Lesson 1 – Some Principles of Prophecy
1.4 Studying the Word
Understanding Prophecy Means Letting the Whole Bible Speak
Introduction – Seeing the Whole
Many Christians look for quick answers in the Bible – a verse for comfort, a quote against doubt, a proof text for a debate. But to understand prophecy, one must go deeper.
Like a puzzle, the picture only becomes clear when enough pieces are properly connected. Two verses don’t make a doctrine – and a text ripped out of context can confuse more than enlighten.
William Miller wasn’t perfect, but he had a method: Let the whole Bible speak. And this approach paved the way for a movement still searching for truth today.
Bible Study – What does Scripture say about studying Scripture?
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Matthew 5:18: “Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law…”
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2 Timothy 3:15–17: All Scripture is God-breathed – useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.
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Luke 24:27: Jesus Himself explained to the disciples “what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”
Key Point:
The Bible is a unified whole. To understand prophecy, we must be willing to compare Scripture with Scripture. Jesus is the central thread – even in prophecy.
Spiritual Principles – The Bible Interprets Itself
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The Bible is not a quote dictionary. Quoting verse by verse in isolation misses the bigger picture.
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Context is crucial. A text without context easily becomes a pretext.
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Prophecy is not a guessing game. Imposing current events over Scripture often leads to speculation.
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The Holy Spirit leads us into understanding – through patience and humility.
Application in Everyday Life – How We Should Read the Bible Today
Take time for the whole. Don’t just read verses – read entire chapters. See how they connect. Let the Bible explain the Bible. When a verse is unclear, find other passages that speak about it. Don’t ask: “What fits my opinion?” – but rather: “What does God say in His whole Word?” Be cautious with so-called new discoveries. What seems “new” often results from disconnected texts. Speak with love when others argue from isolated proof texts. Truth doesn’t win by quarrels, but through clarity and heart.
Conclusion – All of Scripture Leads to the Fullness of Christ
We don’t need new speculations but a return to the proven method: Interpret Scripture with Scripture.
Not the loudest voice is right – but the one who listens deeply.
Not the fastest judgment brings clarity – but patient searching.
The Bible is not a patchwork, but a woven whole.
And the center of all prophecy is Jesus Christ.
Thought of the Day
He who knows only isolated verses barely knows the Bible. He who listens to it fully hears God’s voice.
Illustration – More Than One Verse
It was late evening in a small apartment in Munich.
Lina sat on the couch, laptop on her knees, Bible app open. She was preparing for the Friday night Bible study.
Her brother Leo, 25, had just returned from work. He wasn’t a churchgoer – but always ready for a debate.
“You’re reading that old Bible again?” he teased, pulling off his jacket.
“Yes,” Lina replied calmly, “we’re going to talk about the prophecy of Daniel.”
“Oh, Daniel. I saw something on TikTok – apparently it all happened already. Back during the Roman Empire or whatever.”
Lina smiled. “TikTok is fast – but not always deep.”
Leo sat down. “So what do you think?”
Lina opened to Daniel 8:14.
“Many people quote just this one verse – but William Miller did something different. He searched for how this verse fits into the whole context. And it took him years to see the connections.”
“That sounds complicated,” Leo muttered.
“It is. But it’s like a puzzle. You can’t stop after the second piece and say you know the picture.”
Leo was silent for a moment. Then he asked, “So… what is the picture in the end?”
Lina looked at him.
“Jesus. Always Jesus.”
He said nothing. But as she continued reading, he leaned back. Not convinced – but curious.
And maybe that was the beginning.
Not with a single verse.
But with a picture.
A picture the Bible itself paints.
For everyone who wants to see.
“And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27)
