Does Bible Prophecy Matter?

by Scott Ashley

The biblical record of prophecy is long and astoundingly accurate. No human seer could have accurately predicted the remarkable rise and fall of kingdoms, leaders and peoples that we find in the Bible.

"For I am God," He declares, "and there is no other; I am God and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand . . .'" (Isaiah 46:9-10). God alone has the power to foretell the future—and then bring it to pass.

But why does God reveal the future? One crucial reason is so we can see the need to change. God reveals the future so each of us, individually, can personally repent—change our way of living and begin living as He tells us to—and avoid suffering God's judgment on the world as these prophetic events unfold. He tells us what is coming to motivate us to make the changes we need to make in our lives, both personally and nationally.

God's pleadings with ancient Israel and Judah are revealing. He sent His prophet Ezekiel with a heartfelt appeal: "Say to them: 'As I live,' says the Lord God, 'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die . . . ?'" (Ezekiel 33:11, emphasis added throughout).

God doesn't want to punish anyone. But, like any loving parent, He knows that sometimes we need a painful lesson in discipline to prevent even greater pain and suffering further down the line.

He has also given us laws, summarized in the Ten Commandments, that bring great blessings when we obey them—because they teach us a way of life that shows love for Him and for our fellow man (Matthew 22:37-40). These laws also have opposite consequences when we ignore or disobey them. When we break them, they inevitably bring painful results and, in turn, break us. Sadly, few are willing to humbly submit to God and allow themselves to learn this lesson.

Throughout His Word, God reveals the events, trends and conditions that will engulf the world at the time of the end. Near the end of the book of Daniel is the warning that this will be "a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then" (Daniel 12:1, New International Version). The whole world will be overtaken by one unprecedented disaster after another after another.

Notice Jesus Christ's own description of the time leading up to His return: "It will be a time of great distress, such as there has never been before since the beginning of the world, and will never be again. If that time of troubles were not cut short, no living thing could survive; but for the sake of God's chosen it will be cut short" (Matthew 24:21-22, Revised English Bible). This time will be so perilous, He warns, that mankind will be in danger of extinction. Considering the remarkably accurate prophecies of the Bible, this should surely get our attention.

God's prophecies are sure. He foretold the decline and fall of many nations for their sins—including many of the leading nations and peoples of our day. What about you? Will you be among them?

Notice also in Christ's warning the good news that, "for the sake of God's chosen," total annihilation won't come. These are the few who truly believe God, and have the faith, courage and willingness to act on that belief. They are truly willing to repent—to change their lives, to surrender to God, to give up everything, if necessary, to humbly submit to and follow a God who has promised them everything in return.

In that most remarkable book of Bible prophecy He assures them, "He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son" (Revelation 21:7). What a loving promise from the Creator of all things! Are you willing to take the steps necessary to claim it? GN

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