The Genre of Prophecy/Apocalyptic

2. The Genre of Prophecy/Apocalyptic

3. The Purpose of Prophecy • Prophecy Comforts – 1 Thessalonians 4:18, John 14:1 • Prophecy Calms – 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Titus 2:13 • Prophecy Converts – Acts 3:12-26, 17:31-34, 28:30-31 • Prophecy Cleanses – Titus 2:14, Ephesians 5:26-27, 2 Peter 3:14, 1 John 3:2-3 • Prophecy Compels – 1 Corinthians 15:52-58, 2 Corinthians 5:10-14 • Prophecy Confirms – Revelation 22:18-19 • Prophecy Centers on Jesus Christ – The Revelation • Prophecy is NOT for Curiosity

4. The End Times • Identify the Event and List one Scripture Verse that coincides with the Event 1. Rapture – 1 Thes 4 2. Bema Seat – 2 Cor. 5 3. Marriage – Rev. 19 4. Beginning of Tribulation – Dan 9 5. Middle of Tribulation – Dan 9 6. Second Coming – Rev 19 7. Armeggedon – Rev 19 8. Judgment of the Nations – Matt 25 9. Binding of Satan – Rev. 20 10. Millennial Kingdom – Rev 20 11. Final Conflict – Rev. 20 12. White Throne Judgment – Rev 20 13. Heaven and Eternity – Rev 21-22

5. General Guidelines for Reading Prophecy • Always follow the normal principles of interpretation. Apply the basic historical, grammatical, literary interpretation. • Recognize that the symbolism is not to be dissected for purposes of application. • View prophecy as primarily focusing on the Messiah and His eventual reign on earth. • Recognize the principle of “foreshortening.”

6. The Concept of OT and NT Promise • The Abrahamic Covenant: Genesis 15 • Personal promises to Abraham – Gen 12:2-3; 13:14-17; 15:4-7; 17:4-8 • National promises • Nation – Gen 12:2 • Land – 12:7; 13:14-15; 15:18-21; 17:8, 19 • Universal Promises – Gen 12:3; 22:18; 28:14 • The Palestinian Covenant: Deut 29 • God will re-gather all of Israel to the promise land. (vs. 30:3-4) • God will cause Israel to possess all the land that was promised to the patriarchs. (v.5) • God will regenerate the whole of Israel. (v.6) • God will completely judge Israel’s enemies. (v. 7) • God will cause national obedience. (v. 8) • God will cause national prosperity. (v. 9)

7. The Concept of OT and NT Promise • The Davidic Covenant: 2 Samuel 7 • David’s lineage will never be cut off. (v. 16) • David’s kingdom will be established forever. (v. 16) • David’s throne will be established forever. (v.16) • The New Covenant – Jer 31:31-34; Eze 16:60-63; Rom 11:26-29 • The Lord will cause Israel to repent and to be obedient to Him. 1) By writing the Law on their heart 2) By creating in them a new heart 3) By granting them the knowledge of the Lord • God will cleanse and forgive Israel • The Holy Spirit will permanently indwell them • Israel will be permanently established as a nation in their land • God will be worshipped by Israel as their God and that He will fix His presence among them forever

8. The Coming Promises • The Promised Realm – The complete land as guaranteed by God to Abraham • The Promised Ruler – A king of the lineage of David who would politically overthrow their enemies and sit on the throne of David • The Promised Reign – A position of world dominance when all Gentiles would acknowledge Jerusalem was the capital for all eternity. • The Promised Regeneration – Every member of ethnic Israel will be converted

9. General Characteristics of Apocalyptic Literature • Pessimism – Exile and Bondage • Promise – Land and Kingdom • Providence – God’s Presence • Sovereignty – Control and Certainty • Dualism – Good and Evil

10. Formal Feature of Apocalyptic Literature • Revelatory Content • Angelic Presence • Discourse Cycles • Ethical Discourse • Highly Symbolic • Recital of History