Table of Contents
The lessons covered the importance of biblical prophecy and recognizing its fulfillment, as God speaks in parables and figurative language until the prophecies come to pass. There are seven major eras outlined in the Bible, so discerning which era we are living in is crucial for properly interpreting prophecy and acting accordingly. The prophecies about Christ’s Second Coming must unfold in a specific order of the rebellion/apostasy, the revelation of the man of lawlessness, and then the Day of the Lord/salvation, mirroring the structure of Revelation. Ultimately, God’s purpose is to provide salvation and eternal life, undoing the wages of sin which is death, by raising up believers on the last day to everlasting life as He originally intended before the Fall. Careful study of prophecy, recognizing the biblical timeline, heeding the prophetic sequence, and understanding God’s plan for eternal life are emphasized to properly discern the fulfillment of His promises when Christ returns.
Shincheonji holds distinct theological views that differ from mainstream Christian denominations, yet it also shares some common teachings. This overlap can sometimes blur the lines between their beliefs and those of traditional Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to exercise critical thinking and discernment to differentiate between these shared elements and the unique doctrines they present.
While their interpretations warrant careful examination through a critical and biblical lens, it is equally important to approach these matters with an open yet discerning mindset.
The following notes were documented in person during Shincheonji’s 9-month Bible Study Seminar. They provide insight into the organization’s approach to introducing and explaining its beliefs to potential new members, often referred to as the ‘harvesting and sealing.’ This process is described as being ‘born again’ or ‘born of God’s seed,’ which involves uprooting the old beliefs and replanting new ones. This uprooting and replanting must occur continuously. By examining this process, we can gain a better understanding of the mindset and beliefs held by Shincheonji members.
Basics of the Bible Part Three
Key Points of the Bible:
- A Book of Covenants
- 2. Writing of God, God’s book (Author)
- Categories of the Contents
- Book of War
- Importance of Prophecy and Fulfillment
- Seven eras by the flow of the work of the Bible
- Order of fulfillment of prophecies
- Purpose of God: Salvation and Eternal Life from Sin
We will be following and understanding how we can comprehend the Bible. We will focus on key aspects to pay attention to, including how God tends to work through prophecy and fulfillment.
The four points we have covered so far:
1. We looked at the Bible as a book of covenants – mainly the Old Covenant and New Covenant.
2. The Bible is not randomly written by men but has God as its author, using men as His pens. God was like a ghostwriter, conveying His ideas through human writers.
3. The contents within the Bible are history, teachings, prophecies, and their fulfillment. Any part fits into one of these four categories.
4. The Bible catalogs the war between God and Satan – between God who creates and Satan who only corrupts, using spirits and people’s flesh. To be on God’s side, we must understand His Bible, its flow, promises, and fulfillments.
Moving forward, we will first look at the importance of prophecy and fulfillment. Then we will examine the seven major eras in the Bible, and the order of prophecy fulfillment, especially regarding the Second Coming, as there is a specific sequence of events. Finally, we’ll look at God’s ultimate purpose – salvation and eternal life free from sin.
5. Importance of prophecy and fulfillment.
One thing to understand about prophecies is that when God promises something, it will take place. So, prophecies that are given must be fulfilled.
What does it mean when prophecies are fulfilled? Here’s what I want us to understand about this. As it says in Hosea 12:10, God speaks through the prophets, giving them visions and telling parables through them. God intentionally speaks in figurative language for two reasons:
1.- To protect His plans from Satan, who would like nothing more than to disrupt God’s plans.
2.- To instill a hidden meaning within the prophecy.
Let me give you an example that we’ll expand on later.
In Isaiah 28:16, it says “See, I lay a stone in Zion.” The term “stone” is used figuratively here. This stone dwells in Zion, which is a prophecy in Isaiah. If someone did not understand that God was speaking figuratively, they might start looking for a literal, physical stone on Mount Zion, wasting time trying to find a special stone.
What God actually meant is: I will lay a person in Zion who will be like a stone. This is what Peter explained in 1 Peter 2:7 – the stone had a special meaning and that stone was Jesus. So the prophecy of the stone had an actual reality – Jesus – He was the reality of the parable.
You can say the same thing about light too, which we’ve discussed before. The light that shone from Galilee turns out to be a person – Jesus – being the reality of the parable that was spoken.
Does this make sense? To use another example, it’s similar to someone saying “someone who is strong like an ox will appear.” Then later, a person built like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson shows up. He’s not an actual ox but he’s strong like one.
When God makes these kinds of promises, He sets the conditions in place for His promises to be fulfilled. This is why God calls Himself the Beginning (the promise) and the End (the fulfillment).
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
God is speaking here. What does he say? “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
The Alpha is the first letter in the Greek alphabet, and the Omega is the last letter. So God is saying he is eternal – he has no beginning and no end.
