What are the best ways to protect ourselves from the many wild and speculative attempts to interpret prophecies?

It is crucial to approach the interpretation of prophecy with both spiritual discernment and a firm grounding in Scripture. Throughout history, many have made wild, speculative, and even dangerous interpretations of biblical prophecy—sometimes even from within the church itself. These misinterpretations can mislead, cause fear or confusion, and distract from the true message and mission of Christ.

Why We Must Be Cautious

As Seventh-day Adventists, we understand that prophecy is a divine tool intended to guide, warn, and uplift God’s people. However, when human speculation replaces Spirit-led interpretation, the result can be confusion and division. Jesus Himself warned of false prophets and teachers who would arise in the last days (Matthew 24:24). Ellen G. White also cautioned the church against fanatical ideas and urged believers to remain grounded in the Bible.

The apostle Paul’s counsel in 1 Thessalonians 5:21—"Test all things; hold fast what is good" (NKJV)—reminds us of our responsibility to examine every teaching and prophetic claim carefully. This verse implies a call to spiritual vigilance and scriptural fidelity. Not every idea or interpretation, even if it comes from a respected figure, is necessarily from God. The Bereans were commended for testing Paul’s message against the Scriptures (Acts 17:11); we, too, are called to do the same.

Ways to Protect Ourselves

Here are some key principles to help us guard against speculative and misleading interpretations of prophecy:

Study the Bible Prayerfully and Regularly

Consistent Bible study under the guidance of the Holy Spirit is essential. The Scriptures interpret themselves, and God has given us clear principles for prophetic interpretation—particularly found in the books of Daniel and Revelation. Understanding the historical, literary, and prophetic context is vital.

Use the Historicist Method

As Adventists, we follow the historicist method of prophetic interpretation, which sees prophecy as unfolding throughout history, not merely in the past or future. This method keeps us from being swept up in sensational or futuristic theories that lack biblical foundation.

Be Wary of Sensationalism

Sensational interpretations often appeal to emotion and fear rather than spiritual truth and clarity. We must test the fruits of any message (Matthew 7:16-20) and ask: Does it uplift Christ? Does it align with Scripture? Does it produce love, unity, and spiritual growth?

Seek the Counsel of the Church

God has established the church as a body for mutual edification and accountability. Engaging with trusted spiritual leaders and scholars can help discern truth from error. No interpretation should be made in isolation from the broader faith community.

What about now?

In the last days, when deception will be rampant, it is more important than ever to cling to God’s Word and “test all things.” By doing so, we can “hold fast what is good,” reject what is false, and remain grounded in the truth that leads to salvation. As Adventists awaiting the soon return of Christ, our understanding of prophecy must be clear, biblical, and Christ-centered—always leading people to Jesus and preparing them for His coming.

We also need to stay away from internet personalities and those we think are great well-known preachers, believing all they say. Many things are said just to get more publicity and money donations.

More: Sabbath School Lesson 1 Some Principles of Prophecy

Sabbath School Lesson 2: The Genesis Foundation

 

Allusions, Images, Symbols:

How to Study Prophecy

Sabbath School Lesson 2

The Genesis Foundation

You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.

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Prophecy in the Bible: Literal or Figurative?

 

Prophecy in the Bible: Literal or Figurative? A Seventh-day Adventist Perspective

Seventh-day Adventists believe that prophecy is a key way in which God communicates His plans, warns His people, and gives hope for the future. We understand prophecy to have both literal and symbolic elements, requiring careful study with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Some prophecies were fulfilled in history, while others point to the second coming of Christ and the final restoration of God’s kingdom.

 Daniel – Prophecy as History and End-Time Revelation

Daniel’s prophecies include both literal historical fulfillment and symbolic messages about the last days.

• Daniel 2:31-45 – Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a statue represents world empires, with Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome succeeding one another. The stone that destroys the statue represents Christ’s kingdom, which will replace earthly powers. This prophecy was fulfilled literally in history but also points to Christ’s second coming.

• Daniel 7:25 – The "little horn" power that seeks to "change times and laws" is understood by Adventists as a prophecy about the Papacy’s role in altering biblical truths, including the Sabbath. This prophecy is symbolic, yet its effects are seen in history.

 Jeremiah – Literal and Spiritual Restoration

Jeremiah’s prophecies often carried both an immediate and a spiritual application.

• Jeremiah 29:10 – God promised that after 70 years, Israel would return from Babylon. This was literally fulfilled when the Jews returned under Cyrus.

• Jeremiah 31:31-33 – The prophecy of a "new covenant" was spiritually fulfilled in Christ. He did not abolish God's law but wrote it on believers' hearts. Adventists believe this covenant does not remove the need for obedience but deepens our relationship with God through Christ.

 Ephesians – The Mystery of Prophecy Fulfilled in Christ

Paul in Ephesians explains how prophecy is fulfilled in Christ and the church.

• Ephesians 1:9-10 – God’s plan of salvation, revealed through  prophecy, is fulfilled in Christ. Adventists see prophecy as part of the "Great Controversy" between Christ and Satan, with history unfolding according to God's plan.

