Fulfilled Prophecies

By Tim Liwanag

How many times have you asked yourself these questions: When is the end of the world? Can we know when Jesus Christ will return? Or, what prophecies must yet be fulfilled before Christ returns?

End-times prophecy is one of the most important issues confronting Christians. Either these issues arise from within denominational churches or from without. Christians everywhere are faced by the fact that end-times prophecies are secularized. They are secularized because Christian churches have transferred the interpretation of prophecy to the motion-picture industry, science fiction publishers, etc. As a result, some believers have ceased to study apocalyptic language according to the whole prophetic design and message of God.

Further, the real issue today in Eschatology [the study of the last or final matters] is between futurism and preterism. Futurism is a movement in organized Christian denominations that emphasize "church futurology" [the study or forecasting of trends or developments in the church] and "futuristic eschatology" ["end of the world" prophecies are yet to be fulfilled events]. Preterism, on the other hand, is a belief in "fulfilled eschatology" ["end of the world" prophecies are events accomplished in the first century] and "fulfilled prophecy" [scriptural prophecy that is (was) fulfilled or finished].

With these schools of prophecies in our minds, then, let us find out the effects that they have on Bible Believers who are committed to it.

Perhaps you are in a Futurist situation, curious about what lies ahead, but putting all of your personal plans on hold because you are thinking that, in the "last days of the church," the world might end anytime. So you faithfully sit in your local church, week after week, taking down notes on the "signs of the times" while expecting your body to be raptured to the sky anytime. Sometimes you just listen there and wonder while your elders struggle in deciphering 666, identifying antichrists, and setting dates for the return of Christ. But, in reality, you are not worried about end-times drama because you know that neither things present nor things to come can separate you from the love of God.

Perhaps you are a Preterist who is not worried about God's timetable because you know that prophecies on the "end of the world" are fulfilled in the past – in the first century A.D. with the fall of Jerusalem and the Roman Empire. Unfortunately, you still want to escape the anxiety of being in the world but not of the world. So it is important to recall here that God's creation belongs to us, His children, and it is wise to trust the Lord that He will give us the understanding in all things.

This, then, is the goal of this book: how to have both the understanding of "fulfilled prophecy" and fulfillment in Christ plus use it to the glory of God.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tim Liwanag
• Release date: Mar 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005594053

Tim Liwanag

Tim Liwanag is an active digizen, a social innovator contributing various info as a writer/author on Amazon, Blogger, Quora, Facebook, Wattpad, Wikipedia, etc. Outside his intellectual hobbies and his fascination for the ancient script Baybayin, he is definitely interested in Filipino World Records, causes, distance learning, entrepreneurship, and superhero or sci-fi movies.Hey, you're never too old to do something amazing for God's glory and for people of any age to live a fulfilled life!

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Acknowledgements

I, with all my heart, thank God for you all:

My beloved wife, Grace, my daughters (Gwen, Love, and Zsofi) who, together with my sister and her son have been and continue to be God's blessings in my life.

My parents who gave me their respected names and a good education.

My in-laws, the Ilano family, who sheltered us cordially.

My brethren and all those Christians who are convinced that God has fulfilled His promises and prophecies.

Special appreciation goes to Marthy C. Austria for the brainstorming sessions and to Adam Maarschalk who willingly gave me the recognition for being the first Filipino author to write a book on Fulfilled Eschatology.

"Now unto him [God] that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."

(Ephesians 3:20-21)

PART 1— INTRODUCTION

FIRST THINGS FIRST

How many times have you asked yourself these questions: When is the end of the world? Can we know when Jesus Christ will return? Or, what prophecies must yet be fulfilled before Christ returns?

End-times prophecy is one of the most important issues confronting Christians. Either these issues arise from within denominational churches or from without. Christians everywhere are faced by the fact that end-times prophecies are secularized. They are secularized because Christian churches have transferred the interpretation of prophecy to the motion-picture industry, science fiction publishers, etc. As a result, some believers have ceased to study apocalyptic language according to the whole prophetic design and message of God.

