How to Study the Bible
New Lesson every Tuesday,
Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
How to Study the Bible
DBS HSB #056
The Interpretation Of Prophecy
Today's Lesson:
The Interpretation Of Prophecy
Prophecy predicts by the Word while Typology predicts by the institution, act or person. Prophecy foretells an event while typology prefigures it.
The interpretation of prophecy is one of the most difficult areas of Scripture. Prophecy is often clothed in highly symbolic and typological vocabulary. There are principles to follow, but no formulas. Interpreting prophecy is like putting together a puzzle. Each piece is important and the lack of some pieces can give a distorted picture. The vocabulary is not easy. The historical setting is often difficult to find. Sometimes, key words in Hebrew, Aramaic or Greek are used only once in all of Scripture and their meanings are open to question. An incorrectly interpreted type or symbol, or one distorted for the personal fame of the student can distort the entire picture. We in effect must look for the chronological control verses and then seek to fill in the blanks. The bulk of information is overwhelming. Just add up the number of chapters in the prophetic books and compare that to the 1,189 chapters in Scripture. Even if we do not include other prophetic references, we can easily see that almost 25% of the Scriptures are prophetic in nature. It is also amazing to realize that often we must look at prophecy that has been fulfilled in order to see how the original prophecy was intended. The study of prophecy is not easy, but it is rewarding (Rev 1:3).
The principles of the interpretation of Biblical prophecy must recognize the literal fulfillment of the Word of God, paying careful attention to the grammar and the historical setting. All other prophecies in the Bible, especially those concerning the cross of Jesus Christ had a literal fulfillment, so why should we expect anything different for the balance of prophecy yet to be fulfilled? The Lord Jesus Christ Himself said that "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away (Mark 13:31)." This carries a clear cut implication that the Lord's words will be literally fulfilled, even though it may be cloaked in highly figurative language. Often times there is confusion in the terminology that is used. The "Literal" School of Interpretation recognizes types and symbols and means that the predicted events will be literally fulfilled. Some would argue that this is not being truly literal. A simple reading of the Song of Solomon though should let one realize that symbolic language is clearly employed in the Scriptures. We must be careful of allegorizing passages that are clearly prophetic in nature. We do not want to read our thoughts and viewpoints into the passage, but instead determine what God wants us to know.
We should seek to determine the exact meanings of the words that are used from the original languages. Many problems are cleared up when we take the simplest meaning of the words and avoid trying to read things into them. We must recognize the use of figurative language in the revelation of prophecy. Even though there is figurative language, once again, it will still have a literal fulfillment, since the figurative is a "shadow" of the reality it represents (Heb 10:1-14).
In seeking to interpret literally we must pay careful attention to the historical setting in which the prophecy was given. It is therefore extremely important to know chronology and the specified time frames of history. Literal interpretation means that the prophecy will have a literal fulfillment. Thus, when the Lord says that He will "come again," it refers to a literal return-not just "in the hearts of men."
We must realize that there is a harmony in prophecy as God is not a God of confusion (1 Cor 14:33). Where harmony does not exist between various passages, we must have the humility to shift our understanding and see the "picture" from a different perspective, by allowing our picture to include those pieces. Prophecy does not shift with our ideas, perspectives or desires. It is from God. We must be the ones willing to make the changes. Sadly, history is full of examples of people who developed a system and then held on to it at all costs-in spite of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Just consider the Pharisees.
The harmony of prophecy inherently involves the comparison of Scripture with Scripture. A specific event may be described in many different places in the Bible. For example, the end-time entity of Babylon (Rev 17-18) is also discussed in detail in Isaiah 13 and 47 and Jeremiah 50-51. Many people try to go to a prophetic book and interpret it as a finished, complete unit. While major points may be given in that book, there are frequently many other passages that fill in the details. We therefore must be very careful of what we develop and hold up as "doctrine." Jesus Christ said that He will return (John 14:1-3). That is doctrine. Whether it is Pre-Tribulational, Mid-Tribulational, Post-Tribulational, Pre-wrath or whatever other position may be presented, these are conclusions that are drawn by men based on how they see the evidence. The author, for example, holds very strong convictions that the Rapture of the Church will occur before the Tribulation, and firmly believes that that is what the evidence teaches, but because I or you hold a certain position does not mean that it is provable beyond any doubt.
