What is Bible prophecy?
A Lesson on Biblical Prophecy
Introduction to Biblical Prophecy
Biblical prophecy is a defining feature of Scripture and serves as a powerful argument for the Bible’s divine origin. Prophecy demonstrates that the Bible is not merely a human work but is inspired by God, who exists outside of time and reveals His purposes to humanity. From a Southern Baptist theological perspective, prophecy validates the authority of Scripture, glorifies God, and confirms the redemptive plan of Jesus Christ.
The Nature of Biblical Prophecy
Definition: Biblical prophecy is not just prediction but also proclamation. It involves foretelling future events (predictive prophecy) and forthtelling God’s will in the present.
Unique Features:
Specificity: Biblical prophecies are detailed and precise, unlike vague or generalized predictions (e.g., Nostradamus).
Fulfillment: The Bible's prophecies are fulfilled with remarkable accuracy, often verified by historical and archaeological evidence.
Focus on God’s Glory: Prophecies in Scripture are always aimed at glorifying God, calling people to repentance, and pointing to Christ.
Statistical Probability of Fulfillment
Dr. Peter Stoner, a mathematician, famously calculated the probability of just eight specific Messianic prophecies being fulfilled by one person. The result: 1 in 10^17 (one in 100 quadrillion). For perspective, this is like covering the state of Texas with silver dollars two feet deep, marking one coin, and having a blindfolded person pick the marked coin on the first try.
If we expand this to include the approximately 300 Messianic prophecies, the probability becomes incalculable by human standards, underscoring the divine authorship of Scripture.
Key Examples of Biblical Prophecy
1. Messianic Prophecies
Birthplace of the Messiah: Micah 5:2 predicts that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Fulfilled in Matthew 2:1.
Manner of Death: Psalm 22 describes crucifixion in detail, centuries before the practice was invented. Fulfilled in John 19:23-24.
Timing of the Messiah’s Ministry: Daniel 9:25-26 predicts the exact timeline of the Messiah’s arrival, aligning with Jesus’ ministry.
2. Prophecies About Nations
Destruction of Tyre: Ezekiel 26 predicted Tyre's destruction and its debris being thrown into the sea. Fulfilled by Alexander the Great.
Fall of Babylon: Isaiah 13:19-22 prophesied Babylon’s destruction and that it would never be inhabited again. Despite its historical prominence, Babylon remains desolate.
Rebirth of Israel: Isaiah 66:8 predicted the rebirth of Israel in one day. Fulfilled on May 14, 1948.
3. The Coming of the Holy Spirit
Joel 2:28-29 prophesied the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, fulfilled in Acts 2 during Pentecost. This event inaugurated a new era in God’s redemptive plan.
Accuracy of Prophecy
Biblical prophecy’s accuracy is unparalleled. The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in 1947, contain manuscripts of Isaiah that predate Christ by over 100 years. This confirms that the prophecies about the Messiah were written well before their fulfillment.
Archaeological discoveries also validate prophecies about nations and cities (e.g., the ruins of Tyre and Babylon), providing external evidence of their fulfillment.
Theological Insights
God’s Sovereignty: Prophecy reveals that God is in control of history. Isaiah 46:9-10 declares, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.”
Jesus as the Fulfillment of Prophecy: Southern Baptists emphasize that all prophecy ultimately points to Jesus Christ. Luke 24:27 records that Jesus explained to His disciples how all the Scriptures point to Him.
Reliability of Scripture: Prophecy underscores the trustworthiness of the Bible as the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Its fulfillment affirms that God’s Word is true and authoritative.
Call to Repentance: Prophecy often includes a moral and spiritual call to turn back to God. For example, Jonah’s prophecy to Nineveh (Jonah 3) led to national repentance.
Eschatology: Prophecy is central to understanding the end times, including Christ’s return, the final judgment, and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom (Revelation 21-22).
Practical Implications
Strengthening Faith: Prophecy demonstrates the Bible’s divine origin, bolstering the believer’s confidence in Scripture.
Evangelism: Prophecies, especially about Christ, provide a powerful tool for sharing the gospel.
Hope for the Future: Eschatological prophecies assure believers of God’s ultimate victory and eternal kingdom.
Challenges to Prophecy
Skepticism: Critics argue that prophecies were written after the events occurred (e.g., postdating). However, the Dead Sea Scrolls and other historical evidence refute this.
Misinterpretation: Some prophecies are symbolic and require careful exegesis to avoid misapplication.
Partial Fulfillment: Some prophecies have both immediate and future fulfillment, requiring discernment to understand their full implications (e.g., Isaiah 7:14).
Biblical prophecy is a profound demonstration of God’s sovereignty, wisdom, and love. It validates Scripture’s divine inspiration, points to Jesus Christ as the center of God’s redemptive plan, and provides hope for the believer. As Southern Baptists, we affirm the reliability of prophecy and its role in proclaiming the gospel and glorifying God.