Further, the real issue today in Eschatology [the study of the last or final matters] is between futurism and preterism. Futurism is a movement in organized Christian denominations that emphasize church futurology [the study or forecasting of trends or developments in the church] and futuristic eschatology [end of the world prophecies are yet to be fulfilled events]. Preterism, on the other hand, is a belief in fulfilled eschatology [end of the world prophecies are events accomplished in the first century] and fulfilled prophecy [scriptural prophecy that is (was) fulfilled or finished].

With these schools of prophecies in our minds, then, let us find out the effects that they have on Bible Believers who are committed to it.

Perhaps you are in a Futurist situation, curious about what lies ahead, but putting all of your personal plans on hold because you are thinking that, in the last days of the church, the world might end anytime. So, you faithfully sit in your local church, week after week, taking down notes on the signs of the times while expecting your body to be raptured to the sky anytime. Sometimes you just listen there and wonder while your elders struggle in deciphering 666, identifying antichrists, and setting dates for the return of Christ. But, in reality, you are not worried about end-times drama because you know that neither things present nor things to come can separate you from the love of God.

Perhaps you are a Preterist who is not worried about God's timetable because you know that prophecies on the end of the world are fulfilled in the past – in the first century A.D. with the fall of Jerusalem and the Roman Empire. Unfortunately, you still want to escape the anxiety of being in the world but not of the world. So, it is important to recall here that God's creation belongs to us, His children, and it is wise to trust the Lord that He will give us the understanding in all things.

This, then, is the goal of this book: how to have both the understanding of fulfilled prophecy and fulfillment in Christ plus use it to the glory of God.

CHAPTER 1: PROPHECY

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:20-21)

The prophecy of the Scripture has suffered so much in the hands of End-times Church Futurologists and has been so commercialized within the market of secularists nowadays. Christian Futurists are discarding biblical prophecy in favor of a "doom and gloom" stance. Others are willing to disregard the analogy of faith [Scripture interprets Scripture] method in order to not frustrate the Second Coming expectation among all professing Christians. In other words, vain imaginations or sheer speculations have overrun biblical prophecies that were already fulfilled. True exegesis seems to be waning even among the most conservative church members. So how are we going to respond to these issues?

When a Christian thinks of prophecy, he must consider prophecy facts as seen in the Scripture: 1) the biblical author [divine and human], 2) the text [prophetic language, interpretation, and meaning of the message], and 3) audience relevance.

All of these prophecy facts have had significant effects on the typical Christian's ability to detect truth from error. There is a vast difference between prophesying in denominational churches today and the prophecy of the Scripture. A major difference can be realized as we give the biblical answer to the question, What is prophecy?

THE AUTHOR OF PROPHECY

Prophecy

[Greek propheteia = prophecy, prophesying; prediction (scriptural or other)]

In 2 Peter1:21, Peter says, For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Divine Author

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man – Prophecy of the Scripture is not a product of man's volition or determination; holy men were separated by God from the world to speak and write the words of the Holy Ghost.

The Holy Spirit is both the author and interpreter of the Holy Scriptures. As Peter indicates, holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (2 Peter1:21). It was the Spirit of truth who was the Guide of the apostles into all truth and the Revealer of things to come (John 16:13). Moreover, the Spirit of God reveals the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:10) and teaches believers all things concerning Christ's doctrines (John 14:26). Thus, the Spirit of God who moved holy men to prophesy and to write Scriptures is the same Spirit who interprets it.

One particular point of interest in Christendom has been the bestowal of spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11). It is also important at this point to note that prophecy is a gift of the Holy Spirit.

Human Author

In the old time, if there would be a prophet among the people of Israel, it is recognized that the Lord made Himself known unto that prophet in a vision and spoke unto him in a dream (Numbers 12:6). However, Moses warned the people of Israel to reject any words of a prophet or a dreamer of dreams who entices them to go after other gods [idols]. Moreover, that prophet who entices them to idolatry must be put to death because he is directing people to forsake God (Deuteronomy 13:1-5).

In 1 Corinthians 14:3, when Paul speaks of prophesying, he was possibly referring to preaching because he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. Moreover, he that prophesieth edifieth the church (1 Corinthians 14:4).

