Understanding Bible Prophecy Part 1- ”Decoded- Prophecy that Interprets Itself

Full Sermon (audio with slides)

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You might remember the whole “Rapture on September 23rd or 24th” prediction that went viral across TikTok and other media platforms. It’s not the first time we’ve seen something like this—2012 and the Mayan calendar, the tragic Hale-Bopp comet cult, and countless others. We laugh sometimes, but these things can also be deeply heartbreaking.

The greater tragedy, though, is the neglect of biblical prophecy itself—something that makes up a large part of Scripture, yet remains avoided in pulpits and pews alike. And I get it. Most folks were never taught how to read prophecy, how to discern it, or even where to start.

So over the next four Sundays, I’m dedicating time to demystify prophecy. This series is titled: Understanding Bible Prophecy. Here’s the layout:

Part 1 (Today) – Understanding prophecy and how to identify it in Scripture.
Part 2 – The Olivet Discourse: breaking down Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.
Part 3 – A literal rapture before the seven-year tribulation (yes, I believe it, and I’ll show you why).
Part 4 – The Book of Revelation: how to rightly divide it and apply the framework.

All sermon recordings and extended outlines will be made available on robertweimer.com, including references I use for deeper study. This isn’t a plug—it’s a resource.

Let’s dive in.

What Is Prophecy?

Biblical prophecy is not wishful thinking. It is a declaration made by a prophet under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost—either foretelling future events or revealing divine truths (2 Peter 1:16–21).

“…No prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
2 Peter 1:20-21, KJV

The key takeaway? True prophecy doesn’t come from personal interpretation—it comes from God. When we see phrases like:

“Thus saith the Lord” (400+ times in Scripture)
“The word of the Lord came unto me”
“It shall come to pass…”

—these signal prophetic content. There’s no guesswork. You don’t need a preacher or a commentary. You need the Word.

And one critical note: the canon is closed. No new prophecies are coming. If someone claims “God gave me a fresh revelation,” be polite, but mentally walk away. They’re speaking out of their hat.

Fulfilled Prophecies: Literal, Not Symbolic

Every biblical prophecy that has been fulfilled has done so literally—not spiritually or symbolically. Deuteronomy 18:22 lays down the law:

“When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken.”

Of the 1,700 biblical prophecies, 1,000 to 1,200 have already been fulfilled—literally. Not just verified through Scripture, but confirmed by secular history as well.

Examples:

Daniel’s Prophecies: Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome (Daniel 2, 7)—fulfilled in order.
Jeremiah’s 70 Years in Babylon (Jer. 25:11–12): Fulfilled to the day.
Elisha’s 24-Hour Siege Prophecy (2 Kings 7): Fulfilled the very next day.
Jesus’ Prophecies (Matt. 24, Luke 21): Destruction of the temple and Jerusalem in AD 70, confirmed by Josephus.

God fulfills in order, on time, and exactly as spoken.

What About Symbolism?

Biblical symbolism isn’t a code for private interpretation. If you read something and don’t understand it, ask what the Bible itself says about it. Many times, the interpretation is right there in the text or cross-referenced elsewhere.

Daniel 7:16-27 – Beasts = kingdoms, Horns = kings
Zechariah 1-6 – Horses = spirits, Olive trees = anointed ones
Ezekiel 37 – Bones = house of Israel

How do we interpret symbolism? Scripture interprets Scripture. And one of the most powerful tools for this is The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK). It’s free, comprehensive, and guides you through verse-to-verse connections that explain everything God wants you to know—without private interpretation or guesswork.

“Precept upon precept; line upon line; here a little, and there a little.”
Isaiah 28:10, KJV

Partial Glimpses and Composite Prophecies

Sometimes prophets only saw a piece of the bigger picture. Daniel didn’t understand everything he was shown. Isaiah prophesied about Christ’s suffering, but not His full mission. 1 Peter 1:10–11 explains this well.

“…Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify…”
1 Peter 1:11, KJV

The Messiah’s life, for instance, was seen by:

Micah – Birth in Bethlehem
Isaiah – Virgin birth, divine nature
Zechariah – Betrayal
David (Psalms) – Crucifixion

Each prophet gave a piece; the full picture was later revealed in the Gospels. This pattern applies to future prophecy as well.

