Why Understand Prophecy?

Does trying to understand the predictions of the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. make any sense for teens? The simple answer to this important question is, "Yes." Read this article to learn why.

We live in amazing times. In late 1999, many people around the world were troubled by the uncertainties that the beginning of a new millennium would bring in the year 2000. Some people were claiming that the "beginning of the end" was at hand.

More recently, the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, have rekindled fears and concerns in our society. People have also speculated that God foretold these events in the pages of the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ..

Millions have been intrigued by interpreted prophecy and the future through the best-selling Left Behind book series. Clearly, there is much happening in our world that people want to understand. What does the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. have to say about some of these events? What purpose can prophecy serve in the life of a teen or young person?
God has a plan

The BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. shows that God had a purpose for putting mankind on earth. In the beginning, God began revealing His purpose by saying, "Let Us make man in Our image" (Genesis 1:26And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
See All...). This phrase addresses the divine purpose for man's creation.

In the New TestamentThe 27 authoritative books of the apostolic writings: the four Gospels of Christ, Acts (a history), 21 apostolic letters and the book of Revelation., the apostle Paul spoke to the "mystery" of man's purpose for being put on earth: "But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written: 'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him'" (1 Corinthians 2:7-10 [7] But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
[8] Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
[9] But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
[10] But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

See All...) .

So, we see that God designed man for a purpose that exceeds our short, human existence on earth—a future that most people (without God's Spirit) simply do not believe!
Man's freedom to choose

God's plan for mankind includes the ability to choose. From the beginning of human history, God has given people the opportunity to choose if they would obey Him or not. In Genesis 3:22-24 [22] And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:
[23] Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of EdenThe land in which the Lord planted a garden for Adam to live in (Genesis 2:15). It was located at the branching of 4 rivers: the Euphrates, the Hiddekel (the Tigris), the Pishon, and the Gihon (Genesis 2:8-14). It was also the location of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, and the tree of life (Genesis 2:16)., to till the ground from whence he was taken.
[24] So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of EdenThe land in which the Lord planted a garden for Adam to live in (Genesis 2:15). It was located at the branching of 4 rivers: the Euphrates, the Hiddekel (the Tigris), the Pishon, and the Gihon (Genesis 2:8-14). It was also the location of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, and the tree of life (Genesis 2:16). Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

See All..., God tells us that man was banished from God's garden—and was left to fend for himself because of choosing not to obey God.

From this point on, human beings have chosen their own form of government, laws, education, values and religion. And, while God gives each of us the freedom to choose which way of life we will live, and what values (if any) we will embrace—He does tell us that we will reap what we sow (be rewarded or punished for what we do). "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life" (Galatians 6:7-8 [7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
[8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

See All..., NIV).
God informs His servants

God's Word, the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ., has much to say about future events—particularly as they relate to His plan for mankind. The events that will bring sorrow and suffering will come about as the result of people making wrong choices, breaking God's laws. Even though most people will remain ignorant of the cause of upcoming suffering, God carefully informs those who serve Him of the impending dangers that will arise at the end of this age.

The prophet Amos was used to reassure the people of God when he wrote, "Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets" (Amos 3:7Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
See All...). At the beginning of the book of RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). (which is known for its prophetic symbolism), the apostle John was given a vision of end-time events. The purpose of this "revelation" by Jesus Christ was, "to show His servants—things which must shortly take place" (RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). 1:1The RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
See All...).

Throughout the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ., God reassures His people—those who serve Him—that they are given a more sure and clear understanding of prophecy and end-time events (2 Peter 1:19-21 [19] We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
[20] Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
[21] For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

See All...). Although there are many opinions and private interpretations of the prophetic statements and symbolism of the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ., God assures us that those who serve Him will understand.
God wants man to learn and live

God's desire is for mankind to live peaceably with one another. Despite the horrific conflict and human depravity that exist today, God doesn't want people to suffer. The BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. gives us an excellent example of the way that God works with mankind in the book of Luke.

The account in Luke 15 of the prodigal son shows that a loving father will allow his children to learn from their choices and their mistakes. In a larger sense, that is what God is doing with mankind. However, the mistakes that most people are presently making will bring about a condition at the time of the end called "tribulation" (Matthew 24:21-22 [21] For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
[22] And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

See All...). Jesus Christ told His disciples that at the end of the age mankind's troubles would bring a time of great distress and trauma—the likes of which people have never experienced.

God ultimately desires for people to choose the right way and change from the wrong way that leads to destruction. Through these and other prophetic warnings, God informs an unbelieving world of the result of its misguided path.

In 2 Peter 3:9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
See All..., Peter tells the Church that God's desire is for all of humanity to realize their potential and live: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."
There is good newsThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament .!

Not all of the prophecies of the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. focus on the tragic results of man's wrong choices. The Word of GodThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. also declares the good newsThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament . of a new world that will enjoy true peace and prosperity.

The prophet Isaiah gives a glimpse into the future that is filled with good newsThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament .: "The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, 'Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.'

"For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore" (Isaiah 2:1-4 [1] The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
[2] And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
[3] And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
[4] And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

See All...).

This new world that Jesus Christ referred to as the Kingdom of God will be a time when people will finally understand what God intended for mankind from the beginning—that God created man to inherit eternity. BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. prophecy also gives great detail about this wonderful future!
God wants YOU to learn and live

So what about teens? What does God want for you and how can an understanding of divine revelation (prophecy) help you as a young adult?

Clearly God does want young people to enjoy the relative freedom of youth. Ecclesiates 11:9 says, "Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these God will bring you into judgment." Yet, God also wants those who serve Him to realize the times they live in and the responsibility they have to act upon what they know is right.

The pages of the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. contain the most important information on earth. God's Word declares the blessings and results of obedience to Him and the curses and tragic results when His way is ignored. For a deeper look into the subject of BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. prophecy, send for our free booklet, You Can Understand BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. ProphecyA prediction of events to come. "A discourse emanating from divine inspiration and declaring the purposes of God, whether by reproving and admonishing the wicked, or comforting the afflicted, or revealing things hidden; esp[ecially] by foretelling future events" (Revised Thayer's Greek English Lexicon, "Propheteia"). or read it on-line.

Understanding God's plan will help you prepare for an incredible future!