“No prophecy of the Scriptures is of any private interpretation (setting forth). 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 Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20-21).

One of the most extraordinary ways of demonstrating that the Bible is the Word of God and inspired as such is its prophecy. Contained in Scripture are remarkable prophecies about Israel, the surrounding nations, some of which have been fulfilled, others yet to occur. Some prophecies were fulfilled immediately, others fulfilled hundreds if not thousands of years later.

Fulfilled prophecy demonstrates that the Bible comes from a wise and powerful God who knows the future and is able to reveal it to people who are interested in it. It is appreciated that many are apprehensive about not only their personal future, but also the future of their children and grandchildren. Yes, there is much hype surrounding the end of the world, World War III, the nuclear arms race and terrorism about which many are sensing the looming hurt and pain. Yet if we are to glance past the propaganda and use the Scriptures from which to consider our impending future, we find that yes there will be a great war and yes it's possible to understand who will be involved, what will happen as the military forces gather steam and where it will all end, keeping in mind that it is not the end of the world as such.

The Bible prophesies about a wonderful time of peace and safety. It is appreciated that for many, prophecy in itself is a new concept. In short, prophecy can be defined as the act or record of God revealing to man what will take place at some stage in the future. As prophecy surrounds that which has not yet occurred, it means that there is only divine knowledge of the subject. This being the case, the only source of information upon which one can base judgment and generate an opinion are the words of the Lord contained in Scripture and when a connection is established how they relate to credible historical references that are available. A consideration of prophecy therefore becomes largely an interpretative matter of weighing the alternatives. However let there be no mistake, prophecy is God's plan for our future into which he has given us insight and whatever is His intention will take place, whether to our individual taste or not. There is therefore only one correct interpretation of prophecy, that is God's. The only way in which mankind can base its views on prophecy is through a careful consideration of the pages of Scripture in which God reveals the future of man.