Go to folder - FileFactory.com

Keys to understand prophecies

Just like symbols, many of the numbers contained within the pages of the Bible have a special significance. Naturally, when one reads a portion of scripture numbers will not stand out to mean more than they normally do. After all, they're just numbers. However, when a diligent Bible student studies more and more, he ends up seeing that the Old and New Testament actually reveal that certain numbers may at times have a deeper prophetic or spiritual meaning in addition to the one that is naturally given to them. This is especially true of Bible Prophecy. It is through careful study and comparison of scripture that God thus allows us to understand the messages that are contained in association with a particular number, a message that usually escapes the casual reader.

Literal or Symbolic?

It is very important to understand that, unlike symbols, numbers in the Bible are never symbolic in and of themselves. Meaning that a number will always retain its literal, original meaning even if it has an additional symbolic significance.

When it comes to symbols, when a white robe, for example, is mentioned in the Bible, it is generally understood to be a symbol for the righteousness of Jesus(Isaiah 61:10), but it is also a literal robe that the saved will wear after the Second Coming(Revelation 7:9). In this instance the white robe has a double meaning at the same time, literal(a literal robe) and symbolic(the righteousness of Christ). In other instances, such as concerning the 'rock' in Matthew 16:18, it will only have one meaning, literal or symbolic. In this passage Jesus uses the 'rock' to describe Himself as the foundation of the church. He is not referring to any literal rock in front of Him or 10 miles away on which He wished to build a literal church. Here, the 'rock' was used only as a symbol and not any literal item. Thus, a symbol can be either literal, symbolic, or both depending on the context!

With numbers we don't get such flexibility. A number in the Bible will always primarily be a literal number, whether it has a deeper meaning or not. In other words, numbers are either just 'literal' or 'literal and symbolic'. For example, the 12 tribes of Israel are literal tribes born of Jacob. Yet, on top of the 12 literal tribes the number 12 also signifies God's authority as given to the foundation of the spiritual church which are the 12 tribes. The Bible stays consistent in this principle throughout the entire book. This is a very important issue to remember when it comes to deciphering prophecy.


There are 12 primary numbers in the Bible which, at times, have special meaning: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 40, 50, and 70. This small list is, of course, not exhaustive. Below is a small introduction on the meanings behind these numbers.


1 – Absolute singleness and unity (Ephesians 4:4–6; John 17:21, 22).

2 – The truth of God’s Word, such as the law and prophets (John 1:45), two or three witnesses (2 Corinthians 13:1), or a sword with two edges (Hebrews 4:12). See Mark 6:7 and Revelation 11:3. It is used 21 times in the books of Daniel and Revelation.

3 – The Godhead. The angels cry “Holy” three times to signify the glory of each personage of the Godhead. (Isaiah 6:3). See also Matthew 28:19 and 1 John 5:7, 8.

4 – Universal truth, or fullness of the earth. As in the four directions (north, south, east, west) and the four winds (Matthew 24:31; Revelation 7:1; Revelation 20:8). In acts 10:11, a sheet with four corners symbolizes the gospel going to all world.

5 – Teaching. First, there are the five books of Moses. Second, Jesus taught about the five wise virgins and used five barley loaves used to feed the 5,000.

6 – The number of man, also signifying the worship of man, his rebellion, imperfection, works, and disobedience. It is used 273 times in the Bible, including its derivatives (e.g, sixth) and another 91 times as “threescore” or “60.” Man was created on the sixth day (Genesis 1:26, 31). See also Exodus 31:15 and Daniel 3:1. The number is especially significant in the book Revelation, as “666” identifies the beast.(Revelation 13:18).

7 – Perfection and completeness. It is also the sign of God, divine worship, obedience, and rest. 7 is the “prince” of Bible numbers, it is used 562 times, including its derivatives (e.g., seventh, sevens). (See Genesis 2:1–4, Psalm 119:164, and Exodus 20:8–11 for just a few of the examples.)

The number seven is also the most common in biblical prophecy, occurring 42 times in Daniel and Revelation alone. In Revelation there are seven churches, seven spirits, seven golden candlesticks, seven stars, seven lamps, seven seals, seven horns, seven eyes, seven angels, seven trumpets, seven thunders, seven thousand slain in a great earthquake, seven heads, seven crowns, seven last plagues, seven golden vials, seven mountains, and seven kings.

10 – Law, restoration(both physical and spiritual). This includes the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20. Also ten virgins(Matthew 25:1), ten lepers(Luke 17:17), ten silver coins(Luke 15:8).

