Since we will discuss a lot of prophecy as we study Revelation this year, today’s lesson will give an overview of biblical prophecy and will describe some prophecies of Jesus Christ.
Prophecy is the telling of God’s plan for all creation. Biblical prophecy reveals God’s story and its fulfillment. More than a quarter of the Bible is prophecy – 62 of the Bible’s 66 books contain prophecy.
God has a perfect record of fulfilling prophecy. This is sufficient for us to trust Him completely. God always does what He says He will do. When we see fulfilled prophecy, we know we can trust God.
We must know God’s Word so we can recognize false prophets. We can recognize false prophets by what they say (it doesn’t come true or it contradicts the Bible) and by their fruit (they point to themselves and not to God).
The greatest prophecies ever described and fulfilled are the prophecies about Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Jesus is the promised Son, Savior, and King. The first promise of the Messiah is in Genesis 3:15. Later in the Old Testament, there are prophecies about Jesus’ birth, life, and death. These prophecies were written hundreds of years before Jesus was born, and they were fulfilled exactly as they were prophesied.
Jesus is the greatest prophet. Jesus Himself prophesied about His death, resurrection and second coming.
Knowing prophecy enables us to believe God, and believing God gives us security for today and hope for tomorrow. Everything we need to know is found in God’s Word. We don’t need to seek fortune tellers, horoscopes, or tarot cards. The future is written – believers are victorious in Christ!
Things to Think About
- Because God knows and controls the future, we can trust Him.
- Prophecy enables us to know God, and knowing God enables us to believe God.
- Everything will happen just as God says it will happen.
- Do I have complete confidence in God?
“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.” Jeremiah 23:5 NIV