Jeff,
I have a question maybe you can answer. What is a good reason for studying hard-to-understand portions of scripture such as the seals, trumpets, and plagues of Revelation or Daniel chapter 11? What are some strong biblical texts that tell us the importance of studying the prophecies in the Bible? To me it seems that if it’s God’s Word, we should be studying every nook and cranny of it, especially the areas we don’t understand! But many don’t agree with me on this. Instead most people tend to only want to study the parts that they understand and never move beyond that. Any comments would be deeply appreciated. Sincerely, BS.
Response
Dear BS,
The basic argument is that God’s people at the end of the world are asleep to their work, condition and responsibilities. Every prophecy that portrays God’s people at the end of time bears this testimony. The study of prophecy is the only avenue identified in inspiration to awaken God’s people. If we do not study prophecy, we sleep until we die. I am not giving you the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy passages that identify this truth, just giving you the logic. In The Great Controversy, Sister White says this:
“To John were opened scenes of deep and thrilling interest in the experience of the church. He saw the position, dangers, conflicts, and final deliverance of the people of God. He records the closing messages which are to ripen the harvest of the earth, either as sheaves for the heavenly garner or as fagots for the fires of destruction. Subjects of vast importance were revealed to him, especially for the last church, that those who should turn from error to truth might be instructed concerning the perils and conflicts before them. None need be in darkness in regard to what is coming upon the earth.” The Great Controversy, 341.
The book of Revelation contains the messages that ripen the harvest. The harvest is ripened by the latter rain. Therefore the messages of the book of Revelation ARE the latter rain messages. If we do not read, hear and keep those messages, we will be lost. Jeff.
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