Bible prophecy is an exciting and important part of Scripture. But it’s easy to get caught up in sensational interpretations that go beyond what the Bible actually says. Here’s how to study prophecy carefully and avoid common pitfalls.
Start with the Basics
Focus on What Scripture Actually Says
When studying prophecy, always start by carefully reading what the Bible text actually says. Don’t read your own ideas into it. Pay attention to the context, historical background, and literary genre. Ask:
- Who was the original audience?
- What did this mean to them?
- What type of literature is this (historical narrative, poetry, apocalyptic, etc.)?
Dr. Andy Woods emphasizes the importance of reading prophecy in context:
“What’s not happening with prewrath rapturism is they’re not reading the Bible in context. Now if I have time let’s go over now to Matthew 24 verses 40 and 41. This is also review because if you go back to lessons 27 and 28 we spent a lot of time explaining why this is not the rapture either.”
Taking verses out of context leads to misinterpretation. Always look at the surrounding passages.
Learn the Major Prophetic Themes
Get familiar with the major themes and events of biblical prophecy:
- The Day of the Lord
- The Second Coming of Christ
- The Millennial Kingdom
- The New Heaven and New Earth
Understanding these big picture concepts will help you interpret specific prophecies.
Study with Humility
Approach prophecy with humility, recognizing that godly scholars disagree on many details. Be willing to say “I don’t know” when the Bible isn’t clear. Avoid dogmatism on debatable points.
Avoid Common Pitfalls
Don’t Set Dates
Jesus said no one knows the day or hour of His return (Matthew 24:36). Be very skeptical of anyone who claims to have figured out the date of end times events. Throughout history, date-setters have been consistently wrong.
Be Cautious of “Signs of the Times”
While Jesus told us to watch for signs of His coming, be careful about over-interpreting current events as definitive prophetic fulfillments. Many “signs” people point to (wars, natural disasters, etc.) have happened throughout history.
Dr. Woods cautions:
“I’ve heard so many strange teachings about how you know don’t have children in the end times and things like that. Folks, when you put things in context, you’re saved from a lot of false teaching.”
Don’t Force Current Events to Fit Prophecy
Avoid the temptation to force-fit current events into biblical prophecies. Let Scripture interpret Scripture rather than reading the news into the Bible.
Be Wary of Sensational Claims
Be skeptical of sensational claims not clearly taught in Scripture, like:
- Hidden codes in the Bible
- Identifying specific modern nations in prophecy
- Claiming to know details the Bible doesn’t reveal
Use Sound Interpretation Methods
Interpret Literally When Possible
When possible, take prophetic passages at face value rather than immediately spiritualizing them. Dr. Woods notes:
“Isaac Newton said about that time of the end a body of men will be raised up who’ll turn their attention to the prophecies and insist upon the literal interpretation in the midst of much clamour and opposition.”
While prophecy uses symbols, look for the plain meaning first before jumping to symbolic interpretations.
Compare Scripture with Scripture
Let clearer passages shed light on more difficult ones. Compare prophecies about the same events to get a fuller picture. The Bible is the best interpreter of itself.
Consider Multiple Views
Study different views on controversial passages. Understand the strengths and weaknesses of each position. This builds humility and nuanced understanding.
Use Reliable Commentaries
Consult solid, scholarly commentaries to understand difficult passages. Be wary of popular-level books that make sensational claims without academic rigor.
Keep the Right Perspective
Remember the Purpose of Prophecy
The purpose of prophecy is not to satisfy our curiosity about the future. It’s to motivate holy living and inspire hope in God’s promises. As you study, always ask, “How should this impact my life today?”
Focus on Christ, Not Antichrist
Some get so caught up in end times details that they focus more on the Antichrist than on Jesus. Keep your eyes on Christ. Dr. Woods warns:
“There’s a lot of people out there giving prophecy updates that are very clandestine about their rapture view and so when you’re listening to someone give you a prophecy update you have a right as a Christian to ask them specifically what is their view not just on the rapture but the win question and the timing of the rapture.”
Don’t Neglect the Rest of Scripture
Prophecy is important, but it’s only one part of God’s revelation. Don’t become so obsessed with end times that you neglect other crucial doctrines and practical Christian living.
Remember We See Dimly
Paul said we see in a mirror dimly (1 Corinthians 13:12). We won’t understand every detail of prophecy this side of eternity. Hold your views humbly.
Practical Tips for Prophecy Study
Start with Daniel and Revelation
These books contain key end times prophecies. Study them carefully, using solid commentaries to help understand difficult passages.
Learn About Different Millennial Views
Understand the major views on the Millennium (Amillennial, Postmillennial, Premillennial). This will help you grasp different approaches to prophecy.
Study the Olivet Discourse
Jesus’ teaching on the end times in Matthew 24-25 is crucial for understanding prophecy. Pay careful attention to context.
Familiarize Yourself with Old Testament Prophecies
Many New Testament prophecies build on Old Testament ones. Get familiar with key OT prophetic passages.
Join a Prophecy Study Group
Studying with others can sharpen your understanding. Just be sure it’s a group that takes a balanced, biblical approach.
A Word of Encouragement
Studying Bible prophecy can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Dr. Woods reminds us:
“Prophecy and studying prophecy is a wonderful thing to do as you study prophecy you learn about a seven-year tribulation period a peace treaty between the Antichrist and unbelieving Israel which starts the Tribulation Period the desecration of the temple in the middle of the tribulation period and the second advent of Jesus at the end of the tribulation period and I love studying all of these truths and these doctrines.”
As you dive into prophecy, keep your focus on Christ. Let your study deepen your love for Him and your longing for His return. Stay grounded in Scripture, avoid sensationalism, and remember that the ultimate purpose of prophecy is to draw us closer to our Savior.
