How can we trust that biblical prophecy can indeed predict the future?

Answer

The primary reason we can rely on biblical prophecy is that, like the rest of Scripture, it was written—literally “God-breathed”—by the Creator of the universe. It is flawless, perfect, and truthful. It is essential to grasp this concept before delving into the significance of biblical prophecy. (Please refer to: Why is believing in biblical inerrancy important?)

Biblical prophecy serves two purposes. It predicts the future and elucidates the positive or negative outcomes of forthcoming events. Prophecy may herald events that bring joy and satisfaction or fear and apprehension. When prophecy is disregarded, it is often due to the audience disliking the message for various reasons. Biblical prophecy is typically not vague. It tends to be highly specific regarding its impact on individuals or entities. Nevertheless, it is consistently reliable and deserving of our complete trust. We can allow prophecy to influence our lives, offering us guidance and direction in our service to the Lord. It should serve as a source of fortitude and instruction for us. In contrast to what is commonly referred to as “prophecy” today, both within and outside the church, genuine biblical prophecy is unfailingly accurate and precise. Whatever God prophesies invariably comes to pass.

An illustration of this is the prophecy of the flood in Genesis 6. God elucidates the reasons for the flood, provides detailed instructions for Noah to construct the ark for life preservation, and subsequently brings about this monumental global catastrophe. Following this, God prophesied that He would never flood the entire earth again, as stated in Genesis 9:12–16. Joseph’s dreams in Genesis 37:5–10 contain prophecies that were later fulfilled in his life. In Deuteronomy 18:18, God tells Moses, “I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him.” This prophecy foretells the Jewish Messiah, our Lord Jesus, and is referenced in Acts 3:22–26. One of the most significant deDetailed prophecies of the Messiah in Isaiah 53 contain predictions of Christ’s ministry, sin-bearing, and suffering. Psalm 22 provides another prophecy of our Lord’s suffering, presented within a description of a troubled time in King David’s life.

In our Lord’s own prophecies in Matthew 24, He spoke of wars, famines, earthquakes, persecutions, apostasy, betrayals, and finally, His own unexpected and widely rejected return today. These and other end-time prophecies are as reliable as Noah’s warning of the Flood. Similar predictions of catastrophic events yet to occur are found in 2 Peter chapters 2–3, along with a statement «but the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. », (2 Peter 3:7) of God’s intervention. Additionally, in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Christians are assured of a rescue or a resurrection appointment, whether they are alive or deceased. Biblical prophecy offers us a glimpse into the future. Failing to comprehend these prophecies of the rapture means missing out on one of God’s greatest gifts.

Lastly, since we can rely on John 3:16, which states that God loves us and gave us His Son, we can surely trust Him as the Author of biblical prophecy to foretell, encourage, guide, and provide for our future physical and spiritual needs. Our Lord mentioned in John 14:2, “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” This should serve as a prophecy of reassurance and encouragement for all Christians. Therefore, place your trust in God’s prophecies, just as you have placed your trust in His Son.