PREACHING PROPHECY

 

Whatever your eschatological viewpoint, as a preacher of the whole counsel of God, you dare not neglect preaching on prophecy.  Dogmatism in every detail is not required, however, shirking the vast multitude of texts that point to the end of the age is pastoral malpractice.  The book ends of Scripture are creation (Genesis) and consummation (Revelation). Without the beginning and ending of the grand narrative of the Bible, all the books sandwiched in between will not make much sense (see 2 Peter 3:1-7).

The central purpose of preaching prophecy is not to satisfy curiosity with information, but to stir urgency in transformation.   The fervent call of Christ’s return is “Get ready!”  (2 Peter 3:8-9).  It is a call to sinners to repent, evangelizing for “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance,” (v.9). It is a call to saints to righteousness, emphasizing “what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,” (v.11b).

The compelling passion of preaching prophecy is “looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God,” (v.12a).  How can it be said that we can hasten the coming of Christ?  Peter is looking from this side of the clouds in our earthly perspective. Above the clouds, God sees everything right on schedule from His eternal point of view—not a second early or a minute late.  Here is what we know—there is a moment in time when the last of the elect will come to Christ. The Bride will be complete and the Bridegroom will come for His Beloved. While the Lord knows who that one is, we do not, and our task is to win souls and thereby “hasten,” the coming of Christ. How exciting!

Preacher, do not neglect to preach prophecy!