The symbols of apocalyptic prophecies, such as those found in Daniel and Revelation, have one single fulfillment. For example, the he-goat found its fulfillment in Greece, a singular kingdom (Dan. 8:21). After all, the text came right out and named it for us! How much clearer could it be? Typology, however, focuses on actual persons, events, … Continue reading –>
The prophetic outline studied this week has found overwhelming support among Protestant historicists since the Reformation. But it was not until the Millerite movement in the early 1800s that the 2,300 days and the investigative judgment were carefully reconsidered and studied. Look at the following chart: Read Daniel 7:9-14; Dan. 8:14, Dan. 8:26. What is happening in … Continue reading –>
For centuries, the Protestant reformers identified the little horn power of Daniel 7 and in Daniel 8 as the Roman church. Why? Read Daniel 7:1-25 and Daniel 8:1-13. What are the common characteristics of the little horn in both chapters? How can we identify it? There are seven common characteristics between the little horn of Daniel chapters 7 … Continue reading –>
One of the interpretative keys of historicism is the year-day principle. Many scholars over the centuries applied this principle to the time prophecies of Daniel and Revelation. They derived the principle from several key texts and from the immediate context of the prophecies themselves. Read Numbers 14:34 and Ezekiel 4:6. How does God spell out the year-day principle … Continue reading –>
The foundational method that Seventh-day Adventists apply for studying Bible prophecies is called historicism. It’s the idea that many of the major prophecies in the Bible follow an unbroken linear flow of history, from past to present, and to future. It’s similar to how you might study history in school. We do it this way … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Dan. 2:27-45, John 14:29, Num. 14:34, Dan. 7:1-25, Dan. 8:14, 1 Cor. 10:1-13. Memory Text: “And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed” (Daniel 8:14, KJV). Bible prophecy is crucial to our identity and mission. Prophecy provides an internal and external mechanism to confirm the accuracy of God’s … Continue reading –>
From Armenia to Cyprus By Ermine Orphanidi I was born in Armenia to a Greek father and an Armenian mother. From childhood I believed in God and wanted to own a Bible. But at the time, Bibles were hard to find and very expensive in Armenia. One day, a Seventh-day Adventist neighbor invited me to … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Ellen G. White, “David and Goliath”, pages 643-648, in Patriarchs and Prophets; “Hezekiah”, pages 331-339; “Deliverance From Assyria”, pages 349-366 in Prophets and Kings; section 4.k., in “Methods of Bible Study”, which can be found at www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org/materials/bible-interpretation-hermeneutics/methods-bible-study. “The Bible is the most ancient and the most comprehensive history that men possess. It came fresh from the fountain of eternal … Continue reading –>
We don’t live in vacuums. Our choices influence not just ourselves, but others as well. In the same way, the lives of many of God’s ancient people have had a great impact on the future of others besides themselves. In Hebrews 11, that well-known “faith” chapter, we see in summary the influence of many of … Continue reading –>
Read Matthew 26:57-67, John 11:45-53, and John 18:29-31. Who was Caiaphas, and what was his role in the death of Christ? Who was Pontius Pilate, and how was his decision most important for the Sanhedrin to accomplish its goals? Caiaphas was high priest and instigated the plot to seek the death of Jesus. His existence is recorded also … Continue reading –>