Does God have a beginning? No, he does not. He has always existed. This is why he says “Him, who was?” meaning “I have always been.” And “who is to come?” meaning he will return and continue to be.
ONE – What does he mean when he says he is the first and the last, when he has no beginning or end? He compares himself to the word that he speaks. His words go out to fulfill their purpose before returning to him. So although God is eternal, his word goes out and comes back like a cycle.
But the word that God speaks here must not be corrupted. One must not add or subtract ideas from the pure and perfect word of God. This is why God tells us not to do this. Let’s look at the serious promise God speaks in
18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.
If someone adds their own interpretations to scripture without having directly heard or seen the reality being described, they are essentially guessing. Adding one’s own unfounded thoughts can lead others astray from the truth. God takes this very seriously, as it steers people away from Him.
Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.
Similarly, subtracting from scripture by ignoring or providing an incomplete explanation is problematic. By only conveying part of the message, the full meaning is lost.
We must study scripture thoroughly to understand it fully, so that when we explain the Word of God, especially the Book of Revelation, we never add or subtract from the original meaning.
So these two things we should avoid at all costs. Our explanations should be grounded in complete knowledge to avoid leading others away from the truths being conveyed. Careful, thoughtful study and reflection are required to ensure we represent scripture accurately.
TWO – How can we understand the concept of God being the first and the last? Let’s examine some examples. I would like to discuss the covenant God made with a righteous man described in the Bible. Let’s turn to the book of Genesis.
13 Then the Lord said to him, “Know for certain that for four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own and that they will be enslaved and mistreated there. 14 But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions.
God was speaking to Abraham, not Moses, in this passage. He told Abraham that his descendants would spend 400 years in captivity, and then they would be freed. Abraham knew that his descendants would be enslaved, because God had already told him this as part of the covenant He made with Abraham.
However, God also said that after a period of enslavement, Abraham’s descendants would be freed.
So who did God come to in order to fulfill the words He had promised to Abraham? He came to Moses.
Moses was born about 500 years after Abraham, so let me explain the context so we understand the flow:
When God promised Abraham many descendants, this was before Isaac was even conceived. God promised the childless and aged Abraham that he would have a son, and that his descendants would be enslaved for 400 years, after which they would be freed. But Abraham himself would die at a good old age in the land God promised.
So Abraham lived the rest of his life with this promise from God in mind – that he would become the father of many nations. Abraham then had Isaac, Isaac had Jacob and Esau, and Jacob went on to have 12 sons. Through jealousy and drama, 10 of those sons sold their brother Joseph into captivity in Egypt.
Eventually, the Israelites ended up in Egypt, at first under favorable terms but later under the oppression of a Pharaoh. This began the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham.
God put all these pieces in place over time to keep His promise. Then He came to Moses to free the people, fulfilling the covenant He had made with Abraham. Nothing in the Bible is an accident – it is all intentional. God always keeps His promises. In Numbers 12-14, we even see a catalog recording exactly how long the Israelites spent in captivity in Egypt, just as God had promised Abraham.
This is one of many examples in the Bible of God doing exactly what He said He would do.
THREE – Let’s review some examples to gain perspective on biblical prophecy.
Old Testament prophecies generally pointed to the first coming fulfillments.
While some Old Testament prophecies refer to His second coming, most focused on His first arrival. As you read the book of Isaiah, keep in mind it was written hundreds of years before Christ, yet contains many prophecies fulfilled by His first coming. Isaiah wrote for his era, but his words point ahead to the Messiah.
Likewise, much New Testament prophecy discusses Christ’s second coming, but was written long after His crucifixion and resurrection. By understanding the context and timeline of these prophecies, we can better comprehend God’s remarkable plans revealed in Scripture.
FOUR – New Testament prophecies point to the second coming fulfillment. This will help you categorize the Bible going forward.
Let’s read about God’s commitment and how God works, and why He calls Himself Alpha and Omega.
The Lord Almighty has sworn,
“Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.
The Old Testament prophets received God’s plans in parables that were intentionally unclear until later fulfilled.
These parables have hidden meanings that allow the reality to be understood after the events occur. An example of this can be found in the book of Luke.
In the Old Testament, God communicated His plans to the prophets, saying, “This is going to happen.” He deliberately used parables, crafting His words to be intentionally obscure and safeguarded until the time of fulfillment. However, these parables contain a hidden meaning. This concealed significance becomes clear and allows for a deeper understanding of reality once the prophecies are fulfilled.
To illustrate this, let’s turn to an example from the book of Luke.
He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”
What did Jesus say? ‘Everything written about me must be fulfilled.’ And it was – that’s why Jesus said in John 19:30, “It is finished.” Now I can die and be raised again in three days. I have completed my mission.
This is remarkable. There were many things that Jesus promised for when he would come again. He made promises about his second coming, which the Old Testament prophets, his disciples and apostles recorded – events that would transpire in the future. They too must unfold in the same way, with every word having its reality.
This is why Jesus said in John 14:29, “I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.”
True faith is not just believing in the prophecies but also believing in their fulfillment.
The biggest issue at the time of Jesus was that people were expecting the Messiah. They knew an anointed one would come, but when he came, they rejected him – their faith was incomplete. 50 percent of the equation still constitutes failure. 50 percent on a test is not a passing grade.
One cannot just believe in the prophecies, but must believe in how they were fulfilled according to God’s plan, not our own.
When reading prophecies, it’s tempting to imagine what might happen based on the vivid descriptions, especially in Revelation. But we should be careful not to let our thoughts stray too far, as they often do not align with how events actually unfold according to God’s plan.”
As mentioned earlier, Isaiah 28:16 states “See, I lay a stone in Zion.” At that time, the people were not thinking of a person when they heard this prophecy. So when Jesus later appeared and said “I am the stone that was promised,” it did not make sense to many people then.
Biblical prophecy and revelation often unfold this way.
We will examine some other examples of prophecies and their fulfillments as well. Understanding this prophetic process is key, which is why we are studying the parables with God’s grace. Does everyone grasp what we have covered so far regarding the importance of prophecy in Scripture?
Prophecy comprises around 50 percent of the Bible.
Most of the Old Testament, from Isaiah to Malachi, consists of prophecy, in addition to prophetic passages sprinkled throughout other books. The New Testament also contains prophecy, with the Apostles Paul, Peter, and John often prophesying in their letters.
So if we do not comprehend the language of prophecy, we will not fully understand half of the Bible. Let us continue our study of prophecy and its fulfillment.
6. Seven Eras of the Bible
there are seven macro eras in the bible.There are a few sub eras that we’ll talk about as well. But mainly, there are seven of them.
54 He said to the crowd: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain,’ and it does. 55 And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is. 56 Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?
57 “Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right?
Jesus was speaking to the Israelites, the Pharisees and the Sadducees, the people of the law. He said, “You can see the signs of the earth and sky. You know when it is going to rain by looking at the clouds. You know when it is going to be hot when the wind blows. You know when it is going to be winter time because the leaves fall from the tree.
But you cannot see the more important signs, the signs that let you know that prophecy is being fulfilled. You misinterpret the signs that you think you have, and because of that, you are unable to recognize the era for which you are living in.
Eras are very important in the Bible. If we do not properly identify the time we are living in, our actions will be incorrect. Imagine if Moses had told the Israelites to get on the ark. That would not have made sense, because the time of Moses was long after the time of Noah.
The flood had already come, and God had already said that he would send no more floods. If Moses had preached the word of getting on the ark, those who followed him would have been misled.
So, if we do not know the era, our actions will be incorrect, and the knowledge being preached will be incorrect or inaccurate or even obsolete for the time we are living in. Let’s understand the eras of the Bible so that we can interpret our time.
It is possible to interpret physical things and signs correctly, but in the wrong era. We need to discern the timeline to identify the era we are living in in order to better understand the prophecies and act accordingly.
The Bible can be divided into 7 different eras: Timeline
1. The Period of Genesis: From the time of Adam until the Israelites entered Egypt after Joseph. This covers the book of Genesis up until Jacob’s family moves to Egypt.
2. The Period of Exodus and the Law: This era covers the Israelites being in Egypt, the Exodus, and the giving of the Law with Moses. Key books are Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
3. The Period of the Judges: After entering Canaan, Israel was led by a series of Judges that God raised up to deliver them when they sinned. Key characters were the Judges like Samson.
4. The Period of the Kings: The people wanted a king like other nations, so God reluctantly allowed kings to rule. This period started with Saul and includes kings like David and Solomon, but most kings led the people astray.
5. The Period of the Prophets: God sent prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah to warn the people to turn back to God. The prophets predicted future events and the coming Messiah.
6. The Period of the Gospel of Heaven: Jesus brings in this new era, preaching the kingdom of heaven. His disciples wrote letters, or “epistles,” to early Christians about Christ’s teachings.
7. The Period of Revelation and Re-creation: After a gap where God was largely silent, the last era focuses on the fulfillment of Revelation and God’s re-creation of the heavens and earth. We seem to be in this period now. Understanding Revelation helps confirm this.
The rules and expectations for God’s people have differed in each biblical era. Recognizing what era we are in helps us understand God’s plan and our role in it. More study is needed to firmly conclude we are in the last era.
7. Order of fulfillment of prophecies
We’ll look at the order of the fulfillment of second coming prophecy.
Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, 2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. 3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.
The passage we just read from Apostle Paul is critically important for understanding the Second Coming prophecy and its fulfillment. In fact,
if someone claims to testify to the fulfillment of Revelation but does not explain it in the context (flow) of these passages, they do not truly understand what they are speaking about and should not be heeded.
Paul states that the Day of the Lord – the day we await – will not arrive until three key events occur in sequence:
We must understand what these events signify so we are not deceived by things not aligned with Scripture (sequence or order).
1. A rebellion or betrayal
2. The revelation of the man of lawlessness, doomed to destruction
3. The Day of the Lord itself – the day of our salvation
It is vital we comprehend what each of these milestones signifies so that we are not deceived by interpretations that diverge from the Biblical narrative (things that don’t follow in a particular order).
To recap, the sequence is:
1. Rebellion/Betrayal
2. Emergence and downfall of the man of lawlessness
3. The Day of the Lord and Salvation
Interestingly, this same sequence – betrayal, destruction, salvation – structures the flow of the Book of Revelation. We will revisit this concept frequently, as some lessons will focus on these three motifs. While the meaning may not yet be clear, please keep this framework in mind, as it forms the backbone for analyzing Second Coming prophecies.
8. The Purpose of God
Which is salvation and eternal life. So let’s look at the wages of sin that determine our current situation.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.
The wages of sin – the consequences into which we were born without choice. This is an unfortunate reality humanity faces. However, we must respond constructively to our circumstances, rather than resigning ourselves to fate.
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
God’s ultimate will is not death, but salvation and eternal life for all. This has always been God’s intent, as evidenced by God’s original plan for Adam to live forever. Through Christ, God provides a path to transcend a finite existence and inherit the gift of everlasting life he always wished for humanity.
Before this can happen, biblical prophecy states certain events must come to pass.
For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.
So what is God’s will? That everyone who believes in the Son of God will have eternal life. And that person will be raised up at the last day. We will have a whole lesson on this topic as well.
We must deal with the situation we were born into. If we don’t do something about it, we still face death. But God’s goal in Christ is eternal life, which comes through understanding Christ and His words and promises.
God’s will is no longer for death, but for salvation and eternal life – that has always been His will. Remember, Adam was originally supposed to live forever. God intends to restore that eternal life through salvation.
But first, certain events must unfold.
Memorization
I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.
Instructor Review
SUMMARY
Today we learned that God calls Himself the Alpha and the Omega. When God speaks, He acts. What He promises, He fulfills. God’s word is flawless as stated in Proverbs 30. Therefore, we should not add our own thoughts, guesses, or uncertainties to His words, nor should we ignore or have incomplete knowledge of what God has said.
Throughout the Bible, God has shown how He makes and fulfills promises. For example, He made a promise to Abraham that was fulfilled 400 years later through Moses, by leading the people out of slavery in Egypt where they had been enslaved for 100 years. God did this again with the Old Testament prophets where He spoke promises about His Son – that He would be born to a virgin, be born in Bethlehem, start His ministry in Galilee, preach the gospel of heaven, die, be sacrificed, and bear the cross. All of those were prophesied and when Jesus came, He fulfilled every single word written about Him. Jesus also spoke about when He would come again, giving us promises about what to expect. Understanding these prophecies will help us know what signs to look for.
Jesus rebuked people for not discerning the era they were living in and not realizing who was standing right in front of them. We should not make the same mistake. By God’s grace, let us understand the prophecies and the different eras in the Bible – Genesis, Exodus and the Law, Judges, Kings, Prophets, the Gospel of Heaven, Revelation and Re-Creation – so that we can discern the times we are living in.
These prophecies happen in an intended order. As Paul told us, first there must be a rebellion. We should be asking questions like who rebels, when does this happen, where does the destruction take place, who is destroyed, what is the day of the Lord, and when will it come? It’s important we talk about these things because God intends to end death and suffering which are the wages of sin, and His will is for salvation and eternal life to take place. That is why He gave us the Bible.
Review with the Evangelist
Review
Through these three lessons, we were able to master the basics of the Bible. We learned eight main points of the Bible. Today we covered the last four. What was number five? The importance of prophecy and fulfillment. Based on the Home Blessing, John 14:29. God tells us what He will do before it happens. Why does He tell us in advance? So that we as believers will recognize His promises being fulfilled and believe in them.
It sounds simple, but it’s not always easy. The prophecies are in parables, figurative language. As believers, we must first understand God’s promises and prophecies so that when they are fulfilled, we can recognize them and believe. Unfortunately, many people did not believe Jesus was the promised Messiah. We have to know God’s Word and promises to recognize their fulfillment properly. We cannot add or subtract – that means making assumptions without verifying Scripture. The Bible explains itself through God’s grace.
