Why We Must Know the Prophetic Scriptures
December 15, 2009
(First Posting March 19, 2008)

Revelation 22:7, 16, 18-19  NKJV

7 "Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."

16 "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star."

18 For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

A separate book could  be written on this subject, but it will suffice to show briefly why we must study and know the prophetic Scriptures. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and Scribes for not knowing the prophecies concerning His first advent and I dare say He would do the same today, for many theologians and ministers either do not study the prophetic Scriptures or they do not understand them. In addition, and I do not say this critically, but from many years as a pastor and Bible teacher, the majority of the saints get their knowledge of prophecy from reading books or listening to sermons, not by personal Bible study, that is, opening the Bible and comparing Scripture with Scripture. This is why many are caught-up in the popular Pretrib doctrine as I was for many years until the Holy Spirit prompted me to study all the prophecies of the Bible without the aid of commentaries or books written on the subject. Many simply do not  want to labor with the Word on their own; they want a quick fix or they think Dr. so and so must be right because of his theological background. Even though I have an earned Ph.D in Biblical Studies, I tell you that many so-called doctors of theology have no insight into the prophetic Word. There is nothing better than the School of the Holy Spirit. Now if you can find an educated theologian who is open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and is willing to lay aside his great opinions to be schooled in Holy Spirit revelation, then I say listen to that man for he will teach you the truth.

The apostle Peter said a phenomenal thing in that we have even a more sure Word of prophecy (the prophetic Scriptures, actually the Holy Scriptures as a composite revelation) than even the public preaching and teaching ministry of Jesus, which he was part of and that is seemingly untenable, but it is what he meant:

2 Peter 1:19-21 KJV

19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

Since prophecy is actually history in advance, the Lord through Holy Spirit revelation of the Word, has taken us into His confidence and given us great insight into the future; however, the study of prophecy is not just to make us knowledgeable of future things (that leads to pride), but that we may instruct others so they will not be led astray by the strong end-time delusion. In the Revelation passages given above, notice that Jesus pronounces a blessing on those who keep the words of the prophecy of Revelation. Second, He says that He gave these prophecies to His churches. Now if the book of Revelation is not for the Church, since according to Pretrib doctrine the Church will be raptured to heaven before the events of Revelation commence, then why did Jesus say He gave these prophecies to His Churches "to keep." The Greek meaning of the word "keep" is to guard from injury or loss; to watch and keep the eye upon. The meaning is clear; as the end-time scenario begins to be played out in the world, we are to keep our eye on the prophetic Scriptures, particularly the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, and by doing so, we will guard ourselves from getting caught-up in the Satanic delusion that is coming upon the world and already here.

Finally, notice that Jesus issues a warning not to take the book of Revelation lightly (the same could be said of all the Word) by adding to or taking from its meaning. We are to handle this book with kid gloves. Why, because it exposes the Satanic New World Order and its many esoteric organizations disguised to deceive the unlearned and even the saints.

We must understand that the prophetic Scriptures are like a great physical edifice; they are the building materials for the foundation and frame of the structure that sheds great light upon the world's events in all of their details, which fulfill the prophetic themes and thereby complete the structure - the end-time panorama; therefore, when we see the secret societies such as Freemasonry, the Illuminati, the CFR, the Trilateral Commission, the Bilderbergers, the Club of Rome, Opus Dei, etc, to name a few, advancing a global agenda over at the United Nations and in the governments of the world, we recognize the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation are coming to fruition in our day. If we were not to know these things then Jesus would not have said to keep our eyes on the prophetic Scriptures. By keeping our eyes on the prophecies of the Bible, we recognize the Satanic New World Order that is going to deceive the whole world. The onus then is upon us to issue a warning to the Church and the world not to be caught-up in it.

It is complete folly to tell the saints they should not know these things or have any desire to understand how globalism is advancing the prophetic scenario. One of the main reasons some hold such a misguided opinion is they do not understand the complexity of the subject and are too lazy to delve into it. I promise you it has taken many years and countless hours of Bible study and research to know what I do today about the end-time; however, the Lord did not give me this desire to know these things for my own benefit, but  for the Church. The Scriptures are clear that  God gives the understanding of the deep things of God and the secret mysteries of Satan's world system to His prophets. Therefore, the prophets have a great responsibility before God:

Proverbs 25:2 NKJV

2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.

Amos 3:7 NKJV

7 Surely the Lord GOD does nothing,
Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.

I urge you to study the prophetic Scriptures and to read the abundance of material available today about the New World Order, for God has His authors who study, research, and write about these things so the saints will not be deceived by what is coming and soon.

May the Lord bless you all.

Dr. Allen M. Barber, a bond-servant of the Lord Jesus Christ