Prophecy—A Proof of Christianity

Defining Prophecy

The evidence supporting Christianity is multifaceted and accumulative. Among the strongest proofs is prophecy, which serves as pre-history, accurately predicting future events before they occur. This miraculous knowledge, unattainable by human means alone, comes from God. As stated in 2 Peter 1:21, "For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spoke from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit." David Hume aptly noted, "All prophecies are real miracles, and as such only can be admitted as proofs of any revelation."

The Nature and Fulfillment of Prophecy

Prophecies' validation lies not merely in their prediction but in their fulfillment. When an event foretold by prophecy comes to pass, it confirms the divine origin of the prediction. Imagine if George Washington had predicted events of the Spanish-American War in 1898, detailing the explosion of the USS Maine and the subsequent battles led by Admiral Dewey. The fulfillment of such a detailed prophecy would undeniably validate his divine inspiration.

Similarly, the prophecies in both the Old and New Testaments claim divine origin. The prophets, claiming to be inspired by God, wrote predictions that have been studied and scrutinized for thousands of years. Modern archaeology and historical research have repeatedly validated the dates and details of these prophecies.

Prophecies Concerning Nations

The prophecies concerning nations such as Nineveh and Babylon offer compelling evidence of divine inspiration. The ruins of these cities, unearthed by archaeologists, provide tangible proof of the accuracy of biblical prophecies. For instance, Nahum and Zephaniah predicted the destruction of Nineveh, stating it would become desolate and dry like the wilderness. This prophecy was fulfilled in 612 B.C.E. when Nineveh was destroyed, and its location forgotten for centuries.

Similarly, the fall of Babylon, once a mighty empire, was predicted by Isaiah and Jeremiah. Babylon's desolation, as described in Isaiah 13:19-22 and Jeremiah 51:24-26, is evident today in the ruins that archaeologists have excavated. These fulfillments demonstrate the prophetic accuracy of the Bible.

The Prophecy of Jesus

Jesus Christ Himself was a prophet. He foretold numerous events, including His own death and resurrection. In Matthew 24, He predicted the destruction of Jerusalem, which occurred in 70 C.E. when the Romans besieged the city. The details of this prophecy, including the dismantling of the temple, were fulfilled precisely as Jesus had foretold.

The Spread of Christianity

The rapid and widespread growth of Christianity, despite severe persecution, fulfills Jesus' prophecy that His followers would face tribulation but would spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. This extraordinary expansion, occurring under such adverse conditions, points to the divine backing of the Christian faith.

The Role of Prophecy in Validating Christianity

The role of prophecy in validating Christianity cannot be overstated. Prophecies, such as those found in Daniel and Revelation, have unfolded throughout history, showcasing the divine orchestration behind biblical events. These prophecies cover a wide range of subjects, from the rise and fall of empires to the details of Christ's life and ministry.

Modern Archaeological Corroboration

Modern archaeological discoveries continue to affirm the historical accuracy of biblical prophecies. Sites like Nineveh, Babylon, and Jerusalem offer tangible evidence of the events foretold in Scripture. The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in the mid-20th century, provide further validation of the Old Testament prophecies, showing their preservation and accuracy over millennia.

Conclusion

The prophecies contained within the Bible serve as a powerful testament to its divine inspiration. The precise fulfillment of these predictions, spanning centuries and covering a wide range of events, provides irrefutable evidence of the supernatural knowledge imparted to the biblical prophets. This fulfillment underscores the authenticity and reliability of the Christian faith, affirming its foundation on divine revelation. As history continues to unfold, the prophetic words of the Bible stand as a beacon of truth, guiding believers and offering proof of God's active involvement in the world.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).