Friday: Further Thought – Some Principles of Prophecy
Daily Lesson for Friday 4th of April 2025
Read Ellen G. White, “An American Reformer,” Pages 319–324, in The Great Controversy.
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
“Ministers and people declared that the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation were incomprehensible mysteries. But Christ directed His disciples to the words of the prophet Daniel concerning events to take place in their time, and said: ‘Whoso readeth, let him understand.’ Matthew 24:15. And the assertion that the Revelation is a mystery, not to be understood, is contradicted by the very title of the book: ‘The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass. . . . Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.’ Revelation 1:1-3. . . .
“In view of the testimony of Inspiration, how dare men teach that the Revelation is a mystery beyond the reach of human understanding? It is a mystery revealed, a book opened. The study of the Revelation directs the mind to the prophecies of Daniel, and both present most important instruction, given of God to men, concerning events to take place at the close of this world’s history.
“To John were opened scenes of deep and thrilling interest in the experience of the church. He saw the position, dangers, conflicts, and final deliverance of the people of God. He records the closing messages which are to ripen the harvest of the earth, either as sheaves for the heavenly garner or as fagots for the fires of destruction. Subjects of vast importance were revealed to him, especially for the last church, that those who should turn from error to truth might be instructed concerning the perils and conflicts before them. None need be in darkness in regard to what is coming upon the earth.”—Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, Pages 341, 342.
Discussion Questions
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I believe that if you miss reading the Ellen G. White, “An American Reformer,” Pages 319–324, in The Great Controversy, you may be missing the best part of this lesson.
First of all, it's a inspiring read.
Secondly, it's a great introduction or review of the most reliable method of prophetic interpretation, rooted in prophecies of the past, rather than in the imagination of the student. (We call it the historicist method.)
If you didn't get around to reading or find that long chapter too inimidating, I recommend the Reader's Digest version- the chapter, "New Light in the New World" in Love Under Fire. If you're familiar with the longer version, you'll find the modern-language version a refreshing read. It covers all the important points.
Finally, Principle #6: Approach the study of prophecy not as an incomprehensible mystery, but as God's revelation, intended to be understood and revealed in His time.
Prophecies are an efficient way for God to reveal His power to men over time. They disclose future events and can hide knowledge from the superficial reader. The interested and applicated student always finds the real treasure in His Words.
Hello JC, can you explain how "prophecies are an efficient way for God to reveal His power to men over time"?
Is power the most important attribute of God that He wants people to know?