Quick Q&A: Is prophecy important today?

Answer: It might seem like something for ancient times, but, yes, prophecy is very important today. The Bible says in Hebrews 13:8 that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” He has worked through prophecy in the past, and, according to the Bible, He must continue to do that today. And for those who actually study and follow Bible prophecy, they see that He does, indeed!

At the most basic level, prophecy tells us what is coming in the future. But it also serves to warn the world about what is coming so that people will be stirred to consider the direction of their lives and change. God doesn’t want terrible things to come on the world. What He said to ancient Israel He still feels for all of us today: “‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel!’” (Ezekiel 33:11).

For thousands of years, humankind has decided to choose its own ways over God’s ways, and, as our Designer and Creator, He knows how that is going to turn out for us—and it isn’t going to be good! Just as a loving parent warns his or her child, prophecy is God’s warning to people today. But unlike even the most well-meaning parents, God is…well…God. And His warnings are always—always—on target: “I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning…” (Isaiah 46:9-10).

So, is prophecy important today? Look around. Does the world seem to be getting better or worse? Want to know where it is headed? And why? And what to do about it? If so, then yes prophecy today is vitally important.