Conclusion: God Reveals, Not Hides

Prophecy isn’t some cryptic divine riddle. It’s God declaring His works before they happen, so we might have hope, assurance, and clarity in dark days.

As we continue this series, we’ll put all of this into practice. We’ll tackle the Olivet Discourse, the rapture, and finally, the book of Revelation. Each part will deepen our understanding, equip us with discernment, and strengthen our confidence in the God who declares the end from the beginning.

God doesn’t hide from His children.

Sermon outline used for this message

Understanding Bible Prophecy

Part 1: ”Decoded: Prophecy that Interprets Itself”

Scripture:

“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

2 Peter 1:16-21 KJV

What is the criterion of a prophecy?

To accurately identify prophecy in Scripture, one must distinguish between normal revelation, poetic expressions, and divinely inspired predictions. The Bible offers its own internal standards for what defines a true prophecy, which can be recognized through consistent language, purpose, and fulfillment. We will analyze how prophecy is described in Scripture, not solely by tradition or scholarly opinion.

Biblical Definition of Prophecy

Prophecy is a declaration made by a prophet under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, often foretelling future events or revealing divine insight. According to 2 Peter 1:21, “the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (King James Bible, 2 Pet. 1:21). This establishes that true prophecy originates not from human interpretation or desire, but from God Himself.

Verbal Indicators and Prophetic Phrasing

Scripture frequently introduces prophecies with phrases such as:

“Thus saith the LORD” (used over 400 times)
“The word of the LORD came unto me, saying…” (e.g., Jer. 1:4)
“It shall come to pass…” (often preceding predictive statements)

These verbal cues help the reader discern that a message is not a general teaching but a divine utterance directed toward future fulfillment or revelation.

Prophecy Proven by Fulfillment

A key biblical test for prophecy is whether it comes true. Deuteronomy 18:22 states, “When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken…” (King James Bible, Deut. 18:22). Fulfillment is not only expected but required to confirm the authenticity of the prophecy.

Conclusion:

A biblical prophecy is defined by divine origin, specific prophetic language, and its confirmation through actual fulfillment. These criteria allow the believer to distinguish true prophecy from poetic language, general promises, or human speculation.

Number of prophecies and fulfillment based on the above criterion

Estimated Prophetic Instances Based on Phrase Criteria

Old Testament

“Thus saith the LORD” – appears over 400 times, predominantly in the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel.
“It shall come to pass” – appears 92 times in the Old Testament, primarily in prophetic books.
“The word of the LORD came unto me” – occurs approximately 100 times, especially in the major prophets.

New Testament

Direct prophetic fulfillment references such as: “That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet…” occur at least 40 times, especially in Matthew.
The book of Revelation alone contains over 60 distinct prophetic utterances, many preceded by angelic or Christic declaration.

Summary Tally Based on Scriptural Verbiage

Testament	Prophetic Phrases Count	Approx. Unique Prophecies
Old Testament	~600+ references	~1,200 unique prophecies*
New Testament	~100+ references	~500+ unique prophecies*
Total	~700+ phrases	~1,700+ prophecies

*The “unique prophecies” number approximates based on how many times these phrases represent distinct predictive declarations (not repeated refrains or poetic parallels).

Fulfilled Prophecies (Literal)

Messianic Fulfillments in Christ (NT attribution): ~300–332 fulfilled prophecies.
National judgments (e.g., Babylon, Assyria, Israel’s exile): dozens fulfilled historically.
Daniel’s prophecy of world empires (Dan. 2, 7): fulfilled with Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome.
Specific named fulfillments: Cyrus (Isa. 44:28), fulfilled in Ezra 1:1.
Destruction of Jerusalem (Luke 21:6): fulfilled in 70 AD.

Estimated Fulfilled Prophecies: ~2/3 of all prophecies, conservatively around 1,000–1,200 have been fulfilled literally, according to their textual form.

Fulfilled prophecies that had a sequence of events (chronological)

The fulfilled prophecies in Scripture that include a sequence of events have been fulfilled chronologically, in the order in which the events were predicted.

Evidence from Scripture:

Daniel’s Prophecies

The sequence of empires (Babylon → Persia → Greece → Rome) in Daniel 2 and 7 occurred in precise historical order, matching the prophecy.
The “Seventy Weeks” prophecy (Dan. 9:24–27) foretold the rebuilding of Jerusalem, the coming of the Messiah, and His being “cut off”—all fulfilled in chronological order over centuries.

