Christian Apologetics, More Conversations: How do we know the Bible is the Word of God? Part 6 Prophecy

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In addition to an abundance of evidence in the manuscript and archeology categories, there is a multitude of evidence of fulfilled prophecy. The evidence in this category is so overwhelming that even ardent atheists have been swayed. Nothing is more profound than Biblical prophecy and its fulfillment! There are many people over the centuries that have claimed prophetic abilities but they all fall short when it comes to accuracy in their predictions and specific details of the fulfillments. This is not the case with the Bible.

The difference we find in the prophecies of the Bible is that they are always 100% accurate, none have ever failed!

Watch the presentation on this topic:

Overview Notes from The Presentation

Christian Apologetics: More Conversations

How do we know the Bible is the Word of God? Part 6

MAPS-S

The acronym MAPS-S give us a snapshot of the evidence for the inspiration, inerrancy and reliability of the Bible.

M = Manuscript evidence

A = Archeological evidence

P = Evidence from Prophecy fulfillment

S = Evidence based on Scientific authenticity

S = Evidence from Saved Lives over the centuries

MAPS-S The Evidence From Prophecy

It begins as far back as the “Fall” of man where God immediately promises a plan of salvation (Genesis 3). God’s plan becomes clearer as it unfolds in the Covenants throughout the Old Testament:

  • Genesis 3:15 – The Original Promise and curse called the Adamic Covenant
  • Genesis 6:18 – Passed to/through Noah called the Noachian Covenant
  • Genesis 12:3 – Expanded to Abraham called the Abrahamic Covenant
  • Exodus through Deuteronomy – Unfolded by Moses through the Law called the Mosaic Covenant
  • 1 Chronicles 17:11-14 – Specified in David’s royal lineage called the Davidic Covenant

These Covenants are then supported by hundreds of prophecies that point to the promise of a coming Savior, Messiah, and Jesus fulfills them all! For example, the book of Isaiah was written hundreds of years before the time of Jesus yet many parts of Isaiah, especially chapter 53, read like a biography of Jesus!

A prophecy of the Messiah and the Covenant Promise made sure:

I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. I am the LORD, that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols. See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.  –Isaiah 42:6-9

Who wrote these prophecies concerning the coming of a Messiah, and when were they written?

  • The Old Testament contains over 300 places where prophecy is given concerning a promised Messiah
  • In addition to Moses, Joshua, and other Old Testament authors, there are 16 prophets who wrote about the coming Messiah
  • These prophets wrote to the Northern and Southern Kingdoms of Israel from the time period prior to, during, and after their captivity and exile (Northern Kingdom to Assyria and Southern Kingdom of Judah to Babylon), 855-430 BC/BCE
  • God spoke through these prophets in very different circumstances—some prophesied to kings, some to foreign nations, and others to the people in general
  • God communicated to these prophets either directly, in dreams and visions, or through angels
  • Many of the prophecies are two-fold and relate to things the Nation of Israel would face both eminently and futuristically
  • These Old Testament prophets not only made predictions but they were investigative reporters and preachers that also exposed moral corruption, condemned it, and demanded repentance

Prophets spoke for God in two main ways:

  1. Proclamations: These forth-tellings pointed the people back to God and His principles by…
  • condemning society’s immorality and wickedness
  • exposing religious hypocrites
  • calling out people to repent from their wickedness
  • warning of God’s wrath and judgment
  • speaking of God’s desire to forgive and restore a relationship
  • explaining God’s plan to redeem His people
  1. Predictions: These fore-tellings came directly from God, were never small in nature, and were not generalized (like predicting a sporting event or the stock market). The predictions were specific usually concerning the Nation of Israel, in some cases concerning an individual, and in many cases pointing to the promised Messiah. These predictions…
  • related to spiritual matters
  • often focused on what would happen if the people did not repent
  • in some instances, were encouraging or motivating
  • include hundreds about the coming Messiah that are fulfilled in Jesus
  • include future events (apocalyptic) yet to be fulfilled, and studying these types of predictions, or end times, is referred to as eschatology

Prophecy is the most compelling evidence for the reliability, inerrancy, and inspiration of the Bible. No other book or person has the amazing prophetic accuracy that the Bible has! Of the 26 other “so called” religious books not one has prophetic predictive accuracy.

  • The mark of true prophecy is 100% accuracy.
  • 27% of the Bible contains predictive prophecy.
  • The Bible’s prophecy has been 100% accurate.

Skeptics often say things like: “Couldn’t a group of Christians have just thought up these prophecies and then placed them in the Bible after the fact or, couldn’t Jesus have attempted on his own to fulfill these prophecies?”

Answer: NO WAY!

  1. Dead Sea Scrolls confirm the Old Testament prophecies are not made up:
  • The Dead Sea Scrolls contain the entire Old Testament (except the book of Esther) and a complete copy of Isaiah, dated between 200 and 100 BC, as well as all the other prophets and prophecy passages
  • The Dead Sea Scrolls match our Old Testament today with over 95% accuracy (any errors are simply grammatical, spelling or word order; nothing in meaning or doctrine is affected)
  1. Jesus could not have planned prophecies concerning specific circumstances of his life, for example:
  • Specific details of His birth
  • The time in which He lived
  • Specific details of His death

If we look at the mathematical probability of just 8 prophecies being fulfilled in the person of Jesus we would find this to be equivalent to 1 chance in 10 to the 17th power:

That is 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000!

For fulfillment of 48 prophecies it would be 1 in 10 to the 157th power:

  • That’s 1 in 10 with 157 zeros after it!  
  • Imagine the number that describes the fulfillment of all the rest!

JESUS FULFILLED THEM ALL!!!

Examples of Fulfilled Prophecy

God has given us so much evidence of His existence in both nature and in His Word, so that if we are willing to search for Him we can find Him. In fact He has made it plain for us to see His works and hear His message (see Romans 1) so we are without excuse. Fulfilled prophecy is undeniable evidence for the existence of God and the inspiration of His Word.

Remember the former things long past, for I am God, and there is no other; “I am” God, and there is no one like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established and I will accomplish all My good pleasure;  -Isaiah 46: 9-10

A few examples of general prophecies fulfilled within Old Testament times:

Event Prophecy given Fulfillment
Sojourners: Abraham’s heirs will be afflicted for 400 years; will return to land in the fourth generation Genesis 25:7-8; 50:24-25 Happened: Exodus 7:14-12:29; 12:35-40; Hebrews 11:22
The fall of Israel and punishment of Assyria Hosea 1:4-6; Isaiah 9:8-10:4; 10:10-19; 37:7; 2 Kings 19:7; Amos 3:11-12; Micah 3-7 Happened in 734-722 BC 2 Kings 15:29; 17:3-6; 19:35-37; Isaiah 37:36-38
Destruction of Ninevah: Prophesied 100 years before it happened when they were described as a great nation that took the Northern tribe of Israel into captivity

Jonah 3:3; 4:11

 Nahum 1-3; Ezekiel 32:22-23; Zephaniah 2:13-15; Zechariah 10:11; Isaiah 10:12-19; 14:24-25; 30:1-33 It happened in 612 BC: smashed and transformed into a pile of sand never to be rebuilt
Judah to be exiled to Babylon; The rebuilding of Jerusalem and regathering of Israel as a nation (prophesied before Babylon even came into power) Deuteronomy 28:64-68; Jeremiah 25:11-12; 29:10; 30:11; 31:38-40; Ezekiel 37:21-28; Isaiah 11:11-13; 44:24-28; Micah 4:9-10 Exile happened in 605 BC Then the first return was in 538 BC. Books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Secular sources: Josephus and Babylonian Chronicles 2nd return happened 5/14/1948
The name Cyrus specifically prophesied as the one who would allow the exiles of Judah to return and rebuild (150 years before he was born) Isaiah 44:24-28; 45:1, 13 Happened 150 years later: Ezra 1:2-2-4
Josiah named 300 years before his reign as the one who would sacrifice bones of pagan priests on the Jeroboam’s pagan alter 1 Kings 13:1-3 Happened 300 years later: 2 Kings 23:15-17
Joshua prophesied that the person who rebuilds Jericho would be cursed: 1st son to die at the foundation; youngest at the setting up of the gates Joshua 6:26 Happened 700 years later: 1 Kings 16:34
The demise of Edom Obadiah 2; 8; Jeremiah 49:15-20; Ezekiel 25:12-14 Disappeared after 70 AD and today is a bleak and desolate part of Jordan
Destruction of Tyre Ezekiel predicted (before this island fortress had ever been built) that the walls would be demolished and become a place for fishermen to dry their nets Ezekiel 26:3-4 332 BC Alexander the Great annihilated Tyre and is bare ground today
The Daniel Prophecies: Fall of Babylon; Interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams; the four empires; 490 years—Messiah’s triumphal entry 6th century BC book of Daniel; Nehemiah 2:1-8 Fall of Babylon is confirmed in historical accounts;

triumphal entry Matthew 21; Jesus confirms Daniel in Matthew 24:15

Examples of Messianic prophecies fulfilled in Jesus:

Event Prophecy given Fulfillment
The Promise of salvation (Jesus-Satan-Death-Redemption);

The Abrahamic Covenant (A people, land and blessing)

 

A New Covenant

 Genesis 3:15; 12:1-3; 13:14-17; 15; 17:7; 21:2;

Deuteronomy 31:7-8; 32:45-52; Josh. 1:1-5, 10-11

Jeremiah 31:27-31

 Matthew 1:1, 17; Luke 3:34;

Acts 3:25-26; Galatians 3:16; 4:4; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8

Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25; Hebrews 8:7-13, 9:15
Seed of a women and virgin birth Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:1; 18; 24-25; Luke 1:26-35
Seed of Abraham Genesis 22:18 Matthew 1:1; Galatians 3:16
Seed of Isaac Genesis 21:12 Luke 3:23, 34
From the family of Jacob/Israel Genesis 28:4; 13-15; Numbers 24:17 Luke 3:23, 34
From the tribe of Judah Genesis 49:10 Luke 3:23, 33
From the line of Jesse Isaiah 11:1 Luke 3:23, 32
Son of David (a royal line) 2 Samuel 7:8-17; 1 Chronicles 17:1-15 Luke 3:31
Born in Bethlehem Micah 5:2 Matthew 1:18, 24-25; Luke 1:26-35
Preceded and announced by one like Elijah who would live in the wilderness Malachi 3:1; 4:5 Matthew 3:3; 11:10; John 1:23; Luke 1:17
Would be presented with gifts Psalm 72:10 Matthew 2:1
Children would be killed Jeremiah 31:15 Matthew 2:16
Ministry begins in Galilee Isaiah 9:1 Matthew 4:12-17
Ministry peaks in Jerusalem; Messiah rides in on a donkey and appears boldly in the Temple Daniel 9; Zechariah 9:9; Haggai 2:7; Malachi 3:1 Matthew 21:12; Luke 19:35-37
Will heal the blind, deaf, lame and raise the dead Isaiah 35:5-6 All though-out the Gospel records—especially answered in Luke 7:22-23
Will teach the people using parables Psalm 78:2 All though-out the Gospel records—John 5:5-9; 9:6-11; 11:43-47 etc.
He would have zeal for God’s house, the Temple Psalm 69:9 John 2:15-16
A Light to the Gentiles Isaiah 60:3 Acts 13:47-48
Rejected by His own people; will be a stumbling block Psalm 118:22 Romans 9:32-33; 1 Peter 2:7
He is the Son of God Psalm 2:7; 1 Chronicles 17:11-14; 2 Samuel 7:12-16 Matthew 3:17; 16:16; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35; 22:70; Acts 13:30-33; John 1:24, 49
He pre-existed His birth Micah 5:2; Psalm 102:25; Proverbs 8:22-23; Isaiah 9:6-7; 41:4; 44:6; 48:12 John 1:1; 17:5, 24; Colossians 1:17; Revelation 1:1-2; 1:17; 2:8; 8:58; 22:13
He would be called Lord Psalm 110:1; Jeremiah 23:6 Matthew 22:43-45; Luke 2:11
He would be called Immanuel Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:23
He would be a Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18 Matthew 21:11
He would be a Priest Psalm 110:4 Hebrews 3:1
He would be a Judge Isaiah 33:22 John 5:30
He would be a King Psalm 2:6 Matthew 27:37
He would receive a special anointing by the Holy Spirit Isaiah 11:12 Matthew 3:16
Betrayed by friend for 30 pieces of silver that is thrown on the Temple floor and used to buy a Potter’s field Psalm 43:9; 55:12-14; Zechariah 11:12-14 Matthew 10:4; 27:3-10
Followers struck and scattered; forsaken by His disciples Isaiah 53; Zechariah 13:7 Mark 14:50
Oppressed and falsely accused by malicious witnesses, but would not defend Himself Isaiah 53:7; Psalm 35:11; 38:13 Matthew 26:59-60
Hated by mankind, mocked, beaten, whipped and crushed for transgressions of mankind—He would bear and make intersession though He had done no wrong Psalm 22:7-8; Isaiah 53:2-12 Matthew 26:67; 27: 26-29; John 19:11
Disrobed and had clothes gambled away Isaiah 53:12 Matthew 27:38; Mark 15:27
Executed with criminals Isaiah 52:12 Matthew 27:38; Mark 15:27
Hands and feet pierced for our transgression Isaiah 53:5; Psalm 22:16 Luke 23:33; John 20:25
Strength drained, extremely thirsty, heart broken with grief Psalm 22:14-15 John 19:28
He would be offered gall and vinegar Psalm 69:21 Matthew 27:24
Would plead for mercy for His accusers Isaiah 53:12 Luke 23:24
Friends would stand from far away Psalm 38:11 Luke 23:49
People would stare and shake their heads Psalm 109:25; Psalm 22:17 Matthew 27:39; Luke 23:35
Will ask God why He is forsaken Psalm 22:1 Matthew 27:46
Will commend Himself to God (give up His spirit) Psalm 31:5 Luke 23:46
His bones would not be broken Psalm 34:20 John 19:33
His side would be pierced Zechariah 12:10 John 19:34
Darkness will fall over the land Amos 8:9 Matthew 27:45
Would be with a rich man in His death Isaiah 53:9 Matthew 27:57-60
Would be resurrected from the dead Psalm 16:10; 30:3; 41:10; 118:17; Hosea 6:2 Matthew 28:6; Acts 2:31
He would ascend Psalm 68:18 Acts 1:9
He would sit at the right hand of God Psalm 110:1 Mark 16:19; Acts 2:34-25; Hebrews 1:3

Scripture supports the connection from Prophecy:

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.  -”Matthew 5:17-18

And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star (Jesus, Messiah) rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.  –2 Peter 1:19-21

Going Deeper

“Jesus on Trial,” (prophecy lists) by David Limbaugh

“Prophecies Jesus fulfilled,” by Josh McDowell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33buor5NfcU&t=68s

“Jesus Historically fulfilled over 300 Prophecies…Accidentally?” by Intelligent Faith 315

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mG37ysdWLWc

Reflection

If you only had one minute for each question, to the best of your ability, give a quick answer in your own words, (note – these are building from the presentation notes each week):

  1. What are the four important areas for Christian growth?
  2. What are the twelve points that will help you tell the Bible’s Big Picture?
  3. What are the two most important questions you can ask when someone makes a claim about Christianity, or a belief that they hold to be true that is in conflict with the Christian Worldview?
  4. What is the Moral Law argument for the existence of God? Give an example.
  5. How is evil defined from a Christian Worldview? Give an example.
  6. What are the three factors in identifying sources of evil?
  7. What three characteristics does Satan possess that he wants to bring out in us?
  8. What does it mean for a Christian to have a proper perspective of eternity?
  9. What is a miracle, and how is it different from natural occurrences?
  10. What does the acronym MAPS-S stand for, and how does it help us confirm the Bible’s reliability?
  11. There are seven lines of evidence for the “M” in MAP-S. What are they?
  12. What does the “A” stand for? Give a few examples from the Old Testament.
  13. What is the significance of New Testament archeology? Give a few examples from the New Testament
  14. What does the “P” stand for, and why is it important?
  15. Give a few examples from “general prophecy” and a few examples from “Messianic Prophecy.”

Bible Study

Note: Basic answers will be posted mid-week for your review, and to make a leader’s guide for future studies!

Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.

Note: Questions are taken directly from the chapters, and answers should be found and cited from the Scripture text in order to be Biblically accurate (unless asked to summarize in your own words). Study Bibles, commentaries and your own thoughts can be used for Discussion or Going Deeper questions. If you use these kinds of sources share them with your group.

1.  Review of Class Topic:

With your table group, discuss today’s presentation by summarizing what you learned, commenting or asking any questions.

Read 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13 with your group then, to the best of your ability, answer the following questions:

2.  In the first verse of this chapter, Paul alludes to his time in Athens after leaving the Thessalonians and Bereans. During this time in Athens, Paul gives what is considered one of greatest “apologetic” presentations of the Gospel: Read Acts 17:16-34. How did Paul start his conversation with the Athenians in the Areopagus (Acts 17:22-23), and what are some of the points he made in this speech that might help us share our faith and our “worldview” with others today?

3.  Going back to 1 Thessalonians, there are several reasons Paul gives for sending Timothy back to them (3:2-10). What are some of those reasons?

4.  Paul concludes this chapter with a prayer for the Thessalonians (3:11-13). What are some elements of that prayer that we can use in our own prayers for loved ones, and for our brothers and sisters in Christ?

5.  Memory verses: Recite Acts 17:11 (having Biblical discernment and truth); 1 Peter 3:15 (the call to give an answer for our faith – Christian Apologetics); and add Acts 17:30-31 (through the work of Jesus, a call to repentance and eternal life vs. judgment).

Join us next week as we continue our study in Christian Apologetics with more conversations on the topic of the Bible!

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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in!  Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.

Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.

Please let me know what you think: Give feedback, ask questions or send concerns in the comment section of the blog.

Teri Dugan

TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com

1 Peter 3:15

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