Is Bible Prophecy Relevant? - Part One - By Howard Green - http://www.raptureready.com/soap2/green9.html
If there is a subject in the Bible that is arguably the most debated, divisive, and distorted....it is the subject of Bible prophecy. Under the umbrella of end times teaching, there are primary issues like the Rapture, the Great Tribulation, Israel, the church, and the Second Coming that shape our outlook on the future and even how we now live. We will get to work on some of those issues in future articles. What we will look at now is the elephant in the room. It's a growing trend to negate Bible prophecy in our day. Believers need to answer this question with clarity and boldness:
Is Bible prophecy relevant?
Prophecy is woven all through the word of God. There is prophecy that identifies certain people, places, and events. What we want to look at together is Bible prophecy as it pertains to end-time events. In writing this article, I must admit some sadness because it's one thing to debate pertinent issues such as....the likelihood of a particular end-time event coming to fruition in our lifetime, the chronology of the Rapture, or what Mystery Babylon mentioned in Revelation is referring to. It is a given that believers will study and conjecture about these issues right up to the time Jesus returns.
What I find sad and frankly unconscionable, is that we are living in a day when an increasing number of Christians are viewing Bible prophecy as irrelevant or as a distraction.
Some believers may come right out and articulate that Bible prophecy is a distraction. With others, the negating of eschatology may be more subtle. How is end-time theology negated by believers? There are many ways, but here are a few that are very apparent these days:
1. Viewing our fellow Christians who study prophecy...as somewhat off point.
2. Viewing Bible prophecy as a distraction from the here and now.
3. Believing that the study and teaching of Bible prophecy will distract people from the work at hand...including the great commission.
4. Considering the study of the end times and prophecy too difficult or too divisive.
5. The most apparent way many churches, fellowships, and individuals are attempting to negate Bible prophecy is by simply ignoring it.
In neglecting the subject all together, Bible prophecy has become foreign to many churches and Christians. If it is addressed or taught, it is relegated to being a back burner issue. It is met with the same enthusiasm one might expect for a month long sermon series on the countless genealogies in the books of 1st or 2nd Chronicles!
(Truthful) prophetic material is exclusive to Christianity and Judaism because for prophecy to be 100% truthful it has to be 100% accurate and to be 100% accurate, it must be 100% fulfilled to the letter. Our God has a perfect record because everything His prophets have prophesied about has come to pass just as it was written in the Bible. I could write volumes about the spot on accuracy of the word of God, but suffice it to say that the Lord of heaven knows everything and His wisdom is unsearchable.
Isaiah 46:9: "Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure."
God in His divine wisdom has declared the end from the beginning. Far from being a wild shot in the dark, Bible prophecy is declaring future events with pinpoint accuracy as only the Lord can do. Although there are many things we won't know until we get to heaven, much relevant information has been given to us for our instruction and edification in this life.
There is a significant portion of Scripture that is prophetic. In the book, Ready with an Answer, John Ankerbergand John Weldon have done the digging into the Bible and written about just how prevalent the subject of prophecy is in the Word of God. Here are some facts worth considering:
1. Approximately 27% of the Bible consists of prophetic material.
2. Out of the 66 books in the Bible, 62 contain prophetic material.
3. In the OT & NT, more than 1,800 verses address the Second Coming of Jesus.
If nearly a third of the Bible deals with prophecy, it becomes evident that prophecy is much more than a periphery issue. When we search the Scriptures for references to end-time events, we will quickly see the subject appears frequently. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, Joel, Zachariah, and several other books all reference the last days to some degree. Daniel chapter 9 is worth noting because contained therein is a detailed summary of the final seven years preceding the return of Jesus.
God's prophet writes about the same scenario that Jesus addresses in Matt. 24 and John writes about in Revelation 13. Daniel wrote about the rise of antichrist many centuries before Jesus and John the apostle mention him. This is just another stunning realization of the accuracy of the inspired, inerrant, and infallible word of God.
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke each have a whole chapter focused exclusively on the last days. 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 2 Timothy, and 2 Peter all contain numerous direct references to the last days and Second Coming.
