Facts are statements that cannot be denied. An opinion is subjective, but a fact is concrete. A prophecy is usually considered to be a prediction, a statement that will come true at a later date - if the prophetic word is a real one. Can there be 'prophecy facts'?
The Bible tells us that a prophecy is real if it comes true. In later scripture, Paul writes of prophecy as a gift from the Holy Spirit and calls it a word that will encourage the church, giving it a meaning that is apart from prediction. In the church today, some believe that this gift is active. Others argue that it is no longer valid, having died out with the apostles.
Bible scholars point to passages in the bible that are fulfilled as time goes on. Isaiah, one of the greatest biblical prophets, wrote some accurate details of the crucifixion - 400 years before the event. He wrote of 'the one who was pierced for our transgressions.' He also wrote that not one of the Lord's bones would be broken. David says that the holy one would not see decay. These could be considered biblical facts.
There are times in the gospels when Jesus does something that fulfills the words of the prophets. In this case, the prophecy is fulfilled by intention, as when the lord accepts a drink on the cross. During the same event, the Roman soldiers cast lots for Jesus's clothing, fulfilling another prediction without the Lord's participation.
The words given to Isaiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, David, Jonah, and other prophets are recorded in the Old Testament. The words of John the Baptist and of Jesus, which contain many prophecies, are in the New Testament. Of course, the whole Book of Revelations is a description of events that will come to pass before and during the second coming of the Lord. Believers accept these accounts as truth, but the world will have to wait to see if they are validated by events.
In Pentecostal or charismatic churches, so-called prophets often speak over individuals, giving them words of God's love and mercy and perhaps forecasting ministries that will open up for them. These 'words' can be surprising, as in when someone has been praying over some matter and the prophet, who knows nothing about them, speaks to that topic. Other 'words' may never come true.
Many biblical prophecies that have actually occurred are used by apologists to confirm Jesus as the promised Messiah. He was born in Bethlehem, even though this was unlikely since Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth. His birth was acknowledged to be miraculous by two aged prophets in the Temple. He was baptized by John in the Jordan River, as John had been told would happen. There are over one hundred of these fulfilled predictions.
As any comparative survey of history shows, it's hard to 'keep to the facts.' In the case of Christianity, it's not even desirable to do so, because those who believe in things unseen are blessed. However, it is true that there are many things in the ancient texts that the life and ministry of Jesus conforms to. Perhaps people need to make up their own minds according about evidence and enlightenment.
The Bible tells us that a prophecy is real if it comes true. In later scripture, Paul writes of prophecy as a gift from the Holy Spirit and calls it a word that will encourage the church, giving it a meaning that is apart from prediction. In the church today, some believe that this gift is active. Others argue that it is no longer valid, having died out with the apostles.
Bible scholars point to passages in the bible that are fulfilled as time goes on. Isaiah, one of the greatest biblical prophets, wrote some accurate details of the crucifixion - 400 years before the event. He wrote of 'the one who was pierced for our transgressions.' He also wrote that not one of the Lord's bones would be broken. David says that the holy one would not see decay. These could be considered biblical facts.
There are times in the gospels when Jesus does something that fulfills the words of the prophets. In this case, the prophecy is fulfilled by intention, as when the lord accepts a drink on the cross. During the same event, the Roman soldiers cast lots for Jesus's clothing, fulfilling another prediction without the Lord's participation.
The words given to Isaiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, David, Jonah, and other prophets are recorded in the Old Testament. The words of John the Baptist and of Jesus, which contain many prophecies, are in the New Testament. Of course, the whole Book of Revelations is a description of events that will come to pass before and during the second coming of the Lord. Believers accept these accounts as truth, but the world will have to wait to see if they are validated by events.
In Pentecostal or charismatic churches, so-called prophets often speak over individuals, giving them words of God's love and mercy and perhaps forecasting ministries that will open up for them. These 'words' can be surprising, as in when someone has been praying over some matter and the prophet, who knows nothing about them, speaks to that topic. Other 'words' may never come true.
Many biblical prophecies that have actually occurred are used by apologists to confirm Jesus as the promised Messiah. He was born in Bethlehem, even though this was unlikely since Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth. His birth was acknowledged to be miraculous by two aged prophets in the Temple. He was baptized by John in the Jordan River, as John had been told would happen. There are over one hundred of these fulfilled predictions.
As any comparative survey of history shows, it's hard to 'keep to the facts.' In the case of Christianity, it's not even desirable to do so, because those who believe in things unseen are blessed. However, it is true that there are many things in the ancient texts that the life and ministry of Jesus conforms to. Perhaps people need to make up their own minds according about evidence and enlightenment.
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