12 – The church and God’s authority. Jesus had 12 disciples, and there were 12 tribes of Israel. In Revelation 12:1, the 24 elders and 144,000 are multiples of 12. The New Jerusalem city has12 foundations, 12 gates 12 thousand furlongs, a tree with 12 kinds of fruit 12 times a year eaten by 12 times 12,000 or the 144,000. (See Revelation 21.)

40 – Preparation, purification, and testing. Often seen immediately prior to the Glory of God being revealed with power. Jesus fasted for 40 days before starting His earthly ministry. The disciples spent 40 days with Jesus after His resurrection being taught in truth and scripture before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit(Acts 1:3). Moses spent 40 years in the desert before leading Israel out of Egypt, as well as 40 days on Mount Sinai before receiving the Ten Commandments. Israel spent 40 years in the wilderness before entering the promised land. It rained 40 days and 40 nights during the flood.

50 – Power and celebration. The Jubilee came after the 49th year (Leviticus 25:10).

70 – Human leadership and judgment. Moses appointed 70 elders (Exodus 24:1); The Sanhedrin was made up of 70 men. Jesus chose 70 disciples (Luke 10:1). Jesus told Peter to forgive 70 times 7.

Keys to Understanding Symbols in Bible Prophecy

Keys to Understanding Symbols in Bible Prophecy


Symbols in the Bible can be a tricky business. There has been much confusion in recent years over the meaning of certain Bible symbols. As a result of this confusion many have misinterpreted scripture, and specifically Bible prophecy, and made it say something that it does not.


Why Symbols?

In Luke 8:10 Jesus said, "Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.' The purpose of concealing the meaning of portions of scripture was threefold. First, it is to help us understand complex concepts within the Bible easier through the means of parallelism and comparison of scripture.

Second, as much as God wants as many as possible to come to Him and be saved, at the same time He clothed some of the more complex truths with symbols so that only those who are genuinely searching for truth may discover their meaning. God does not wish to reveal all the mysteries and secrets of His holy kingdom to 'Joe Schmoe' who has no regard for the Creator and who does desire to walk in the light. This is why many times He does not spell things out for us word by word. But to a student in the school of Christ, who has shown his devotion and who is hungering for truth by diligently studying the Word, God reveals the meaning of these symbols and rewards His children with a fountain of truth.

Third, many prophecies were given while the prophets were either in captivity, or exile in a hostile foreign land. For example, some prophecies spoke strongly against the Roman Empire and predicted its fall while the people of God were still under the Roman yoke. If these messages plainly stated 'Roman Empire' within them, the government would have most likely considered them as treason, destroyed the scrolls and writings, and killed those through whom the messages were given. Therefore, God cloaked the prophecies in symbols in order to protect the messages.


When is a symbol... symbolic?

It is vital to understand that symbols in prophecy do not always have a symbolic meaning to them. Even though a 'head' may symbolically represent a major power or government, not every time we see the word 'head' in the Bible will we translate it as it having a symbolical meaning. Most of the time the word 'head' will have a purely literal meaning. In other instances, such as in Matthew 16:18, a word may be purely symbolic without any literal meaning to it whatsoever. Jesus uses the word 'rock' to signify Himself without referring to any literal item. At other times however, a word may be both literal and symbolic, meaning it will be a literal object or person but with a deeper symbolic significance and meaning behind it at the same time.

I know... it can be a brain twister. But the key in getting this right is in always looking at the context of the passage of scripture that you are studying. Compare scripture with scripture and Bible symbols will eventually become as clear as crystal. Below are some of the most common symbols found in the Bible.



Animals and their Parts:

Horse: Strength and power in battle. (Job 39:19, Psalms 147:10, Proverbs 21:31)

Dragon: Satan or his agency. (Isaiah 27:1;30:6, Psalm 74:13-14; Rev. 12:7-9; Ezekiel 29:3; Jeremiah 51:34)

Beast: Kingdom/government/political power. (Daniel 7:17, 23)

Lamb: Jesus/sacrifice. (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7)

Lion: Jesus/powerful king. i.e. Babylon. (Rev. 5:4-9, Jer. 50:43-44, Dan. 7:4,17,23)

Bear: Destructive Power/Medo-Persia. (Proverbs 28:15, 2 Kings 2:23-24, Daniel 7:5)

Leopard: Greece. (Daniel 7:6)

Serpent: Satan. (Revelation 12:9; 20:2)

Tongue: Language/speech. (Exodus 4:10)