Back in the old time, it was foretold that God would raise up a Prophet among the people of Israel and through him God would speak His commandments (Deuteronomy 18:15-19); eventually, this promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ (John 1:45, 6:14).

This portion proposes that even if there were prophets, God himself is still the ultimate authority in prophecy; furthermore, the Holy Spirit has apportioned this gift of prophecy to whomever he wills (1 Corinthians 12:11).

THE PROPHETIC TEXT

Biblical Prophecy is an overwhelming subject. In fact, the prophecy of Scripture is filled with expressions which are dependent upon figures of speech, symbols, parables, types, dreams, visions, and spiritual ecstasies. Therefore, as an agent in the revelation of God, prophetic language must be determined according to God's expressive and prescriptive words.

Prophetic Language

There are two kinds of prophetic language: 1) Expressive prophetic language – a dramatic proclamation of prophecy showing its audience what is going to or about to happen; and 2) Prescriptive prophetic language – a prophetic declaration on how something should be done or what someone should do before or when events come to pass.

Prophetic language can be illustrated as follows: 1) Expressive prophecy: For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. (Matthew 24:24); 2) Prescriptive prophecy: Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. (Matthew 24:23).

Prophecy 1) reports that during the Great Tribulation, false Christs and false prophets shall arise in order to deceive the elect. But this prophetic proclamation does not encourage or discourage any kind of action. On the other hand, Prophecy 2) prescribes a particular action. That is, the disciples must not believe false appearances of Christ during the Great Tribulation.

If the words of prophecy are shown in their expressive sense, the interpreter usually will approach prophetic text through the eyes of its author [divine and human]. If the prophetic text is an authentic word from the Spirit of God, it is authoritative and truthful. If the prophetic text is contradictory to the whole revelation of the Spirit of God in the Bible, then it definitely is an alarmist statement [making people unnecessarily worried about dangers that do not exist] and it raises apprehension [anxiety about the future].

But, if the words of prophecy are shown in their prescriptive sense, the interpreter will approach prophecy as obligatory [mandatory, binding]; thus, prescriptive prophecy requires faith, obedience, and complete fulfillment.

More to the point, the interpreter should value the written Word and not misinterpret the expressive and the prescriptive prophecies or promises that were originally addressed to God's chosen people in the Old Covenant period. Recall that the nation of Israel received the Messianic promises, prophecies, and covenants. It was to the nation of Israel that God originally revealed His blessings and curses (Deuteronomy 28).

It must also be observed that the whole Bible abounds in allegories and it's our job, as interpreters, to discover and reveal the literal truth.

Interpretation of Prophecy

Every Bible student must familiarize himself first with the prophecy of the Scripture. But the basic question is, How do we interpret a Bible prophecy?

In 2 Peter 1:20, Peter says, Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

No prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation – A Christian must consider this as a foremost principle in the interpretation of prophecy; that is, every prophecy of the Scripture did not originate from the prophet's own knowledge or conjecture.

According to a Futurist exposition on 2 Peter 1:20, Gill states:

that no prophecy of the Scripture, that is contained in Scripture, be it what it will, is of any private interpretation: not that this is levelled against the right of private judgment of Scripture; or to be understood as if a private believer had not a right of reading, searching, examining, and judging, and interpreting the Scriptures himself, by virtue of the unction which teacheth all things; and who, as a spiritual man, judgeth all things; otherwise, why are such commended as doing well, by taking heed to prophecy, in the preceding verse, and this given as a reason to encourage them to it? the words may be rendered, of one's own interpretation; that is, such as a natural man forms of himself, by the mere force of natural parts and wisdom, without the assistance of the Spirit of God; and which is done without comparing spiritual things with spiritual; and which is not agreeably to the Scripture, to the analogy of faith, and mind of Christ; though rather this phrase should be rendered, no prophecy of the Scripture is of a man's own impulse, invention, or composition; is not human, but purely divine[1]

With regards to the special revelation of God in the form of prophecy, Thiessen, another Futurist, observes:

God revealed himself in prophecy. Prophecy here means the foretelling of events, not through mere human insight or prescience, but through direct communication from God.[2]

Thus, an interpreter must recognize that the prophecy of the Scripture is also the Word of God itself.