 Revelation – Symbolic and Literal End-Time Events

Revelation is central to Adventist eschatology, especially regarding the Three Angels’ Messages (Revelation 14:6-12) and the Second Coming.

• Revelation 13:1-8 – The beast from the sea symbolizes a religious-political power that opposes God. Adventists identify this as the Papal system, showing how prophecy uses symbols to represent real historical powers.

• Revelation 21:4 – The promise of a new heaven and new earth is literal, where death, pain, and suffering will be no more.

Seventh-day Adventists believe prophecy is both literal and symbolic. It requires careful interpretation through history, scripture, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Daniel and Jeremiah show how prophecy is fulfilled in history, while Ephesians and Revelation reveal Christ’s role in completing God’s ultimate plan.

Most importantly, prophecy points us to Jesus Christ, who is returning soon. We must be watchful, obedient, and faithful, standing firm on God’s Word as we await His coming kingdom. Amen.

More: Sabbath School Lesson 1 Some Principles of Prophecy

The Certainty of God's Word and Prophecy

 

Scripture Readings:

• Matthew 5:18 – “For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”

• 2 Timothy 3:15–17 – “And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

• Luke 24:27 – “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.”

Bible prophecy is not just a set of mysterious predictions about the future—it is God's sure and unfailing word, revealing His sovereign plan. Many approach prophecy with speculation or fear, but Scripture teaches us to approach it with faith, reverence, and an expectation that God will fulfill every word He has spoken.

Prophecy is Certain (Matthew 5:18)

Jesus affirms in Matthew 5:18 that not one part of God’s word will fail—every prophecy will be fulfilled exactly as intended. When we study prophecy, we must do so with confidence that God's promises are sure. The world may change, but God's word does not.

Prophecy Equips and Instructs Us (2 Timothy 3:15–17)

Paul reminds us that Scripture—including prophecy—is God-breathed and profitable for our growth and guidance. Bible prophecy is not given to satisfy curiosity but to equip us for faithfulness. It reminds us of God's holiness, justice, and redemptive plan. Rather than treating prophecy as a puzzle to be solved, we should see it as an encouragement to live righteously.

Prophecy Points to Christ (Luke 24:27)

When Jesus walked with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, He explained how all Scripture points to Him. This means prophecy is not merely about end-times events or Israel’s history—it is ultimately about Jesus Christ. Every prophecy, whether about judgment or redemption, directs us toward God's ultimate purpose in Christ.

A Right Approach to Prophecy

• Trust the certainty of God's Word—not a single prophecy will fail.

• Let prophecy equip you for righteous living—rather than becoming consumed by speculation.

• See Jesus at the center of prophecy—because all Scripture testifies about Him.

When we approach prophecy this way, we will find not fear or confusion, but faith, hope, and deeper love for God's word. Amen.

More: Sabbath School Lesson 1 Some Principles of Prophecy

The Sealed and the Unsealed Word

 Scripture: Daniel 12:4 & Revelation 22:10

In Daniel 12:4, the Lord tells Daniel:

"But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase."

This stands in contrast to Revelation 22:10, where the angel tells John:

"Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand."

What do these passages mean? Why was Daniel told to seal the book, while John was told to leave his unsealed? Let us reflect on the purpose of God’s revelation and His perfect timing.

 The Sealed Vision (Daniel 12:4)

Daniel was given extraordinary visions about the future—visions of kingdoms rising and falling, of the coming of the Messiah, of great tribulations, and of the final resurrection. However, God instructed Daniel to seal up these words until “the time of the end.”

This command suggests that the full meaning of Daniel’s prophecy would not be understood immediately. It was not meant for his time, but for a future generation that would witness its fulfillment. The increase of knowledge and people running “to and fro” indicate an era where understanding would grow, and God's plan would become clearer.

God’s revelations unfold according to His perfect timing. Sometimes, we may not fully understand what He is doing, but He calls us to trust in His wisdom and wait on His timing.

 The Unsealed Revelation (Revelation 22:10)

In contrast, John is told not to seal the words of the prophecy in Revelation because "the time is at hand." The events John witnessed—the coming of Christ, the judgment of the world, and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom—were soon to be set in motion.

With the coming of Jesus Christ, the mystery that was hidden in Daniel’s time had been revealed. The message of salvation and judgment was now urgent. The time to understand, repent, and prepare was no longer in the distant future but at hand.

Today, we live in the age of unsealed prophecy. The truth of Christ’s return is clear, and the call to repentance is immediate. We are not waiting for another revelation—God has already spoken, and His Word is open for all to hear and respond.

Living in the Age of Revelation

The contrast between Daniel and Revelation teaches us that God’s plan is progressive. What was once hidden has now been revealed through Jesus Christ. The question we must ask ourselves is:

• Are we living as if the time is still far off, delaying our obedience to God?

• Or are we heeding the urgency of the Gospel, knowing that the time is at hand?

