We are also grateful for the endorsement of Gary Kah, one of the most respected prophecy teachers of our time.  Gary wrote…

“I have personally known Ron Graff as a friend for many years. He is a man of integrity with a genuine pastor’s heart and passion to see people come to know Jesus as Lord. He also happens to have a grasp of current world events and Bible prophecy like few others. His compelling book will heighten your sense of urgency about sharing the love and truth of Christ with a fallen humanity as the present age draws to a close.”

- Gary H. Kah, author of En Route to Global Occupation and The New World Religion, expert on globalization, international speaker and frequent talk show guest (www.garykah.org).

Get more information about the free Study Guide and Connecting the Dots.

 It’s a dangerous assignment, and he gets beat up by angry listeners from time to time.  But he loves Muslims and just keeps coming back to help them find the truth.  Our prayer group prays for him every Saturday when it meets, and has done so for years.

 What a privilege it was to listen to his teaching and ask questions of such an authority.  We had a good turn-out at the Upland Brethren in Christ Church, but there was room for more.  I know thousands of people were aware of the meeting, but most of them did not realize how special it would be to hear his teaching.  I couldn’t help wondering, as I marveled at his knowledge, what “better” things other people had chosen to do. 

Fortunately, if you missed it, you can still get DVDs of the event and take advantage of some 19 free on-line papers that are available at the church website.

 We were pleasantly surprised to see that our book, Connecting the Dots: A Handbook of Bible Prophecy had crept up to the # 10 spot on their list of “October Bestsellers.” It felt good to see it displayed in the company of books by great writers like Hal Lindsey, Clarence Larkin, and Tim LaHaye.

 They also listed our book on Page One of their General Prophecy section, and if one follows the link there, they devoted a three-page long description of the book. 

 To God be the glory!

 In the online “Who’s Who in Biblical Prophecy,” Camping is called a “bad apple,” because of previous failed predictions that Christ would return on September 6, 1994, and then again last May.

 Responsible prophecy teachers agree that we can not set a date for the Lord’s return.  He taught us that himself! 

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” – Matthew 24:36 (read verses 32-44).

 At this time Family Radio’s home page is totally devoted to Camping’s online book, We Are Almost There!

 Right after his failed prediction in May, Camping suffered a stroke, and he is now bed-ridden. Hopefully, after the 21^st of this month, we will not hear from him again.

For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

We are now living in a period of time where every day’s news brings fresh fulfillments of the striking prophecies of the Bible.  But the strange truth is, people do not seem to give the matter much thought.  Hal Lindsey’s book, “The Late Great Planet Earth,” was the best-selling non-fiction prophecy book, and the “Left Behind” series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins was the best-selling fiction series in American history.  Still, the average Christian is not living in anticipation that Jesus’ return is near.

 Trying to understand how there could be a lack of interest in prophecy at a time like this, I have begun to think about it as “The Prophecy Pendulum.”  As we all know, the pendulum of a clock is always swinging.  It is sometimes in the middle, but just as often, it is at the far left of its swing or on the far right. 

On one side of this swinging pendulum there are major events that capture everyone’s attention, such as the rebirth of the nation of Israel in 1948, or the dangerous Middle East wars that threaten to escalate into a world-wide conflict.  On the other side, there are promises of peace, or periods of relative prosperity.  Whenever it is possible, Satan will convince people not to think about the End Times.  He knows that when people are focused on the “blessed hope,” they will not be inclined to follow him. The Apostle Peter said that knowledge about God’s future plans would cause us to live a more godly life (2 Peter 3:11-12).

Satan uses fear to convince people to ignore information about an uncertain future.  There is always something wonderful coming up: a wedding, the birth of a child, or maybe a trip to Hawaii. If the Lord does come back, they hope that it won’t be before their next “big event.”  They discover that the best way to avoid hearing bad news would be to go to a church where the pastor never teaches prophecy.  There are whole denominations that won’t touch the subject.  Seeker-sensitive churches seldom teach anything “controversial,” including Bible prophecy.  And many well-intentioned pastors just don’t feel qualified to tackle the topic.

Chan and his co-author Professor Preston Sprinkle have made a huge contribution to this subject, not only because of their commitment to the inerrancy of the Bible, but because Chan’s earlier books were so well received. Crazy Love was a New York Times best-seller with more than one and a half million copies sold so far.

This is a book you should read for yourself, and keep around as a reference manual on the subject. But here are some of my impressions. Like most of us Chan would rather not believe in hell, but he shows by the preponderance of clear Scripture references that we do not have that luxury. He demonstrates how prevalent the concept is in such Old Testament books as Job and (Jeremiah’s) Lamentations, and throughout the New Testament, starting with Jesus’ own extensive teachings about the subject.

Chan dares to voice what we all feel at times. He says that if he were God, he would not allow some of the suffering God allowed, or prescribe a punishment like hell. But, neither would he (or we) have permitted our Son to pay the awful penalty for our sin.