In 2 Timothy 3:16, Paul says, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

All methods of interpretation must measure up to the inspired Scriptures and interpretations must be in harmony with the whole prophetic design of God.

Scripture interprets Scripture

In assessing or testing prophecy, one must also consider the principle that Scripture interprets Scripture.

John Brown writes:

It appears, then, that is Scripture be the best interpreter of Scripture, we have in the Old Testament a key to the interpretation of the prophecies in the New.[3]

Showalter, a Preterist, calls this the analogy of faith and defines the method thus:

The analogy of faith means that scripture interprets scripture. This means that when we want to arrive at an eschatological conclusion we are to use the clear and easily understood passages of scripture to help us understand the less clear. We don't build our eschatology using the veiled or difficult to understand prophecies and then shove the obvious scriptures into that paradigm. The analogy of faith is a safeguard that should help us from reading in to the scriptures something that is not there. If one scripture seems to contradict another, then we must turn to what is easily understood, and then continue digging until we have reconciled the apparent contradiction or difficult understanding. God is not the author of confusion, and I believe his word is adequately clear to show us the answers.[4]

Also, this method of interpretation seeks to establish an objective data – definition, etymology, sentence structure, common sense, history, theology, topography, archaeology, etc. So, the Bible is directing interpretation when the interpreter lets Scripture to interpret Scripture.

Meaning of the Message

The Bible believer must listen to the Holy Spirit as he leads us in understanding the prophetic text and finding the meaning of the message in it. Of course, this includes both particular meaning to the original authors and original audience; likewise, it includes meaning for us as the new audience.

The utmost concern here is truth. But what is the relationship between truth and the meaning of the message, specifically, the prophecy of the Scripture?

The Truth of God. As we have noted earlier, an authentic word from the Spirit of God is authoritative and truthful. Likewise, the prophecy [preaching] of the Scripture is the means by which God's voice can be heard. Moreover, God speaks through the voices of men, his witnesses; they were either prophets or not (1 Samuel 19:20-24).

Concerning the communication of the truth of God, Futurist Erickson writes:

While revelation is the communication of divine truth from God to man, inspiration relates more to the relaying of that truth from the first recipient(s) of it to other persons, whether then or later.[5]

That which was spoken, God's truth, and afterward was written preserves the content of what was revealed. However, not all of God's revelations were written down. For example, in John 21:25, the Apostle John says, And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

Therefore, God's truth is either hidden or revealed:

The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever... (Deuteronomy 29:29)

So, if the Spirit of God directs holy men to speak or write down divine revelations, the Spirit of God also has the authority to seal up the vision and prophecy (Daniel 9:24).

A More Sure Word of Prophecy. An additional point to be noted is that the prophecy of the Scripture, the Written Word of God, is surer, more truthful, and more authoritative than experience.

In 2 Peter 1:16-18, Peter says, "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount."

Notice that Peter revealed [made known] to his original audience [fellow Jews of the Dispersion] the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ through his personal testimony, but it must also be observed that Peter was an eyewitness of Christ; what he saw and heard at that time was real. Yet Peter gave more emphasis to the prophecy of the Scripture than his experience:

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed... (2 Peter 1:19)

This means, further, that the words of the Scripture are actually God's Word.

Furthermore, just as God's majesty was manifested through Jesus Christ and his purposes were revealed through the apostles and prophets in the first century, subsequently this personal God is made known to us today through the elucidation of the Holy Spirit by the Holy Scriptures.

PRINCIPLE OF AUDIENCE RELEVANCE

It is clear that the Bible is about God and his relationship with man. More particularly, God has revealed himself to his people, Israel. Though the Scriptures show a universal distinction between those who know God [Israel] and those who don't [Gentiles], in reality, not all of those who were Jews in the flesh were the true Jews (Romans 2:28, 9:6); moreover, some Gentiles feared God and prayed to him always (Acts 10:1-2). So, this brings up another subject in the study of prophecy, the original audience.