We learned about the seven eras of the Bible. Why is that important? So we know the era we are living in and can act accordingly. If we were in Noah’s time, we would need to build an ark. But we are in the era of Revelation and recreation. I need to understand what that means and what I must do.
We also learned the order of fulfillment of prophecies for our time – rebellion, then destruction, then salvation. We are putting the pieces together. These basics help us understand what we as believers must do. God has a mission for His people to receive heaven and eternal life. Let us truly understand these basics so we can follow what God told us in advance and believe when it is fulfilled.
Let’s Us Discern
Discernment is still a work in progress …. Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”
Analysis
Questions to Self-Reflect
Outline
Understanding Biblical Prophecy and Fulfillment
I. The Foundation: Building Blocks of Biblical Understanding
- A. The Greatest Gift: This section introduces the concept of eternal life as God’s ultimate gift and emphasizes the importance of understanding prophecy to recognize this gift. (Summary: God’s greatest gift is eternal life, and understanding biblical prophecy is essential to recognizing and receiving this gift.)
- B. Basics of the Bible Part Three: Our Hope: This section lays out the overall goal of the teaching – to understand prophecy and fulfillment, and follow the Bible’s flow across its different eras. (Summary: The goal is to understand how the Bible unfolds over time, focusing on the key role of prophecy and its fulfillment.)
- C. Key Points of the Bible (1-4): This section reviews previously covered key points about the Bible:
- The Bible as a book of covenants.
- God as the Bible’s author.
- The four categories of biblical content: history, teachings, prophecies, and their fulfillment.
- The Bible as a record of the spiritual war between God and Satan. (Summary: These points establish a foundational understanding of the Bible’s nature, authorship, content, and overarching narrative.)
II. Delving Deeper: Prophecy and its Significance
- A. Importance of Prophecy and Fulfillment (Point 5): This section explains that prophecies are God’s promises and will always be fulfilled. It explores the use of figurative language in prophecy, using the “stone in Zion” (Isaiah 28:16) as an example, later revealed to be Jesus (1 Peter 2:7). (Summary: This section emphasizes the certainty of prophecy fulfillment and explores how God uses figurative language to reveal his plans over time.)
- B. God as Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8): This section uses Revelation 1:8 to explain God’s self-description as “Alpha and Omega,” signifying His role as both the originator and fulfiller of His word. It cautions against adding to or subtracting from scripture (Revelation 22:18-19). (Summary: This section highlights God’s eternal nature and His unwavering commitment to fulfilling His promises, emphasizing the importance of preserving the integrity of scripture.)
- C. Examples of God’s Faithfulness: This section provides two key examples of God fulfilling His promises:
- God’s covenant with Abraham and its fulfillment through Moses (Genesis 15:13-14). (Summary: This example demonstrates God’s faithfulness to His promises, even across generations, using the fulfillment of the covenant with Abraham through Moses.)
- Jesus’ fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies (Luke 24:44, John 19:30). (Summary: This example highlights Jesus’ fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, solidifying the reliability and accuracy of biblical prophecy.)
- D. Understanding the Prophetic Timeline: This section clarifies the distinction between Old Testament prophecies primarily focusing on the first coming of Christ and New Testament prophecies pointing towards the Second Coming. (Summary: This section provides a framework for understanding the timeline of biblical prophecy, differentiating between prophecies relating to Christ’s first and second coming.)
- E. The Importance of Understanding Prophecy: This section emphasizes the significant portion of the Bible dedicated to prophecy and the need to comprehend its language to grasp the entirety of scripture. (Summary: This section stresses the need to understand prophetic language, as prophecy constitutes a substantial portion of the Bible and is crucial for grasping its full message.)
III. Navigating the Biblical Narrative: Eras and the Order of Events
- A. Seven Eras of the Bible (Point 6): This section explains the importance of understanding the different eras in the Bible, using Luke 12:54-57 to illustrate the need for correctly interpreting the signs of the times. It then outlines the seven major eras:
- The Period of Genesis
- The Period of Exodus and the Law
- The Period of the Judges
- The Period of the Kings
- The Period of the Prophets
- The Period of the Gospel of Heaven
- The Period of Revelation and Re-creation (Summary: This section explains the significance of recognizing the specific era in which events occur to understand the Bible’s narrative and God’s plan unfolding throughout history.)
- B. Order of Fulfillment of Prophecies (Point 7): This section utilizes 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 to outline the specific order of events leading to the Day of the Lord:
- Rebellion/Betrayal
- Emergence and downfall of the man of lawlessness
- The Day of the Lord and salvation (Summary: This section provides a critical framework for interpreting Second Coming prophecies, emphasizing the sequential order of events leading up to the Day of the Lord.)