This gap between God’s ways and ours is given in Isaiah 55:8-9
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Furthermore, as Romans 9:19-21 teaches, God is the potter, and we are just the clay. Ultimately Job, Jeremiah, Paul and others realized that God’s ways are just. Knowledge about the reality of hell should cause us to be more genuine, more concerned for those who are in need, and more willing to let God be God.

We were shocked by news of the sudden and unexpected death of Ron Carlson, an outstanding apologist who was an expert in the area of creation, cults and Islamic issues. He apparently died peacefully while vacationing with his family.

Ron was a featured speaker at our “Understanding the End Times” Prophecy Conference at the Ontario Convention Center last January.  He delivered a powerful message about understanding the threat of Islam while caring about the plight of Muslims in these times. 

We were looking forward to hearing him speak at Hume Lake in July.

According to a statement on his website, Christian Ministries International (CMI), Ron’s family is grateful for the support and prayers they have received during this difficult time. His sons, Jason and Jared, will continue his work.

We will miss him very much, but as Dwight L. Moody said about his friend Henry Drummond’s death, “The home-going of Drummond adds one more attraction to Heaven.“

Sound Scriptural Teaching

and

Principles of Interpretation of Prophecy

Today we would like to conclude this brief consideration of this subject with two more aspects of Systematic Prophecy.

Teaching with Humility

Some prophecy teachers have a tendency to be dogmatic. Perhaps it is because they have devoted so much time to their research that they assume they know more than others about the subject.  Some of them become arrogant and stubborn.  Since they are explaining things that have not yet come to pass, their ideas have not yet been disproved. They may even think that they must “teach with authority” in order for people to believe them even though their concepts are contrary to other good teachers and therefore may be flawed.

It is better to share one’s insight with others in a spirit of humility, constantly encouraging listeners to be like the Bereans, about whom it was written:

These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.        – Acts 17:11

In addition, teachers should realize that the best of our ideas about how current trends may fulfill Bible prophecy could be replaced later by even more reasonable explanations.  Those who have presented their thoughts in a spirit of humility will not be embarrassed by changes on the world scene that require them to adjust their own thinking and teaching.

 Denouncing Falsehood

While admitting that our own ideas may or may not be the ultimate fulfillment of Bible prophecy, we should recognize when other teachers have failed to base their ideas on the Bible itself or have used passages of Scripture taken out of context.  When we see that they have ignored good rules of interpretation to produce their theories, and, as in the case of setting dates for the Rapture, they are in the process of leading people astray, we need to point out their error.

 There are many excellent books on the topic of Bible interpretation. In fact, this subject is so broad that it has its own technical name: Hermeneutics.  The word hermeneutics comes from the Greek hermeneo, which means ‘to translate’ or ‘ to interpret.’  For a general purpose book about principles of Bible interpretation we recommend “Living by the Book” by Howard Hendricks.

Interpretation of Bible prophecy takes special care, and there are books written just about prophecy hermeneutics.  But, for the sake of simplicity, we submit this list of rules for your consideration.  Please feel free to comment on these guidelines and suggest additions or modifications.

1 – Understand that all true Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable to every believer.

Since a large part of the Bible is prophecy, that portion of God’s Word should not be ignored or minimized.  The literal fulfillment of prophecies about the first coming of Jesus Christ are the greatest proof that the Bible is inspired, and sets the standard for a literal interpretation of End Times events.

No portion of Scripture should be set aside as unimportant or irrelevant.  All Scripture is worthy of sincere study and application.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

2 – Understand progressive revelation.

Part of God’s plan for the human race was introduced in Genesis, but later Scripture added additional information and understand culminating with the Gospels, and the rest of the New Testament. Later inspiration often added to previously revealed knowledge, but never negated what was already given.

Though God does guide us as individuals in various ways, any true revelation of that sort will never conflict with or supersede the written and generally accepted canon of the 66 books of the Bible.

Hebrews 1:1-2; Ephesians 3:1-11

3 – Understand the language and culture of the time of the writing.

The original biblical languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek) are full of ancient root meanings, idioms, and grammatical nuances that require intense study, and for most of us, dependence on reliable scholarship.

Cultural factors must be considered in order to grasp the impact and meaning of any portion of Scripture.  In other words, how would the people of that time understand the plain meaning of the event, story, or teaching?

1 Corinthians 8 – Eating meat offered to idols

4 – Understand the necessity of studying any Bible portion in the context of the passage in which it is found, and by comparing it with other passages of Scripture before trying to determine the truth about the matter.

Let the Bible interpret itself wherever possible. Otherwise, as has often been said, “The Bible can be used to prove anything.”

2 Timothy 2:15

5 – Understand that every passage of Scripture has a literal meaning, though it may also use symbolic language and have additional applications.

The Bible contains much symbolism, including figurative language, similes, metaphors, parables, dreams and visions of beasts and other objects.  But when any symbol is properly interpreted, often by another passage of Scripture, it has one literal meaning. This concept is also called the grammatical-historical method of interpretation.

Genesis 49

Revelation 12:3; 13:1 with Revelation 17: 9-14

6 – Understand the value of prayerful study, brotherhood and discussion in applying the Scripture to current times.