According to David Showalter, the principle of audience relevance means that whatever a passage meant, or whatever words spoken in scripture meant, it meant or had direct application to the original intended audience.[6]

Thus, each prophecy of the Scripture was addressed by real speakers/writers to real listeners/readers in their own real time.

[1] John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible, 2 Peter 1:20

[2] Henry C. Thiessen, Lectures in Systematic Theology, p. 13

[3] John Brown, vol. i . p. 200

[4] David Showalter, Biblical Eschatology (Studying the Scriptures Anew)

[5] Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology, p. 200.

[6] Showalter, Biblical Eschatology

CHAPTER 2: PROPHECY AND BIBLE CHARACTERS

And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. (Luke 24:44)

Fulfilled Prophecy = scriptural prophecy that is (was) fulfilled [finished, come to pass]

Before considering the historical arguments used by the advocates of eschatology to prove any fulfillment of scriptural prophecy, Bible readers should observe that Christ is the center of biblical history and of prophecy. Moreover, the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Revelation 19:10); so, fulfilled prophecy must also be judged according to the words of Jesus Christ, the life [spirit] of prophecy.

Furthermore, fulfilled prophecy must be interpreted in harmony with the whole prophetic design of God; likewise, every prophecy must be a part of the entire revelation of the Scriptures.

JESUS CHRIST IN FULFILLED PROPHECY

Let us now view some prophecies concerning Jesus Christ and their fulfillment:

The Ruler of Israel and his birthplace Bethlehem

Prophecy

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

(Micah 5:2)

Fulfillment

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

(Matthew 2:1-6)

The Great Light and his ministry in Galilee

Prophecy

Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

(Isaiah 9:1-2)

Fulfillment

Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee; And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.

(Matthew 4:12-16)

The Prophet and his coming into the world

Prophecy

The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

(Deuteronomy 18:15)

Fulfilment

Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.

(John 6:14)

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

(John 1:45)

A Man of Sorrows rejected by Jews during his generation

Prophecy

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

(Isaiah 53:3)

Fulfillment

He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

(John 1:11)

But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.

(Luke 17:25)

The King of the Jews and his crucifixion with sinners

Prophecy

Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

(Isaiah 53:12)

Fulfillment

And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull. And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not. And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS. And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.

(Mark 15:22-28)

The Lamb of God who died for sinners before his entombment with the rich

Prophecy

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

(Isaiah 53:7-9)

Fulfillment

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

(John 1:29)

When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

(Matthew 27:57-60)

The Holy One and his resurrection

Prophecy

For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

(Psalms 16:10)

Fulfillment

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

(Matthew 28:5-9)

The Author of Eternal Salvation and his ascension

Prophecy

Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them. Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.

(Psalms 68:18-19)

Fulfillment

And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.

(Luke 24:50-51)

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

(Acts 1:9)

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

(1 Thessalonians 5:9-10)

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

(Hebrews 5:8-9)

FULFILLED PROPHECY AND OTHER BIBLICAL CHARACTERS

While we are on this subject of fulfilled prophecy, we should note also that we have now with us the complete Holy Scriptures [Old Testament and New Testament]. All God-breathed Scriptures are profitable for us today (2 Timothy 3:16-17); however, the Holy Scriptures were not written to us. The writers of the Old and New Testaments were directly giving their message to their own hearers in their own generations. The Holy Scriptures informs us as to what God communicated to certain individuals and groups within their own situation in time. With this in mind, let us learn what exactly occurred and what individuals were commanded to believe or do in their biblical periods.

PROPHECY AND ISRAEL

We are not the original audience of the prophets who spoke in God's name and by his authority (Exodus 7:1). We are not born of Jewish blood, the ethnic and physical Israel, or physical descendants of Abraham; therefore, we have to make sure that we understand the written Word and not misinterpret the promises and prophecies that were originally addressed to God's chosen people in the Old Covenant period (Deuteronomy 7:6-8).

Recall that the nation of Israel received the Messianic promises, prophecies, and covenants. It was to the nation Israel that God originally revealed Himself.

Hear this word that the Lord hath spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying, You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.

(Amos 3:1-2)

Romans 9 actually gave this as proof that there were physical Israelites [Jews according to the flesh]:

"For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: Who are