the knowledge provided by Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit witnessing with our spirit, we acquire knowledge for our peace of mind in this life today. The promise of the Holy Spirit influence upon our minds is one of the great promises that help us understand the deep things from God. We as human beings can be an example of divine nature when we oppose the evil and corruption of unethical behavior in our personal life.

            We have a sure way for goodness to abide in us when we practice the things we learn

 from Jesus.

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Acquiring knowledge will strengthen faith, temperance, patience, charity, and kindness toward our fellow man. When we are serious about our belief in God, we understand prophecies and see things that are far off and look forward to our place in the coming Kingdom of God. God wants us to be established by truth and not allow ourselves to be deceived. 

Therefore, personal bible study is priority. Each time you read your bible, it should be treated as personal time with your God and Savior. Read the writings of these people in the bible and get to know them like your best friends. The Holy Spirit of God will cause you to witness with them. It is conversation with God, for God inspired what they wrote.

[1]We also have the witness

 of the apostles, like Peter, who emphasizes that He is not promoting cunningly devised fables

 about the plan of God. He says this because He is an eyewitness to the man Jesus Christ and

 what He taught his fellow disciples.

Peter is there on the mount when he hears the voice of God say that Jesus is His beloved son, in whom He is well pleased. Then he says something very important about prophecy. Peter says not only does he hear the voice from heaven, but he has the sure word of prophecy which predicts the coming of Christ centuries before Christ is born. Peter says we should study and pay attention to prophesies, because they are a light that can shine into the darkness of our curiosity until our mind understands what is ahead for us.

 

[1] 2 Peter 1:16-21

(16)  For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

(17)  For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

(18)  And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

(19)  We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

(20)  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

(21)  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.