Some Guidelines to the Interpretation of Prophecy, Pt. 4

(Continuing excerpt from Victor Buksbazen on interpretation of prophecy.  Bibliographical information is at the end of this post.)

12.       In interpreting prophecy one has to beware of pitfalls. One of these is the forcing of historical events into the framework of our preconceived interpretation of prophecy. However, history often has a painful way of correcting our notions.

          When one reads Biblical commentaries from the Napoleonic times, he may at times find Napoleon cast in the role of Antichrist. During World War II a well-known Bible teacher in America taught that Mussolini was the Antichrist. Such examples could be multiplied ad infinitum.

          Another dangerous pitfall is the setting of dates concerning the fulfillment of certain prophetic events, especially with regard to the second coming of Christ. This inclination has marred the reputation of some Bible teachers.

13.  In interpreting prophecy we must remember that the prophets were guided by the Holy Spirit to foretell events, the full import of which they were not always fully aware themselves (1 Pet. 1:10, 11), neither when or under what circumstances their prophecies will come to pass. They often were permitted to see the future as on a flat two dimensional canvas not realizing fully the broad valleys, the rivers and mountain ranges existing between one predicted event and another. God Himself who is the Lord of history has a way of bringing into focus prophecy which was unclear in former generations. It is easier for us, who look from the standpoint of the New Testament, to understand certain prophecies than it was in the times of the prophets. In the light of the New Testament, prophecy takes on for us a new dimension.

          Our own age has brought into sharp focus certain prophecies which former generations either overlooked or misapplied. We have in mind the prophecies concerning the restoration of Israel, which have come to pass in part in our own time, namely the regathering of the Jewish people in their ancient homeland Israel (Ezk. 36: 16-24; 37:10).

          We of this generation have been privileged to be witnesses of the fulfillment of these prophecies. Others wait for their consummation at their appointed times. It behooves us to be humble and not too rigid in the interpretation of certain predicted events, knowing that there are certain areas of divine rule and providence which God has reserved for Himself. “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law” (Deut. 29:29).

          Prophecy was not given in order to satisfy the morbid curiosity of some sensation-hungry people, but to be a guide and “a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation” (2 Pet. 1:19, 20). The purpose of prophecy is: (a)   To warn men against those sins which have brought judgment and sorrow upon Israel (Rom. 11:21);   (b) To guard against false prophets and doctrines (2 Pet. 2);  (c)  To strengthen our faith, and to comfort the believer that God will fulfill His promises of eternal redemption and the establishment of His kingdom (Isa. 65:17-25), 66:22 and Rev. 21:1-4).