Prophecy is not a marginal subject in Scripture. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible repeatedly presents God as One who reveals His purposes before their fulfilment.
The prophetic writings address nations and kingdoms, judgment and restoration, the coming Messiah, the experience of God's people, and ultimately the establishment of His everlasting kingdom.
The Old Testament contains entire books identified with the prophets, while prophetic material also runs throughout the historical writings, Psalms and other portions of Scripture. The New Testament continues this emphasis. Jesus repeatedly directed His disciples to prophecy, spoke prophetically concerning events still future, and urged them to watch and understand. The final book of the Bible is itself described as “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” and opens with a blessing upon those who read, hear and keep the things written in it.
Prophecy therefore does more than predict events. It reveals something of God's character, His purposes and His government of history. Fulfilled prophecy provides evidence that history does not lie beyond His knowledge or control; unfulfilled prophecy calls His people to faith, watchfulness and preparation.
“Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”
— Amos 3:7
Prophecy and the Adventist Heritage
The study of prophecy occupies a particularly important place in the history and identity of Seventh-day Adventism.
The Advent movement arose from intensive study of the prophetic books of Daniel and Revelation. Its understanding of the prophetic periods, the sanctuary, the judgment, the second coming of Christ and the great controversy between good and evil developed within that prophetic framework.
The very name Adventist expresses expectation of an event still future—the Advent, or return, of Jesus Christ.
For Seventh-day Adventists, therefore, prophecy has historically been more than one branch of Christian theology among many. It has helped provide the framework through which the movement understands its place in history, its message and its mission.
This makes continued prophetic study especially important. If earlier generations were called to study prophecy in order to recognise the truths applicable to their time, later generations cannot reasonably assume that the work of investigation has ended.
Present Truth
This brings us to an important biblical principle: present truth.
Truth does not cease to be true when one generation passes away. Yet Scripture repeatedly shows that particular truths acquire special urgency at particular moments in history.
The message of the Flood was especially urgent in the days of Noah. The prophetic announcement of Israel's deliverance became present reality in the generation of the Exodus. Prophecies concerning the Messiah demanded a response when Christ appeared. The disciples likewise had to understand Christ's warnings concerning events that would affect their own generation.
Peter could therefore speak of believers being “established in the present truth” (2 Peter 1:12).
The original Ensign statement expresses this same conviction. It describes biblical prophecy as containing “Present Truth” lessons applicable in every generation and identifies the searching of biblical prophecy—particularly concerning events approaching fulfilment—as a central interest of The Ensign.
More Than Prediction
For The Branch – The Ensign, the purpose of studying prophecy is consequently not to produce sensational predictions or endless speculation about dates.
The more important question is not simply:
What is going to happen?
but
What has God revealed, why has He revealed it, and what response does that knowledge require of us?
Jesus' instruction was not merely to know that prophetic events would occur. He said:
“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”
— Luke 21:28
Prophecy is therefore inseparable from Christian hope.
Continuing the Search
We believe that fulfilled prophecy should be studied because it strengthens confidence in the prophetic Word. We believe unfulfilled prophecy should be studied because God did not reveal it without purpose. And we believe interpretations inherited from previous generations should remain open to examination by Scripture as prophetic events unfold and understanding develops.
That does not mean abandoning the foundations upon which earlier believers stood. Neither does it mean accepting every new interpretation merely because it is new.
It means continuing to do what serious Bible students have always been required to do:
Search the Scriptures. Compare Scripture with Scripture. Test interpretation against the Word. Watch the unfolding of events. And remain willing to follow the evidence wherever Scripture leads.
The studies being prepared for this section will examine both fulfilled and unfulfilled prophecy, with particular attention to Daniel, Revelation, the sanctuary, the gathering of God's people, the coming kingdom of Christ, and those prophetic themes we believe deserve renewed examination in the light of present truth.
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed…”
— 2 Peter 1:19
Studies are being prepared and will be added progressively.
Searching the Scriptures • Understanding Prophecy • Seeking Present Truth
