In recent days we’ve focused on the Iranian nuclear deal and Benjamin Netanyahu’s warning to the world that the deal in question is a bad deal.  It is a bad deal because nuclear arms in the hands of an apocalyptic-minded regime are likely to bring about apocalyptic results.  It is far too early to know how that will all play out, but one thing is for sure: attention is turning to end times.  Bible prophecy is important, and we are wise to study it.

Bible scholars tell us that prophecy makes up about 25-30% of the Bible.  Thus, failure to study it would leave us lacking understanding of over a quarter of Scripture.  Beyond that, there are many other reasons to study prophecy.  Here are a few:

• Prophecy cements the fact that there is a God. Only an all-knowing, eternal, sovereign God could inspire Scripture with 100% prophetic accuracy.  (See Back to Basics for examples of fulfilled prophecy.)  The odds of fulfilling the 500+ prophecies already fulfilled are astronomical…in fact, totally impossible for anyone but God!
• Prophecy protects us from false teaching. Jesus warned His disciples that, in the last days, many will come, claiming to be the Messiah and misleading multitudes. (Matthew 24:4-5, Mark 13:5-6)  As examples, today we have an Iranian Ayatollah claiming to be the spokesman for Allah, and we have TV preachers (and others) drawing followers as they “tickle the ears” by promising riches and prosperity.  (2 Timothy 4:3-5)  Jesus Himself predicted it, and we are protected if we heed the prophetic warnings of Jesus.
• Prophecy promotes evangelism. Knowing that Jesus could return at any time should motivate us to share the good news of the saving grace of Jesus Christ with others.  2 Timothy 4:1-5 exhorts us to fulfill our ministry in the last days.  Prophecy tells us the last days are quickly approaching.
• Prophecy exhorts us to pure living. Knowing that Jesus could return at any moment, would you want Him to appear while you are doing what you are doing?  It is a sobering question, and one that should cause us to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age as we look for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.  (Titus 2:12-13)
• Prophecy provides hope to the believer. If we know and understand prophecy, we know how the story ends.  We win!  We have an incredible hope in our Lord and Savior.  He is our soon-coming King who gives us great assurance.
• Prophecy teaches us to love His appearing, which results in a crown! In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.  (2 Timothy 4:8)  In heaven, our rewards will be crowns…instruments of worship as they are cast at His feet!  (Revelation 4:10)

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.
~Revelation 1:3

Read, hear, and heed…and be blessed, dear friends!