CAN THE PROPHECIES OF THE BIBLE BE UNDERSTOOD?
By C. M. Kinny
THERE is, perhaps, no portion of the Bible that has been more obscured by false teaching and otherwise, than the prophetic part of it. The most serious obstacle to its understanding is the prejudice which has been created in the minds of the people on this subject by the majority of the writers and teachers who have spoken and written upon it. One cause of the almost universal misapprehension of this portion of the Scriptures is a lack of realizing and adhering to the simple principles which underlie the interpretation and understanding of prophecy. In the very nature of the case prophecy is to be understood, because it is a light. It is things revealed, a revelation, not a mystery. But if the key of understanding be not used, or is thrown away, there is no way of entering into this wonderful and beautiful treasure house of God's grace. Matt. 13:52; Luke 11:52. The principles that underlie the understanding of prophecy are few and simple, and, if strictly adhered to, will lead every diligent and inquiring student to a knowledge of its truths. Matt. 5:6; 7:7, 8. The first two principles are stated in the principles just given, i. e., a love and desire to know, as expressed by the words "hungering" and "thirsting," and the "seeking," or studying to understand. John 5:39; 1 Cor. 2:10-16. 2. Simple faith in what the Bible says about prophecy. The Bible never says that prophecy cannot be understood. But it says: "Whoso readeth, let him understand." "The wise shall understand." "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein." Matt. 24:15; Dan. 12:10; Rev. 1:3. It is, therefore, illogical and unscriptural to say, because all the prophecies have not been understood in the past, that therefore they cannot be understood. Here is a vital misapprehension. The truth is that not all of the prophecies were to be understood in the past. This fact will appear by a careful consideration of the principles herein given. 3. The unfolding of prophecy is progressive and is understood as it is fulfilled and being fulfilled. "Go thy way, Daniel; for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end;" that is, not to be fully understood until near the end of time, when they all would be largely fulfilled, and, therefore, in the nature of the case, more clearly discerned. Dan. 12:9. The same idea is expressed in 1 Peter 1:9-12. Those prophecies that relate to the future immortal state can be but dimly comprehended now, seen "through a glass darkly." But all those that are "meat in due season" for us can and will be understood by every sincere and earnest student. Luke 12:41, 42. 4. The symbolic, parabolic, and figurative language of prophecy is explained in the Bible itself. The language in which many prophecies are expressed has been considered an insuperable obstacle to their understanding. The failure here has been in not appreciating this principle and invariably acting upon it, that "God is his own interpreter [of his own language], and he will make it plain." And he has done so. "But," says one, "the Lord has not explained in the Bible all the prophecies he has given." This is true; but he has given the key, or principle, in those he has explained, and we are expected to use the key he has given, and it will unlock or explain all the others. 5. Many prophecies are twofold in their application; i. e., they are fulfilled in more than one historical event, and the principal fulfillment is that in which the greater part of the prophecy and more important events are fulfilled. This is also an important principle to keep in mind. Many mistakes have been made in the interpretations of prophecy by not paying due regard to this principle. 6. There are four ages or dispensations to which any given prophecy may apply, viz., Jewish, Christian, millennial, and the eternal age, or new-earth state. One cause of the difficulties in rightly applying the prophecies to their proper age has been in the lack of a perfect knowledge upon the part of expositors of what the Bible says, and faith in its teaching concerning these different ages. "Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things." 2 Tim. 2:7. This is the secret of the Babel and chaos of human opinions, and the misinterpretations and perversions of God's holy word. 7. A specific knowledge of what the Bible says in general about the four dispensations or ages, and then by the words of any given prophecy it can be determined with almost infallible accuracy to which of the "ages" the prophecy applies. The strict adherence to this principle will prevent that dangerous and mischievous expedient of spiritualizing the Scriptures in order to make them apply in an age to which they do not belong. If we come to the study of this most solemn, serious, interesting, and important part of revealed truth, with a prayerful spirit, the mind entirely divested of preconceived ideas, and in the humble attitude of a learner at the feet of the Divine Teacher, we will be rewarded with rich blessings of light and understanding of the times which are now past, of the evil and ominous present, and of the dark and bright future soon to come. "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 dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts."