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