Prophecy Unlocked Lessons

Living a Life of Discovery

Find the spiritual keys to true successful living!

The Lesson:

We have come to our last study in this series. Certainly there is much more to study and discover in prophecy, but we have looked at some of the basic and most important portions of Bible prophecy. We have looked at the prophecies that will impact our lives and the result of our decisions at each step. It has been an amazing journey as prophecy has come alive. By studying prophecy and viewing the condition of the world around us, we understand that Jesus is soon returning to this earth for the second time. This is the great hope that each and every Christian may have.

Throughout this series we have discovered how we can be ready for this great day. The Bible continually reveals truth for our lives. We can read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation 100 times and still get more out of it each time! There is no graduation until eternity and even there we will continue our journey of discoveries. But we are privileged to begin our life of discovery here on earth. Truth is ever progressive as it unfolds in our lives. And yet there are ways in which the truth of God can prosper in our lives, and ways we can cause it to diminish. Through this final study we want to look at ways we can grow and utilise the truth of God’s Word in our lives.

The Two Disciples on The Way to Emmaus

“And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people.” Luke 24:13-19

A few days after the crucifixion of Jesus two disciples are on their way to a town called Emmaus. They are sad as they discuss the recent events that transpired in Jerusalem. They speak about their hopes and dreams that have been crushed by what had just taken place as their Master had been taken from them and put to death on the cross. As they wander along the road, suddenly a third figure joins them. Not really paying much attention to the lonely traveller, the disciples continue their conversation. The two disciples do not realise that it is Jesus that has joined them. The lonely traveller joins into their conversation and catches the attention of the disciples.

“Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.” Luke 24:25-29

Jesus begins to tell them about all the wonderful prophecies that point to the Messiah and what He had to go through. The disciples listen as this lonely Traveller explains the Scriptures to them. They have never heard anything like this! Can you imagine getting a Bible study from Jesus Himself? Their hearts are moved as they begin to understand and discover the real identity and mission of Jesus. The presence of this Stranger becomes very precious. As He indicates that He will travel on, the disciples plead and constrain Him to stay with them. The two disciples are so excited about the discoveries they have made that they do not want the Stranger to leave. They are convinced that there is something special about this Man. They still do not know that it is Jesus they are speaking to.

“And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” Luke 24:30-32

Then they suddenly recognise their Master! They realise it is Jesus that has spoken to them and explained the Scriptures. Jesus is raised from the grave!

There is something very important to note in this story. The disciples were willing to learn truth and make discoveries in God’s Word. Furthermore, they made an effort to acquire as much knowledge as they could from the hand of Jesus. They would not let Him go, and Jesus blessed their persistence by making Himself known to them! What if they had not constrained Jesus to stay with them? Remember that Jesus indicated that He wanted to continue. They might not have known who it was that spoke with them!

Jesus never forces Himself into our presence. He passes by and it is up to us to invite Him into our hearts and homes. We must ask, constrain, and entreat Him to abide with us. Could it be that we could miss out on a divine revelation when we do not invite Him to abide with us? We need to continue walking with Jesus in our lives and not let Him leave us. Living a life of discovery is ever progressive as we follow Jesus and abide with Him! There are ways the truth can prosper in our lives, and ways we can cause it to diminish. A powerful parable illustrates this concept.

The Parable of The Sower, The Seed, and The Soils

“And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land. And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine, Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred. And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Mark 4:1-9

A great multitude had gathered to hear Jesus share parables containing valuable teachings. Christ did not deal with abstract theories, but with that which was essential to the development of character. He dwelt on that which would enlarge man’s capacity for discovering and knowing God. He spoke to men of those truths that relate to the conduct of life, and that take hold upon eternity. Jesus used a simple illustrative picture of every day life to teach a profound truth. Before we take a closer look at the parable, take notice of an important point in this account.

“And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables.” Mark 4:10-11

Those who were interested asked about the parable. Living a life of discovery is seeking to understand the words of Jesus; it is seeking to grasp the Word of God. At the end of the day there were those that remained, wanting their minds to be illuminated.

Jesus invites us into His inner circle to understand the deep things that He has spoken, and that are recorded in His Word. We can come to Him and, when we do, He has promised to send the Holy Spirit to lead us into truth (John 14:26).