Since the entirety of God's Word revolves around His Son, Jesus Christ, it is essential to interpret Christologically (1 Pet 1:10-11). This means that we should realize that Jesus Christ is at the center of all theology and all history. We are told that, "His testimony is the spirit of prophecy (Rev 19:10." History is indeed "His Story" and is the unveiling of the Lord Jesus Christ. Prophecy is focused on that fact. If we cannot explain His relationship to the position we have taken, then the position needs to be reconsidered.
Prophecy must also recognize the fact that God has ordained different time frames called Dispensations, in which certain methods are different. For example, in the second and third chapters of Revelation, there are letters written to seven different churches. Beginning with Chapter 4 all the way through Chapter 18, the church is not mentioned. Facts such as these must be considered when interpreting those chapters.
Another very important factor in the interpretation of prophecy is that we must determine if a given prophecy is fulfilled in the part, the whole or not at all. If it is totally fulfilled, it need not be repeated. If it is partially fulfilled, then it makes sense that the Lord will bring about similar circumstances so that the balance of the prophecy might be completed. After all, God is truth (Isa 65:16) and His Words are truth (2 Sam 7:28), so what He has had written must be literally true. If the prophecy is not yet fulfilled, then it will be.
Also widely recognized by those who diligently study prophecy is the principle of Double Reference. This involves two events that are widely separated in time and may be brought together in a single reference. The Lord Himself pointed this out when He read from Isaiah and said that today "this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing (Luke 4:21)." He is quoting from Isaiah 61:1-2, but if you will notice that He did not say the next phrase in Isaiah had been fulfilled. It says, "and the day of vengeance of our God," which is a reference to His Second Coming. God is not bound by time and sees the "end from the beginning (Rev 21:6; 22:13)," so it is not a problem for Him to include two events in one prophecy.
A final point to recognize in the interpretation of the prophetic word is that we must not only look for similarities in events, but for differences. The differences may often lead us to conclude that there are two events in view and not one. The return of the Lord is a good example. We are told in one passage that the saints will "meet Him in the air (1 Thes 4:13-18)." In another passage, we are told that, "His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives," and it will split in two and He will go forth then to fight (Zech 14:1-5). In putting together the puzzle of the prophetic word, we must consider the differences.
Free Online Bible All Versions
"You Version" Bible Software all versions
and lots of translations including Duetsch,
Espanol, Italiano and many, many more. No d/l.
http://www.youversion.com
Today's Questions:
1- What are some of the factors that make the interpretation of prophecy one of the most difficult areas in the Scriptures?
2- What reasons lead us to expect a literal fulfillment of prophecy?
3- What is essential in finding the harmony of prophecy?
4- Who should we find at the center of the prophetic word?
5- What role does "Dispensations" play in the study of prophecy?
6- Why is it important to determine the degree of fulfillment if a given prophecy?
7- Why is it important to look for differences in prophetic events?
Remember, send your answers to (PastorJeffLilley@Gmail.com), I will grade them and after the study is finished, those of you with a passing grade will receive a certificate from JJL Ministries.
Ask any questions you may have below in the comments.
Abundant Blessings
Pastor Jeff
Many of You have asked How You can Help our Ministries:
There is no charge for our JJL MInistries Bible Studies.
You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to:
JJL Ministries
1463 Senita Dr
Beaumont, CA 92223
"How to Study the Bible" is a dynamic life changing ministry of JJL Ministries Inc.
Please Support our ministry online, JJL Ministries
is a Federal 501(c)3 Org on file with the IRS.
