Though prophecy makes up one third of the Bible, many ignore this part of scripture. The necessity of studying prophecy will now be examined.
When Christ was in the world, he was the light of the world. (Jn. 8:12) Now prophecy is our light in darkness, that we may not stumble. I Pet. 2:19 says, “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 star arise in your hearts . . .”
Jesus endured because of the joy set before him. (Heb. 12:2) He got this joy from knowledge of prophecy. Since Jesus led the way to salvation, we too can endure with the joy set before us in prophecy.
Prophecy is absolutely necessary, for Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”
Wise brethren understood prophecy. Dan. 12:10 says, “the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Being wise is important, for verse 2 says “they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament. . .”
A revealing passage about prophecy is Rev. 5:1-4, which reads “And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice; Who is worthy to open the Book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.” If many brethren were in John’s shoes, they would not weep over the fact that the contents of the book were unknown. They would simply say, “Too bad!” and walk off. Which attitude does God want us to have?
Many ignore prophecy because they think it is not edifying. This idea clearly contradicts 2 Tim. 3:16-17. “All scripture (including prophecy) is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
There are many examples of how prophecy is edifying. Jeremiah condemned Israel during their greatest revival because the revival was shallow. Haggai rebuked the people for seeking gain for themselves while the work of the Truth remained undone. Hosea said mercy was more important than sacrifice. The only way to deny the prophets are edifying is to ignore them.
Understanding prophecy is important. God does not give us any optional scripture. To be wise, to be edified, we must be students of prophecy.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One