The Purpose of Prophecy

THE PURPOSE OF PROPHECY

Eric Lively

People have always been fascinated with the future. Whether it is a mere curiosity or fear of the unknown man, for thousands of years, has tried painstakingly to unravel the mystery of prophecy in the Bible. Countless books have been written on the subject of prophecy hoping to shed some light on what is to come. The desperate search for truth, purpose and hope has led many to seek the costly advice of spiritual advisors and fortune tellers. Ironically, the things they so desperately desire can be easily found free to all in scripture.

Today, people are drowning in discouragement and uncertainty. Whether the problems are politics, problems in Middle East, or the Tsunami that killed thousands of innocent lives, people feel they have lost control of their own lives. Prophecy and the fulfillment of the spoken word of God should give people comfort, peace and hope in a chaotic world. People need assurance, and the fulfillment of biblical prophecy is assurance that God is still in control and nothing happens without His consent. Despite the destruction and senseless violence, God is still working in the lives of believers everywhere. As believers see the promises of God being fulfilled, all can draw comfort in knowing that the Almighty God is true to His promises. Prophecy is the fulfillment of what God said or promised would take place. Despite the constant criticism and skepticism the Bible has endured, the Bible is the only consistent source of accurate information concerning the future. For where other so called prophets have failed, God remains 100% accurate and true to all His promise.

This should comfort the worried believer in every aspect of his Christian walk. For all things that God has promised are solid. From salvation to rewards in heaven, the believer has a lasting hope that God will make good on His word. Dewayne Hoppert, in his book Free A Fresh Look At Basic Bible Teachings page 166 states:

In the midst of a world of change and decay, the hope and anchor of the believer is his unchanging Lord. If Jesus is changeable, then believers have no hope at all. Of all that God is, He is absolutely unchangeable. This fact is supported by the very character and nature of God, Himself. As the almighty omniscient God, He is unable to make mistakes. In light of this truth, it would be impossible for