Revelation is the last book in the canon of Scripture and one of the most loved. In Revelation we find a book that lays out in great detail the end-time scenario. Look at how chapter one starts with pointing directly to Jesus and His emphasis on the importance of this book in the life of a believer:
Revelation 1:1-3: "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servantsthe things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servantJohn, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near."
That is an amazing gift to every believer from God. He gives us His written word for instruction and direction. When He made the things "that must soon take place" known to John, it was for us, His servants, to read, hear, and keep what is written. In Revelation 22, Jesus tells us, "I am coming soon" three times. When we look through the Bible, when we read verses in their context and when we find eschatological prophecy woven throughout its books, chapters, and pages...it makes the point all the more clear:
Bible prophecy isn't a diversion...it's enormously relevant today.
I want to address some disturbing trends. I understand there have been some erroneous teaching over the years in the realm of last days events. I know there have been dates set, claims made, and sensational speculation about future events. That is a shame because just as unbiblical teaching departs from the centrality of what God intended for us to know, so does the knee jerk reaction of ignoring Bible prophecy altogether.
It seemed like it wasn't too long ago when pastors, teachers, and evangelists preached on the subject of Bible prophecy often. What good days they were...when end times events were taught with clarity, boldness, and relevance. Good men of God used hermeneutical skill to interpret Bible prophecy and view it in its proper context.
They knew Bible prophecy reflected the centrality and preeminence of Jesus. They knew Bible prophecy pointed us toward the fulfilling the Great Commission, and they knew that Bible prophecy was not simply just pointing to an ancient moment in time, but much of it has its ultimate and complete fulfillment in the future.
I have to tell you that I'm a bit weary of the soft sell social gospel that is being peddled these days. Teaching on judgment, repentance, atonement, and the Lord's imminent return have been largely replaced by sermonetes on life enhancement.
When were we, as believers ever mandated to soft sell the gospel and package it in a politically correct box so that we won't offend anyone's sensibilities?
That was not the message of the early church. For them, loving His appearing was the blessed hope...not the great distraction. If we have become so wrapped up in our programs and "making church an experience they'll return for"...it becomes apparent that a growing number of believers aren't looking for the Lord's return.
Instead, some are trying to make this life the apex of self fulfillment. That outlook is diametrically opposed to the heart that loves His appearing, is a bold witness and is watching and waiting.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-4: "Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers,you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief."
Please understand...I believe grace, forgiveness, mercy, and the love of Jesus is paramount. But friends, it can only be paramount to a person who comes to the realization that: He is a wretched sinner before a holy God. The Bible says that godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation. Why would a person repent if they don't know that Jesus is coming soon and that He is not coming back as their Savior, but as their judge?
Why would someone repent when the only message they hear many teachers in church or on television say is this one?:
"You are a good person, Jesus loves you, and God is going to make your life blessed and wonderful."
Yes, Jesus loves them and His mercy extends to all sinners right up until the moment they die or Jesus returns. Then it will be too late and they will face judgment.
The core message for 2,000 years has been that we are sinners, we need a Savior, and repent...the kingdom is at hand. The prevailing core message these days has changed from Jesus saves to...accept Jesus to enhance your lifestyle and circumstances.
We need real men and women who will teach the whole word of God and not pick and choose what is not offensive. Paul said that we are an aroma of life to those who are being saved and we are an aroma of death to those who are perishing. Moreover, we need Christian men and women who will be a bold witness for Jesus in light of the reality of His soon return. We cannot peddle the Word of God. As Christians we must warn people that indeed, Jesus is coming soon.
The prevailing winds of apathy and distain for Bible prophecy among even some evangelicals is sad. Recently, I was listening to a 10 part CD series on the book of Revelation while traveling. A nationally known pastor was teaching through the book; why it's important, how it affirms holy living, and our love for spreading the gospel.
He tells about a sad occasion when he went out to lunch with two other pastor friends. One of the pastors told a joke about the end times and the other one found it funny.
"Hey...did you know Jesus is coming again...and again and again and again?"
