Why does bible prophecy matter? As a Christian, why should you spend any time studying it? It’s sad to say, but many Christians (including countless “church leaders”) say bible prophecy doesn’t matter. Many of them say you shouldn’t study it at all. Why? Among the stated reasons are these:
“Studying bible prophecy is a waste of time.” “Bible prophecy is a distraction.” “Bible prophecy so negative!”
That last one is truly ridiculous. Negative? How is the return of Jesus to establish everlasting peace on earth with no more death, crying, sorrow, or pain (Revelation 21:4) negative? It’s not. In fact, it’s our blessed hope (Titus 2:13)!
God wants us all to live a full and blessed life here on earth. But to ignore bible prophecy is to ignore anywhere from one-fourth to one-third of the Bible. If God didn’t want us to study it, why would He reveal it? The Bible says all of God’s Word is useful for teaching and instruction (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and that includes prophecy.
The prophetic passages in the Bible are just as important as all the others. God promises wherever He sends His Word, it will prosper (Isaiah 55:11). This includes all of His Word, not just those verses self-appointed Christian leaders deem “okay.” If you have any doubt, here’s what the Bible itself says about the importance of bible prophecy:
1) Prophecy Points to Jesus
The Book of Revelation says all prophecy points to Jesus (Revelation 19:10). In fact, Jesus Himself said He came to fulfill the law and the prophets (Matthew 5:17). What if Simeon (Luke 2:25-35) had the attitude bible prophecy is irrelevant? Then he would have missed out on the greatest blessing of his life. What if Anna (Luke 2:36-40) had ignored bible prophecy? Then she too would have missed out on Jesus.
2) Jesus Demands We Watch
If the study of bible prophecy is “a distraction from God’s work,” then why does Jesus demand it? That’s right. Jesus doesn’t simply suggest we study bible prophecy. He commands us to study it. After all, He commands us to “stay alert” and to “keep watch” (Mark 13:33,35). That begs the question – watch for what? The answer is clear. Watch for His return.
3) Prophecy Proves the Bible is God’s Word
Long ago, God issued a challenge. He said, “Who else can tell the beginning from the end” (Isaiah 41:21-24)? God proclaims He alone can do so. Only God can reveal what is going to happen before it happens (Isaiah 46:10). The hundreds and hundreds of specific and detailed prophecies found in the Bible prove its divine authority. What other book on earth can match the Bible in predictive power? None. But if you fail to study bible prophecy, that fact will pass you by.
4) Prophecy is a Powerful Evangelistic Tool
In the first century, bible prophecy was the primary tool for spreading the Gospel. As an example, Peter cited the Messianic prophecies as clear proof Jesus was the long awaited Messiah (Acts 2:14-42). His speech led three thousand people to give their lives to Jesus. He also said the life of Jesus fulfilled what the prophets had written about the Messiah (Acts 3:18-24). Philip used a fulfilled prophecy to explain the Gospel to an Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-39).
If you don’t study bible prophecy, you’re missing one of the greatest tools for spreading the Gospel. What better way to respond to those who demand evidence Jesus is the Messiah than to tell them about the numerous prophecies He fulfilled?
5) Prophecy Encourages Holy Living
If you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, you know He could return at any moment. And if you know He can return at any moment, it encourages holy living. In the story of the evil servant, Jesus warned us about a danger. What danger? The danger of thinking He’ll delay His return. Jesus said the evil servant thinks, “My master won’t be back for a while,” and he goes on sinning (Matthew 24:48-49).
Instead, you should live your life as if He could come at any moment. This mindset leads to patience (James 5:8), disciplined prayers (1 Peter 4:7), love (1 Peter 4:8), and an eagerness to use your gifts for the glory of God (1 Peter 4:10-11). While we wait for the return of Jesus, we should make every effort to live peaceful, pure, and blameless lives (2 Peter 3:11-14).
6) Prophecy Gives Specific Blessings
God says He’ll bless anyone who reads it to the church! And He’ll bless anyone who listens to it and obeys what it says (Revelation 1:3). In heaven, some will wear “a crown of righteousness.” Who are the people who get this crown? All who eagerly await the return of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 4:8).
7) Prophecy Reveals the Season of the Lord’s Return
Jesus says the world will be caught unaware when He suddenly returns (Luke 12:40). It will be like in the days of Noah and Lot. People will go on living their daily lives as normal right up until the moment of their destruction (Luke 17:30). But those who study bible prophecy won’t be surprised by His return (1 Thessalonians 5:4-6). Why? Because they’ll understand the signs. While we can’t know the day or the hour of His return (Matthew 24:36), we can know the season of His return. Jesus, Moses, and the prophets told us what signs to look for. And Jesus says when you see all those signs converging you can know His return is very near (Matthew 24:33).
Don’t ignore bible prophecy. Don’t poke fun of it or laugh at it (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22). Instead, study bible prophecy. Doing so will fill you with hope and encouragement. This is especially true in our day and time because our generation is witness to the converging signs Jesus and the prophets said to look for.
For over 94% of Christian history, the state of Israel did not exist. Today, it does. For over 95% of Christian history, the Jewish people did not control Jerusalem. Today, they do. These signs and others point to the nearness of the Lord’s return. They indicate we live in the season of His return. Jesus is coming, and that should fill you with hope for the future.
Prophecy is behind this hope and almost every promise Christians hold near and dear. The promise of heaven… The hope of salvation… The joy of eternity with Jesus. Each one of these is a promise from God guaranteeing our future. And what is bible prophecy if not a guarantee of future events? So don’t let what others think discourage you from studying bible prophecy.
Jesus said if anyone is ashamed of Him and His message, He will be ashamed of that person when He returns (Luke 9:23-26). Don’t be ashamed. Study bible prophecy. Let it enrich your life. For the whole purpose of prophecy is to glorify Jesus (Revelation 19:10).