Jeremiah’s 70-Year Captivity Prophecy (Jer. 25:11–12)

Predicted captivity in Babylon for 70 years.
Fulfilled in historical order: exile under Nebuchadnezzar, then return under Cyrus exactly 70 years later (Ezra 1:1).

Elisha’s 24-Hour Siege Prophecy (2 Kings 7:1–20)

Declared that food scarcity would reverse “by tomorrow.”
Fulfilled exactly the next day, as the Syrians fled.

Jesus’ Prophecies in Matthew 24 & Luke 21

Foretold the destruction of the Temple, persecution of disciples, false prophets, and eventually the fall of Jerusalem (70 AD).
Events fulfilled in exact order historically, as recorded by Josephus and others.

Conclusion:

When a prophecy in Scripture includes an explicit sequence, such as A → B → C, its historical fulfillment has matched that sequence in both event and timing. No scripturally fulfilled sequence breaks chronological order. This confirms the divine consistency and orderliness of biblical prophecy.

It is biblically reasonable to conclude that future unfulfilled prophecies will follow a chronological order, based on the established pattern of fulfilled prophecies in Scripture.

“The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever…” (King James Bible, Deut. 29:29)

When symbolism is used

Daniel

Text: “I Daniel was grieved in my spirit… and the visions of my head troubled me… I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this
Explanation: An angel (likely Gabriel) interprets the vision of the four beasts (Dan. 7:16–27).
Symbolism: Beasts = kingdoms; horns = kings.
Result: Daniel receives a full explanation, but remains troubled.
(King James Bible, Dan. 7:15–28)

Daniel (Again)

Text: “I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?”
Explanation: The angel replies, “Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.”
Result: No interpretation is given; the meaning is reserved for future generations.
(King James Bible, Dan. 12:8–9)

Zechariah

Text: “Then said I, O my lord, what are these?” (multiple times in Zech. 1–6)
Explanation: Angelic guides repeatedly explain the symbolism (e.g., horses = spirits, candlestick = temple, two olive trees = anointed ones).
Result: Symbolism clarified progressively through angelic instruction.
(King James Bible, Zech. 1:9; 4:4–6, 11–14)

Revelation (John)

Text: “I wondered with great admiration… And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery…”
Explanation: The angel explains the vision of the woman and the beast.
Result: The mystery is unveiled in stages, often with interpretive dialogue.
(King James Bible, Rev. 17:6–7)

Ezekiel

Text: Visions such as the wheels within wheels (Ezek. 1) and the valley of dry bones (Ezek. 37) are filled with symbols.
Explanation: God interprets certain images (e.g., bones = house of Israel).
Result: Partial understanding is granted through divine commentary.
(King James Bible, Ezek. 37:11–14)

Conclusion

Prophets often expressed confusion or astonishment when confronted with symbolic visions. In most cases, an angel or the Lord Himself provided an interpretation, confirming that divine visions were not meant to be private enigmas, but messages for understanding—either immediately or at a later time. The explanations typically followed the vision in a logical order, reinforcing the pattern of clarity through divine guidance.

How Christians can understand the symbolism & differentiate between symbolism & literal language

Introduction

Understanding biblical symbolism and distinguishing it from literal language is essential for rightly dividing the Word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15). Scripture provides within itself the necessary keys for interpreting symbols—both through direct definitions and patterned usage. Christians are not left to subjective impressions but are given principles anchored in the inspired text itself.

Main Body

Symbols Are Often Explained Within the Same Passage

Principle: Many symbolic visions are interpreted by an angel or prophet within the same context.
Example: In Revelation 1:20, Jesus explains, “The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks… are the seven churches.”
Conclusion: When a symbol is used, look for an immediate textual explanation either in the same chapter or nearby.

Consistent Symbolic Usage Across Scripture

Principle: Symbols in Scripture are used consistently across books and testaments.
Examples:
- Beasts often represent kingdoms or empires (Dan. 7:17; Rev. 13:1–2).
- Horns symbolize kings or powers (Dan. 8:20–21).
- Waters can symbolize people or nations (Rev. 17:15).
Conclusion: Use cross-referencing and pattern recognition (with tools like the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge or concordance) to find where symbols are reused and explained.

