Lawrence Grott
My desire with this blog is to help open the scriptures and the study of biblical prophecy to you in a way that may be unfamiliar, but extremely valuable, and to highlight some dangerous opinions designed to influence people to stay away from large portions of Holy Scripture. The goal is to give you a more complete understanding of what the bible says concerning future events by studying the past. We’ll never fully grasp what the future holds (prophecy) if we neglect the past.
What do I mean by “the pattern of prophecy”? The Greek (or gentile) mindset concerning biblical prophecy is: prophecy then fulfillment. It’s treated like a standalone event. They don’t see much of a connection between different prophecies and or historical events that’ve happened at two or more times throughout history. The Jewish or Hebrew mindset surrounding prophecy is very pattern driven. They tend to look to multiple prophecies and historical events concerning a particular topic and see them as being connected.
How do the two wisest men of all human history (Solomon and Jesus) feel about what I just stated?
Ecclesiastes 1:9 (NASB) That which has been is that which will be,
And that which has been done is that which will be done.
So there is nothing new under the sun.
Luke 24:44 (NASB) Now He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
I’ll add the opinion of one more individual to validate my assertion. It’s always good to have multiple witnesses (2-3 according to scripture) when speaking on biblical topics. Witnesses will always prove or deny what you’re asserting is true or false. So let’s look to the most influential follower of Christ over the last two thousand years, who wrote more of the New Testament than anyone else: The Apostle Paul.
Romans 15:4 (NASB) For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
The past and future (prophecy) are intrinsically connected, and the bible spends massive amounts of time talking about both. Furthermore, the Word of God tells us repeatedly to study both, and why it’s important. There is a move within Christianity that’s taking place as you read this (and has been for some time now) and picking up steam. Very influential “pastors and teachers” are telling the body of Christ to stay away from both the past and prophecy (the future). I’m going to give you two examples. I’m not running anyone down or gossiping. I’m merely quoting them from their own words:
Andy Stanley: In Irresistible, Stanley argues that the modern church needs to “unhitch from the Old Testament,” and be stripped of “old covenant leftovers” that only “slow us down, divide us up, and confuse those standing from the outside peering in.”
Rick Warren: Says of those who focus on bible prophecy are, “Not fit for the kingdom of God.”
Unfortunately these are only two of many that hold similar views. When Jesus taught and trained His disciples he said:
John 8:31 (NKJV) “If you abide in My Word you are My disciples indeed…..)
His Word was and is the Old Testament every bit as much as the New Testament. Jesus is the entirety of scripture (Old and New Testaments) made flesh (John 1:14). The New Testament hadn’t been written at the time Jesus said this, so what was He teaching from? Once more Paul tells us in 2 Timothy that, “ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God.” Who are we to believe, scripture, or men who teach contrary to God’s Word?
There are many others who openly mock and make fun of us that study history and prophecy. But the bible actually tells us that as Christ’s return approaches, prophecy becomes one of the more valuable tools in which to evangelize. Why is that? As the return of Christ nears the bible tells us in advance the things that’ll take place. Circumstances are going to become extremely dire as we near the end of the age. Knowing prophecy will serve two important functions. First for the believer in Christ, you’ll be able to have confidence as these things unfold because it won’t be a surprise to you. It’ll keep you from being shaken in your faith. Second as the world becomes more chaotic, people will be scared if not terrified of what the future holds. Because of prophecy you’ll be able to use your knowledge of coming events as a way to evangelize.
There’s one more point I would like to make. If you exclude biblical history and prophecy from your studies, I contend you’ll be missing out on a complete picture of Christ and what His sacrifice actually means. If we ignore any portion of scripture, we do so at our own peril.
Psalm 40:7-8 (NASB)
Then I said, “Behold, I come;
In the scroll of the book it is [a]written of me.
I delight to do Your will, O my God;
Your Law is within my heart.”
Hebrews 10:7 (NASB)
“Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come
(In the scroll of the book it is written of Me)
To do Your will, O God.’”
Deuteronomy 4:2 (NASB)
You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.
Revelation 22:18-19 (NASB)
I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.
A teaching is not biblically sound because a pastor or teacher says it is. The Word of God puts that responsibility on the individual to determine if it is or isn’t sound (Acts 17:11). Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you shouldn’t question “the man of God” when God Himself told you to question him. Don’t ever blindly accept a teaching as being sound from your favorite television pastor, the pastor at your church, a guest speaker, and especially me, if you read my book or blogs. If the Apostle Paul was to be tested concerning what he taught, though he taught with the authority of the Spirit of God, how much more does that apply to anyone teaching today.
Everything I have stated is not about pointing the finger at others. It’s so that you’ll be encouraged to continue your study in ALL of God’s Word. When you do, you’ll begin to have your eyes opened and be more sensitive to the patterns contained within the bible that will unlock things that are yet to come. I pray this is an encouragement to you as you study the bible. God bless.
Lawrence Grott
If you’d like to learn more or get a copy of my book: The Purpose for the Passion, please visit me at: https://spiritandtruthministries.life