Jesus taught that when the Holy Spirit came He would give enlightenment to the Disciples. Even the best of teachers can be mistaken, but as it says in Proverbs 11:14, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” (NKJV)

Acts 17:11

7 – Understand that it is unwise to be dogmatic about one’s own point of view in regard to future developments.

As seen in the Gospels, some facts about the life and work of Jesus Christ could have been described in advance by knowledge of Old Testament prophecies, but others could only be seen in retrospect.

The Bible requires belief in the eventual return of Christ in power and glory, but the timing of various events (including the Rapture) should not be a test of fellowship among orthodox Christians.

8 – Understand the differences between Israel and the Church.

The Bible can not be understood if one does not see the many distinctions between Israel and the Church.

9 – Understand the cultural influence of later historical periods in the interpretation of Scripture.

Commentators differ widely in their interpretation of prophecy, depending, in part, on their place in history. Their views were influenced by world affairs of their time and are often contradictory. They must constantly be held up to the higher standard of the Word of God itself.  Here are some examples of these historical periods.

The strengths and weaknesses of various periods of Church history are given in short messages to the Seven Churches in Revelation 2 & 3.

The Early Church – First Century believers lived constantly in anticipation of the return of Christ. The concept of the Mystery of the Church Age was revealed and understood gradually, including the end-point of this age, the Rapture.

Middle Ages – Historicism was the predominant explanation: that prophecy has been fulfilled in various events that have taken place throughout history.  This included the rise and fall of empires such as Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome.

Reformation thinking:

Historicism – The traditional view was amended by persecuted Protestants to view the Roman Catholic Church and its Pope as the fulfillment of End Times prophecy and especially of the antichrist predictions..

Preterism – This was a defense by Catholic Church against the Historicist view. This perspective claimed that most or all End Times prophecies were fulfilled in the First Century BC. Preterism was later adopted by some Protestants.

Covenant Theology (Calvinistic) – This viewpoint considers all of history as the development of three overarching theological covenants — the covenants of redemption, of works, and of grace. In their system, the covenants include the return of Christ, resurrection of the dead, and the Great White Throne Judgment, but no literal 1000 year Millennium.

Dispensationalism – This is a method of categorizing God’s dealings with humans in various ways during several different periods of time. It was developed in the nineteenth century and adopted by many evangelical teachers. This viewpoint considers the present time as the “Church Age,” with the Millennium and the Eternal State yet to come.

Current Tension – Influenced greatly by the writings of Hal Lindsey, Tim LaHaye, and others, a large percentage of evangelical Christians expect a literal Rapture of the Church and generally agree that we are in the last generation before Christ’s return.  For many others, there is a tendency to ignore prophecy because it is difficult, controversial, or because some leaders feel that it takes the focus away from missionary and humanitarian endeavors.

Each of these periods produced differing eschatological points of view.  Caution is needed not to elevate any of these human perspectives to equality with direct Bible teaching.

We will continue addressing the subject of “Systematic Prophecy” in our next two blogs -

Teaching with Humility and

Denouncing Falsehood

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. – 2 Timothy 3:16

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, ² but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. – Hebrews 1:1-2

Sound Scriptural Teaching

Nearly 1/3 of the Bible is prophecy!   Pastors and Bible teachers dare not just ignore the subject.  First, we need to know and teach about the detailed predictions in the Old Testament that have already been literally fulfilled by the first coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  These prophecies form the greatest proof of the validity of the Bible and of the person and work of Christ. Then we need to be able to give basic answers to questions about those prophecies that have not yet come to pass.

Great theological writers have developed what is known as “Systematic Theology.” These major projects seek to draw together all the main biblical concepts on various aspects of theology. Some of these topics are Theology Proper (the study of God), Christology (the study of Jesus Christ), Pneumatology (the study of the Holy Spirit), Soteriology (the study of Salvation), Anthropology (the study of mankind), Angelology (the study of Angels – including fallen angels like Lucifer and the demons), Ecclesiology (the study of the Church), and other sub-topics of theology.

There is a final category of Systematic Theology known as Eschatology (the study of last things). This subject deals with biblical teaching about future events. Qualified theologians have collected and harmonized Old and New Testament prophecies about the future and have presented the material in an orderly way to show the “big picture” of coming developments. Those who are grounded in the basics of Eschatology will be better prepared to understand what is happening in the world. They can then share their findings with others with confidence and caution.  Some worthy examples of “Systematic Prophecy” are Lewis Sperry Chafer’s volume on Eschatology and Dwight Pentecost’s classic book, Things to Come.   Bible students and teachers may use these books to provide a basic foundation of what God’s Word says about the future.

Our own new book, Connecting the Dots: A Handbook of Bible Prophecy, was written in this same systematic way.  It follows the prophetic Scriptures about Israel, God’s Chosen People, the Church, future believers of the Tribulation Period, the Millennium, and beyond.

In the next few blogs, we will continue this topic by addressing three other vital aspects of this great subject:

Principles of Interpretation

Teaching with Humility

Denouncing Falsehood