Years ago I heard prophecy defined two ways: Foretelling and forth telling. One had to do with declarations about the future and the other focused on repentance. We tend to think of them as two different goals and in that we err. Even the promises of restoration have the goal of bringing Israel to the place of obedience.
Too often the prophecy buffs focus solely on the fulfillment aspect because their theology requires the restoration of Israel to all fit together. The purpose of prophecy was not to force feed us on the end times. It was to motivate Israel to turn back to their God.
It is dangerous to take writings loaded with figurative language and make them literal. It is dangerous to ignore the conditional promises, emphasize the unconditional promises and act like they are the same. It is dangerous to substitute the future of someone else for the clear directions on how you as an individual are to live.
Read and enjoy but keep your priorities straight. The promise of the resurrection does not hing on a red heifer or a rebuilt temple. Paul does not say we are without hope if the temple is just a vison, but our faith is useless if Jesus was not resurrected.
homo unius libri
Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship
Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship
This blog will be written from an orthodox Christian point of view. There may be some topic that is out of bounds, but at present I don't know what it will be. Politics is a part of life. Theology and philosophy are disciplines that we all participate in even if we don't think so. The Bible has a lot to say about economics. How about self defense? Is war ethical? Think of all the things that someone tells you we should not touch and let's give it a try. Everything that is a part of life should be an expression of worship.
Keep it courteous and be kind to those less blessed than you, but by all means don't worry about agreeing. We learn more when we get backed into a corner.
This blog will be written from an orthodox Christian point of view. There may be some topic that is out of bounds, but at present I don't know what it will be. Politics is a part of life. Theology and philosophy are disciplines that we all participate in even if we don't think so. The Bible has a lot to say about economics. How about self defense? Is war ethical? Think of all the things that someone tells you we should not touch and let's give it a try. Everything that is a part of life should be an expression of worship.
Keep it courteous and be kind to those less blessed than you, but by all means don't worry about agreeing. We learn more when we get backed into a corner.
Opus 2026-356: The Purpose of Prophecy
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Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.