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VI.
The Sure Word of
Prophecy
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Chapter 47
:
Prophecy, Why Given
1. WHY were the Sacred Writings given?
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime
were written for our learning, that we
through patience and comfort of the Scriptures
might have hope." Rom. 15:4.
2. By what means is all scripture given?
"All scripture is given by inspiration of
God." 2 Tim. 3:16, first part.
3. For what is it profitable?
"And is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction
in righteousness." Same verse, last part.
4.
How was the prophecy given?
"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.
5.
What is the Lord able to do regarding the future?
"Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new
things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell
you of them." Isa. 42:9.
6.
How far-reaching is God's ability to reveal the future?
"Remember the former things of old: for 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." Isa. 46:9,10.
NOTES.-In contrast with this, note the following
confession of a noted modern historian as to man's
inability to reveal the future:-
"History has yet made so slight progress toward the
scientific basis that she is able to foretell
nothing that is to be hereafter. As to the future,
she is stone-blind. There is not a philosopher in
the world who can forecast the historical evolution
to the extent of a single day. The historian is as
completely dumb before the problems of 1895 as a
charlatan weather-prophet ought to be with respect
to the meteorological conditions of the next season.
The year will come and go. It will fulfil its
purpose in the great calendar of man-life. Its
events and issues will be evolved with scientific
exactitude out of antecedent conditions. But no man
living can predict what the aspect and event will
be. The tallest son of the morning can neither
foretell nor foresee the nature of what is to come
in the year that already stands knocking at the
door."-John Clark Ridpath, in Christian at Work,
Dec. 27, 1894.
Knowing all things, the future is present with
God. More, perhaps, than any other one thing, the
prophecies of the Bible and their fulfillment bear
witness to its divine inspiration.
7.
To whom does God reveal the secrets of the future?
"Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but He revealeth
His secret unto His servants the prophets." Amos
3:7.
8. To whom do the things which
have been revealed belong?
"The secret things belong unto the Lord our
God: but those things which are revealed belong unto
us and to our children forever." Deut. 29:29.
9.
What testimony did the apostle Peter bear concerning his
experience on the mount of transfiguration?
"For we have not followed cunningly devised fables,
when we made known unto you the power and coming of
our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of His
majesty." 2 Peter 1:16.
10. When did he say he saw the majesty of Christ, and
heard the voice from heaven?
"And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when
we were with Him in the holy mount." Verse 18.
11. How does he emphasize the reliability of prophecy?
"And we have the word of prophecy made more sure."
Verse 19, R.V. "Now more confirmed."
Boothroyd's translation.
NOTE.-Every fulfillment of prophecy is a
confirmation of the truth- fulness and reliability
of prophecy.
12. What admonition is therefore given?
"Whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto
a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawn, and
the day-star arise in your hearts." Verse 19, last part,
R.V.
13. What has ever been the theme of God's prophets?
"Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation
of your souls. Of which salvation the prophets have
inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the
grace that should come unto you." 1 Peter 1:9,10.
14. Whose spirit inspired their utterances?
"Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of
Christ which was in them did signify, when it
testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the
glory that should follow." Verse 11.
15. In what prophecy did Christ recognize Daniel as a
prophet?
"When ye therefore shall see the abomination of
desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet,
stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him
understand)." Matt. 24:15.
16. To what time were the prophecies of Daniel, as a
whole, to be sealed?
"But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the
book, even to the time of the end: many shall run
to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." Dan.
12:4.
17. What assurance was given by the angel that these
prophecies would be understood in the last days?
"And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are
closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many
shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the
wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall
understand; but the wise shall understand."
Verses 9,10.
18. What is the last book of the Bible called?
"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave
unto Him." Rev. 1:1.
19. What is said of those who read, hear, and keep the
things contained in this book?
"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear
the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which
are written therein." Verse 3. |
