The Certainty of Prophecy: A Glimpse into the Future
The early Christians had a strong belief in the certainty of prophecy. They were confident in the fulfillment of the vast amount of Old Testament prophecies regarding the coming of the Lord Jesus. The sufferings of Christ and His ascension were foretold by the prophets centuries before they happened. These prophecies, which were once obscure, were announced to the nations by the Holy Spirit through the witnesses prepared by God. The main focus of Old Testament prophecy was on Christ and Israel. The prophets foretold two significant events - the birth and glorious reign of the Messiah, and the ultimate restoration of Israel. However, they also revealed that between these events, there would be a great time when Israel would be laid aside due to her unbelief. This period, known as the Church Age, would be a time when God would build His Church and bring in His purpose for the ages. Today, members of the Church, which is the Body of Christ, have a unique understanding of Bible prophecy. They not only witness the marvels of fulfilled predictions but also witness the beginnings of happenings that are due for the Church. The Church has gone to be with the Lord, and now the stage is set for the fulfillment of prophecies that were somewhat obscure in the past. In the present time, there is a growing apprehension about the current trends in various spheres of life, such as morals, science, and finance. The symbolic clock on the cover of the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists in the U.S.A. depicts the approach of mankind's nuclear doomsday. The hands of the clock have been moved closer to midnight due to the alarming developments in the last few years. This sense of impending doom is felt worldwide, and many believers believe that the coming of the Lord is near. In conclusion, the certainty of prophecy is a topic that has fascinated believers throughout history. The early Christians had confidence in the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the coming of the Lord Jesus. Today, members of the Church have a unique understanding of Bible prophecy and witness the beginnings of happenings that are due for the Church. The present time is marked by a growing apprehension about the future, and many believers believe that the coming of the Lord is imminent.