Which Bible prophecies came true?

[JesusChica1991]

I think we need to remember that most prophecies have already been fulfilled through Christ. Revelation is not one we should even attempt at decoding. that's not the purpose of the book anyways. The same goes with the book of Daniel. The book of Revelation was only meant to give us hope in the future in times of Tribulation. That's all. No more. no less. Most prophecies in the Bible are actually Prescriptive meaning "If you don't do this...then this and this will happen" like with Israel. It was often just in the form of preaching as well. Predictive prophecies take up a small amount of the Bible. If anything, out of the total prophecies, only 5% of them amount to being predictive. As Christians, we need to remember to read this in context and avoid the habit of reading our culture into it. Most of the symbols used meant something totally different in the society in which it was written in.

 

[terminator]

The Psalms predicted the Messiah's death by crucifixion, literally hundreds of years before crucifixion existed!!! That's a startling revelation. The events of Jesus' life were foretold in the Old Testament.

Are you referring to this verse?

Psalm 22:16 KJV/NIV/NKJV
For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

Hardly a description of crucifixion i must say.

 

[crossnote]

Actually if the OT predicts a birth, death, and resurrection
of a messiah it would be very easy for the NT authors to
just look at the text and write a story about a messiah.
Making it appear that a prophecy had been fulfilled.
How do we know this isn't so?

And then to die for something they know was a lie? ....i don't think sooooo.

 

[Therapon]

What about when we landed on the moon or put a robot on Mars? If I created a civilization of people on one rock in the universe and they actually set foot on another I'd at least show up and say "Good job!"

God is concerned with things of spiritual significance, not the works of man.

 

[terminator]

And then to die for something they know was a lie? ....i don't think sooooo.

Is this claim only found in the Bible? No other sources make this claim? Suicide bombers die all the time for what they believe in. This doesn't make what they believe in true.

 

[drjshow]

There is absolutely no other way to read Psalm 22. As my grandfather used to say, even a blind squirrel could find that nut. From the piercing of hands and feet to casting lots for his garments. The psalm even begins, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me.

If you simply refuse to see what's in front of you, then your questions are moot...you won't believe if you do not allow an open mind. If you need the Bible to say, "There will be country called the United States and two big buildings will be destroyed by something called airplanes", then you are simply playing games and not coming to the Word with an open mind.



Dogs surround me,
a pack of villains encircles me;
they pierce[SUP][e][/SUP] my hands and my feet.
[SUP]17 [/SUP]All my bones are on display;
people stare and gloat over me.
[SUP]18 [/SUP]They divide my clothes among them
and cast lots for my garment.

Are you referring to this verse?

Psalm 22:16 KJV/NIV/NKJV
For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

Hardly a description of crucifixion i must say.

 

[terminator]

Take a look at the King James Version Bible, or modern fundamentalist versions such as the New International Version and the New King James Version, under Psalm 22:16 [a] and you will find the following:[TABLE="width: 100%"]
[TR]
[TD="width: 10%"][/TD]
[TD]Psalm 22:16 KJV/NIV/NKJV
For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.[/TD]
[TD="width: 10%"][/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

• Fundamentalists have always claimed that the latter part of Psalm 22:16 "They pierced my hands and my feet" (which we shall designate as Psalm 22:16b) is a direct prophecy of the crucifixion; with the "piercing" referring to the nails going through Jesus' hands and feet. Although this is not the reading found in the Hebrew Masoretic text, support is claimed from the readings found in a Dead Sea Scroll fragment and in ancient versions of the Bible such as the Septuagint and the Vulgate.
• This claim is false, for a few reasons:
  • The Hebrew Text Behind the King James Version
    Despite the claims of its accurate rendition of the original text, the Hebrew equivalent for "they pierced" was not found in the manuscripts available to the translators of the King James Version. Indeed the word rendered in those manuscripts means "like a lion".
  • The Dead Sea Scrolls
    The evidence from the Dead Sea Scrolls, is ambiguous at best. The word found there, kaaru, has no known meaning and may actually be meaningless.
  • Ancient Versions
    • Before looking at the readings of the ancient versions, it is important to know some preliminary background information about them first.
    • A careful analysis of the readings given in the ancient versions does not support "they pierced" as the correct translation. Indeed the analysis shows that there were two extant readings in the Hebrew text, one being kaari (like a lion) and the other kaaru. The very fact that translators did not translate the latter word consistently showed that even by that time, the meaning of that word was no longer known.
  • Use of Psalm 22:16b by the Early Christians
    No early Christian writer, including the evangelists and Paul, until the time of Justin around the middle of the second century CE, made any explicit reference to the word "piercing" in Psalm 22:16b in relation to the crucifixion of Jesus although there were ample opportunities to do so.
• A consideration of the various internal evidence favors "like a lion" as the correct rendering of the word found in Psalm 22:16b.
• We can conclude with certainty that there is no reference to the crucifixion in Psalm 22:16b and with some probability that the correct reading there remains "like a lion".

