UNDERSTANDING PROPHETIC SCRIPTURES

UNDERSTANDING PROPHETIC SCRIPTURES.

Many people are interested in the study of what the Bible has to say about future events. There is much confusion because of the many different, and often completely opposite interpretations, of the same scriptures. How can this be? Because not everyone uses a "Face Value" approach to understanding scripture. Following is a definition of face value by Robert Van Kampen. "Any given scripture passage must be understood at face value,in its most natural, normal, customary sense, making allowances for obvious figures of speech, taking the passage in its proper context, and taking into consideration all other passages of scripture dealing with the same issue. When in doubt as to the meaning of a particular word or phrase, let scripture interpret scripture! Look for the common denominator that harmonizes all the passages dealing with a particular issue, not just those that prove your presupposition at the expense of rejecting those that don't. Once a common denominator is found, then we have truth, that truth stands in judgment of us; never do we stand in judgment of it!"

This summary is based on the following five principles.
 1/ Seek to discover the author's intended meaning.--- Each and every passage of scripture has only one meaning, although it may have more than one possible application.
 2/ Recognize the importance of context.---Only when you know and understand the context in which a text is written, will you know how the writer intended the passage to be understood.
 3/ Whenever possible, let scripture interpret scripture.---Always interpret difficult passages in light of clear passages, since there are no contradictions in scripture.
 4/ Determine the Literal reference of figures of speech.---A figure of speech will normally employ a comparison, a substitution, or an amplification, in order to bring more clarification.
5/ Look for near/far implications and applications in prophetic passages. ---For example in (2 Samuel 7:8-16) this prophetic message to David applied to both Solomon (near), and Christ (far).

Since understanding this face value approach to scripture, I realized that many of the teachings I had received, believed, and in turn taught to others were not correct. For example the teaching that Jesus could return at "any moment" is completely contrary to scriptures that state clearly He will remain in heaven beside Father God "until" certain things are completed on earth. (Ps 110:1), (Acts 3:19-21). As far as to just when the Father will decide to send Jesus back to receive His bride, no one knows, but we do know that the church as we know it is no where near ready to be raptured! It must go through a period of purification to become the spotless bride that Jesus will come for. I believe this purification can best come through the time know as the "great tribulation" at the hands of the Antichrist! The best scenario describing His return is found in (Matt 24:4-44), which lines up with
(2 Thess 2:1-12), and of course with the book of Revelation. The answer of Jesus to the questions asked by His disciples in verse 3, are clearly answered in the balance of the chapter. Remember all of chapter 24 takes place during the final 7 years of life on planet earth, as we have  known it. This period is known as "Daniel's seventieth week". (Dan 9:24-27) and gives us a time line to follow in our study of end times. This period of time will start with the Antichrist signing a covenant with Israel for 7 years of peace, which he will break at the mid point. Then the time of "great tribulation" will begin for the church and for Israel. This will be the "Wrath of Satan" through his Antichrist, and will last until Jesus cuts short this time of persecution by His appearance (Matt 24:21-22) in order to save His "elect". This will be what is known as the rapture, which will end the "great tribulation", and clear the way for the outpouring of the 7 bowls of God's Wrath" (Rev 15:5-8). This wrath of God will be poured out on the ungodly who are left after the elect are removed, and is known in the OT as the "Day of the Lord". This is only a very brief outline of the end time scenario, that has come into view for me once I started to apply a "face value" approach to some of these familiar scriptures that I had always been told meant something very different!
Sincerely submitted.
Dave Jamer