The Genre of Prophecy/Apocalyptic

The Purpose of Prophecy Prophecy Comforts – 1 Thessalonians 4:18, John 14:1 Prophecy Comforts – 1 Thessalonians 4:18, John 14:1 Prophecy Calms – 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Titus 2:13 Prophecy Calms – 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Titus 2:13 Prophecy Converts – Acts 3:12-26, 17:31-34, 28:30-31 Prophecy Converts – Acts 3:12-26, 17:31-34, 28:30-31 Prophecy Cleanses – Titus 2:14, Ephesians 5:26-27, 2 Peter 3:14, 1 John 3:2-3 Prophecy Cleanses – Titus 2:14, Ephesians 5:26-27, 2 Peter 3:14, 1 John 3:2-3 Prophecy Compels – 1 Corinthians 15:52-58, 2 Corinthians 5:10-14 Prophecy Compels – 1 Corinthians 15:52-58, 2 Corinthians 5:10-14 Prophecy Confirms – Revelation 22:18-19 Prophecy Confirms – Revelation 22:18-19 Prophecy Centers on Jesus Christ – The Revelation Prophecy Centers on Jesus Christ – The Revelation Prophecy is NOT for Curiosity Prophecy is NOT for Curiosity

The End Times Identify the Event and List one Scripture Verse that coincides with the Event Identify the Event and List one Scripture Verse that coincides with the Event 1. Rapture – 1 Thes 4 2. Bema Seat – 2 Cor Marriage – Rev Beginning of Tribulation – Dan 9 5. Middle of Tribulation – Dan 9 6. Second Coming – Rev Armeggedon – Rev Judgment of the Nations – Matt Binding of Satan – Rev Millennial Kingdom – Rev Final Conflict – Rev White Throne Judgment – Rev Heaven and Eternity – Rev 21-22

General Guidelines for Reading Prophecy Always follow the normal principles of interpretation. Apply the basic historical, grammatical, literary interpretation. Always follow the normal principles of interpretation. Apply the basic historical, grammatical, literary interpretation. Recognize that the symbolism is not to be dissected for purposes of application. Recognize that the symbolism is not to be dissected for purposes of application. View prophecy as primarily focusing on the Messiah and His eventual reign on earth. View prophecy as primarily focusing on the Messiah and His eventual reign on earth. Recognize the principle of “foreshortening.” Recognize the principle of “foreshortening.”

The Concept of OT and NT Promise 1. The Abrahamic Covenant: Genesis 15 Personal promises to Abraham – Gen 12:2-3; 13:14-17; 15:4-7; 17:4-8Personal promises to Abraham – Gen 12:2-3; 13:14-17; 15:4-7; 17:4-8 National promisesNational promises  Nation – Gen 12:2  Land – 12:7; 13:14-15; 15:18-21; 17:8, 19  Universal Promises – Gen 12:3; 22:18; 28:14 2. The Palestinian Covenant: Deut 29  God will re-gather all of Israel to the promise land. (vs. 30:3-4)  God will cause Israel to possess all the land that was promised to the patriarchs. (v.5)  God will regenerate the whole of Israel. (v.6)  God will completely judge Israel’s enemies. (v. 7)  God will cause national obedience. (v. 8)  God will cause national prosperity. (v. 9)

The Concept of OT and NT Promise 3. The Davidic Covenant: 2 Samuel 7  David’s lineage will never be cut off. (v. 16)  David’s kingdom will be established forever. (v. 16)  David’s throne will be established forever. (v.16) 4. The New Covenant – Jer 31:31-34; Eze 16:60-63; Rom 11:26-29 The Lord will cause Israel to repent and to be obedient to Him.The Lord will cause Israel to repent and to be obedient to Him. 1)By writing the Law on their heart 2)By creating in them a new heart 3)By granting them the knowledge of the Lord God will cleanse and forgive IsraelGod will cleanse and forgive Israel The Holy Spirit will permanently indwell themThe Holy Spirit will permanently indwell them Israel will be permanently established as a nation in their landIsrael will be permanently established as a nation in their land God will be worshipped by Israel as their God and that He will fix His presence among them foreverGod will be worshipped by Israel as their God and that He will fix His presence among them forever

The Coming Promises  The Promised Realm – The complete land as guaranteed by God to Abraham  The Promised Ruler – A king of the lineage of David who would politically overthrow their enemies and sit on the throne of David  The Promised Reign – A position of world dominance when all Gentiles would acknowledge Jerusalem was the capital for all eternity.  The Promised Regeneration – Every member of ethnic Israel will be converted

General Characteristics of Apocalyptic Literature Pessimism – Exile and Bondage Pessimism – Exile and Bondage Promise – Land and Kingdom Promise – Land and Kingdom Providence – God’s Presence Providence – God’s Presence Sovereignty – Control and Certainty Sovereignty – Control and Certainty Dualism – Good and Evil Dualism – Good and Evil

Formal Feature of Apocalyptic Literature Revelatory Content Revelatory Content Angelic Presence Angelic Presence Discourse Cycles Discourse Cycles Ethical Discourse Ethical Discourse Highly Symbolic Highly Symbolic Recital of History Recital of History