Series ALLUSIONS, IMAGES, SYMBOLS with Pastor Mark Finley  |

Lesson 1.Some Principles of Prophecy  |
Why Prophecy Is More Important Than Ever Today   |

Biblical prophecy both fascinates and confuses—it raises questions while also offering answers full of hope. In the midst of many interpretations and opinions, this lesson reminds us that God desires to speak clearly through prophecy. It is not a book of riddles for experts, but a love letter from God to humanity pointing us to Jesus. Yet, to understand it properly, we must be willing to let the Bible teach us. This lesson introduces fundamental principles that help us distinguish between symbolism and literal language. Those who engage with it will come to see that prophecy is God’s way of preparing us for what is to come—and for the One who is coming.

Memory Text: Jeremiah 9:24 – “ ‘But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,’ says the Lord.”

Content:
1.1 Whoever Reads, Let Him Understand
A Call to Attentive Listening and Humble Understanding

In a world full of conflicting interpretations, the Bible invites us to read with an open and reverent heart. God does not speak in riddles, but in a language meant to be understood by those willing to listen. The Bible is not a book of myths or a collection of moral tales, but the living Word of God. Without the guidance of the Holy Spirit and a willingness to submit to God, the true meaning often remains hidden. Those who only seek faults will hardly ever find truth—because the heart plays a central role in understanding. Prophecy is not meant to confuse but to reveal and bring hope.

1.2 God Wants to Be Understood
A Clear God in a Confused World

God is not a distant, silent observer—He is a speaking, loving Father who longs to be understood. Even though His thoughts far surpass our own, He reveals to us what we must know for our salvation. The Bible—especially prophecy—is a means by which God makes His plan of salvation visible. At its center is always Jesus: the Lamb of God who fulfilled ancient promises. Instead of harping on unresolved questions, God invites us to act in trust on what is clear. For those who respond to the light given to them will receive even more of it.

1.3 Daniel—Shut Up the Words
When Knowledge Blossoms at the End of Time

God commanded Daniel to seal the words because their full meaning was to be understood only at “the end of time.” This points to a special increase in understanding of the Book of Daniel itself—not merely scientific or technological progress. In contrast, Revelation was not sealed, since its message was meant to be accessible to all generations. Since the end of the 1260 prophetic years around 1798, the understanding of biblical prophecy—especially concerning Daniel—has deepened significantly. Movements such as the great Advent revival demonstrate that this prediction is being fulfilled. This insight is both a gift and a commission—a call to gratefully pass on the light.

1.4 Studying the Word
Understanding Prophecy Means Letting the Whole Bible Speak

Studying the Bible is like assembling a puzzle—only when many pieces come together does the full picture emerge. Although William Miller was not right about everything, his method of comparing Scripture with Scripture was groundbreaking. The Bible teaches us that every word counts (Matt 5:18) and that a thorough study, guided by the Holy Spirit, is necessary to discern truth (2 Tim 3:15–17). Picking out only individual verses risks receiving a distorted message—especially in prophecy. The best way to counter such misunderstandings is with patience, love, and by emphasizing the context of the entire Scripture. True understanding grows in the light of the whole biblical testimony—not from isolated snippets.

1.5 Figurative or Literal?
Divine Images with Clear Meaning

The Bible contains many symbols, especially in prophecy, yet it does not leave us in darkness about their meaning. The most reliable way to interpret them is not by our modern symbolism but by following the principle that the Bible interprets itself. For instance, we learn that horns stand for kingdoms, swords symbolize the Word of God, and women represent God’s people. God speaks in symbols to convey profound truths—and often to protect His people in times of persecution. Even if not every detail is immediately clear, our faith is strengthened when we accept with an open heart what is understandable. For what we do grasp is sufficient to recognize Jesus and trust in His Word.

1.6 Summary
Foundations for a Clear Understanding of Biblical Prophecy

Lesson 1 lays out important principles for correctly understanding biblical prophecy. The Bible invites us to read with an open and trusting heart, confident that God communicates clearly. Prophecy is not meant to confuse but to reveal the plan of salvation and bring us closer to Jesus. It is essential to study the Bible as a whole, interpret symbols within their biblical context, and view God’s Word as a unified whole. History shows that understanding of prophecy increases especially “in the last days.” Those who read the Bible in this way are taught by God—and find hope and guidance in a confusing world.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/allusions-images-symbols-lesson-1-some-principles-of-prophecy-sabbath-school-with-pastor-mark-finley/