Jesus explained the parable to His disciples. There are three elements in the parable – the sower, the seed, and the soil. Jesus tells us that the seed is the Word (Mark 4:14). But who speaks the Word? Of course it is obvious that this is Jesus! The sower is Jesus and the seed spread, is His Word. But what about the soil? Who hears the Word? The different soils upon which the seeds land are representing different classes of people who hear the Word.

“And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.” Mark 4:15-23

The different soil is representing different people and how they receive truth. For the seed to spring up and bear fruit, it is dependent on various factors: The sower, the seed, and the soil! If no fruit is found, what is the problem in this parable? Is the problem with the sower? No, Jesus is going forth unto all people with His Word. Is the problem with the seed? No, the Word of God has power today just like it did in the beginning when everything was created. Is the problem with the soil? Yes, it all has to do with the way the Word is received! What kind of soil are you? Are you stony soil, more occupied with what man thinks than God? Are you thorny soil, more concerned about the things of this world than the things of God? Or are you good soil, hearing and receiving the Word? In order to live a life of discovery, we need to hear and receive the Word as it is. This will bring forth fruit in our lives.

Receiving the Word Brings the Power of Jesus into our Lives

“And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel… And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.” Matthew 8:5-10, 13

Great faith implicitly trusts the power of the Word! When there is no growth, remember that the problem is not the seed, nor the sower, but the soil. All is dependent on the receiver. When the receiver exercises faith, the potential of the Word is realised.

“And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” Mark 4:26-29

When the Word is received there is a progressive growth. The life changes as the Scriptures are read and applied in the experience of the Christian. A change is recognised as fruit is brought forth. The Bible talks about the fruit of the Spirit being love, joy, peace, faith and other attributes (Galatians 5:22, 23). When studying and practicing the Word, our lives will be marked by these characteristics. A growth of Christian character takes place; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn of the ear. Then, when the character is reflecting the character of Jesus, a harvest takes place.

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:13

“And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.” Revelation 14:14

Jesus is the sower, but Jesus is also the reaper! Jesus has a sickle in His hand as He is the one that will harvest the citizens of His kingdom. He has waited with patience to see His children grow in grace through the Holy Spirit. The seed has gone forth through the Word of prophecy. Just prior to the scene of Jesus returning in Revelation chapter 14, the first, second, and third angel have brought a message to the entire world. This message often falls on stony or thorny ground and is rejected or put aside. But, praise God, there have been and will be many that receive it with gladness! Let us review these three powerful messages that, when discovered and received, will change our entire experience and prepare us for the coming of our King!

The Last Message of Revelation to Us!

“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

“And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

“And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.” Revelation 14:6-14

Three incredible messages – Each form a component of the last message that must go to the entire world before Jesus comes! As a matter of fact the very next event we read about is the second coming of Jesus in the clouds of glory. The coming of Jesus is indeed the climax of prophecy. But as prophecy climaxes, these three messages will first be preached to all inhabitants of this planet. The messages flow into each other, forming a complete message for our world today.

The First Angel’s Message

”And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” Revelation 14:6-7

We have already studied this message in our series. But let us quickly review this amazing message. The everlasting gospel is great news! Jesus has come and died for our sins, that we might receive everlasting life, and escape the penalty of death. God loved His son, Jesus, but was willing to give Him up for us. Jesus was willing to come down and die for us. We cannot really understand how this can take place; we can only accept the love of God. Our love will be seen in the fact that we bring glory to God. Bringing glory to God includes every facet of our lives. Whatever we do, we must consider if it brings glory to God.

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

One of the reasons why we are to fear God and give Him glory is because the hour of His judgment has come. In our eighth study we looked at the subject of ‘Prophecy’s Appointed Judgment Hour’. We unlocked an amazing prophecy found in the book of Daniel.

