Simplifying Revelation: How to Read the Book of Revelation
Session 3: Defusing Semantic Bombs
I. Are we living in the Last Days?
a. To answer this question, we need to ask: “What is the biblical definition of ‘last days’?”
i. OUR DEFINITION: Last Days = last 24 hr. periods before 2nd coming
ii. BIBLE’S DEFINITION: “Last days” or “last times” in the NT [7 passages—not used: James 5:1-3; 2 Peter 3:3; 1 Pet 1:20].
2 Tim 3:1 – “last days”
Jude 17-19 – “last times”
Acts 2:14-24 – “last days”
Heb 1:1-2 – “last days”
iii. Conclusion: The Biblical Definition of the “last days” = time between Christ’s 1st & 2nd Coming
II. What is Prophecy?
a. Common Definition: Prophecy = Prediction
b. How does the Bible Define Prophecy?
i. Key Observation:
Around 17% of the time the words prophecy, prophesy, or to prophesy are used, the verses are in the context of a prediction.
Over 83% of the time the words prophecy, prophesy, and to prophesy refer to something else besides prediction.
ii. Prophecy…
…prosecutes and persuades a rebellious people.
…reveals
a. Who God is
b. What God desires
c. What God demands of us
III. Conclusion:
