The Bible contains many prophecies that were fulfilled hundreds or even thousands of years after they were recorded. The accuracy and detail of these prophecies strongly suggest divine inspiration and provide evidence that the Bible can rightly predict future events.
One of the most remarkable prophecies is Isaiah’s prediction of Cyrus the Great. In Isaiah 44:28, the prophet mentions Cyrus by name and prophesies that he would conquer Babylon. Isaiah made this prediction around 150 years before Cyrus was born! The prophecy was perfectly fulfilled when Cyrus captured Babylon in 539 BC and allowed the Jews to return to their homeland.
The book of Daniel contains a number of startlingly accurate prophecies as well. Daniel foretold the succession of great empires from Babylon to Persia to Greece to Rome. He prophesied that the Messiah would come 483 years after the decree to rebuild Jerusalem. This was fulfilled when Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (Daniel 9:25). Daniel even predicted the rise and fall of Alexander the Great centuries in advance (Daniel 8:5-7, 21).
Another example is the destruction of Tyre predicted in Ezekiel 26. Ezekiel foretold that Nebuchadnezzar would destroy the city, that fishermen would spread their nets over the site, and that the place would never be rebuilt. In incredible detail, each part of the prophecy came true over the next several hundred years.
The Old Testament contains over 300 prophecies about the coming Messiah. These include predictions about his birthplace, ministry, betrayal, death, and resurrection. Every one of these prophecies was literally fulfilled in the life of Jesus Christ. The probability of just 8 of these prophecies being fulfilled by chance is less than 1 in 1017. Yet skeptics must somehow believe that over 300 prophecies all just “happened” to come true in Jesus.
In the New Testament, Jesus himself made several predictions about the future. He foretold the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem (Matthew 24:1-2), the persecution of his followers (John 15:20), and the martyrdom of Peter (John 21:18-19). In each case, what he prophesied came to pass just as he had said.
The book of Revelation contains prophecies about the end times. While opinions differ on how to interpret these passages, there are some details that appear to anticipate future political alliances, natural disasters, worldwide epidemics, and more. If prior biblical prophecies have proven accurate, it stands to reason that Revelation’s remaining prophecies will as well.
Skeptics may argue that the Bible’s prophecies are too vague to count as predictive. But given the precision and distant time frames involved, attempts to dismiss them as coincidence, guessing, or after-the-fact writings fall flat. The fulfillment of prophecy is one of the strongest proofs of the divine inspiration and reliability of God’s Word.
Besides prophecy, the Bible gives us many other reasons to trust in its truth and authority. Here are several key evidences:
- The Bible’s internal consistency despite being written over 1500 years by 40 different authors.
- Manuscript evidence confirming the Bible has been transmitted accurately.
- Archaeological discoveries that repeatedly verify biblical details.
- The Bible’s profound moral and spiritual wisdom.
- The many scientific facts anticipated in Scripture before discovery.
- The testimony of transformed lives through the Gospel.
- Fulfilled prophecy about Israel’s preservation as a nation.
- The resurrection of Jesus as attested by eyewitnesses.
In light of these evidences, we can have full confidence that biblical prophecy did not originate from human wisdom or imagination. The unerring record of predictions in Scripture confirms that the Bible truly is the inspired Word of God, fully reliable in all that it affirms, including prophecies about the future.
The Bible contains prophecies stretching thousands of years into the future, far beyond what any human mind could foresee. For example, the book of Daniel outlines history from Daniel’s day (around 550 BC) all the way to the coming of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom (Daniel 2, 7). Revelation describes the end times leading up to Jesus’ return, the battle of Armageddon, the binding of Satan, and the creation of new heavens and a new earth (Revelation 16-22).
Specific details about the end times may be unclear, but we can still draw several key truths about the future from biblical prophecy:
- Jesus Christ will bodily return and every eye will see Him (Revelation 1:7).
- There will be definite signs preceding Christ’s return including wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution, and more (Matthew 24:3-28).
- All who have died will be resurrected to eternal life or judgment (John 5:28-29).
- Believers in Christ will reign with Him in a renewed creation (Revelation 20:4-6).
- God will create a new heaven and new earth without sin or suffering (Revelation 21:1-5).
- Justice will ultimately prevail as those who reject Christ face eternal condemnation (Revelation 20:11-15).
Though we cannot know every detail about how these prophecies will unfold, we can trust they will come to pass just as God has revealed. As Peter exhorts, “We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable” (2 Peter 1:19).
Here are some key reasons we can trust biblical prophecies about the future:
- God’s perfect track record of fulfilled prophecy – As already discussed, hundreds of prophecies in Scripture have already been fulfilled exactly and literally. This consistent track record gives us confidence that future prophecies will also prove true.
- God’s sovereign control over history – Since God directs the course of history, He alone knows the future and can reveal aspects of it (Isaiah 46:9-10). Human wisdom is limited, but God’s foreknowledge is infinite.
- Scripture inspired by the Holy Spirit – Biblical prophecy did not originate from human interpretation, but from Spirit-inspired writers (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:19-21). The all-knowing Spirit guided prophecy.
- God’s commitment to guide His people – God did not give prophecy merely to satisfy our curiosity about the future, but to give hope, wisdom and direction to His people (John 14:29, 16:13).
- The unchanging faithfulness of God – If God declares He will do something, He remains committed to fulfill it in His perfect timing (Numbers 23:19, Psalm 89:34).
- God’s purpose to redeem creation – Many end times prophecies tell us God’s plan to save His people and renew the earth for His glory. He will not fail to accomplish this goal.
- Christ’s affirmation of Scripture – Jesus affirmed the Old Testament and its prophecies as the unbreakable Word of God (Matthew 5:17-18, 24:35).
- The testimony of the global church – All true Christian denominations affirm biblical prophecy as inspired Scripture. Its prophecies are not mere human opinions.
Despite the rise of skepticism in modern times, we can have full confidence that biblical prophecies regarding the future will prove as sure and steadfast as prophecies already fulfilled. Though details remain unclear, God’s people can anchor their hope to His promises for eternity. As Peter declared, “We have the prophetic word strongly confirmed…You will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19).
Major Prophecies Yet to Be Fulfilled
While dozens of biblical prophecies have already come to pass, several major prophecies have yet to be fulfilled. By summarizing what Scripture says about the end times, we can gain insight into significant events still to come.
1. The Rapture of the Church
First Thessalonians 4:16-17 describes a future event where living believers will suddenly be “caught up” into the clouds to meet Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:50-55 reveals this will occur instantly and unexpectedly. Though not specifically named, this is what is commonly referred to as the “Rapture.”
2. The Rise of the Antichrist
The Antichrist is an evil world ruler who will come to power during the end times. Daniel 8-11, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10, and Revelation 13 explain that he will seem to do amazing miracles and deceive countless people, but in reality will oppose Christ and persecute believers.
3. Seven Years of Tribulation
Daniel 9 notes there will be 70 “sevens” or 490 years determined for the Jewish people after the decree to rebuild Jerusalem. After the first 483 years Messiah would be cut off – predicting Jesus’ death. A 7 year tribulation lies in the future to complete the full 490 years.
4. Jesus’ Return in Power and Glory
At the end of the tribulation, Jesus will visibly return in power and great glory, accompanied by the armies of heaven, and establish His 1000 year kingdom on earth (Matthew 24:29-31, Revelation 19:11-21).
5. Binding of Satan and Judgment
Revelation 20 explains that Satan will be bound and cast into the bottomless pit at Christ’s return. Then all unbelievers from all time will be resurrected to face judgment before God’s throne, called the Great White Throne Judgment.
6. Eternity in the New Heavens and Earth
After Christ’s millennial reign, 2 Peter 3:13 describes how God will dissolve the old heavens and earth and usher in a new, perfect creation. Believers will live with God forever while unbelievers suffer eternal separation in hell.
These are just a few of the major events prophesied in Scripture still to come. While we wait, we can find hope in God’s promises and live in readiness and eager anticipation of Christ’s return.
Why Prophecy Matters
Fulfilled prophecy powerfully confirms the truth and reliability of Scripture. But biblical prophecies were not given merely to satisfy intellectual curiosity. Prophecy serves several deeper spiritual purposes:
- Strengthens faith – By demonstrating God’s foreknowledge and sovereignty, prophecy gives us deeper confidence in His Word.
- Motivates obedience – God’s perfect track record demands we obey His instruction and prophecies for our good.
- Promotes wisdom – Prophecy guides our values and choices to align with God’s eternal Kingdom.
- Fuels worship – Seeing prophecies fulfilled should prompt profound worship of our amazing God.
- Inspires hope – God’s promises through prophecy give us hope and perspective amid life’s troubles.
- Spurs readiness – Prophecy encourages us to be spiritually ready since we do not know when Christ will return.
- Warns of judgment – Prophecies of coming wrath compel us to repent and escape God’s judgment.
In a world filled with uncertainty, biblical prophecy anchors our hearts to God’s unchanging faithfulness. Even when we cannot foresee the path ahead, we can trust in the One who ordains the future for His glory and our good.
Common Questions about Prophecy
How much detail does biblical prophecy provide about the future?
The level of detail varies by prophecy. Some prophecies in Scripture provide precise details (such as the name of Cyrus being given 150 years in advance), while others are more general (such as Joel 2:28-32 predicting God’s Spirit being poured out on “all people”). Specific End times prophecies often use vivid symbolic imagery leaving the precise details unclear.
How do we distinguish valid biblical prophecy from false predictions?
Biblical prophecy originates from God through Spirit-inspired writers, not merely human interpretation (2 Peter 1:19-21). Prophecies in Scripture are 100% consistent and accurate. By contrast, false prophecies do not fully materialize and contradict God’s Word (Deuteronomy 18:22). We test modern “prophecies” against Scripture.
Are biblical prophecies open to different interpretations?
Examples like the virgin birth display only one possible fulfillment. But apocalyptic prophecies allow different faithful interpretations. Regardless, all true Christians affirm Jesus’ return and other core elements. Disputes mainly involve symbolic details.
Why are some prophecies (like Jesus’ return) taking so long to happen?
God operates on His perfect timetable, not ours (2 Peter 3:8). He waits patiently desiring people to repent (2 Peter 3:9). Though eager for Christ’s return, we recognize God’s timing is best. In the meantime we trust His current plan and purposes.
Can prophecy really predict decisions involving human free will?
Absolutely. God incorporates human choices into His sovereign plan (Proverbs 16:9). He foresees how even evil rulers like Cyrus will freely act. God uses all human decisions to accomplish His purposes.
How should knowledge of prophecy impact how we live?
In many ways! We should live holy lives, share the gospel, be ready for Christ’s return, focus on eternity, and trust God amid chaotic times. Biblical prophecy should inspire us to live all out for God’s Kingdom.
While we will never fully grasp every detail about the future this side of eternity, we can firmly anchor our lives to the solid rock of biblical prophecy. As Peter wrote, “We have the prophetic word strongly confirmed…You will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” (2 Peter 1:19).