SEMESTER 6
196 – The Spirit of Prophecy
BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE
COURSE: THEOLOGY VI LESSON # 96
ESCHATOLOGY – THE KINGDOM OF GOD – THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY
Read: Heb. 10:5-7
, Rev. 19:7-16
INTRODUCTION:
1. When you remember that this is lesson 32 on this subject, its theme may seem inconsistent.
2. However, when you consider the direction these 32 “prophetic” lessons have taken you, I hope you will see complete consistency.
3. Each of the above texts makes a statement that should adjust every student and teacher of prophecy.
4. Preoccupation with prophecy for the sake of prophecy is an evil thing.
5. Let us try to see a scriptural format for the study of and teaching of prophecy.
I. THE DEFINITION OF THE WORD
1. The word, in all but two Hebrew usages, means to foretell, or to speak, or to sing by inspiration.
2. In two passages, it means to see or to foresee.
3. Throughout the New Testament, it means to speak or sing by inspiration, or to foretell future events.
4. In the area of eschatology, it is telling the future relative to Christ’s return, the resurrection, the final judgment, etc.
II. THE OLD TESTAMENT PATTERN OF PROPHECY
1. It is given in Hebrews 10:7, and every Old Testament prophecy holds this pattern.
2. In Genesis 3:9-15 this is summarized as man’s problem and God’s salvation.
3. In the call and promise of Abraham (Gen. 12), this same principle is born out.
4. In the reduced lineage, this is clearly seen. Noah, Shem, Abraham, Jacob, Judah, David, and Christ.
5. This is seen in the judgment and the remnant. (Isa. 6)
6. In the world system and the chosen seed system of Daniel, this is seen.
7. The prophecies of Haggai, Malachi and Zechariah all take this direction.
III. THE NEW TESTAMENT PATTERN
1. It opens by tying the student back to the Old Testament and the predictions of, and the events following Christ’s birth.
2. The prophecies Christ gave to His disciples were all finally of Himself. (Jn. 6:62, Jn. 14:3, Mat. 24:30, etc.)
3. All His New Testament prophets followed this pattern. (Acts 1:11, I Thes. 4:13-18, Rev. 1:1-22:21)
4. Every man, devil, and event has place in prophecy only as they relate to Jesus Christ.
IV. THE CONCLUSION AND ADMONITION OF THESE TRUTHS
1. That all this sensationalism of today has not the spirit of prophecy.
2. The biblical spirit of prophecy is as follows:
i. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
ii. Jesus Christ, rose, ascended, intercedes and is coming to finish all. (Rom 8:34)
iii. Jesus Christ is to defeat the powers of death, hell and the grave.
iv. Jesus Christ will judge the quick and the dead.
v. Jesus Christ will deliver His people to God’s salvation.
vi. Jesus Christ will reign over all His creation.
vii. Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords and all true prophecy sees this as the ultimate theme.
3. Beloved, we must preach Christ, and today the central and preeminent theme is the Gospel.