Why are there prophecies?
There will always be someone who claims to be a prophet or who believes they can calculate the date of Jesus' return. I recently saw an account of a rabbi who was said to be able to link the prophecies of Nostradamus to the Torah. Another person predicted that Jesus would return at Pentecost 2019 will take place. Many prophecy lovers try to link the breaking news and biblical prophecy. Kark Barth exhorted people to remain firmly anchored in Scripture as he sought to better understand the ever-changing modern world.
The purpose of the biblical script
Jesus taught that the purpose of Scripture is to reveal God - his character, purpose, and nature. The Bible accomplishes this purpose by pointing to Jesus, who is the full and definitive revelation of God. A Christ-centered reading of Scripture helps us to remain true to this purpose and helps us to avoid misinterpretation of the prophecies.
Jesus taught that He is the living center of all biblical revelation and that we should interpret all of Scripture (including prophecy) from that center. Jesus sharply criticized the Pharisees for failing on this point. Although they searched for eternal life in the scriptures, they did not recognize Jesus as the source of that life (John 5,36-47). Ironically, their pre-understanding of Scripture has blinded them to the fulfillment of Scripture. Jesus showed how to interpret the Bible correctly by showing how all scripture points to him as its fulfillment4,25-27; 44-47). The testimony of the apostles in the New Testament confirms this Christ-centered method of interpretation.
As the perfect image of the invisible God (Colossians 1,15) Jesus reveals the essence of God through his interaction, which denotes the mutual action of God and humanity. This is important to keep in mind when reading the Old Testament. This is especially relevant to keep us from doing things like trying to apply the story of Daniel in Lions Den to a current situation in our world, such as voting for political office. Daniel's prophecies are not there to tell us whom to choose. Rather, the book of Daniel tells of a man who was blessed for his faithfulness to God. In this way Daniel points out the faithful God who is always there for us.
But is the Bible important?
Many people question that such an old book as the Bible can still be relevant today. After all, the Bible says nothing about such modern things as cloning, modern medicine, and space. Modern science and technology raise questions and riddles that did not exist in biblical times. Yet, the Bible is of great importance in our time because it reminds us that our technological advances have not changed the human condition or God's good intentions and plans for humanity.
The Bible enables us to understand our role in God's plan, including the coming fullness of his kingdom. Scripture helps us see the meaning and purpose of our lives. She teaches us that our life does not end in nothing, but is heading for a great reunion in which we will meet Jesus face to face. The Bible reveals to us that there is a purpose in life - we were created to be united in unity and fellowship with our triune God. The Bible also provides a guide to equip us for this rich life (2. Timothy 3,16-17). It does this by constantly pointing us to Jesus, the one who gives us abundant life by giving us access to the Father (John 5,39) and sends us the Holy Spirit.
Yes, the Bible is reliable, with a distinctive, highly relevant goal. Nevertheless, she is rejected by many people. The French philosopher Voltaire said in 17. Century ago that the Bible would disappear in 100 years in the darkness of history. Well, he was wrong. The Guinness world records that the Bible is the best-selling book of all time. To date, billions of copies have been sold and distributed through 5. It is both humorous and ironic that Voltaire's house in Geneva, Switzerland, was purchased by the Geneva Bible Society and served as the Bible distribution center. So much for the predictions!
The purpose of prophecies
Contrary to some, the purpose of the biblical prophecy is not to help us predict the future, but to help us recognize Jesus as Lord of history. The prophecies prepare the way for Jesus and point to him. Notice what the apostle Peter wrote about the calling of the prophets:
The prophets, who prophesied of the grace that is destined for you, sought and researched this bliss [as described in the previous seven verses], and searched to which and what time the Spirit of Christ pointed to, who was in them and previously testified of the sufferings that were to come upon Christ and the glory afterwards. It has been revealed to them that they should serve you, not themselves, with what has now been announced to you through those who have preached the gospel to you through the Holy Spirit, who was sent from heaven "(1. Petrus 1,10-12).
Peter says that the Spirit of Christ (the Holy Spirit) is the source of prophecies and that their purpose is to predict the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It implies that if you have heard the gospel message, you have heard everything you need to know about prophecy. The apostle John wrote about this in a similar way: “Worship rather God! For the prophecy of the Spirit of God is the message of Jesus" (Revelation 1 Cor9,10b, New Geneva translation).
Scripture is clear: "Jesus is the main theme of the prophecies." The biblical prophecies tell us who Jesus is, what he did and what he will do. Our focus is on Jesus and the life He gives us in communion with God. It's not geopolitical alliances, trade wars, or anyone predicting anything in good time. It is a great comfort to know that Jesus is both the foundation and the consummation of our faith. Our Lord is the same yesterday, today and forever.
The love of Jesus, our Redeemer, is the focus of all prophecies.
Joseph Tkach
President
GRACE COMMUNION INTERNATIONAL