Jesus calls us to watch, pray, and be ready, for He is coming soon. Let us live with faith, wisdom, and urgency, sharing His unsealed truth with the world.

Amen.

More: Sabbath School Lesson 1 Some Principles of Prophecy

God’s Understanding: Beyond Our Comprehension

 

Scripture Readings:

• Psalm 139:1–6 – “O Lord, you have searched me and known me! … Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.”

• Psalm 147:5 – “Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.”

• Romans 11:33 – “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!”

• 1 John 3:20 – “For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.”

Introduction

We live in an age where knowledge is at our fingertips. With a quick search, we can learn about the mysteries of the universe, the depths of the ocean, and the inner workings of the human body. And yet, despite all our learning, Scripture reminds us that God's understanding far surpasses our own.

God’s Knowledge Is Personal (Psalm 139:1–6)

Psalm 139 speaks of a God who knows us intimately—our thoughts, our words before we speak them, our paths before we take them. Unlike human understanding, which is often superficial, God’s knowledge reaches to the very core of our being. David acknowledges that such knowledge is “too wonderful” for him to grasp. How often do we try to make sense of our own lives, yet fail to see the full picture? God, in His infinite understanding, sees not just our present, but our past and future, and He knows what is best for us.

God’s Understanding Is Infinite (Psalm 147:5)

The psalmist declares that God’s understanding is beyond measure. No human mind can calculate the depths of His wisdom. While we struggle with uncertainty and unanswered questions, God’s knowledge is complete. He is never surprised, never caught off guard, and never lacking in wisdom. In our confusion, we can trust the One whose wisdom is limitless.

God’s Ways Are Beyond Our Grasp (Romans 11:33)

Paul, in his letter to the Romans, marvels at the mystery of God’s wisdom. He acknowledges that God’s judgments and ways are beyond human comprehension. This reminds us that there will always be aspects of God's plans that we do not understand. Yet, rather than frustration, Paul responds with worship. When we encounter trials or mysteries beyond our understanding, our response should not be doubt, but faith. If we could fully understand God, He would not be God!

God’s Knowledge Brings Comfort (1 John 3:20)

Finally, John tells us that God’s knowledge extends even to our hearts. Sometimes, our own hearts condemn us—we feel unworthy, broken, or beyond redemption. But God knows everything, including the depths of His own mercy. While we see our failures, He sees His grace at work in us. His perfect knowledge means that even when we don’t understand ourselves, He does. And He loves us still.

Conclusion

God’s understanding is not just vast—it is personal. He knows us fully, guides us wisely, and loves us completely. When life doesn’t make sense, we can trust in His infinite wisdom. And when our hearts condemn us, we can rest in His perfect knowledge and grace.

Let us, like Paul, respond to the mystery of God’s understanding not with frustration, but with worship.

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! To Him be glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:33, 36)

More: Sabbath School Lesson 1 Some Principles of Prophecy

God’s Desire to Be Understood

 

Scripture Readings:

• Matthew 24:15 – “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand.”

• Revelation 1:3 – “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”

• Matthew 11:29 – “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

• Jeremiah 9:23-24 – “This is what the Lord says: ‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the Lord.”

One of the greatest truths of Scripture is that God desires to be known and understood by His people. He is not a distant or hidden deity, but a God who reveals Himself through His Word, His works, and ultimately through Jesus Christ. The passages we have read today emphasize God’s intention for us to understand Him—not just intellectually, but in a way that transforms our lives.

God Calls Us to Seek Understanding (Matthew 24:15, Revelation 1:3)

In Matthew 24:15, Jesus speaks of a prophecy from Daniel and urges His followers: “Let the reader understand.” Similarly, in Revelation 1:3, there is a blessing for those who read, hear, and take to heart God’s message. These verses remind us that God does not want His truth to remain a mystery; He provides His Word so that we may comprehend His plans and be prepared.

Jesus Invites Us to Learn from Him (Matthew 11:29)

Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:29 are both an invitation and a reassurance: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.” He does not burden us with knowledge that is beyond our grasp; instead, He teaches with gentleness, guiding us toward spiritual rest and wisdom. His heart’s desire is that we walk closely with Him, learning from His example and drawing from His strength.

True Understanding Comes from Knowing God (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

In Jeremiah 9:23-24, the Lord declares that the greatest knowledge is not human wisdom, strength, or riches, but the understanding of who He is—His kindness, justice, and righteousness. God’s revelation is not reserved for the elite; it is given to those who seek Him with humility. The most important knowledge we can attain is the knowledge of God Himself.

We can Know Jesus

God has made Himself known through prophecy, through His Son, and through His Word. He desires that we understand Him, not just to gain knowledge, but to grow in relationship with Him. If we seek Him earnestly, He will open our hearts and minds, leading us into the fullness of His truth.

Let us, therefore, commit ourselves to studying His Word, listening to His Spirit, and walking in His ways, that we may truly know the Lord and delight in His presence.

More: Sabbath School Lesson 1 Some Principles of Prophecy