A current movie showing in Bedford, IN is entitled THE HARBINGER OF THINGS TO COME. It is based on a novel by Johnathon Cahn, a professed Jewish rabbi. Reviews of the novel and the movie say, “Although a work of fiction, Cahn intended the book to be taken seriously as a work of biblical scholarship and a warning of events to come.” (From SuperSummary - emp. mjd) Unfortunately, few if any will read the review before they read the novel or see the movie. Undoubtedly, many will read the book and/or view the movie as authentic material instead of a novel, i.e., fiction/nontruth. Consequently, many will be duped into believing lies regarding the ending of time, just has been the case in multiple erroneous predictions before this most recent one. Frankly, it is shameful that some will use just enough Scripture to make something appear valid and appealing to inquiring minds. But isn’t that the way with all false doctrines? (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

   Prophecy and prophesy are both correctly spelled, but with tremendously different meanings. Prophecy (with the C) means, “a teaching which may include predictions.” Prophesy (with the S) means, “to state by divine power.” Thus, “c-y” means to teach while “s-y”) means to predict with divine inspiration. Peter tells us, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:21) That the prophesy (note the S meaning “predict by divine inspiration) has ceased, we need only to examine 1 Corinthians 13: 9 – 10: “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect (i.e., complete) is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” That which is perfect (complete) is the written word of God, what we recognize as the New Testament.

   Prophesy within the Old Testament dealt (past tense) with matters about Israel and the coming of Jesus Christ and His kingdom, the church. As far as Israel is concerned, all those prophesies have been fulfilled and are now eliminated from the “yet to be” of this present time because scripturally, there is now no difference between Israel (Jew) and Gentile (Ephesians 2:11 – 22). Further, all prophesy regarding Jesus Himself has been fulfilled because He is no longer living in the flesh within this world and said of those prophesies, “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. (Matthew 5:18) Therefore, we conclude that ALL Old Testament prophesy has been fulfilled. As to the prophesies found in the New Testament, all but one has been fulfilled. Jesus prophesied of the coming of His church (Matthew 16:18) and it came (Acts 2:47). He prophesied of the Gentiles hearing the gospel and obeying it (John 10:10:16) and Gentiles have obeyed the gospel (Acts 10). Therefore, the only prophesy left to be fulfilled is His return (John 14: 1-4; Acts 1:11; 17:31; et al). Until that time, all things continue.

   Those who utilize Old Testament and New Testament prophesies to purport present-day events as “fulfilling these prophesies” are in error! Just as John was told in the book of Revelation, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass: and He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John: who bare record of the word of God and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.” (Revelation 1:1-2) That statement was written two thousand years ago, which would disqualify “shortly come to pass” if these and other such prophesies were to come to fruition in 2020 and later! Thus, I say again, that all inspired prophesy has been fulfilled except for the Lord’s return to judge the world in righteousness. Of that time, we have been and must continue to be warned! (2 Peter 2)

   That said, we can be assured that history repeats itself. Why? May I suggest it is because humankind often fails to learn the lessons taught from the first event? One need only to read the Old Testament and note how often Israel made the same foolish mistakes over and over again! For example, when Israel cried for a king that they might be like the nations around them (1Samuel 8), God related to Israel through Samuel just what they would have if they chose to have a king other than Himself. (ibid) Nonetheless, Israel demanded an earthly king and the history of Israel’s failings repeated itself multiple times! The prophesies of destruction, pestilence, wars, upheavals of nations, etc. are not ones yet to be fulfilled but took place in the olden times, and because of Israel’s repeated unbelief in God, the history of the fulfillment repeated itself! Therefore, we cannot Scripturally say, as Cahn infers in his book and movie, that the current events of today are the fulfillment of prophesy hundreds of years ago! He and others who claim to have “unlocked the secrets of the mystery” are simply duping the public to promote their books and movies!

   We grant that current events often bear tremendous similarities to the prophesies within scripture. But scripture itself teaches history repeats itself. Notice Solomon’s words: “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9) Even the book of Revelation, which is too often misused to “prove” current events, speaks that its content was to “shortly come to pass.” (Revelation 1:1) That nation will rise against nation, that wars exist, that famine, pestilence, crime, and destruction of humankind in various ways continues is the absolute truth! But it is NOT the “revealing of mysteries held secret for ages” but the intentional fearmongering of self-proclaimed modern-day prophets who twist the Scriptures to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16), and the destruction those who believe such lies (2 Thessalonians 2: 1- 12; Revelation 22:15)

   That said, every Christian must be prepared for Judgment Day! (2 Peter 3: 1- 13) God has given us ample warning regarding the necessity to be prepared for the Lord’s second coming. He did NOT tell us when that will be (Matthew 24:36), and therefore, no modern-day guru knows! But to be prepared is our obligation! (1 Corinthians 16:13; Matthew 25:31 – 46). When one is forewarned, the obligation is upon HIM/HER to prepare! We cannot depend on the one who warned to prepare for us! Even so, the Lord has told us He will come again. If we procrastinate, then it is our eternal loss if we are found unprepared (2 Thessalonians 1:7 – 9; Matthew 22: 1 – 14).

   Christians need not fear what man shall do to them (Hebrews 13:5 – 6). Neither should Christians negate the responsibilities of caring for the daily needs of this life as long as this life endures. If you know famine is coming, you prepare. If you know draught is coming, you prepare. If you know a crisis is coming, you prepare. God gave us good minds to understand these things and we are the ones responsible for such preparations. Unfortunately, the world is not so fearful of God, as they are of man. Such fear will only bring torment, both now and eternally. Therefore, dear friends, fear God and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. (Eccl. 12:13)