CAN PROPHECY BE UNDERSTOOD?
By J. F. Shuler
THIS is a question we often hear repeated. To many people the word “prophecy” conveys the idea of something dark and mysterious, something that we can not comprehend, and therefore we take but little pleasure in reading the prophetic portions of the Bible. They think that one who tries to explain the prophecies is treading on forbidden ground, as the prophecies belong only to God. They say that we can not understand the prophecies until we get over on the other side. Prophecy Can Be Understood.
Prophecy, instead of being something dark and obscure, is as “a light that shineth in a dark place.” 2 Peter 1:19. Prophecy is history written in advance of its occurrence. God, who, “declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done” (Isa. 46:10), is able to write the history of this world far more accurately than human pen can write the history of events after they have transpired. “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scriptures is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:20, 21. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Tim. 3:16, 17. These scriptures prove that the Bible is a revelation from God; see also Rev. 1:1, 2. But if the prophecies, which comprise about one-third of the entire Bible, are not to be understood, that part can not be called a revelation. Why should these prophecies be given to men, if they can not be understood? and how could such scriptures be “profitable for doctrine,” etc.? But the Lord has designed that the prophecies shall be understood by all. Says the prophet: “And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon the tables, that he may run that readeth it.” Hab. 2:2. And of the Revelation He says, “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.” Rev. 1:3. Seven times, in the second and third chapters of Revelation, the admonition is given, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” How could one “hear” (heed) what the Spirit says unless he could understand it? Moreover Jesus sets the testimony of Moses and the prophets above the most wonderful manifestation of power as evidence of His Messiahship. See Luke 16:27-31. How could this be if the prophecies could not be understood? But the Lord does not trifle with His people. “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets.” Amos 3:7. And what He revealeth to His prophets is not to be hidden from the church. But it must not be forgotten that they are “spiritually discerned,” through diligent searching of the Scriptures and wisdom from on high. John 5:39; Luke 24:45; 1 Cor. 2:11-14.