The Study of Prophecy

It may be you disapprove the study of prophecy, because Jesus said: “But of that day and hour knoweth no man” (Mat. 24:36), and, “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own power.” Acts 1 :7.

Dear reader! do not conceive that the study of prophecy consists merely in the setting of dates or forecasting future events. For wise reasons the Master has withheld from us “the day and the hour” when He will come, but He called the Pharisees hypocrites, because they could not discern the signs of the times, and He has commanded us to watch and he has pronounced a blessing upon the study of prophecy.i

Peter exhorts us to give heed unto the sure word of prophecy. 2 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Tim. 3:16.

The greater part of this Scripture consists of prophecy, and if Christians would give more attention to it, they would not find themselves distracted from present sei’vice, but “they would find much light thrown on their present path, much practical encouragement given to their ministry.” Their faith would rest upon a broader and deeper comprehension of God’s character and ways, and their spiritual horizon would stand out in clearer outline than before.

(1) Rev. 1:3. Blessed is he Luke 11:28. But he said, Yea.

that readeth, and they that hear rather, blessed are they that hear

the words of this prophecy, and the word of God, and keep it. keep those things which are writ- (2) 2 Pet. 1 :19. And we have

ten therein: for the time is at the word of prophecy made more

hand. sure; whereunto ye do well that

Rev. 22 :7. Behold, I come ye take heed, as unto a lamp

quickly: blessed is he that keep- shining in a dark place, until

eth the sayings of the prophecy the day dawn, and the day-star

of this book. arise in your hearts.

(177)

“But to perceive and understand all this requires much more than a surface study of Scripture, or the mere forecasting of future events. It must be read in its profounder teachings, in those wonderful depths of meaning that underlie its illustrations, its metaphors, its history, as well as sparkle up to the sunlight, in its bright prophetic announcement of coming glory.” Such a study of God’s word will be found of paramount importance to meet the skepticism of the day, “for it furnishes us out of God’s own armory, and trains us in His school of warfare.” See how God uses prophetic truth to confound the philosophers and skeptics.^ And He points to the prophecies fulfilled as an assurance of the accomplishment of the new things declared by Him. “Before they spring forth I tell you of them.”* And He sets forth Israel as the witnesses before all nations of the Word He has declared and that He is God.5

And such they are to-day.

Prophecy is their history.

Who but God could thus preserve them?

(3) Isa. 41 :21. Produce your (5) Isa. 43:9. Let all the cause, saith the Lord; bring nations be gathered together, and forth your strong reasons, saith let the people be assembled: who the King of Jacob. among them can declare this,

22. Let them bring them and show us former things? let forth, and show us what shall them bring forth their witnesses, happen: let them show the for- that they may be justified: or mer things, what they be, that let them hear, and say. It is we may consider them, and know truth.

the latter end of them; or de- q y y witnesses, saith

Clare us things for to come. ^-^^ Ld. and my servant whom

23. Show the things’ that are j jyve chosen; that ye may to come hereafter, that we may believe me. and unknow that ye are gods; yea, do ^erstand that I am he: before good, or do evil that we may tjjge was no God formed, be dismayed, and behold tt to- neither shall there be after me. EGtb6r

(4) “isa. 42:8. I am the 11. J, even I, am the Lord: Lord; that is my name: and my nd besides me there is no saglory will I not give to another.

viour.

neither my praise to graven im- 12. I have declared, and have ages. saved, and I have showed, when 9. Behold, the former things ‘there was no strange god among are com to pass, and new things you: therefore ye are my witdo I declare: before they spring nesses, saith the Lord, that I am forth I tell you of them. God.

Who but God could foretell their history?

“This weapon alone out of God’s armory can cut through all the sophistries and opposition of men.”

God forbid then that we should despise prophecies. 1 Thes. 5:20. (Trpo^Tyreta? — Prophecies.)

“0 Earth, Earth, Earth, hear the Word of the Lord.” Jer. 22 :29.