Does the Bible predict the future?

The claim that the Bible predicts the future – and that future is ALWAYS IMMANENT – is shouted most STRONGLY when we’re facing difficult times, debates and contentions. BUT DOES IT HOLD UP?

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16,17)

“To prophesy signifies to teach the Word, because a prophet, in the highest sense, means the Lord as to the Word, and in the respective sense one who teaches the Word, but in the abstract sense the Word itself, and also doctrine from the Word …” (Emanuel Swedenborg, Apocalypse Explained, paragraph 624, section 4)

What spiritual benefit is there in knowing future events?

AN IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE – Prophecy speaks to our spiritual condition, not to future events. It speaks about our inner worlds in terms of correspondence. If the Bible were merely to warn us of external circumstances – be they blessings or disasters – it would FAIL to fulfil its purpose which is preparation for heaven through our regeneration, as accords with Paul’s words in 2 Timothy.

We consider words from the prophecy of Amos: “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord God, “That I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine of bread, Nor a thirst for water, But of hearing the words of the Lord.” (Amos 8:11)

Recorded on Sunday 5th September 2021