Wolf: Disguised enemy that hunts in a time of darkness. (Matthew 7:15)

Dove: Holy Spirit. (Mark 1:10)

Ram: Medo-Persia. (Daniel 8:20)

Goat: Greece. (Daniel 8:21)

Horn: King or kingdom. (Daniel 7:24; 8:5, 21, 22; Zechariah 1:18, 19; Revelation 17:12)

Wings: Speed/protection/deliverance. (Deuteronomy 28:49, Matthew 23:37)



Colors:

White: Purity/righteousness. (Revelation 12:9; 20:2)

Blue: Law/obedience. (Numbers 15:38-39)

Purple: Royalty. (Mark 15:17, Judges 8:26)

Scarlet: Sin/corruption. (Nahum 2:3; Revelation 17:1-4)

Red: Martyrdom/shedding of blood/corruption/sin. (Revelation 6:4, Isaiah 1:18)



Metals, Elements, and Natural Objects:

Gold: Pure character/precious and rare. (Isaiah 13:12)

Silver: Pure words & understanding. (Proverbs 2:4, 3:13-14, 10:20, 25:11, Psalms 12:6)

Brass, Tin, Iron, Lead, and Silver Dross: Impure character. (Ezekiel 22:20-21)

Water: Holy Spirit/everlasting life. (John 7:39, 4:14, Rev. 22:17, Eph. 5:26)

Waters: Populated area/people, nations. (Revelation 17:15)

Fire: Holy Spirit. (Luke 3:16, Acts 2:3)

Tree: Cross/people. (Deut. 21:22-23, Psalm 92:12, 37:35)

Seed: Descendants/heirs/Jesus. (Romans 9:8, Galatians 3:16)

Fruit: Works/actions. (Galatians 5:22)

Fig Tree: A nation that should bear fruit. (Luke 13:6-9)

Vineyard: Church that should bear fruit. (Luke 20:9-16)

Field: World. (Matthew 13:38, John 4:35)

Harvest: End of World. (Matthew 13:39)

Reapers: Angels. (Matthew 13:39)

Thorns / Thorny Ground: Cares of this life. (Mark 4:18-19)

Stars: Angels/messengers. (Revelation 1:16, 20; 12:4, 7-9; Job 38:7)

Jordan: Death. (Romans 6:4, Deuteronomy 4:22)

Mountains: Political or religio-political powers or lands. (Isaiah 2:2, 3; Jeremiah 17:3; 31:23; 51:24, 25; Ezekiel 17:22, 23; Daniel 2:35, 44, 45)

Rock: Jesus/truth. (1 Corinthians 10:4; Isaiah 8:13, 14; Romans 9:33; Matthew 7:24)

Sun: Jesus/the gospel. (Psalm 84:11; Malachi 4:2; Matthew 17:2; John 8:12; 9:5)

Winds: Strife/commotion/"winds of war". (Jeremiah 25:31-33; 49:36, 37; 4:11-13; Zechariah 7:14)



Miscellaneous Objects:

Lamp: Word of God. (Psalm 119:105)

Oil: Holy Spirit. (Zechariah 4:2-6; Revelation 4:5)

Sword: Word of God/civil power. (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12, Romans 13:3-4, Daniel 11:33)

Bread: Word of God. (John 6:35, 51, 52, 63)

Wine: Blood/covenant/doctrines. (Luke 5:37)

Honey: Happy life. (Ezekiel 20:6, Deuteronomy 8:8-9)

Clothing: Character. (Isaiah 64:6, Isaiah 59:6)

Crown: A Glorious ruler or rulership. (Proverbs 16:31, Isaiah 28:5, Isaiah 62:3)

Ring: Authority. (Genesis 41:42-43, Esther 3:10-11)

Angel: Messenger. (Daniel 8:16; 9:21; Luke 1:19, 26; Hebrews 1:14)

Babylon: Apostasy/confusion/rebellion/spiritual decay. (Gen. 10:8-10; 11:6-9; Rev. 18:2, 3; 17:1-5)

Mark: Sign or seal of approval or disapproval. (Ezekiel 9:4; Romans 4:11; Revelation 13:17; 14:9-11; 7:2, 3)

Seal: Sign or mark of approval or disapproval. (Romans 4:11; Revelation 7:2, 3)

White Robes: Victory/righteousness. (Revelation 19:8; 3:5; 7:14)

Jar / Vessel: Person. (Jermiah 18:1-4, 2 Corinthians 4:7)

