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"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts." 2 Peter 1:19

 

I must preface this and the next few posts by saying, a knowledge of prophecy will not save anyone. The whole duty of man is to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13; 1 Corinthians 13:2). Through the power offered us by Christ, we may obey His commandments, overcome sin and have a part in His kingdom (John 14:26; 15:10; 2 Timothy 1:14; Revelation 3:21).

 

With that said, prophecy has two very important purposes: anchoring us to the Source of the commandments and keeping us aware of our place in history. Biblical prophecy allows us to peg Scripture to experienced history (2 Peter 1:19-21). The Bible’s prediction of things to come centuries in advance of their occurrence combines with our practical experience in the truth of God’s laws and strengthens our confidence in all the Word of the Book. Scripture tells us that “The testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy” therefore, all prophecy will tell us of our Saviour (Revelation 19:10).

 

Prophetic information can be found throughout the Bible. However, the two primary sources of history foretold are the books of Daniel and Revelation. The book of Daniel is referenced in the book of Revelation because they are two parts of the same book written about 6 to 7 centuries apart. (Revelation 10). These books together are termed apocalyptic because they speak of the end of the world as we know it. They both speak of events occurring over specific periods of time which we are able to track through history.

 

The longest time prophecy in the Bible is found in Daniel 8:14 (GC 351.1). Using the principle of one day being one year we learn that 2300 days covers the span of 2300 years (Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6). This prophecy begins when the decree goes out to rebuild Jerusalem in 457bc (Daniel 9:25; Ezra 7:7-26; GC 326.3). The entire period is broken up into sections pinpointing vital landmarks in history. Daniel received explanations for each of these sections over the course of time in which the book was written.

 

The first division of the 2300-day prophecy marks the culmination of grace for the Israelite nation as a people – “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city” (Daniel 9:24). Seventy weeks’ worth of prophetic days are 70×7 = 490 years. This was the time the remaining two-tribe kingdom would have to fulfil God’s mandate for their nation (Exodus 19:6). In the last week of this 70-week period the Messiah would be anointed, preach and die in the middle of the week (Daniel 9:25-27). Just as prophesied, 483 years after the final decree to rebuild Jerusalem went out, Jesus was baptized in the Autumn of 27ad (Matthew 3:13-17). Jesus preached for 3½ years and was crucified in Spring 31ad (Luke 23:46; John 19:30). For 3 ½ years after Jesus’ death and resurrection His disciples continued preaching to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:6; 15:24). The Martyrdom of Stephen in 34ad marked the close of Israel’s grace period and the preaching of the gospel went full force to the Gentile world (Acts 7: 54-60; 10:19-23, 35; Romans 11:13).

 

God’s Word is sure!

 

 

A Reason to Believe - Just In Time

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