Prophecy should never be an abstract, speculative, or fanatical branch of religion. It is only so when studied apart from the practical teachings of the gospel. This site is called Practica Prophetica because it will pursue this aim, of studying prophecy in the light of the gospel. The study of prophecy will then become a practical, life-changing power.
“…there is a God in heaven
that reveals secrets…”
Daniel 2:28
What is prophecy? It is the study of future events. It is the forward-looking eyes of the church, whereby she can perceive and prepare for what is coming. It is also an important evidence of the divine nature of God, for only He whose infinite mind can comprehend and calculate the effect of every force and action upon the earth, can predict how they will interact and work themselves out.
“The time is fulfilled,
and the kingdom of God is at hand:
repent, and believe the gospel.”
Mark 1:15
And what is the gospel? It is God’s great plan to heal the wounds that sin has made in the universe, and to restore a correct understanding of His character of beauty to all whose understanding has been darkened by rebellion, hypocrisy, tradition and false teaching. The church, when faithful, is God’s human agency on earth to cooperate in the accomplishment of that plan. Since God’s purposes are unfolded in prophecy, the church cannot cooperate with Him unless she has a good understanding of the same.
“I am Alpha and Omega,
the beginning and the end,
the first and the last.”
Revelation 22:13
Whereas by history we can learn from what is behind, by prophecy we can learn about what is ahead. Both are needful and equally important in an education after the divine pattern. The prophetic events that reveal the work which Jesus will carry out in heaven and on earth in behalf of His people are equally as important to study as are the historical events of His life and death. Both branches stem from one united trunk. Both reveal God’s character, for both are a manifestation of Him.
“Come unto me,
all that labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
By itself, the study of prophetic events can degenerate into speculation and human conjecture, which can be wearisome and confusing. But when studied in the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ, prophecy becomes a gleaming star of hope, a light of joy in an often dark world of sorrow and despair.
“What therefore God has joined together,
let not man put asunder.”
Mark 10:9
The wonderful combination of prophecy and gospel is what this website is dedicated to. And because the gospel is a great simplifier of life’s problems, it renders the explanation of prophecy simple enough that even a child may understand it.
“It is a serious mistake to segment the Scriptures
into subject areas: history, doctrine, prophecy,
genealogies, law and the gospel.
It is all the gospel.
Therefore, if prophecy is taught
as God intended that it should be,
then it will be but the teaching
of the gospel of Christ.”
F. T. Wright,
Messenger and News Review, November 1977,
“Why a Detached Fourth Angel.”