Time: 360 Days. (Daniel 4:16, 23, 25, 32; 7:25; Daniel 11:13)

Times: 720 Days. (Daniel 7:25, Revelation 12:6,14, 13:5)

Day: Literal year. (Ezekiel 4:6; Numbers 14:34)

Trumpet: Loud warning of God's approach/alarm of war. (Exodus 19:16-17, Joshua 6:4-5, Jeremiah 4:5)



Actions, Activities, and Physical States:

Healing: Salvation. (Luke 5:23-24)

Leprosy / Sickness: Sin. (Luke 5:23-24)

Famine: Death of truth. (Amos 8:11)



People and Body Parts:

Pure Woman: True church. (Jeremiah 6:2; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:23-27)

Corrupt Woman: Apostate church. (Ezekiel 16:15-58; 23:2-21; Hosea 2:5; 3:1; Rev. 14:4)

Thief: Suddenness of Jesus' coming. (1 Thessalonians 5:2-4; 2 Peter 3:10)

Horsemen/Chariots: War/strife. (Revelation 9:9, Hagai 2:22, Ezekiel 39:20)

Hand: Deeds/works/actions. (Ecclesiastes 9:10, Isaiah 59:6)

Forehead: Mind/Intellect. (Deuteronomy 6:6-8, Romans 7:25; Ezekiel 3:8, 9)

Feet: Your walk/direction. (Genesis 19:2, Psalm 119:105)

Eyes: Spiritual discernment. (Matthew 13:10-17, 1 John 2:11)

Skin: Christ's righteousness. (Exodus 12:5, 1 Peter 1:19, Isaiah 1:4-6)

Harlot: Apostate church/religion. (Isaiah 1:21-27; Jeremiah 3:1-3; 6-9)

Heads: Major powers/rulers/governments. (Revelation 17:3, 9, 10)

Why SHOULD we study PROPHECY?

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Bible is prophecy. From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures are literally saturated with remarkable prophecies. Unlike the vague and indefinite predictions of secular men, such as Nostradamus, the prophecies contained within the Bible are extremely clear and detailed. Some were given centuries before their fulfillment. A small few are still waiting to be fulfilled.

Some people are absolutely fascinated by Bible prophecy while others feel that it is either too difficult, uninteresting, or even unimportant. A good number of well-known preachers and evangelists continue to proclaim from the pulpit that we would be wise to stay away from prophecy and not study it all. They point to those who have misinterpreted prophecy, gone off the deep-end, and caused tragedies such as those of Waco, Texas or Jonestown, Guyana, as examples that studying prophecy at one's will can be detrimental and even dangerous.

Others point to the massive difference in the amount of interpretations which certain prophecies have been given, so as to say that it is impossible to get any correct meaning out of them. They consider prophetic texts to be too open to speculation and urge their flock to stick with the subjects in the Bible which are 'necessary for salvation.' 'Only focus on Christ', they say. Are these preachers and adversaries of prophecy right? Or is there something else to Bible prophecy that Satan doesn't want us to be aware of? And why study prophecy anyway?


Prophecy, Christ Centered

In the very first three verses of the book of Revelation, the claims and arguments of the skeptics and adversaries of prophecy are swiftly debunked and destroyed. Look at what the Word says in just the first verse,

"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John." Revelation 1:1


Here, God tells us point blank that the cornerstone and focus of the center-book of Bible prophecy is none other than Jesus Christ. From the very beginning to the very end of the book the focus is on Jesus Christ, His sacrifice, His ministry, His people, the controversy between Himself and Satan, and His final victory over the forces of darkness at the end of time. Those who consider the study of the Bible important should most definitely consider the study of prophecy to be vital to their spiritual health.

In fact, the book of Revelation is the only book in the Bible which, directly or indirectly, makes references to a large majority of the rest of the books of Scripture. These references take us through the entire story of salvation as found in the Old and New Testament, from the moment sin entered the world all the way through to the time when sin will forever be destroyed, with Jesus as the main character throughout.

But the book of Revelation is not the only book in the Bible which deals primarily with prophecy. Both, the Old and New Testament, are literally filled with prophecies concerning Messiah the Saviour and His people. Almost half of the 39 books of the Old Testament are primarily prophetic books, while every one of the New Testament books and epistles include multiple prophecies and prophetic references, most of which are concerning the Second Coming of Jesus. In fact, the prophecies of the Old and New Testament are so intertwined that in order to correctly understand the apocalyptic prophecies contained within the book of Revelation you have to understand many of Old Testament prophecies first.


