Biblical Prophecy & The Prophets - Why Should Anyone Pay Attention?

By Dr. Steve Deckard

Why Biblical Prophecy?

Why would anyone want to listen to a prophet or read a book about or written by a prophet?  Don’t we have a tendency to be indurated[1] toward all kinds of prophetic teachings?  Many born again Christians frequently confuse the false teachings found all around them.  This is especially true of the prophetic as so much about biblical prophecy seems wrong or just plain not true? Trying to figure out which system, group, or person has the correct view seems to be a lost cause.  So, why should we spend our time listening to or reading about such stuff when there appears to be many much more important things in life?  This is our subject of discussion.  The answer to these questions is much more important than one may think and is well-worth the effort to explore and understand. 

Reasons for studying biblical prophecy are numerous and include[i]:

Putting the believer’s focus on Jesus Christ, the testimony and spirit of prophecy (Revelation 1:1; 19:10). The word “revelation” means “revealing, disclosure, or unveiling.” This message was given to Christ and He communicated it to John and the angels to show (signify) to His bond-servants the events that would surround the coming of the Lord (I Corinthians 1:7; II Thessalonians 1:7; II Timothy 4:8; Titus 2:13). This is similar to that which Daniel spoke of regarding the God in heaven who would reveal the secrets that are to take place in the latter days (Daniel 2:28-29).

Assisting the believer in becoming holy (II Timothy 4:8; II Peter 3:11-14). 

Teaches believers how to live (II Tim 3:10, 14-16; Revelation 1:17; 2:1- 3:22). Timothy, Peter, John and other biblical writers had the correct attitude, which is the fear or reverence of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7; 2:11; I Peter 4:7).

Reveals the promises and blessings associated with the study of prophecy (Revelation 1:3). The blessing is of value only if the message is understandable; thus, God desires His people read, study, and understand this book (Romans 13:11f).

Leads to approval of the believer and deeper understanding of who Christ is (II Timothy 4:8; Revelation 1:5-8, 12-20). This is especially true of the book of Revelation which reveals many of the purposes of God that are yet future and to be fulfilled.

Teaches the believer the importance of being ready and alert (Matthew 24:42). Knowing that the Lord is coming allows and motivates one to get ready to see Him. This also assists the believer in avoiding false doctrine.

Why the Prophets?

We start with a single, very informative verse found in the second Epistle of Peter: 

So we have seen and proved that what the prophets said came true. You will do well to pay close attention to everything they have written, for, like lights shining into dark corners, their words help us to understand many things that otherwise would be dark and difficult. But when you consider the wonderful truth of the prophets’ words, then the light will dawn in your souls and Christ the Morning Star will shine in your hearts (2 Peter 1:19, TLB).[ii] 

A phrase-by-phrase study of this verse is a worthy endeavor.

We have seen (1:19a)

Overall, this verse and the surrounding context (2 Peter 1:1-21) addresses the importance of listening to prophets.  Thus, why should we pay attention to the prophets and thereby prophecy itself?  Peter states that he, along with the other disciples, were eye (16) and ear witnesses (18) to the things of Jesus Christ (1:16-18) who came in fulfillment of numerous prophecies. These men were chosen by God to witness Him and the related prophetic things while recording them for our benefit (12).  Peter is referring back to the context of the earlier part of the chapter.  The NLT states it this way, “Because of that experience” (1:19a).  Thus, the stage is set for Peter to explain the importance of listening to and reading about biblical prophets and prophecy.  This is rooted in his and the other disciples’ experiences.

One such common experience (with James and John) (Matt 17:1-2; Mark 9:2) is found in the three preceding verses (16-18).  Here we find one of the four passages which describe the greatest manifestation of the Shekinah Glory of Jesus Christ, known as the Transfiguration.  The following three Biblical passages give the details – Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36.   Each gives a different account of details even though this was the same event for the three witnesses and the rest of the disciples who were left behind.  Peter, James, and John were the eyewitnesses (Mark 9:2).[iii]  

Peter proclaims his status as an eye and ear-witness to the events on the Mount. He also declares that he witnessed Jesus being bestowed with glory and honor from the Father. Then he states that he heard the utterance of God, “this is my son in whom I am well pleased.”  Furthermore, Peter (16) calls Jesus, our Lord and Savior Yeshua. He is emphasizing not only the salvation that comes to us by no other name, but also His Messiahship. Thus, the Messiah was presented by the Father to the world and Peter and two other disciples were eye and ear witnesses to the glorious event.         

John gives a different perspective of another eye and ear witness account in the Revelation of Jesus Christ.  He informs us that God specifically gave him the words recorded in the Revelation for the purpose of showing “His bond-servants the things which must shortly take place” (1:1b).  He then informs the reader that he is testifying “to the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw” (Rev 1:2).[iv]       

Tracing the verb “saw” through the book of Revelation is enlightening.  John “saw” the following:

Ø   A Vision of Jesus Christ (1:12, 13,17)

Ø   Things to Come (Chapters 4-5)

Ø   A Coming Time of Great Trouble for the Whole Earth (Chapter 6)

Ø   Angels of God Carrying out Their Created Purposes (7:2; 8:2; 9:17; 10:1, 5).  

Ø   A Great Dragon (Chapter 12)

Ø   A Second Beast (Chapter 13)

Ø   Signs Occurring in Heaven (Chapter 15)

Ø   The Time of the Battle of Armageddon  (16:13)

Ø   A Woman and a Beast (Chapter 17)

Ø   The Fall of Babylon (Chapter 18)

Ø   The Coming of Christ (19:11f)

Ø   The Binding of Satan and Related Judgments (20)

Ø   The New Heaven and New Earth (Chapter 21-22)[v]

In addition to observing (seeing), John records that which he heard.  This starts with Rev 1:10;

“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet” (NASU).  John first records hearing the voice of the Lord. He continues to record that which he heard including the voices of angels, every living creature, and the four living creatures (5:11, 13; 6:1; etc.).  One can trace the word “heard” through the book in a similar manner to that which is described for the verb “saw”.     

And proved that what the prophets said came true (1:19b)

Recall that Peter, James and John had seen, along with Jesus, on the Mount of Transfiguration two of the greatest prophets – Moses and Elijah.  However, again it was not the prophets, nor the experience that Peter elevated, but rather it was the Word that they recorded that held great reverence and sway with Peter (ITim 2:16-17).   

The issue is, what Peter, the disciples and Jesus said, is in fact true. How can one make such a statement?  For surely, no man such as Peter knows everything, nor holds all truth.  Regarding the idea of proof, God’s Word translation states it this way: “as confirmed beyond all doubt.”

As for the Church, proving what the prophets said entails repentance.  For, in His final instructions to the Church we are instructed to remember and repent (Rev 2:5, 16, 22; 3:3, 3:19).  This instruction is given by Jesus Christ, the Bright and Morning Star, the one who convicts us, calling us to repentance (II Peter 1:19; Rev 3:19; 22:16).  

You will do well to pay close attention to everything they have written(1:19c)

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