Prophecy explained, past, present and future; a series of fifty-two studies for the individual, the class and the home

Front matter

MMPMEGY XiLAINED

Book t^Ji

CopyiigM N"

Preface

OuE first Course of Study in Prophecy, of wliich this book is a revision, was prepared in response to the request of a class of young people.

Knowing that many sects and ^^ isms'' have had their origin in human theories and methods of interpretation, I determined, while giving every writer on prophecy a respectful hearing, not to blindly follow any man's theories, nor accept any man's conclusions, without careful search of the Scriptures for confirmation. My own theories and beliefs must also be subjected to the same testing, and conclusions drawn only in the light of the most evident meaning of the Word, without prejudice of any kind.

We cannot avoid having theories if we do our own thinking. Spirit-filled men have divergent theories. We cannot follow them all. But we can have the Spirit's guidance to all needful truth, if we ask for it, in our own study of His Word.

iv PREFACE

I must confess that this process has compelled me to relinquish some teachings to which I had long held, and to accept in their stead other concepts. These lessons are constructed accordingly: but every one who uses them is urged to carefully search the Scriptures, ^Svhether these things are so/^ and also to compare these findings with the conclusions of other writers, and be fully persuaded in his own mind.

No prophecy can be perfectly understood in all its details before it is fulfilled. It was so written, evidently, to incite us to earnest study, and to give us thereby a deeper insight into God's great purposes, and prepare us to labor together with Him intelligently ; and not to satisfy idle curiosity concerning future events. We can afford to disagree on minor details of interpretation, if we can get a comprehensive vision of the eternal purposes of God concerning his creatures.

The design in these studies is to furnish some of the most important texts bearing on the subjects treated, with questions to draw out the meanings, and spaces for written answers. The accompanying notes are made up largely of quotations and condensations

PREFACE V

from the writings of such men as C. I. Scofield, J. A. Seiss, Jas. H. Brooks, L. W. Munhall, R. A. Torrey, Jas. M. Gray, Mark A. Matthews, John Urquhart, W. E. Blackstone, AVm. Pettingill, W. C. Stevens, Geo. C. Needham, A. C. Gaebelein, C. G. Trmnbull, G. Campbell Morgan, Bullinger, and others. The Author has been greatly assisted in the work of this compilation by Miss J. B. Patch.

G. H. P.

METHODS OF STUDY

To BE Applied ix. Both Home and Class Woek

If possible, the lesson should be carefully studied at home, and answers neatly written out for all the questions, after looking up the required Bible passage for each answer.

Then the lesson notes should^be read ; and notes and questions to be used in class, written neatly on any available marginal space where they will catch the eye when wanted. This should be done by all members of the class, as well as by the teacher, or leader, and additional notes jotted down, as the items are discussed or answered.

Class records may be kept, final examinations held, and standings marked, if desired.

A less desirable method is that of class study, as distinguished from home study. The reference passages may be given to the members of the class, when assembled, and called for, one at a time, by number. The

vii

Tiii METHODS OF STUDY

person reading the passage should then formulate a short, concise answer to the question, which may be submitted to the class for amendment, and, when satisfactory, written in each member's book. The lesson notes may be read in connection with this study, or immediately afterward.

This method requires the use of Bibles in the class, which is commendable ; but is not as rapid a method as the first, making it difficult to properly cover a lesson in the usual time allowed for class recitations. It is an interesting method for special classes, or mid-week meetings where sufficient time can be given, or for Bible readings.

Part One. Introductory, The Theme And Personnel Of Prophecy Lesson Page

1. Life. The Great Theme of the Bible 1

2. Satan. The Destroyer 9

3. The Holy Spirit. Author of Prophecy 16

4. Jesus. Prophet, Priest, and King 22

5. The Prophets, Through Whom God Spoke 28

6. Israel. The Chosen People 35

7. The Church of Christ. His Bride 45

8. The Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of Heaven ... 52

9. The King. King of Israel; King of Kings 60

Part Two. Some Fulfilled Prophecies

10. Tyre and Sidon 68

11. Egypt 75

12. Broken Vows 82

13. Israel's Idolatry 89

14. Israel in Exile 96

15. Israel's Enemy 103

16. The Death Blow 110

17. The First Advent 117

18. The Final Dispersion 125

ix

X CONTEXTS

Part Three. World Empires Lesson Page

19. A Great Dream 141

20. Four Great Beasts 147

21. The Ram and the He-Goat 154

22. The First Beast Slain 161

23. The Seventy Sevens 168

24. Daniel's Great Vision 174

25. Antiochus Epiphanes 181

26. The Time of the End 188

Part Four. The Judgment Da Y

27. The Day of Jehovah 201

28. Jesus the Judge 207

29. Letters from Jesus 214

30. The Laodicean Church 221

31. A Vision in Heaven 228

32. The Seven-Sealed Roll 235

33. The Conqueror Crowne^ . 243

34. The End of the Age 250

35. Separations and Sealings 259

36. The Seventh Seal Opened 270

37. The First and Second Woes 278

38. The Challenge 286

39. Joy in Heaven 296

40. The Closed Door 306

41. A Great Sign 315

42. The Two Beasts 325

43. The Lamb on Mount Zion 334

CONTEXTS xi *

lesson page

44. The Seven Last Plagues 343

45. The Great Harlot 353

46. Babylon the Great 363

47. King of Kings and Lord of Lords 373

Part Five. The Millennial Age

48. The Repentant Wife 388

49. Millennial Thrones 398

50. Millennial Palestine 407

PART SIX. AGES OF AGES 5L The Final Consummation 423

52. The New Jerusalem 434