If you’d like to explore this further, I’d recommend diving into resources like John MacArthur’s The MacArthur Study Bible or our studies on Daniel, Revelation, etc.
Statistical Power of Messianic Prophecies
Dr. Peter Stoner's probability analysis of Messianic prophecies gives us a powerful apologetic tool. Expanding from the initial eight prophecies he analyzed, let’s consider the broader scope:
48 Prophecies Fulfilled: If we consider the probability of one person fulfilling 48 specific Messianic prophecies, the odds become astronomically small—1 in 10^157. For reference, this number far exceeds the number of atoms in the known universe. This eliminates the possibility of coincidence and underscores divine orchestration.
Global Implications: These fulfilled prophecies not only validate Christ’s identity but also affirm the Bible as a divinely inspired text. No other religious or philosophical tradition has this kind of verifiable predictive track record.
The Role of Dual Fulfillment in Prophecy
Many prophecies have dual fulfillment, meaning they were partially fulfilled in historical events while pointing to ultimate fulfillment in Christ or eschatological events.
Isaiah 7:14 (The Virgin Birth):
Immediate Fulfillment: Some scholars suggest the prophecy initially referred to the birth of Maher-shalal-hash-baz as a sign to King Ahaz.
Ultimate Fulfillment: Matthew 1:22-23 applies this prophecy to Jesus Christ, demonstrating how the prophecy ultimately points to the miraculous virgin birth.
Joel 2:28-32 (The Outpouring of the Spirit):
Partial Fulfillment: At Pentecost (Acts 2), the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples, marking the beginning of the church age.
Final Fulfillment: The full realization of this prophecy will occur in the eschatological future, during the Day of the Lord.
Zechariah 12:10 (Israel’s Mourning for the Messiah):
Immediate Fulfillment: Partial fulfillment occurred when Christ was crucified, as people mourned (Luke 23:48).
Future Fulfillment: This prophecy will reach its culmination when Israel recognizes Jesus as the Messiah during His second coming (Romans 11:25-27).
Prophecy and Eschatology
Prophecy plays a vital role in understanding the end times (eschatology). Southern Baptists hold a range of eschatological views, but most affirm the authority of Scripture in revealing the culmination of God’s redemptive plan.
Major Eschatological Prophecies
The Return of Christ:
Acts 1:11: “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
Revelation 19:11-16 describes the triumphant return of Jesus as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
The Resurrection of the Dead:
1 Corinthians 15:51-52 promises the resurrection of believers at the last trumpet.
Daniel 12:2 speaks of a resurrection to everlasting life or shame.
The New Heaven and New Earth:
Revelation 21:1-4 promises the creation of a new heaven and a new earth where God will dwell with His people forever.
Theological Insights on Eschatology:
God’s Justice and Mercy: Prophecies of judgment demonstrate God’s justice, while the promise of eternal life shows His mercy.
Hope for Believers: Eschatological prophecy provides assurance that no matter the trials of this world, God’s ultimate plan will prevail.
Motivation for Evangelism: Knowing the certainty of Christ’s return and the final judgment motivates believers to share the gospel with urgency (Matthew 28:19-20).
The Role of Prophecy in Apologetics
Prophecy is one of the strongest apologetic tools for defending the faith:
Evidence of Divine Inspiration: The fulfillment of detailed prophecies, written centuries in advance, validates the Bible as the Word of God.
Christ-Centered Apologetics: Messianic prophecies point directly to Jesus, providing a clear connection between Old Testament promises and New Testament fulfillment.
Challenge to Skepticism: The statistical improbability of prophecy fulfillment addresses objections from naturalistic worldviews.
Practical Use in Evangelism:
Focus on fulfilled prophecies, such as Isaiah 53 or Psalm 22, to show how they point to Jesus.
Highlight archaeological evidence (e.g., the Dead Sea Scrolls) that confirms the reliability of the Old Testament text.
Challenges in Interpreting Prophecy
Symbolism vs. Literalism:
Some prophecies use symbolic language (e.g., Revelation 13’s beast), requiring careful exegesis to discern their meaning.
Southern Baptists emphasize a literal interpretation of prophecy when context supports it but recognize the use of symbolism in apocalyptic literature.
Timing and Partial Fulfillment:
Prophecies like the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24) have been partially fulfilled (e.g., destruction of the Temple in A.D. 70) but also point to future events.
Discerning the “already but not yet” nature of some prophecies requires theological training and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
Misuse of Prophecy:
Avoid sensationalism and speculative predictions about end times, which can discredit the gospel.
Stay focused on how prophecy points to Christ and calls believers to faithfulness.
Practical Takeaways for Believers
Faith and Assurance:
Prophecy builds confidence in God’s sovereignty and His promises.
Romans 8:28 reminds us that all things work together for good because God’s plan is unfolding perfectly.
Evangelistic Tool:
Use fulfilled prophecy as evidence of the Bible’s reliability when sharing the gospel.
Emphasize the Messianic focus of prophecy to lead others to Christ.
Living with Hope:
Prophecy reminds believers of the ultimate victory in Christ, encouraging perseverance through trials.
Revelation 22:20 affirms our hope: “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”
Conclusion
Biblical prophecy is a testament to the divine authorship of Scripture, the sovereignty of God, and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Its statistical improbability, historical accuracy, and theological depth demonstrate that the Bible is unlike any other text. For Southern Baptists, prophecy is not merely a tool for apologetics but a source of hope, assurance, and motivation to live faithfully as we await Christ’s return.
Messianic Prophecies: Evidence of Divine Inspiration
Messianic prophecies form a cornerstone of biblical prophecy, demonstrating the supernatural nature of Scripture. These prophecies, written centuries before Jesus’ birth, provide specific details about the Messiah’s identity, mission, and role in God’s redemptive plan. Their fulfillment in the life of Jesus Christ validates the Bible’s divine origin and points to Jesus as the promised Savior.
Key Messianic Prophecies and Their Fulfillment
The Messiah’s Birthplace:
Prophecy: Micah 5:2 predicts that the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem: “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel.”
Fulfillment: Matthew 2:1 records Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, fulfilling this prophecy with remarkable precision.
The Virgin Birth:
Prophecy: Isaiah 7:14 declares: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
Fulfillment: Matthew 1:22-23 directly connects this prophecy to Jesus, emphasizing His miraculous birth as evidence of His divine nature.
Betrayal for 30 Pieces of Silver:
Prophecy: Zechariah 11:12-13 foretells the Messiah being betrayed for 30 pieces of silver, which would be used to purchase a potter’s field.
Fulfillment: In Matthew 26:14-16, Judas Iscariot agrees to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, and Matthew 27:3-10 describes how the money was used to buy the potter’s field.
Crucifixion and Suffering:
Prophecy: Psalm 22 vividly describes the Messiah’s suffering: “They have pierced my hands and feet” (Psalm 22:16) and “They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots” (Psalm 22:18).
Fulfillment: These details were fulfilled in the crucifixion of Jesus, as recorded in John 19:23-24.
The Messiah’s Resurrection:
Prophecy: Psalm 16:10 declares: “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.”
Fulfillment: Peter, in Acts 2:24-31, applies this prophecy to Jesus, affirming His resurrection as the ultimate victory over death.
Triumphal Entry:
Prophecy: Zechariah 9:9 predicts the Messiah will enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey: “Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey.”
Fulfillment: Matthew 21:1-9 records Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling this prophecy during the events leading up to His crucifixion.
Statistical Improbability of Fulfilled Prophecies
Dr. Peter Stoner calculated the probability of just 8 prophecies being fulfilled in one person as 1 in 10^17 (one in 100 quadrillion). This is like covering the state of Texas with silver dollars two feet deep, marking one coin, and having a blindfolded person pick the marked coin on the first try.
Expanding to approximately 300 Messianic prophecies, the probability becomes incalculable by human standards. This demonstrates that the fulfillment of these prophecies is not a coincidence but a testament to divine orchestration.
Theological Insights on Messianic Prophecy
God’s Sovereignty:
Messianic prophecies reveal God’s control over history, orchestrating events across centuries to fulfill His redemptive plan. Isaiah 46:9-10 declares, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.”
The Centrality of Christ:
Southern Baptists emphasize that all Scripture points to Jesus. After His resurrection, Jesus explained to His disciples how the Law, Prophets, and Psalms spoke about Him (Luke 24:27, 44-47).
Reliability of Scripture:
The precise fulfillment of prophecies validates the Bible’s divine inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16). This strengthens faith and assures believers of God’s promises.
God’s Grace in Redemption:
These prophecies highlight God’s plan to redeem humanity through the Messiah. Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection fulfill the sacrificial system and offer salvation to all who believe (John 3:16).
Practical Implications for Believers
Strengthening Faith:
The fulfillment of Messianic prophecies provides concrete evidence for the Bible’s truth, offering assurance in God’s promises.
Evangelism:
Messianic prophecies are a powerful tool for sharing the gospel, demonstrating that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s plan and the Savior of the world.
Hope and Assurance:
These prophecies remind believers of God’s faithfulness, giving hope in the present and confidence in the future (Romans 8:28).
Conclusion
Messianic prophecies are a stunning display of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness, pointing unambiguously to Jesus Christ as the Messiah. Their specificity, statistical improbability, and precise fulfillment demonstrate that the Bible is divinely inspired. For Southern Baptists, these prophecies not only affirm the authority of Scripture but also strengthen faith, motivate evangelism, and deepen our worship of Christ, the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