I'm not here to cast stones or blame because none of us are perfect. I do want to look at the heart of the issue. What was meant as humor and sarcasm shows a complete and unbelievable disregard and disrespect for Bible prophecy and for the Lord's soon return. Needless to say, the pastor who was teaching the series on Revelation was floored by what he heard, and stunned that fellow pastors had become so apathetic about a central reality in the Bible.
Lets finish Part One of this article with a question: Am I saying that Bible prophecy is the focal point and main issue in the Bible? The answer is no. I'm saying when Bible prophecy is applied and taught in context...it points us directly to the centrality of Jesus, His gospel, and (the urgency) of the Great Commission.
In Part Two we will look at how understanding Bible prophecy is relevant in our walk and how its reality equips us to be an effective witness in the here and now.
All for Him,
Howard
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Is Bible Prophecy Relevant? - Part Two - By Howard Green - http://www.raptureready.com/soap2/green10.html
In the last article, "Is Bible Prophecy Relevant? Part One" we looked in the Word of God and reaffirmed what many of us already know. Not only is Bible prophecy relevant, it points directly to the centrality of Jesus, the gospel, and the urgency of the Great Commission.
In Part Two we will think about living in light of Bible prophecy and what that looks like in our daily Christian walk. We will finish by taking a realistic look at present conditions and ask an all important question. Now let's look together at: "Is Bible Prophecy Relevant? Part Two."
As believers ,we know that Jesus is coming back soon. In the last article, we noted that Jesus told us this very thing 3 times in Revelation 22. Knowing that the Lord may come back at any moment has been a reality check for the church for centuries now. One look at the newspapers and the point becomes clear: things cannot go on this way much longer.
Even among many non-Christians, there is a sense that some perilous times are just ahead. Now there are some who scoff at the notion that God is going to judge the world. After all, they view Him as far off, out of touch, and perhaps a bit antiquated. That is because they don't know Him and in following their hearts, they are taking God's loving mercy for granted, not realizing....righteous judgment will fall just as He said it would.
2 Peter 3:3-9: "Knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, 'Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation. For they deliberately overlook this fact that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, and by these means the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished.
But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
The Bible is brimming with exhortations on how to live in light of the Lord's soon return. In the same chapter, Peter makes it clear how we should conduct our lives:
2 Peter 3:10-12: "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells."
As born-again Christians our eternity is secure because of the atoning blood of the Savior has been applied to our sins and we are declared not guilty by the Father. We believed, confessed, repented, and now we are on this walk many have taken before us called the Christian life. The story doesn't end at our conversion.
We aren't to simply declare: "I'm in!" and wander aimlessly until we get to heaven. This new reality is made crystal clear through Bible prophecy and biblically sound end time teaching. God saved us because he loves us and sent His own Son to bridge the gap between our sin and His holiness. He saved us and now we can bring glory to Him.
How can we do this? One great way is to live among this cold dark world as salt and light. We can do this in many ways. One way is by our conduct in this life: Look at the last few verses in 2 Peter we noted above. We are to live lives of holiness and godliness because we are waiting for the coming of the day of God.
Jesus told many parables and among those are several which warn us to be ready. He may come back at any moment to take the church home. That's not fantasy, wishful thinking, or escapism....it's a sobering reality. Knowing the Lord can return at any moment should move us to action. In Luke 12:35, Jesus commands His servants to be watching and waiting. We are to be awake and ready.
Luke 12:35-40: "Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes.
Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
Luke 12:47-48: "And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
We are commanded throughout the New Testament to watch, be ready, and stay awake. Why? Because the Lord will return and what we do in this life counts for eternity. When? No one knows the day or the hour, but as believers we can read what the prophets and apostles wrote. We can look at the decaying world around us, deteriorating geopolitical conditions, and even increasing apostate behavior among some churches and know that we are indeed in the last days.
This is where our next point comes into focus. We have looked at how we should live as believers in light of the Lord's return, now let's look at a few key signs of its nearness.
First: We need only to look around and know that there is a different gospel being taught. It is a fact that this has been with us since the 1st century, but now apostates aren't sneaking into back doors, rather....they are boldly proclaiming it before thousands. Some spread the gospel of prosperity, others the gospel of social justice, and still others...the gospel of the goodness of humanity. Friends, any so called "gospel" that departs from the centrality of the atoning work of Jesus on the cross and that alone for salvation......is a false gospel.
