Prophecies in the Bible

QUESTION: What are some prophecies in the Bible?

ANSWER:

The prophecies in the Bible are numerous and address many events. God's Word is an exciting book that is filled with His promises and purposes. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God..." (2 Timothy 3:16). He has given us prophetic Scriptures so that we might understand what is happening and going to happen -- proving our hopes are in Him alone.

God does not operate in a linear time frame, as we do. He is all seeing, all-powerful, and knows what was, what is, and what is to come, all at the same time! This is difficult for the human mind to comprehend. Yet, to help us, the Lord has given us prophecy to encourage us and enable us to get a vision of His plan, judgments and blessings. He says in Revelation 1:3: "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand" (KJV).

• Out of 66 Books in the Bible, 17 are devoted to prophecy
• Sixteen of them are in the Old Testament
• Revelation is the one New Testament book devoted to prophecy

However, there are verses of prophecy given throughout the entire Bible. God's first prophetic statement begins in Genesis 3:15 as He speaks to Satan concerning the act of deception performed on Eve. Some were foretelling the rise and fall of kingdoms. Many of the Old Testament prophecies are called Messianic prophecies and were in regard to the coming Messiah. These Scriptures are a powerful confirmation of the accuracy of prophecies in the Bible. Here are just a few of the hundreds:

• He would be a descendent of King David (Isaiah 11:1-5; Matthew 1: 1-6)
• He would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1)
• His own people would reject Him (Isaiah 53:3; John 1:11)
• The price of His betrayal would be 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12; Matthew 26:15)
• He would suffer execution without the breaking of any of His bones (Psalm 34:20; John 19:33-36)
• God would resurrect Him from the grave (Psalm 16;10;Acts 2: 30-32)

The New Testament's four Gospels are abundant with Messianic Prophecies that are fulfilled by Jesus Christ. They not only foretold (with 100% accuracy) of His first coming to atone for our sins, but also tell of His second coming to rule as King of Kings (Revelation 19:11-16).

Many people see prophecy as mysterious and unreal. To understand what prophecy is all about and its relevance to us, we must see the true scope of it and God's intent. It links mankind's past, present, and future giving us a balance of the Lord's whole and eternal purpose.