IV. God’s Ultimate Purpose: Salvation and Eternal Life
- A. The Wages of Sin and God’s Gift (Point 8): This section uses Romans 6:23 and 3:23-24 to explain the reality of death as a consequence of sin and God’s offer of eternal life through Christ. (Summary: This section contrasts the consequence of sin with God’s ultimate desire for humanity: salvation and eternal life. It emphasizes that despite the reality of death, God offers a pathway to eternal life through Christ.)
- B. God’s Will for Eternal Life (John 6:40): This section highlights God’s desire for everyone to believe in His Son and receive eternal life, emphasizing that certain events must transpire before this ultimate purpose is realized. (Summary: This section reiterates God’s desire for all to have eternal life through belief in Jesus, acknowledging that specific prophetic events must unfold before this becomes a reality.)
V. Summary and Study Guide:
- A. Summary: This section reiterates the key takeaways from the lesson: the importance of understanding prophecy and its fulfillment, the significance of the seven eras, the order of events leading to the Day of the Lord, and God’s ultimate purpose of salvation and eternal life. (Summary: This section condenses the key teachings of the lesson, providing a concise overview of prophecy, biblical eras, the sequence of end-time events, and God’s ultimate plan for humanity.)
- B. Study Guide: This section offers prompts for further reflection and study, encouraging a deeper understanding of the presented concepts and their implications for believers. (Summary: This section prompts further engagement with the material, encouraging deeper study and reflection on the implications of the teachings for individual faith and understanding.)
A Study Guide
Understanding Biblical Prophecy and Fulfillment
Quiz
Instructions: Answer each question in 2-3 sentences.
- Why does God speak in parables and figurative language in prophecy?
- Explain the significance of God calling Himself “the Alpha and the Omega.”
- How does the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham through Moses demonstrate God’s faithfulness to His word?
- What is the main difference between Old Testament prophecies and New Testament prophecies in terms of their focus?
- Why is it crucial to avoid adding or subtracting from God’s word, especially when interpreting prophecy?
- According to Luke 12:54-57, why did Jesus rebuke the people of His time?
- Why is it crucial to correctly identify the biblical era we are living in? Provide an example.
- List the three key events that must occur in sequence before the Day of the Lord, as described in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3.
- What is the ultimate purpose of God, according to Romans 6:23 and John 6:40?
- Explain the importance of both understanding and believing in the fulfillment of biblical prophecy.
Answer Key
- God uses parables and figurative language to protect His plans from Satanic interference and to reveal deeper spiritual meanings that become clearer upon fulfillment.
- God calling Himself “the Alpha and the Omega” signifies His eternal nature and emphasizes that He is the beginning and end of all things. He initiates promises and ensures their ultimate fulfillment.
- God’s promise to Abraham, fulfilled through Moses 400 years later, showcases God’s faithfulness to His word. Despite the delay and complexities, God orchestrated events to liberate the Israelites from Egypt, proving He always keeps His promises.
- Old Testament prophecies primarily focus on the first coming of Christ, while New Testament prophecies predominantly address His second coming and the events surrounding it.
- Adding to God’s word introduces human speculation and can mislead others, while subtracting from it diminishes the complete truth and distorts its intended meaning. Both actions demonstrate a lack of trust in God’s perfect revelation.
- Jesus rebuked the people for their hypocrisy in interpreting physical signs but failing to recognize the spiritual signs of His ministry. They could predict weather patterns but remained blind to the fulfillment of prophecy in their midst.
- Correctly identifying the biblical era helps us understand God’s plan in its historical context and apply His instructions relevant to our time. For example, building an ark would be irrelevant in the era of Revelation, just as following Mosaic Law would be insufficient in the era of grace.
- The three events preceding the Day of the Lord are: 1) a rebellion or betrayal, 2) the revelation and destruction of the man of lawlessness, and 3) the Day of the Lord itself, bringing salvation for believers.
- God’s ultimate purpose is the salvation and eternal life of humanity. This is evident in Romans 6:23, where the gift of God is contrasted with the wages of sin (death), and in John 6:40, which promises eternal life to all who believe in Jesus.
- Understanding biblical prophecy provides knowledge and anticipation of God’s plan, while believing in its fulfillment strengthens faith and confirms God’s faithfulness. True faith encompasses both aspects, acknowledging God’s word and recognizing its realization in history.
Additional Questions
1. What is the importance of prophecy? The importance of prophecy is that it contains a promise from God. The significance of the fulfillment is that it shows the actual reality of the prophecy coming to pass. In other words, God promises something in advance and then fulfills the prophecy exactly as stated.
And as believers, we must not add to or subtract from his word. Or if we do, so we will not receive salvation but curses.
2. What are the steps of fulfilment?
3. What are the seven eras or periods of the Bible?
4. What are the three steps of fulfillment? First, there is betrayal. Then, there is destruction. Finally, there is salvation. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3)
5. What is God’s purpose and objective of the Bible? For His people to receive Salvation and Eternal Life. (John 6:40)
Glossary of Key Terms
- Covenant: A binding agreement between God and humanity, involving promises and obligations from both parties.