Second: Geopolitical conditions and natural disasters are accelerating and intensifying. I covered this in depth in an earlier article called...Birth pains are increasing. But I want to reiterate what many of us are already discerning in the world today: War, famine, pestilence, and earthquakes make the headlines daily, not just weekly or monthly anymore. I want to key in on war for just a moment. People will rightly mention that war has always been with us and even point to the last century with its two world wars.
Why is war different now? The sad reality is that Rwanda, the Balkans, and even ISIS show us that humanity...without God is bent on evil. The difference now is that it's only in the last forty years we have acquired the capability of wiping out most if not all of humanity. I believe that fact alone along with the threat from rogue nations, extremists, and despots getting their hands on such weaponry are another clear sign that Jesus is coming soon.
Third: May 14th 1948 was the fulfillment of ancient prophecy in Ezekiel, Isaiah, and others heralding the beginning of the end. Bible prophecy which dealt with Israel being back in her land and the Lord's judgment of the invading nations bent on its destruction could not possibly be fulfilled until the Jewish people were restored back in their ancient homeland.
When we look at the miracle that is modern Israel after 1,900 years of Diaspora, along with current global conditions and a growing defection from the true gospel of Christ's atonement alone...we must conclude that our time to work here is short.
Luke 14:16: "But he said to him, 'A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready. 'But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused. 'And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused. 'And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.'
So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame. 'And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room. 'And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.'"
You and I are walking through this life as Christians to the glory of God. We are alert, awake, watchful, and obedient. While this world is living one way...we are living for the world to come. The world is watching how we live; people at work, school, neighbors, and perhaps unsaved spouses and children. A life marked by godliness, purity, and a crushed heart for the lost. There is a consensus among many respected Bible teachers and prophecy scholars that we are nearing the time of the Lord's return.
As I mentioned before solid biblical teaching doesn't include date setting. We can discern the times we live in through the clear lens of Scripture. In thinking about the nearness of Jesus' return, doesn't it make you want to tell everyone? What do we risk if we take a stand and tell others about the gospel and coming judgment? Do we risk ridicule, gossip, undermining, job demotion, being "cool," a relationship, or any number of other ways the world will deal with a true Christian?
What has it cost you to share the gospel and what has it cost me? Whatever it costs pales in comparison to the joy and amazing things the Lord has in store for us. We will live in His presence forever...this life is just a fleeting moment in the scope of eternity. Not only that, heaven and hell are the only available options for a person when they die.
That is my final point. Jesus may come back at any moment or ten years from now...we don't know. What we do know is everyone is facing eternity right now. People are one heartbeat away from eternity and death can come at any moment. In all probability....very few if any people reading this article will be here in 90 years if Jesus tarries. So it's fair to say that no one is far from eternity and coming judgment. Knowing this, let's tell everyone possible about the reality of heaven, hell, judgment, repentance, forgiveness, and a new life in Christ.
1 Peter 3:15-17: "But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil."
Before I finish this article I want to address those of you who aren't sure where you will spend eternity. When you look at the growing darkness in the world and see perilous times are coming...do you worry about the future? I was worried at one time and many readers were once fearful about where they would spend eternity as well. The question every person needs to ask themselves is this: "Am I ready to stand before Jesus?"
He is coming as Savior and Judge. He is the Savior of all who make Him their Lord, but He is also the coming Judge to those who have rejected His free gift of salvation. Are you ready to meet Him? If you don't know Jesus....His invitation to become your Lord is still open right now. The Bible says that today is the day of salvation.
Friend, if you found this article I don't believe it's by mistake. God loves you. He is pursuing you, and He sent Jesus to take the punishment for your sin upon Himself on the cross. Please take a moment and consider asking Jesus to be your Lord. If you want to take that step, visit my: Are you saved page - http://concerningthetimes.com/are-you-saved/
Jesus is coming soon, time is short, and there are many people who need to know Him. Is Bible Prophecy Relevant? We can answer, "Yes" with boldness.
All for Him,
Howard
Writer-Evangelism Concerning the Times
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