“And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” Daniel 8:14

We found out that this prophecy is pointing forward to the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary, and that it includes a period of judgment before Jesus returns to this earth (see presentation guide 8). We find the beginning date of this prophecy in Daniel chapter 9. The event marked the command to rebuild Jerusalem in 457 BC. Taking the prophetic interpretation of a day being a year (Numbers 14:34 - Ezekiel 4:6) we then arrive in the year 1844 AD. Since the year 1844, the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary is taking place. Jesus is functioning as our High Priest in the Most Holy Place. It is a time in which each and every sin must be confessed and forsaken. We are preparing for the soon return of Jesus, and this is a great event which requires preparation. It is a time of judgment as the books are opened and all lives are reviewed.

The first angel’s message includes a call to worship the creator God. The time before the coming of Jesus will be characterised by those who worship Him that made the heaven and the earth. They will worship the Creator the way He has ordained them to worship.

“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.” Genesis 2:1-3

“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:8-11

The Sabbath was given to man as a gift. It’s a special day each week to come aside from our cares and worship our Creator. By keeping the Sabbath we show who we worship. We ally ourselves with the Creator and acknowledge His commandments. In this way a loving relationship can develop, and God can pour out His blessings on us. The first angel’s message points us to the One we are to worship—God the Creator—and it tells how we are to worship Him, by bringing Him glory and keeping His commandments.

The Second Angel’s Message

“And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” Revelation 14:8

The second of these three last messages to our world is a message of warning, just like the message of Noah and Jesus, which we have already studied. Babylon is fallen, and all are called to come away from this deceptive power.

In Revelation 18 we find a strong message linked to the second angel’s message.

“And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:1-4

Babylon is marked by sin. We must come away from sin. This has been the message from the very beginning. From the moment sin entered the world, God has had a plan to deliver His people. The last message includes the call to forsake sin and follow Jesus all the way. Babylon has been marked throughout time as the enemy of God’s chosen people. The wine symbolises the false doctrine coming forth from this earthly power. In order to escape deception we must stand on the Word of God alone! This solemn message leads us to make a decision who we will serve.

The Third Angel’s Message

The third of the last messages seems to be the strongest of them all. A final message, given with a loud voice, warns against receiving the mark of the beast. Through this series of prophecy studies we have already identified who the beast is (see study 10 – The Antichrist Revealed). The beast has all the identification marks of the Roman Papal Church. The Roman Church is the church that has changed God’s holy Law. They promote the worship of Sunday, which they identify as their mark of authority. This stands in contrast to the seal of God, which are the commandments of God, including the Sabbath.

“Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.” Isaiah 8:16

“Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them.” Ezekiel 20:12

“I am the LORD your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God.” Ezekiel 20:19-20

To escape the mark of the beast, we must simply cling to Jesus and follow His commandments. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we can be obedient to God’s law. The third angel’s message concludes with the announcement of those that keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus. Yes, it is possible! Not in our own strength, but with help from above.

What a contrast is displayed in this message. This message is not to be taken lightly, because salvation depends on your decision! Salvation depends on how the last message is received. God wants everybody to be saved and none to receive the mark of the beast. But God will never use force to draw people to His side. He appeals to us through His Word. He warns us through His messages, but all are left to make their own choices. The consequences are to be borne by those that reject the final call. The last message is borne to the world with great power. This message is being preached in many places of this world.

Thousands are accepting this last message and preparing their lives for Christ’s second coming. But compared with the world-wide population very few people are taking heed to this message. Should this surprise us? How many accepted Noah’s last message? How many accepted Jesus as the Messiah? Not the majority, but the truth remains the truth no matter how many receive it. Remember that Jesus can grant you the power to accept and live this message! Your part is to accept the message by faith.

The Moral Purpose of Bible Prophecy

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:11-14

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.” 2 Peter 1:19

Bible Prophecy is not just a theory, but it brings us to a decision that will change our lives. When we believe that Jesus is coming soon, we will live differently. Our life will be filled with new goals and visions as we have tasted the goodness of God’s Word. Through this series of studies we have unlocked Bible prophecy which has presented before us a new way of life. Jesus is inviting us to follow Him. By accepting Jesus into your heart, you are allowing the Day Star of prophecy to enter. God wants to make you a light for those around you. We are living in a spiritually dark world. But praise God, through Bible prophecy we can shine and experience the joy, peace, and assurance that life has to offer through Jesus Christ. Make the prophetic Word your guide and you will not stumble. As you receive the Word with gladness, your life can be a life of discovery!

“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Proverbs 4:18