A Blessing Promised

So, what about those who are telling all to stay away from prophecy and focus on the gospels and books which are more Christ-centered? They are preaching error, simple as that. The devil loves this for he knows how detrimental the understanding of prophecy is to his plans. Take a look at the 3rd verse of Revelation 1,

"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." Revelation 1:3


Jesus promises us that through sincere study of prophecy, and application to our lives of the counsel and warnings written therein, we will receive an abundance of blessings from the heavenly realm. Just from this verse alone it is easy to see why Satan would want to influence men to stay away from the study of prophecy. He knows that one of the main characteristics of God's remnant people at the end of time will be the gift of prophecy, combined with a thorough and proper understanding of Biblical prophecy.

"And the dragon[Satan] was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Revelation 12:17

"And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." Revelation 19:10


We see here that prophecy itself, reveals those with the Spirit of Prophecy as Satan's most bitter enemies at the end of time. No wonder he hates prophecy so much! The object he has gone to such lengths to discredit is the very thing which identifies those will gain victory over him and his forces! I praise God that there are many who are now waking up and realizing the time we are living in, through the study of prophecy.

The questions now comes however, what is so special about prophecy? What is there so peculiar about prophecy that God is willing to pour out a special blessing upon those who study it?


1. God's Will Revealed

One of the most important purposes for prophecy is that it is used as a revelation of God's will. Jehovah is the God of light and in Him is no darkness at all(1 John 1:5). He is not the God of secrecy and has no pleasure in withholding truth or His will from His children. Yet at the same time He will not reveal to us more than what we can bear and what we are willing to accept. One of the ways God reveals His will and purpose to His people is through the means of prophecy.

To those who have shown their commitment to the Lord through diligent study and prayer, God further reveals His plans and His will. This is in part the reason why much of Bible prophecy is hidden behind symbols and figures. Just like in the parable of the talents, God wishes that we rule well over the light that has already been given to us and multiply it by means of sharing it with others. To those sincere ones who are found faithful, He shines rays of light upon scriptures and prophecies that were previously not understood. This is why we should continually pray for the Lord to allow us to find those precious, hidden nuggets of truth within His Word.

Furthermore, to reveal His will to the people more directly, God will inspire men or women with dreams or visions. This is in fact how all prophecy came about and made it into the cannon(written Word) in the first place.

"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21


Many times God delivers these messages to His people in a time when they are in special need of guidance or reproof. We see instances of this countless times in the Old Testament with prophets such as Isaiah or Ezekiel when the people were warned to turn away from evil. Interestingly enough, while revealing His will and counsel, which was to be considered present truth to the people of that time, God also presented new prophecies, which focused on the not-so-distant future as well as the end of time. We see then that through the use of the gift of prophecy God reveals His will towards us concerning not only our present state, but also our eternal destiny.


2. Scriptures Validated

"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." Isaiah 46:9,10


The Lord tells us that one of the ways we can know if we can depend on His Word or not is to look at the past. He points us to His Word as the validation of His authority. As we saw, the Bible contains hundreds of prophecies, many of which pertain to the fall and destruction of specific cities and kingdoms such as Babylon, Egypt, Israel, Tyre, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, etc. Looking back to the past, we can see with amazement the fall of these powers, sometimes up to several hundred years after the prophecies concerning them were included in God's Word. Each time a prophecy met its fulfillment, it did so to the very line and even the very word as it was written in the Scriptures. No other book has a track record like this.

Through the remarkable fulfillment of prophecy we see that the Bible is valid in every way. The Word of God which has already been fulfilled has been 100% accurate, and we can be certain that the things foretold will also come to pass in the very way as they have been prophesied.


3. God's Character Unveiled

One of the most glorious aspects of prophecy is the way in which it unveils the true character of Yahweh. In the universal controversy and battle between good and evil, Satan has done his best to make angels and men believe that his actions were just and that God was unjust in throwing him out of heaven. Just like the one third of the angelic host(Revelation 12:4), millions of men have also been deceived and believed this lie.

Yet, through prophecy the pureness of God's character and the extent of His love is described. All the way back in Genesis 3:15 the coming of Messiah the Savior is prophesied and the greatest self-sacrifice this world has ever seen is foretold. Though now marred with sin and death, the earth was promised a redeemer 4,000 years before His coming. At great sacrifice to the Godhead, the coming of the eternal Son was to reveal the infinite love of God through His death. The Creator was to come and experience death as one of the created. Surely there is no greater love than that.

