THE PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETING PROPHECY
By Henry Jaegers
The principles of studying prophecy are no different than studying any other portion of scripture. Because information is limited in studying prophecy it is necessary to delay any conclusions until we have become familiar with other related scriptures. The following are some guiding principles in studying Prophetical passages.
1. Read the whole context before coming to conclusions. In the case of Daniel two in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream it takes reading the first four chapters of Daniel to fully understand the context. We had to find the answers to “Why did God give Nebuchadnezzar this dream?
2. What is specifically stated? At times we tend to read into scripture things that are not mentioned and we tend to interpret what is meant by what is missing. It’s called an argument from silence. An argument from silence is still an argument from silence. For instance the four kingdoms in Daniel two and seven are not mentioned by name. We assume that these are historical events and interpret scripture by what we think that they mean.
3. How many other ways can we interpret these prophecies? The desire toward the majority is safe for some but it removes the joy of discovering truth that others have failed to see. Beware of being locked into a system that keeps you from discovering truth.
4. Determine to make understanding truth as your passion.. Truth is liberating and exciting when it is found.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be! TRUST JESUS NOW
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