Remember donations are Tax Deductible.
http://bit.ly/19PY0f
Who We Are at JJL Ministries
Pastor Jeff & Janette Lilley
PastorJeffLilley@gmail.com
JanetteLilley@gmail.com
Copyright © 1999-2009
All Rights Reserved
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New Lesson every Tuesday,
Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
How to Study the Bible
DBS HSB #056
The Interpretation Of Prophecy
Today's Lesson:
The Interpretation Of Prophecy
Prophecy predicts by the Word while Typology predicts by the institution, act or person. Prophecy foretells an event while typology prefigures it.
The interpretation of prophecy is one of the most difficult areas of Scripture. Prophecy is often clothed in highly symbolic and typological vocabulary. There are principles to follow, but no formulas. Interpreting prophecy is like putting together a puzzle. Each piece is important and the lack of some pieces can give a distorted picture. The vocabulary is not easy. The historical setting is often difficult to find. Sometimes, key words in Hebrew, Aramaic or Greek are used only once in all of Scripture and their meanings are open to question. An incorrectly interpreted type or symbol, or one distorted for the personal fame of the student can distort the entire picture. We in effect must look for the chronological control verses and then seek to fill in the blanks. The bulk of information is overwhelming. Just add up the number of chapters in the prophetic books and compare that to the 1,189 chapters in Scripture. Even if we do not include other prophetic references, we can easily see that almost 25% of the Scriptures are prophetic in nature. It is also amazing to realize that often we must look at prophecy that has been fulfilled in order to see how the original prophecy was intended. The study of prophecy is not easy, but it is rewarding (Rev 1:3).
The principles of the interpretation of Biblical prophecy must recognize the literal fulfillment of the Word of God, paying careful attention to the grammar and the historical setting. All other prophecies in the Bible, especially those concerning the cross of Jesus Christ had a literal fulfillment, so why should we expect anything different for the balance of prophecy yet to be fulfilled? The Lord Jesus Christ Himself said that "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away (Mark 13:31)." This carries a clear cut implication that the Lord's words will be literally fulfilled, even though it may be cloaked in highly figurative language. Often times there is confusion in the terminology that is used. The "Literal" School of Interpretation recognizes types and symbols and means that the predicted events will be literally fulfilled. Some would argue that this is not being truly literal. A simple reading of the Song of Solomon though should let one realize that symbolic language is clearly employed in the Scriptures. We must be careful of allegorizing passages that are clearly prophetic in nature. We do not want to read our thoughts and viewpoints into the passage, but instead determine what God wants us to know.
We should seek to determine the exact meanings of the words that are used from the original languages. Many problems are cleared up when we take the simplest meaning of the words and avoid trying to read things into them. We must recognize the use of figurative language in the revelation of prophecy. Even though there is figurative language, once again, it will still have a literal fulfillment, since the figurative is a "shadow" of the reality it represents (Heb 10:1-14).
In seeking to interpret literally we must pay careful attention to the historical setting in which the prophecy was given. It is therefore extremely important to know chronology and the specified time frames of history. Literal interpretation means that the prophecy will have a literal fulfillment. Thus, when the Lord says that He will "come again," it refers to a literal return-not just "in the hearts of men."
We must realize that there is a harmony in prophecy as God is not a God of confusion (1 Cor 14:33). Where harmony does not exist between various passages, we must have the humility to shift our understanding and see the "picture" from a different perspective, by allowing our picture to include those pieces. Prophecy does not shift with our ideas, perspectives or desires. It is from God. We must be the ones willing to make the changes. Sadly, history is full of examples of people who developed a system and then held on to it at all costs-in spite of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Just consider the Pharisees.
The harmony of prophecy inherently involves the comparison of Scripture with Scripture. A specific event may be described in many different places in the Bible. For example, the end-time entity of Babylon (Rev 17-18) is also discussed in detail in Isaiah 13 and 47 and Jeremiah 50-51. Many people try to go to a prophetic book and interpret it as a finished, complete unit. While major points may be given in that book, there are frequently many other passages that fill in the details. We therefore must be very careful of what we develop and hold up as "doctrine." Jesus Christ said that He will return (John 14:1-3). That is doctrine. Whether it is Pre-Tribulational, Mid-Tribulational, Post-Tribulational, Pre-wrath or whatever other position may be presented, these are conclusions that are drawn by men based on how they see the evidence. The author, for example, holds very strong convictions that the Rapture of the Church will occur before the Tribulation, and firmly believes that that is what the evidence teaches, but because I or you hold a certain position does not mean that it is provable beyond any doubt.
