PROPHECY IS VERY IMPORTANT IN THE BIBLE

ESCHATOLOGY

On the subject of Eschatology and the last things, I have been schooled much in the issues beginning with the Pretrib. Premil. view and then the other views: Amil. Posttrib. etc.

This I can state with solid confidence: there will be a second coming "parousia" Gk. meaning advent, coming, or presence, of Christ and a catching up/rapture AND resurrection of all the redeemed in Christ Jesus; we will reign with Him both on earth and heaven; that there will be judgments, of both the redeemed and of the lost.

The fine points: the issues of time, hour, literalism verses symbolism (past, present and future), the Jews, the Gentiles, the Body of Christ/Church/Israel, the nations, etc., are difficult to fully and satisfactorily put together in my understanding. So, I will, for now, leave it for future enlightment. In the meanwhile, let us pray: "...even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus." See Rev. 22

PROPHECY

Prophetic messages are meant to give promise to the people of God and Jesus Christ regarding God's plans for our lives and future state in/on the earth and in heaven. Through prophecy we receive special renewal and knowledge of our present life and God's work in and through past and future events of history.

My future additions to this link will look into the work of the prophets and their messages in the Scripture.

ABRAHAM

Abraham is referred to as a prophet, "Navi" Heb., in Genesis 20:7, where it speaks of God's warning dream to King Abimelech of Gerar, that he will die if he marries Sarah, for she is Abraham's wife, and more than merely Abraham's half sister. Abimelech was warned to restore her to Abraham and then Abraham, the prophet "navi", will pray for him and he will be healed and live. In verses 17,18, Abraham prayed for Abimelech. Abimelech and his wife were healed and then blessed to have children. In spite of Abraham's fear/failure and weakness of faith, God intervened and used him in this unusual way.

God's plan was to work through Abraham and Sarah to bring a special people (Jews) before the world/nations to bring blessing and deliverance through the Jewish Messiah.

Yehovah, Lord God, appeared to and spoke to Abraham of His plan for Abraham in an everlasting covenant of promise with circumcision of every male child as a token/sign of this covenant. See Gen. 17.

The Hebrew word for prophet, "navi", is used about three hundred times in the O. T. A true prophet was called and commissioned by Jehovah to make His will and plan know to the people. They reminded the people of God's word and faithfulness, while warning them of the penalty for failure to trust and obey God's word with judgment and loss of blessing. Each true prophet of God was bound to give the word of God without compromise or fear. Their word/message from Jehovah was always completely fulfilled in time. Prophetic messages from God in the Scripture continue to be fulfilled today and in the future.

MOSES

Moses is called a "navi" in Deut. 34:10 "and never since has arisen a prophet "navi" in Israel like Moses..." Moses was the one God/Jehovah had raised up in the house of Pharaoh in the land of Egypt and through him mightily delivered the people of Israel from bondage. Moses had Aaron as his prophet. This is found in Ex. 7:1: "and Jehovah said to Moses. Come see, I have made you a god to Pharaoh and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet (navi). " Aaron was to speak the word of God as Moses' speaker/prophet.

Moses and Aaron were of the tribe of Levi, the priestly family tribe, chosen and called of Jehovah. First prophets and then priests, they will be the leaders in the first original passover on the night of the deliverance from Pharaoh/Egyptian bondage.

SAMUEL

The birth and the calling of the prophets of Jehovah are distinctive. Samuel was born to the barren Hannah, one of two wives of Elkanah. In I Samuel one, Elkanah attempted to console Hannah, "Am I not better than ten sons to you...?". But Hannah persisted in weeping petitions of prayer to seek the birth of a son, whom she promised to loan ("shiela" Heb. something lent) to the Lord Jehovah, all the days of his life. Eli, the priest, was moved by Hannah's sincerity and he pronounced blessings upon her from Jehovah. See I Sam.2:20.

Birth of Samuel