About Jesus  -  Steve Sweetman

The First Principle Of Prophecy

Before one can understand anything, he must first know the facts about what is to be understood.  This is especially true when it comes to Biblical prophecy.  Unless you know the prophetic facts, you will not even begin to understand what is prophesied, and, if you are around when they are fulfilled, you may not even recognize their fulfilment.    

Jesus confirmed this first principle of prophecy in John 16.  There, He predicted difficult times of persecution that were in His followers' future.  John 16:4 says this:

"I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them.  I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you, but now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, 'Where are you going?'"

Along with the above prediction, Jesus predicted many other future events.  He did so to give his followers, and us too, the heads-up on the future.  He wanted His followers, and that would include us today, to know the prophetic facts so they, and we, could be on guard and watch for their fulfilment.  They needed to be alert for all that would befall them.  Mark 13:33 says this:

"Be on guard!  Be alert!  You do not know when that time will come."

These two passages present us with the first principle of prophecy.  You first know the prophetic facts even though you do not understand them.  Knowing always precedes understanding, and knowing takes time, effort, and study.  May we be those who know the prophetic facts so we can keep watch for their fulfilment.