The Old Testament contains over 300 direct prophecies concerning the first coming of Jesus. All of these prophecies were literally fulfilled. Every aspect of Jesus' life was prophesied, the place of His birth, the nature of His birth, the quality of His ministry, the purpose of His life, and the agony of His death. The fulfillment of just 48 of these prophecies in just one person in the history of the earth equals to one in ten to the 157th power(10 ^157)! That is infinitely greater than all the matter contained in the visible universe. Amazingly, Jesus fulfilled all 300 of these prophecies line by line, word for word. Such an amazing feat truly escapes any possibility of a coincidence and reassures us that Jesus truly was the divine Son of God.

In Luke 24 Jesus reiterates the importance of prophecy in relation to our salvation,

"He said to them, How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory? And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself." Luke 24:25-27 NIV


It is again through prophecy that we see the long-suffering and patience of God in allowing sin to take its course. Even though it pains Him greatly to see His creation suffer at the hands of sin, He allows all the universe to see the results of rebellion against the loving principles of His kingdom as final evidence of the loving and pure character He possesses. But God's loving character is revealed in fullness especially in the prophecies concerning the redemption of His obedient children, who have suffered to live in a sin-infected earth;

"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:2,3


What a wonderful promise!


4. End-Time Deceptions Unmasked

The biggest thing that Satan despises about Bible prophecy is the fact that prophecy unmasks the deceptions which Satan has prepared for the people of God. For six thousand years the devil has been experimenting with the properties of the human mind and he knows it well. He has planned and prepared accordingly so as to take advantage of the weaknesses of the human race and deceive them into eternal death. We see this work in our time with the explosion of the technology revolution and the cunning false teachings that are being spread through the Christian world. But one of the specific purposes of prophecy, and particularly end-time prophecies, is to expose the deceptions that Satan will use in the last days.

In Matthew 24:3 the disciples ask Jesus, "Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" The very first thing that Jesus replies with in verse 4 is, "Take heed that no man deceive you." Jesus knew that global deception would be foremost on the devil's agenda in the time of the end. That is why, out of His matchless love, He has blessed us with a special glimpse of the future. Jesus knows that we are prone to be deceived, but He loves us so much that He has let us know of the end-time issues beforehand, just to make sure we make it into His kingdom.

Satan is a diligent bible student. Since the beginning of time he has done his best to misinterpret and cloud prophecy in order to keep men in darkness. This is the single reason why there are so many different interpretations of prophecy today. Satan has influenced the minds of many to devise and invent ever-absurd interpretations of prophecy. The more interpretations, the more confused people will be and the less of a chance for them to learn the true meaning of these essential end-time truths.

The result of such influence is the diversity of denominations and groups of 'believers' who are persistent in relying solely on their own wisdom as the basis for interpreting truth. They quickly reject other views when such are presented with clear and convincing evidence from scripture. Even the warning of the apostle Peter stands largely rejected,

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation." 2 Peter 1:20


The Bible is beautiful in that each truth and prophecy is explained somewhere within the pages of Scripture. If we compare Scripture with Scripture we will see that the Bible is its own expositor, with no need for the opinion of men.

Yet these teachers and preachers harden their hearts, because of selfish pride, and so the blind continue to lead the blind. Prophecy exposes these deceptive teachings to those who are hungry for truth.


5. Believers Armed & Prepared

Prophecy describes in detail what we have to do in order to avoid deception and remain on God's side. It is particularly in the books of Daniel and Revelation that we are shown the exact issues concerning the last days and just who the main players are going to be. Those who diligently study prophecy with an open heart are usually blessed with a more acute sense of discernment than those who do not. In essence, that means that by studying prophecy it will be easier for us to recognize deception and error when it is presented before us and therefore stay close to the genuine.

Not only that, but by taking Jesus' counsel, 'Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come." Matthew 24:42, we can be aware of the closeness of His appearing. Through the study of end-time and apocalyptic prophecies we have the opportunity of recognizing the times we are living in and prepare accordingly.

"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:" 2 Peter 1:19


On top of that, the Lord wants us to be watchmen to the rest of the world. With the light that is given to us we are to proclaim from the hills and the rooftops that His return is imminent. It is through being co-laborers with Christ that we may be fully ready for the final crisis.