- Prophecy: A divinely inspired message revealing future events or God’s will.
- Fulfillment: The realization or completion of a prophecy, proving God’s faithfulness and the accuracy of His word.
- Parable: A story or illustration used to convey a spiritual truth or principle.
- Figurative Language: Language that uses symbols, metaphors, and similes to create vivid imagery and deeper meaning beyond the literal interpretation.
- Era: A distinct period in biblical history marked by significant events, covenants, or divine actions.
- Day of the Lord: A future time of judgment and salvation, marking the culmination of God’s plan and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
- Man of Lawlessness: A figure predicted in Scripture who will oppose God and deceive many before his eventual destruction.
- Salvation: Deliverance from sin and its consequences, leading to eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
- Eternal Life: A state of unending existence with God, characterized by joy, peace, and fellowship with Him.
Breakdown
Timeline of Events from “Basics of the Bible Part Three”
This lesson does not present a chronological timeline of specific events. Instead, it focuses on explaining the overall flow of the Bible and the importance of understanding prophecy and its fulfillment across different eras.
However, we can infer a general timeline based on the seven eras described:
- Period of Genesis: From Adam to the Israelites’ entry into Egypt (Covers the Book of Genesis until Jacob’s family moves to Egypt).
- Period of Exodus and the Law: Israelites in Egypt, the Exodus, and the giving of the Law with Moses (Covers Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy).
- Period of the Judges: After entering Canaan, Israel is led by Judges appointed by God (Features Judges like Samson).
- Period of the Kings: Israel demands a king, leading to the reigns of Saul, David, Solomon, and others.
- Period of the Prophets: Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah warn the people and predict the Messiah.
- Period of the Gospel of Heaven: Jesus preaches the kingdom of heaven, followed by the disciples writing letters about his teachings.
- Period of Revelation and Re-creation: Fulfillment of Revelation and God’s re-creation of heaven and earth (The source suggests this is the current era).
Cast of Characters
1. God: * The central figure of the Bible. * Author of the Bible, using humans as instruments. * Creator of the universe and humanity. * Makes and fulfills covenants with His people. * Speaks through prophets, revealing His plans through parables and prophecies. * Offers salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ. * Described as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
2. Satan: * The main adversary of God. * Seeks to disrupt God’s plans. * Uses spirits and human weaknesses to corrupt. * Engaged in a spiritual war against God.
3. Adam: * The first human created by God. * Originally intended to live eternally. * Disobeyed God, bringing sin and death into the world.
4. Abraham: * Made a covenant with God. * Promised numerous descendants and a land for them. * Told his descendants would be enslaved for 400 years before being freed.
5. Moses: * Chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. * Received the Law from God on Mount Sinai. * Led the Israelites for 40 years in the wilderness.
6. Samson: * A Judge who delivered Israel from their enemies. * Known for his immense strength. * Ultimately failed due to his own weaknesses.
7. David: * A king of Israel chosen by God. * Known for his courage, faith, and military prowess. * Considered a righteous king despite his flaws.
8. Solomon: * Son of David and also a king of Israel. * Renowned for his wisdom and wealth. * Built the first Temple in Jerusalem.
9. Isaiah: * A major prophet who wrote the book of Isaiah. * Prophesied about the coming Messiah and the future of Israel. * Used figurative language and parables to convey God’s messages.
10. Jeremiah: * Another major prophet who warned Israel of God’s judgment. * Predicted the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. * Also offered messages of hope and restoration.
11. Jesus Christ: * The Son of God and the central figure of the New Testament. * Fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. * Preached the gospel of the kingdom of heaven. * Died on the cross for the sins of humanity. * Rose from the dead, offering salvation and eternal life.
12. Apostles (Paul, Peter, John): * Early followers of Jesus who spread his teachings. * Wrote letters (epistles) to early Christian communities. * Some of their writings contain prophecies about the future.
13. Pharisees and Sadducees: * Jewish religious leaders during Jesus’ time. * Often clashed with Jesus over his teachings. * Rebuked by Jesus for their hypocrisy and legalism.
14. “Man of Lawlessness”: * A figure mentioned in 2 Thessalonians who will appear before the Day of the Lord. * Associated with rebellion and destruction. * His identity and role are subjects of much debate.
Overview
Overview: Understanding the Bible and Its Prophecies
Main Themes:
- The importance of understanding biblical prophecy and its fulfillment.
- The seven eras of the Bible and the significance of recognizing our current era.
- The order of fulfillment of Second Coming prophecies.
- God’s ultimate purpose: salvation and eternal life.
