planned it so that language would be fully capable of communicating to man all that the Almighty wanted to say. Biblical prophecy is to be inter preted literally. Some people don’t like that idea, for literal would seem to preclude anything symbolic. Per haps the word normal is a better choice, for we recognize that the Bi ble does use symbols and figures of speech in the process of conveying literal truth. This is a far cry from the erroneous view that the Bible should be interpreted symbolically. Somewhere along the line, a symbol has to represent something literal in order that it might have meaning. This is why we insist that even the symbols and figures of speech in the Bible must be understood literally and plainly. There is no other alter native. What about the book of Revela tion’s part in the symbolism of pro phetic study? Still we must interpret it literally as we do the rest of the Bible. If it uses the symbols and fig ures of speech, they must convey lit eral truth in order to have a mean ing. Take, for an example, the stars in Revelation 8:12 and 9:1, 2. The first passage speaks of specific judg ment and the stars referred to are undoubtedly astronomical bodies in the heavens. In the next chapter, John records the fact of the star’s falling from heaven. That can’t be the same. The star in chapter 9:1, 2 must be symbolic, standing for some thing literal. A real star couldn’t physically take a key. This then has to represent some created being, probably an angel who performs these acts. In our English language we talk of stars in the heavens, as 25
P art O ne B iblical prophecy occupying our consideration for studies has been centered on such subjects as the next great event to which the believer looks forward, namely the translation of the Church of Jesus Christ, made up of all those who, by faith, have received Him as Saviour. In addition, we have sought to point out that understanding proph ecy produces a spiritual peace, bring ing comfort in the face of all sorrow. It is also a real tool to reach the un saved, naturally curious about the future. The dictionary defines Prophecy as a declaration of something to come; a prediction. Strictly speak ing , prophecy is the foretelling of any thing that is still in the future when the prediction is first made. You see, obviously the Bible contains many prophecies which already have been fulfilled and become history. Yet, great numbers of others are yet to be realized. We expect them to come to pass exactly as given to us in Scrip ture. Just before Christ was cruci fied, He prophesied to His own dis ciples (John 16:13), “When He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth, and will show you things to come.” This has gloriously transpired. The Holy Spir it is here now to guide Christians into all truth. The blessed Third Person of the Trinity will show be lievers things to come. Here is spe cifically promised help in the study of prophecy. What a great encourage ment to our hearts! The divine Au thor of the Bible will guide our look at tomorrow. With such a promise we ought to be thoroughly challenged to study all the more diligently. God
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