Information Related to "Why Understand Prophecy?"
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We
live in amazing times. In late 1999, many people around the world were
troubled by the uncertainties that the beginning of a new millennium
would bring in the year 2000. Some people were claiming that the "beginning of the end" was
at hand.
More recently, the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, have rekindled
fears and concerns in our society. People have also speculated that God
foretold these events in the pages of the Bible.
Millions have been intrigued by interpreted prophecy and the future through the best-selling Left Behind book series. Clearly, there is much happening in our world that people want to understand. What does the Bible have to say about some of these events? What purpose can prophecy serve in the life of a teen or young person?
The Bible shows that God had a purpose for putting mankind on earth. In the beginning, God began revealing His purpose by saying, "Let Us make man in Our image" (Genesis 1:26). This phrase addresses the divine purpose for man's creation.
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul spoke to the "mystery" of man's purpose for being put on earth: "But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written: 'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him'" (1 Corinthians 2:7-10) .
So, we see that God designed man for a purpose that exceeds our short, human existence on earth—a future that most people (without God's Spirit) simply do not believe!
God's plan for mankind includes the ability to choose. From the beginning of human history, God has given people the opportunity to choose if they would obey Him or not. In Genesis 3:22-24, God tells us that man was banished from God's garden—and was left to fend for himself because of choosing not to obey God.
From this point on, human beings have chosen their own form of government, laws, education, values and religion. And, while God gives each of us the freedom to choose which way of life we will live, and what values (if any) we will embrace—He does tell us that we will reap what we sow (be rewarded or punished for what we do). "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life" (Galatians 6:7-8, NIV).
God's Word, the Bible, has much to say about future events—particularly
as they relate to His plan for mankind. The events that will bring sorrow
and suffering will come about as the result of people making wrong choices,
breaking God's laws. Even though most people will remain ignorant of the
cause of upcoming suffering, God carefully informs those who serve Him
of the impending dangers that will arise at the end of this age.
The prophet Amos was used to reassure the people of God when he wrote, "Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets" (Amos 3:7). At the beginning of the book of Revelation (which is known for its prophetic symbolism), the apostle John was given a vision of end-time events. The purpose of this "revelation" by Jesus Christ was, "to show His servants—things which must shortly take place" (Revelation 1:1).
Throughout the Bible, God reassures His people—those who serve Him—that they are given a more sure and clear understanding of prophecy and end-time events (2 Peter 1:19-21). Although there are many opinions and private interpretations of the prophetic statements and symbolism of the Bible, God assures us that those who serve Him will understand.
God's desire is for mankind to live peaceably with one another. Despite the horrific conflict and human depravity that exist today, God doesn't want people to suffer. The Bible gives us an excellent example of the way that God works with mankind in the book of Luke.
The account in Luke 15 of the prodigal son shows that a loving father will allow his children to learn from their choices and their mistakes. In a larger sense, that is what God is doing with mankind. However, the mistakes that most people are presently making will bring about a condition at the time of the end called "tribulation" (Matthew 24:21-22). Jesus Christ told His disciples that at the end of the age mankind's troubles would bring a time of great distress and trauma—the likes of which people have never experienced.
God ultimately desires for people to choose the right way and change from the wrong way that leads to destruction. Through these and other prophetic warnings, God informs an unbelieving world of the result of its misguided path.
In 2 Peter 3:9, Peter tells the Church that God's desire is for all of humanity to realize their potential and live: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."
Not all of the prophecies of the Bible focus on the tragic results of man's wrong choices. The Word of God also declares the good news of a new world that will enjoy true peace and prosperity.
The prophet Isaiah gives a glimpse into the future that is filled with good news: "The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, 'Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.'
"For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from
Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people;
they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning
hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they
learn war anymore" (Isaiah 2:1-4).
This new world that Jesus Christ referred to as the Kingdom of God will be a time when people will finally understand what God intended for mankind from the beginning—that God created man to inherit eternity. Bible prophecy also gives great detail about this wonderful future!
So what about teens? What does God want for you and how can an understanding of divine revelation (prophecy) help you as a young adult?
Clearly God does want young people to enjoy the relative freedom of youth. Ecclesiates 11:9 says, "Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these God will bring you into judgment." Yet, God also wants those who serve Him to realize the times they live in and the responsibility they have to act upon what they know is right.
The pages of the Bible contain the most important information on earth. God's Word declares the blessings and results of obedience to Him and the curses and tragic results when His way is ignored. For a deeper look into the subject of Bible prophecy, send for our free booklet, You Can Understand Bible Prophecy or read it on-line.
Understanding God's plan will help you prepare for an incredible future! YU
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