Since the entirety of God's Word revolves around His Son, Jesus Christ, it is essential to interpret Christologically (1 Pet 1:10-11). This means that we should realize that Jesus Christ is at the center of all theology and all history. We are told that, "His testimony is the spirit of prophecy (Rev 19:10." History is indeed "His Story" and is the unveiling of the Lord Jesus Christ. Prophecy is focused on that fact. If we cannot explain His relationship to the position we have taken, then the position needs to be reconsidered.
Prophecy must also recognize the fact that God has ordained different time frames called Dispensations, in which certain methods are different. For example, in the second and third chapters of Revelation, there are letters written to seven different churches. Beginning with Chapter 4 all the way through Chapter 18, the church is not mentioned. Facts such as these must be considered when interpreting those chapters.
Another very important factor in the interpretation of prophecy is that we must determine if a given prophecy is fulfilled in the part, the whole or not at all. If it is totally fulfilled, it need not be repeated. If it is partially fulfilled, then it makes sense that the Lord will bring about similar circumstances so that the balance of the prophecy might be completed. After all, God is truth (Isa 65:16) and His Words are truth (2 Sam 7:28), so what He has had written must be literally true. If the prophecy is not yet fulfilled, then it will be.
Also widely recognized by those who diligently study prophecy is the principle of Double Reference. This involves two events that are widely separated in time and may be brought together in a single reference. The Lord Himself pointed this out when He read from Isaiah and said that today "this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing (Luke 4:21)." He is quoting from Isaiah 61:1-2, but if you will notice that He did not say the next phrase in Isaiah had been fulfilled. It says, "and the day of vengeance of our God," which is a reference to His Second Coming. God is not bound by time and sees the "end from the beginning (Rev 21:6; 22:13)," so it is not a problem for Him to include two events in one prophecy.
A final point to recognize in the interpretation of the prophetic word is that we must not only look for similarities in events, but for differences. The differences may often lead us to conclude that there are two events in view and not one. The return of the Lord is a good example. We are told in one passage that the saints will "meet Him in the air (1 Thes 4:13-18)." In another passage, we are told that, "His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives," and it will split in two and He will go forth then to fight (Zech 14:1-5). In putting together the puzzle of the prophetic word, we must consider the differences.
Free Online Bible All Versions
"You Version" Bible Software all versions
and lots of translations including Duetsch,
Espanol, Italiano and many, many more. No d/l.
http://www.youversion.com
Today's Questions:
1- What are some of the factors that make the interpretation of prophecy one of the most difficult areas in the Scriptures?
2- What reasons lead us to expect a literal fulfillment of prophecy?
3- What is essential in finding the harmony of prophecy?
4- Who should we find at the center of the prophetic word?
5- What role does "Dispensations" play in the study of prophecy?
6- Why is it important to determine the degree of fulfillment if a given prophecy?
7- Why is it important to look for differences in prophetic events?
Remember, send your answers to (PastorJeffLilley@Gmail.com), I will grade them and after the study is finished, those of you with a passing grade will receive a certificate from JJL Ministries.
Ask any questions you may have below in the comments.
Abundant Blessings
Pastor Jeff
Many of You have asked How You can Help our Ministries:
There is no charge for our JJL MInistries Bible Studies.
You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to:
JJL Ministries
1463 Senita Dr
Beaumont, CA 92223
"How to Study the Bible" is a dynamic life changing ministry of JJL Ministries Inc.
Please Support our ministry online, JJL Ministries
is a Federal 501(c)3 Org on file with the IRS.
Remember donations are Tax Deductible.
http://bit.ly/19PY0f
Who We Are at JJL Ministries
Pastor Jeff & Janette Lilley
PastorJeffLilley@gmail.com
JanetteLilley@gmail.com
Copyright © 1999-2009
All Rights Reserved
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