The apostles themselves emphasized the importance of the knowledge and use of prophecy during their ministry. In Acts 2:16-21, in the very first sermon after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter actually starts off his message by explaining a prophecy by the prophet Joel concerning dreams, visions, and the Second Coming. During the rest of the message he continues to expand on more fulfilled prophecies concerning Jesus. The use of prophecy combined with the power of the Holy Spirit thus resulted in more than 3,000 people being baptized in a single day! The understanding of prophecy is something that every believer should have in his or her arsenal. We never know when we shall have need of it when witnessing to others and the results it brings are breathtaking.

I think of the study of prophecy in this way. Imagine you are the captain of a major ship running on a major supply line near the Arctic. Suddenly you receive a warning message through the fax with the headline 'WARNING! DANGER AHEAD!' Knowing the possible dangers of these treacherous waters you ignore the warning without reading the rest of the transcript and continue about your business anyway. Unknown to you, the warning was concerning a large chunk of an iceberg that has just broken off a nearby glacier and which is now reported to be in your path. The fax also includes information on the best possible safe path in order to avoid it. The night comes, your ship crashes into the oncoming iceberg and you sink with the ship.

Aren't most Christians exactly the same when it comes to prophecy? Millions are on the cruise ship of life. Their Bible is just at an arms reach screaming 'WARNING! DECEPTION AHEAD!' Yet, in their own wisdom, they ignore the warnings and continue on their own strength, believing they know these treacherous waters wall enough. Oh, if they only realized the path they're treading!

Jesus doesn't want us to walk in ignorance. He wants us to be fully armed and prepared for the coming deceptions and crisis ahead. He longs for each one of us to be with Him in His kingdom and He wants this hope to be within us ever so brightly. This is something that prophecy was given to us for. We should not make light use of it.


6. Faith Brought To Life

Unlike anything else in the Bible, prophecy has the remarkable tendency to reinvigorate the spiritual life of the believer.

Countless Christians come to church every week, fellowship with others, and continue to hear and talk about what they believe in and what they consider to be doctrine. However, for a large majority, their faith never becomes anything more than just what they 'believe' in. Though they do all those things, unknown to them, they are in fact spiritually dead. Their faith never leaves the stage of infancy and they never progress to acquire a working faith; a faith which compels them to go out and work for the salvation of souls.

I have seen the study of prophecy do amazing things in people's lives. Especially when it comes to faith, prophecy has the ability to take a believer from the point of spiritual death to where their faith is a living reality. Instead of just 'believing', the lives of many change to literally them being all about living their faith with zeal and fervor. They yearn to be co-laborers with Jesus and rejoice at any opportunity of witnessing and spreading the love of God, and the truth that was revealed to them, to others. Why is this? Why does prophecy have such an effect on souls?

The Bible says, "If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater." 1 John 5:9. What the Word points out here is that the testimonies of men can only take us so far. Reading and studying the Scriptures can instill us with faith and make it grow, but often there is something else needed in order for us to acquire a higher level of faith and relationship with God.

That very thing is the need to see God and His Word manifest in our lives. Yes, we can read about it and hear about our beliefs in church but until we experience God in our life, or in the world around us, our faith will never be where it needs to. Every believer needs to have this happen in his or her life; to see the reality of God with their own eyes. This is where often times prophecy will come in.

"And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe." John 14:29


There is something mysterious about seeing prophecy fulfill with our own eyes. In a world where all the scientists and learned men are telling us that the Scriptures are just myth, the soul silently longs for and rejoices greatly at the manifestation of God's Word. This is especially true concerning the prophecies dealing with the end of time.

Seeing the things foretold come to pass, even as we go about our daily routines, is nothing short of extraordinary. The soul is awakened and a sense of urgency is often instilled within a short time. This urgency then drives the believer to seek an ever-closer relationship with the Savior and the Father. He realizes that it is time to prepare and be ready. If he opens his heart to the Lord, very soon he will allow nothing else to absorb his energy and time. He continues to strive to purify his soul and character, and with his eyes focused on the return of His King, this everlasting hope burns as fire within his heart.

I have seen atheists come back to God and become full-blown believers within a matter of days thanks to prophecy. That's the effect which prophecy can have or has had on many of us. It is life-changing. If it hasn't been for you yet, I urge you to dig deep into the Word with a sincere and open heart. God will open your eyes to amazing things and your living faith will grow beyond anything you previously imagined.


An Open Book

The book of Revelation is an open book. Revelation 22:10. The prophecies of Daniel have been unsealed as well. God wishes for all to understand and take to heart the truths and warnings contained within the prophecies. Just as exciting is the fact that not all light has yet been revealed, not all prophecies fully understood. Time is short however, and the Lord wishes to uncover the last few remaining puzzle pieces to those who are willing to commit themselves to Him.

"Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things." 1 Peter 1:10-12


Prophecy is fascinating, while at the same time extremely important to all Christians. Peter tells us that even the angels long to study it with diligence. That certainly is an encouraging thought.

Within the books of Scripture we can find all that is necessary to be armed and prepared for the final crisis and the soon coming of our Lord. God has given us His final warnings of love because He wants us to stand on His side and be saved. Sadly, many are being deceived by their own pastors and elders. It is our duty as God's watchmen and servants to reach out to these souls and point them back to the study of Scripture and prophecy.

Let us pray, study, and be co-laborers with Jesus. Let us allow nothing else to absorb our time and effort. Great events will soon unfold. Let's be ready for time is short!


God Bless!

- Pete Warda
Co-Director, Remember The 4th Ministries

HAVE YOU CALLED YOU BROTHER?

"He first findeth his own brother Simon."-John 1:41

This case is an excellent pattern of all cases where spiritual life is vigorous. As soon as a man has found Christ, he begins to find others. I will not believe that thou hast tasted of the honey of the gospel if thou canst eat it all thyself.

True grace puts an end to all spiritual monopoly. Andrew first found his own brother Simon, and then others. Relationship has a very strong demand upon our first individual efforts. Andrew, thou didst well to begin with Simon.

I doubt whether there are not some Christians giving away tracts at other people's houses who would do well to give away a tract at their own-whether there are not some engaged in works of usefulness abroad who are neglecting their special sphere of usefulness at home.

Thou mayst or thou mayst not be called to evangelize the people in any particular locality, but certainly thou art called to see after thine own servants, thine own kinsfolk and acquaintance. Let thy religion begin at home. Many tradesmen export their best commodities-the Christian should not. He should have all his conversation everywhere of the best savour; but let him have a care to put forth the sweetest fruit of spiritual life and testimony in his own family.

When Andrew went to find his brother, he little imagined how eminent Simon would become. Simon Peter was worth ten Andrews so far as we can gather from sacred history, and yet Andrew was instrumental in bringing him to Jesus. You may be very deficient in talent yourself, and yet you may be the means of drawing to Christ one who shall become eminent in grace and service. Ah! dear friend, you little know the possibilities which are in you.

You may but speak a word to a child, and in that child there may be slumbering a noble heart which shall stir the Christian church in years to come. Andrew has only two talents, but he finds Peter. Go thou and do likewise.

Why the SABBATH?

Who made the Sabbath and why?

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." "And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it." Genesis 1:1; 2:2, 3.

God made the Sabbath at the time of Creation, after He made the world and everything in it. God rested on the Sabbath and blessed and sanctified it (set it apart for a holy use).

"And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:" Mark 2:27

The Sabbath and the family were alike instituted in Eden, and in God's purpose they are perpetually linked together. On this day more than on any other, it is possible for us to live the life of Eden. It was God's plan for the members of the family to be associated in work and study, in worship and recreation, the father as priest of his household, and both father and mother as teachers and companions of their children. But the results of sin, having changed the conditions of life, to a great degree prevent this association. Often the father hardly sees the faces of his children throughout the week. He is almost wholly deprived of opportunity for companionship or instruction. But God's love has set a limit to the demands of toil. Over the Sabbath He places His merciful hand. In His own day He preserves for the family opportunity for communion with Him, with nature, and with one another.

The Sabbath is a sign of creative and redeeming power; it points to God as the source of life and knowledge; it recalls man's primeval glory, and thus witnesses to God's purpose to re-create us in His own image. The Sabbath of the Lord bears His name and seal. "It is a sign," He says, "between Me and you; . . . that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you." because "in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it." Exodus 31:13; 20:11.

The Sabbath is the day above all others when we should acquaint ourselves with God through His works. In the minds of the children the very thought of the Sabbath should be bound up with the beauty of natural things. Happy is the family who can go to the place of worship on the Sabbath as Jesus and His disciples went to the synagogue--across the fields, along the shores of the lake, or through the groves. Happy the father and mother who can teach their children God's written word with illustrations from the open pages of the book of nature; who can gather under the green trees, in the fresh, pure air, to study the word and to sing the praise of the Father above. By such associations parents may bind their children to their hearts, and thus to God, by ties that can never be broken.

Continue at http://sabbathtruth.com/sabbath_purpose.asp 

http://www.rememberthe4th.com/bs_daniel.html