Most Important Ideas/Facts:
- Prophecy and Fulfillment:
- God speaks through prophets in parables and figurative language to protect His plans and reveal deeper meaning. (Hosea 12:10)
- Prophecies must be fulfilled, and understanding their fulfillment strengthens faith. (John 14:29)
- Examples:
- The “stone” in Zion refers to Jesus (Isaiah 28:16, 1 Peter 2:7)
- God’s promise to Abraham regarding his descendants’ enslavement and freedom (Genesis 15:13-14)
- Seven Eras of the Bible:
- Understanding the current era is crucial for interpreting prophecy and taking appropriate actions. (Luke 12:54-57)
- The seven eras are: Genesis, Exodus and the Law, Judges, Kings, Prophets, Gospel of Heaven, Revelation and Re-creation.
- We are likely in the era of Revelation and Re-creation, demanding a deeper understanding of this book.
- Order of Second Coming Prophecies:
- Three key events must occur sequentially:
- Rebellion/Betrayal
- Revelation and downfall of the “man of lawlessness” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3)
- The Day of the Lord (salvation)
- This sequence (betrayal, destruction, salvation) structures the Book of Revelation.
- God’s Purpose:
- Salvation and eternal life are God’s ultimate will. (Romans 6:23, John 6:40)
- While the wages of sin are death, God offers redemption and eternal life through Christ. (Romans 3:23-24)
Key Quotes:
- “God speaks to the prophets, giving them visions and telling parables through them.” (Hosea 12:10)
- “I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.” (John 14:29)
- “How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?” (Luke 12:56)
- “Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed…” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3)
- “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
- “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” (John 6:40)
Call to Action:
- Study the Bible, particularly the prophecies and their fulfillments, to strengthen faith and recognize the current era.
- Avoid adding personal interpretations or subtracting from God’s Word.
- Be aware of the sequence of Second Coming prophecies and avoid being misled by inaccurate interpretations.
- Seek understanding of God’s plan for salvation and eternal life through Christ.
Q&A
Q&A: Understanding Biblical Prophecy and God’s Plan
1. Why is prophecy so important in the Bible?
Prophecy makes up about half of the Bible and is essential to understanding God’s plan. God speaks through prophecy, revealing His will and foretelling future events. By studying prophecy, we gain insight into God’s character, His actions, and His ultimate purpose for humanity.
2. How does prophecy work? Is it always literal?
Prophecies are often given in figurative language, using symbols and parables. This protects God’s plans from Satan and adds a layer of hidden meaning that is revealed upon fulfillment. We need to study Scripture carefully to understand the intended meaning and avoid misinterpretations.
3. What is an example of a prophecy being fulfilled?
One example is the prophecy of the “stone” in Zion (Isaiah 28:16). Initially, people might have expected a literal stone, but the true fulfillment was Jesus Christ, as explained in 1 Peter 2:7. Jesus himself declared that everything prophesied about him in the Old Testament was fulfilled (Luke 24:44).
4. What are the seven eras of the Bible and why are they important?
The seven eras provide a framework for understanding the flow of biblical history and God’s actions within each period. Knowing which era we are in helps us to understand God’s current will and our role in His plan. The eras are:
- Genesis: From Adam to the Israelites entering Egypt.
- Exodus and the Law: Moses, the Exodus, and the giving of the Law.
- Judges: Israel led by judges raised up by God.
- Kings: Israel ruled by kings, starting with Saul.
- Prophets: God sent prophets to warn and guide the people.
- Gospel of Heaven: Jesus’ ministry and the spread of the gospel.
- Revelation and Re-creation: Fulfillment of Revelation and God’s renewal of creation.
5. What is the significance of God calling Himself “Alpha and Omega”?
This title emphasizes God’s eternality and His control over all things, from beginning to end. He is the originator of all creation and the one who brings everything to its ultimate fulfillment. His word is unchanging and always comes to pass.
6. What is the order of events leading up to the Day of the Lord?
According to 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, three key events will precede the Day of the Lord:
- Rebellion/Betrayal: A significant rebellion against God and His people.
- Emergence and downfall of the man of lawlessness: A figure who embodies evil and opposition to God will arise and ultimately be destroyed.
- The Day of the Lord and salvation: This marks the culmination of God’s plan, bringing judgment upon the wicked and salvation for the righteous.
7. What is the ultimate purpose of God?
God’s ultimate purpose is salvation and eternal life for humanity. While the wages of sin is death, God offers the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. His desire is to restore the eternal life that was intended for mankind from the beginning.
8. How can we avoid misinterpreting prophecy?
We should avoid adding our own speculations to Scripture or ignoring parts of God’s word. It’s important to study the Bible diligently, seeking understanding through prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We must also recognize that prophecy often unfolds in God’s timing, not our own, and trust in His perfect plan.