Ecclesiology The Nature of Prophecy

The term eschatology is derived from the Greek word, escatos, which means last. Eschatology concerns the consummation of time and the prospects for eternity.

Definition “Prophecy is a miracle of utterance. It prepares the way for coming events or persons, and attests them in advance, as forming part of a divine plan, reaching through the ages.” - A. T. Pierson

Characteristics of Prophecy Foretelling – The predictive element of these passages is clearly the predominant characteristic. Forthtelling – This is more of the idea behind the Greek word for prophecy. Certainly the Old Testament prophets made definitive applications from their predictions in the form of calls to repentance.  The preaching was an important part of the writing.

Forthrightness – The prophets spoke with great passion Forthrightness – The prophets spoke with great passion. They pleaded with God's people to respond to the message of God. Billy Sunday

Interpretation of Prophecy Literal – There is no basis for understanding prophecy other than that indicated by the plain sense of the words used. Historical – The setting provides the context for the understanding of the statements made and the predictions recorded. To ignore that context is to misunderstand and misapply the passage.

Cultural - The background of the prophecy provides the needed insight to discern any figurative language found in the context, as well as possible symbols. The culture also helps to define words. Grammatical –Language is governed by mechanics that render meaning when the words are defined in the light of those mechanics. Word order, usage, tense, mood, number, etc. all provide the framework of meaning.

“the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Christological – A pivotal issue in understanding prophecy is the realization that Christ is the focus of prophecy. This critical principle is clearly stated in Revelation 19:10. “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

The Old Testament prophet did not necessarily see the full picture The Old Testament prophet did not necessarily see the full picture . The distant peak is often obscured by the immediate mountain!

This is what the Old Testament Prophet Saw Concerning Christ

This is what prophecy Reveals about the Second Coming of Christ! Revelation in Glory Rapture Tribulation Advent of Christ Church Age This is what prophecy Reveals about the Second Coming of Christ!