Literal Language Is Rooted in Historical and Grammatical Context

Principle: Literal statements are clear, historical, and plain in grammar and context.
Examples:
- Jesus literally walked on water (Matt. 14:25).
- Israel’s captivity in Babylon lasted 70 literal years (Jer. 25:11–12).
- The destruction of the temple was literal (Matt. 24:2).
Conclusion: If the plain reading makes sense, and is supported by other literal fulfillments, it should be taken literally unless internal markers indicate otherwise.

Conclusion

The key to discerning symbolism from literal text lies in comparing Scripture with Scripture. God has encoded meaning, but He also provides interpretation—either directly or through patterns. Christians must rely on the text, not tradition or modern allegory, to understand the intended meaning. When uncertain, they should ask: Is this explained elsewhere in Scripture? and Is the language poetic, apocalyptic, or historical?

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” (King James Bible, 2 Pet. 1:20)

Using a cross-reference in finding & understanding prophetic symbols

A Christian can and should use the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK) as a biblical tool to understand symbols by comparing Scripture with Scripture.

Scriptural Basis for Cross-Referencing

Scripture Interprets Scripture

“Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine?… precept upon precept; line upon line… here a little, and there a little” (Isa. 28:9–10).
This method of understanding—comparing various parts of the Word—is the pattern endorsed by God.

No Private Interpretation

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation” (2 Pet. 1:20).
Interpretation must come from within the canon of Scripture, not from personal speculation or external tradition.

How the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge Helps

The TSK does not comment or interpret—it simply lists related verses. This makes it a pure tool for discovering where God has used the same words, phrases, or symbols elsewhere.
Example:
- Searching “beast” in Daniel 7:17 with TSK links you to Revelation 13, confirming beasts represent kingdoms.
- Searching “leaven” links you from Matthew 13:33 to 1 Cor. 5:6–8, showing leaven symbolizes corruption or sin.

Conclusion

Yes, the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge is a legitimate, Scripture-driven tool that honors the biblical principle of letting Scripture interpret itself. While it is man-made, it merely organizes what God has already said elsewhere. Used rightly, it helps Christians avoid private interpretations and anchor their understanding of symbols in the Word alone.

“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” (King James Bible, Ps. 119:130)

Can prophets get a partial glimpse of a bigger event? Can multiple prophets get different perspectives on the same event?

The prophetic office in Scripture is marked not only by divine revelation but also by divine discretion—God often gives prophets partial, progressive, or complementary glimpses of larger events. This harmonizes with God’s sovereign purpose to reveal truth “here a little, and there a little” (Isa. 28:10). Both partial glimpses and multi-prophet perspectives are evidenced throughout the Bible.

Prophets Receiving Partial Glimpses

Daniel: In Daniel 12:8, he admits: “I heard, but I understood not.” Though given visions of the end times, the full picture remained sealed: “the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end” (Dan. 12:9).
Isaiah: Isaiah prophesied about the Messiah’s suffering (Isa. 53), but likely did not see the full timeline (e.g., Christ’s first vs. second coming).
1 Peter 1:10–11 confirms this: “Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently… searching what, or what manner of time…” showing even prophets didn’t fully understand what they foresaw.
Conclusion: Prophets could receive fragments or incomplete views of greater events.

Multiple Prophets with Complementary Perspectives

Messiah’s Life:
- Micah prophesied Christ’s birth in Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2).
- Isaiah foresaw His virgin birth and divine nature (Isa. 7:14; 9:6).
- Zechariah described His betrayal (Zech. 11:12–13).
- David (through the Psalms) foretold His crucifixion details (Ps. 22).
  → Each prophet contributes part of the same grand redemptive event.
Day of the Lord:
- Joel, Zephaniah, Ezekiel, and Malachi all speak of this climactic future judgment. Though they share themes (darkness, fire, divine wrath), each adds a unique layer to the overall vision.

God’s Method of Progressive Revelation

Hebrews 1:1 says God “spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets”—indicating diverse, distributed revelation.
1 Corinthians 13:9 affirms, “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.”
This ensures no single prophet monopolizes divine truth, but that God’s message is cumulatively understood through multiple vessels.

Conclusion

Yes, prophets in Scripture often received only a portion of a fuller event, and yes, multiple prophets were given different aspects of the same divine event or period. This aligns with the biblical pattern of progressive and complementary revelation, ensuring that truth is revealed humbly, dependently, and canonically through the whole counsel of God.