1. How prominent is prophecy in Scripture? One-fourth of Scripture was prophetic when it was written. Still, large amounts of this prophesy have not been fulfilled. No other religious book has ever attempted to predict what will happen, plus prophesy proves the Bible.
2. How much of prophecy has been fulfilled? Twenty-five percent of the Bible was prophesy at the time that it was written but has since been fulfilled.
3. List some personal benefits of studying prophecy. Studying prophesy provides a source of hope, comfort, and peace. It helps us understand the world we live in, it tells us God's plan for the future, it motivates us towards soul-winning and holy living, and it leads us to a more intimate knowledge of God.
4. List and explain what the dangers are in studying prophecy. Sometimes, people studying prophesy look for a "new" truth. Sometimes, their pride gets in the way, they develop an authoritative attitude, they make their views a basis for Christian fellowship, and sometimes, they become totally absorbed by their study.
5. Explain the three basic schools in prophetic interpretation. The Amillennial view believes that the Millennium spoken about in Revelation 20:1-10 is symbolic, not literal. The Postmillennial view believes that humanity will get better and better and then Christ will come to set up His kingdom. This view was popular in the early nineteen hundreds but has not been so popular since World War I. The Premillennial view believes that humanity will get worse and worse and then Jesus will come to receive the church unto Himself in the clouds. This view believes that a seven-year Tribulation will preceed His thousand-year, literal earthly reign.
6. Why do Christian scholars differ on their interpretation of prophecy? Some theologians have their own theological presuppositions and biases. Sometimes, they have incomplete data, and sometimes, their opinions are based on their own blindness because of sin.
7. List and explain the four general methods of interpreting the Book of Revelation. The Preterist school of thought believes that the Revelation is a past view of the first century church. The Historical school thinks that the Book of Revelation is a progressive historical view. This view associates Revelation, chapters Two and Three, with the history of the church since Calvary. The Idealistic school sees the Book of Revelation as a symbolic struggle between good and evil. The Futurist school translates the Book literally and still expects many of the events to occur.
8. What is the literal method of interpreting prophesy, and why is it important? The literal method of interpreting prophesy takes the approach that the Bible is without error. This is the normal method used, it is foundational, it is adequate and the Bible makes sense with it, it does not rule out figures of speech, and it keeps men's imagination in check. This method is important because it grounds interpretation in facts, it exercises control over interpretations, and it has proven itself based on the fulfillment of past prophesy.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
Index to Selected Essays And Book Reviews
Lesson 15 - Dispensationalism and Prophesy
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