"There is no private interpretation of prophecy." Then why so many different interpretions of the Scriptures?

Dennis Edwards

If we obey and love Jesus the Holy Spirit will lead and guide us into all truth. "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak himself...and he will show you things to come." {John 16:13] One of those truths, I believe, is that much of our interpretation of Bible prophecy is speculation. We are speculating on what the prophecy could mean.

However, I don't think that God put all that prophecy, some 27% of Scripture in the Bible, for nothing. "Search the Scripture; for in them you think you have eternal life: and they  are even they which testify of Me."[John 5:39] 

If we make "truth" a pillar of our belief system as "grace and truth came by Jesus Christ,"[John 1:17] I believe we can get a general outline of the events that are to come. "You shall seek and find Me, or in this case the truth about Bible Prophecy, if you shall search for Me and the truth, with all your heart."[Jeremiah 29:13] 

But most of us don't make truth an important part of our search. We make "love" the pillar, but leave truth aside. However, God's word says that "love rejoices in the truth." [1 Corinthians 13:6] Love casts out fear, but truth casts out falsehood. Truth exposes the lie. Our Arch Enemy is the father of lies. 

We compromise and accept the idea that truth is past finding out, because we know that it takes some hard work at times to find the truth. We don't want to make the effort and leave our comfort zone that finding truth demands. We decide that because there are a lot of doubts about how to understand Bible Prophecy, it must not be understandable. 

It may take some study, but that is what God has asked us to do. He says we should search of the Scriptures daily to see if these things be so. [Acts 17:11] Apostle Paul admonishes us to:

"Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." [2 Timothy 2:15]

If you can't do anything else, just keep reading the book of Revelation, as Jesus has promised a special blessing to those who read, hear, and keep the words of that prophecy. 

"Blessed is he that reads, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand."[Revelation 1:3]

In the Daniel prophecies, Daniel tells us that "the people who know their God shall be strong and do exploits, and they that understand among the people shall instruct many." [Daniel 11:32-33] So according to God's word some prophets will properly understand and be able to instruct others. 

I advise each one to get desparate and call out to the Lord in prayer and follow what He shows you to do. Get desparate, Ask, Seek, Knock, as Jesus instructed and let Him by the Holy Spirit lead you into all truth, every aspect of it, and or, specifically the truth of Bible Prophecy.

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened."[Matthew 7:7]

I think the greatest proof of Old Testament prophecy is that Jesus Christ came in the flesh, died for our sins, and rose again the third day. Apostle Paul wrote,

"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures."[1 Corinthians 15:3-4] 

If we start with that prophetic truth as our base, then God can lead us into deeper truths hidden in His word, but not past finding out. "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but (or unless) he reveals his secret unto his servants the prophets." [Amos 3:7] Jesus said, "If you continue in my words, then are you my disciples indeed, and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free."[John 8:31-32] 

Continue following the words of Jesus, the words of truth, and step by step, as you obey more and more, God will continue to open up the truths of His word to your understanding. If He thinks its profitable for you to have a deeper understanding of Bible Prophecy, then He will open your eyes that you might see. 

Until then, just follow the light of God's word that you do know and understand. Trust God for the future. As you obey His written word and the voice of His word, the Day Star will dawn in your heart, as Apostle Peter wrote,

"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto you do well that you take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts." [2 Peter 2:19] 

God will enlighten your heart and mind with greater understanding in His good time, in order to help you in the difficult days ahead and enable you to help others, also. 

If you would like to view my speculations on Where is America in Bible Prophecy? click on the title.