Why Study Biblical Prophecy?
Why Should We Study Prophecy?
To gain insight into God’s plans for us, it is crucial to study the prophecies in Scripture that unveil these revelations. The question arises, “Why study prophecy, especially pertaining to the end times, the “last days?” Revelation 1:3 tells us,
“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near” (Revelation 1:3).
Scripture also attests that “no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (2 Peter 1:20–21).
Some have the attitude that studying Scripture on prophecy and the return of Christ is pointless as it would not change how they currently live. However, what if a thorough study of God’s Word on these subjects leads to a more sober and prayerful walk in your daily life? If you become convinced that His return is this close, would you be praying fervently for the salvation of your loved ones, and for yourself if you are unsure of your own salvation? Could it not equip and motivate you to share these truths with those you love so they will not be caught off guard? Ecclesiastes 7:4 reminds us that “the mind of fools is focused on worldly pleasures.” While it is not wrong to enjoy the good things that God has provided in our lives, He warns us about loving the things of the world. Studying the last days and the return of Jesus could lead to a deeper devotion to Christ and a greater concern for the eternal destiny of your loved ones. The alternative is too significant to ignore.
Are you comfortable in your Christian life, enjoying the blessings of your family, your home, your friends, and your church? Take a moment to imagine scenes of Ukrainian families, huddled in basements and bomb shelters because of sudden invasion by Russia, with no basic necessities like toilets, heat, and sufficient food and water, and the constant fear of injury or death by a missile blast. Conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and elsewhere are not dissimilar. What does this have to do with the last days and the return of Christ? The connection becomes clear as you delve into God’s Word on these topics.
Even if you approach the prophecies about the end times with a very different perspective than mine, I strongly believe that journeying with me through the Scriptures on these topics will be a blessing to you. God preserved these prophecies for a reason, intending for us to be impacted by them just as much as any other part of His Word. Will you be changed by a mindful study of them? I believe you can count on it. Will you be more devoted to prayer? Will your life be more intentionally directed toward Jesus as you look forward to His return? Or will you be like the mockers described in 2 Peter 3: 3-4, dismissing the promise of His return and continuing to live unchanged? “Know this first of all, that in the last days, mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation' " (2 Peter 3:3–4).
Is it not worth turning our attention to these prophecies to avoid becoming like these mockers we are warned about? We are told that a great “falling away” is one of two signs that must precede His return. This is the apostasy. This abandonment of the faith is happening presently, and the indications are that it is accelerating. A Pew Poll reported by UPI on December 14, 2021 indicated the number of Americans who identified as Christian dropped 15% over the previous 14 years. We will examine the apostasy and another requirement for His return. According to Scripture He cannot come at any moment until these two events have occurred. Those who presently say Jesus can come at any moment are failing to understand what He meant when he said He will come as a thief in the night. Still explaining the answer to His disciples’ question about the signs of His return, Jesus continues: “For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will. Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.” (It clearly reads as though the elect are still there, enduring tribulation.) “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or ‘There He is,’ do not believe him. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:21-24). He warned us about false prophets, and false Christs. The hallmark of false prophets in the Old Testament was that when the true prophets of God were warning people about grave events ahead, the false prophets were saying, “oh no, you need not worry.” By studying prophecy that pertains to our time, we can avoid being deceived by false prophets.
After answering His disciples questions about what would be the signs of His return, we find this Scripture:
Luke 21:29–31 (NASB95)
29Then He told them a parable: “Behold the fig tree and all the trees;
30as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near.
31“So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near.
So we will not know the day, or the hour, but we will recognize the season, and know the time is near.