As with all spiritual truths, so it is with prophecy, the beginning is crucial to the conclusion. Isaiah 46:10 addresses this, "Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times the things that are not yet done, Saying, My counsel shall stand, And I will do all my pleasure:" (KJV). All Biblical themes find their beginning in Genesis, the book of beginnings. The study of prophecy produces perspective, purpose, and hope for the believer. Not only does prophecy prove the inerrancy of the Word of God, but it also demonstrates the sovereignty of God. The fulfillment of prophecy proves that God rules over all, for all time and eternity. Isaiah 42:9 affirms, "Everything I prophesied has come true, and now I will prophesy again. I will tell you the future before it happens" (NLT)
Whether it is the study of god (theology), the study of salvation (soteriology), the study of man (anthropology), or the study of end times (eschatology), they all have their root in the book of Genesis. Therefore, we begin our search for understanding the end in the book of Genesis.
The presentation of Bible prophecy should focus more on the coming of Jesus Christ than on the coming of the Anti-Christ. It should focus more on Redemption than on the timing of the Rapture, Additionally, it should focus more on the Scriptures than on other resources. Prophecy study should always be guided by the understanding that the central theme of all prophecy is the Lord Jesus Christ.
The study of prophecy is not just about obtaining knowledge about the end time. It is about preparing for eternity. The ultimate purpose for the study of prophecy, or any other Biblical subject, is to help men prepare for eternity.
