Does Bible Prophecy Matter?

by Scott Ashley

The biblical record of prophecy is long and astoundingly accurate. No human seer could have accurately predicted the remarkable rise and fall of kingdoms, leaders and peoples that we find in the Bible.

"For I am God," He declares, "and there is no other; I am God and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand . . .'" (Isaiah 46:9-10). God alone has the power to foretell the future—and then bring it to pass.

But why does God reveal the future? One crucial reason is so we can see the need to change. God reveals the future so each of us, individually, can personally repent—change our way of living and begin living as He tells us to—and avoid suffering God's judgment on the world as these prophetic events unfold. He tells us what is coming to motivate us to make the changes we need to make in our lives, both personally and nationally.

God's pleadings with ancient Israel and Judah are revealing. He sent His prophet Ezekiel with a heartfelt appeal: "Say to them: 'As I live,' says the Lord God, 'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die . . . ?'" (Ezekiel 33:11, emphasis added throughout).

God doesn't want to punish anyone. But, like any loving parent, He knows that sometimes we need a painful lesson in discipline to prevent even greater pain and suffering further down the line.

He has also given us laws, summarized in the Ten Commandments, that bring great blessings when we obey them—because they teach us a way of life that shows love for Him and for our fellow man (Matthew 22:37-40). These laws also have opposite consequences when we ignore or disobey them. When we break them, they inevitably bring painful results and, in turn, break us. Sadly, few are willing to humbly submit to God and allow themselves to learn this lesson.

Read the full article at www.gnmagazine.org/issues/gn47/editorial47.htm

Related Information on UCG Sites:

Table of Contents that includes "Does Bible Prophecy Matter?"
Other Articles by Scott Ashley

Prophecy, purpose of:

Search Our Site
Key Subjects Index
General Topics Index
Biblical References Index
Good News Magazine Index
Booklets and All Literature Index
Home Page of this site