Why Study Prophecy? A 6-Day Study by Dr. Tony EvansSample

PROPHECY REVEALS GOD’S CHARACTER

The second reason prophecy is important is that it reveals to us the character of God. When you understand God’s program, you get to know more about Him.

In Isaiah 46, the prophet made a powerful statement of God’s character and knowledge as it relates to His prophetic program:

Remember this, and be assured; recall it to mind, you transgressors. Remember the former things long past, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, “My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.” . . . I have planned it, surely I will do it. (vv. 8–10, 11c)

Whatever God plans, He accomplishes. No part of His will can ever be outwitted or thwarted by the mind of man. God was not caught off guard by human sin, because His plan for this universe was drawn up and nailed down in eternity past. But this raises a question for a lot of people. If God planned everything and nothing can change His plan, why should we do anything? Why not just sit back and take it easy, because what’s going to happen is going to happen anyway?

The answer is that God’s sovereignty does not relieve us of our human responsibility. We are still obligated to live righteously, because God is holy and just and cannot tolerate sin. And God will use our obedience to help accomplish His plan.

I realize there is plenty of mystery here because God’s knowledge of the future includes not only everything that actually happens, but everything that could potentially happen. God knows all possibilities in any circumstance, but He chooses what will happen according to His will and purpose.

The word surprise is not in God’s vocabulary. He never says, “Oops, I missed that one.” All possibilities are taken into consideration. God’s plan takes in “the end from the beginning.” There are no surprises in heaven—absolutely none!

Prophecy not only reveals the character of God in terms of His perfect knowledge and power, but also in terms of His purpose to bring Himself glory and bless His people. Paul said of his trials, “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Rom. 8:18). The apostle knew that the suffering God was allowing in his life would work out to God’s greater glory and his greater reward. Paul could say this because he believed Christ’s message about a future hope that was laid up for Paul, and “not only to [him], but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Tim. 4:8).

A knowledge of prophecy gives you confidence to trust God for what’s ahead. If God knows tomorrow already because He has been there and taken care of it, then you can go to sleep tonight confident that He is in control.

Prophecy enhances our understanding of the character of God and leads us to worship Him. Over and over again in his letters, Paul became so overwhelmed with God’s character that he couldn’t help but worship when he considered God’s powerful plan.