Section 6

The Sure Word of Prophecy

Chapter 47.

Prophecy, Why Given

1. WHY were the Sacred Writings given?
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." Rom. 15:4.

2. By what means is all scripture given?
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God." 2 Tim. 3:16, first part.

3. For what is it profitable?
"And is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." Same verse, last part.

4. How was the prophecy given?
"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21.

5. What is the Lord able to do regarding the future?
"Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them."  Isa. 42:9.

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6. How far-reaching is God's ability to reveal the future?
"Remember the former things of old: for I am God, . . . and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done." Isa. 46:9,10.

NOTES.-In contrast with this, note the following confession of a noted modern historian as to man's inability to reveal the future:-
"History has yet made so slight progress toward the scientific basis that she is able to foretell nothing that is to be hereafter. As to the future, she is stone-blind. There is not a philosopher in the world who can forecast the historical evolution to the extent of a single day. The historian is as completely dumb before the problems of 1895 as a charlatan weather-prophet ought to be with respect to the meteorological conditions of the next season. The year will come and go. It will fulfil its purpose in the great calendar of man-life. Its events and issues will be evolved with scientific exactitude out of antecedent conditions. But no man living can predict what the aspect and event will be. The tallest son of the morning can neither foretell nor foresee the nature of what is to come in the year that already stands knocking at the door."-John Clark Ridpath, in Christian at Work, Dec. 27, 1894.
Knowing all things, the future is present with God. More, perhaps, than any other one thing, the prophecies of the Bible and their fulfillment bear witness to its divine inspiration.

7. To whom does God reveal the secrets of the future?
"Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets." Amos 3:7.

8. To whom do the things which have been revealed belong?
"The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever." Deut. 29:29.

9. What testimony did the apostle Peter bear concerning his experience on the mount of transfiguration?
"For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of His majesty." 2 Peter 1:16.

10. When did he say he saw the majesty of Christ, and heard the voice from heaven?
"And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with Him in the holy mount." Verse 18.

11. How does he emphasize the reliability of prophecy?
"And we have the word of prophecy made more sure." Verse 19, R.V. "Now more confirmed." Boothroyd's translation.

NOTE.-Every fulfillment of prophecy is a confirmation of the truth- fulness and reliability of prophecy.

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12. What admonition is therefore given?
"Whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts." Verse 19, last part, R.V.

13. What has ever been the theme of God's prophets?
"Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you." 1 Peter 1:9,10.

14. Whose spirit inspired their utterances?
"Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow." Verse 11.

15. In what prophecy did Christ recognize Daniel as a prophet?
"When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand)." Matt. 24:15.

16. To what time were the prophecies of Daniel, as a whole, to be sealed?
"But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." Dan. 12:4.

17. What assurance was given by the angel that these prophecies would be understood in the last days?
"And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand." Verses 9,10.

18. What is the last book of the Bible called?
"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him." Rev. 1:1.

19. What is said of those who read, hear, and keep the things contained in this book?
"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein." Verse 3.

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