Rejection of Pascal's Wager: Psalm 22:16: A Prophecy of the Crucifixion?

 

[drjshow]

This is from that website and backs up what I'm saying. I can go to any atheist website and find refutation for any biblical prophecy and belief. Just as I can go to any Christian site and find refutation for the atheist argument. The key is to read the scripture. Consider BOTH sides, and back that up with historical as well as allegorical evidence. When you come to the discussion with a foundation of committed atheist philosophy as your original position...you are not exploring with an open mind.

Hello, welcome to my website. This site presents the "fruits" of my intellectual journey from being a believing Christian into a convinced atheist. The journey was tumultuous, sometimes exasperating, but always interesting. The journey started in 1988, and it continues to this day. The freedom to think for yourself, to live life to the fullest, to be a happy and moral human being have been the rewards of this journey.

 

[drjshow]

Since you like to cite websites that back up your preconceived notions...here's one for you:

Prophecies Jesus - 44 Messianic Prophecies Jesus Fulfilled


The books of the Old Testament contain many passages about the Messiah—all prophecies Jesus Christ fulfilled. For instance, the crucifixion of Jesus was foretold in Psalm 22:16-18 approximately 1,000 years before Christ was born, long before this method of execution was even practiced.Some Bible scholars suggest there are more than 300 prophetic Scriptures completed in the life of Jesus.
Although this list is not exhaustive, you'll find 44 messianic predictions clearly fulfilled in Jesus Christ, along with supporting references from the Old and New Testament.
[h=2]Prophecies Jesus Fulfilled[/h]

 

[terminator]

Since you like to cite websites that back up your preconceived notions...here's one for you:

Prophecies Jesus - 44 Messianic Prophecies Jesus Fulfilled


The books of the Old Testament contain many passages about the Messiah—all prophecies Jesus Christ fulfilled. For instance, the crucifixion of Jesus was foretold in Psalm 22:16-18 approximately 1,000 years before Christ was born, long before this method of execution was even practiced.Some Bible scholars suggest there are more than 300 prophetic Scriptures completed in the life of Jesus.
Although this list is not exhaustive, you'll find 44 messianic predictions clearly fulfilled in Jesus Christ, along with supporting references from the Old and New Testament.
Prophecies Jesus Fulfilled

At first glance, all of those could appear to have been "fulfilled" by looking at the OT texts
then writing the NT by filling in the blanks with the OT information. It's pretty obvious.

 

[drjshow]

If it's "pretty obvious" to you, then your mind is made up...as I was saying. I have no issues with that, what you choose not to believe, that's fine with me. My problem is that you come at these discussions as if you have an open mind and are willing to listen to the evidence...of BOTH. And yet, you don't. You have decided that the New Testament was written conspiratorially to make certain that Jesus' life fit the Messianic prophecies. I do not put that much credit in the conspiratorial expertise of those who wrote it.

You read every word of the Bible, already committed to it's falseness. Therefore your vantage point will never change. I have no problem with a lively debate on Biblical Prophecy and it's merits...but if your response is that it doesn't matter what anyone says because it's fake...then there is no debate to be had. You will concede nothing. You could stare at irrefutable proof, but deny it because you have decided that you "know" the answer ahead of time, and you make rationalizing statements like the one above without the slightest consideration that you may be wrong.

At first glance, all of those could appear to have been "fulfilled" by looking at the OT texts
then writing the NT by filling in the blanks with the OT information. It's pretty obvious.

 

[GreatisHisGlory]

At first glance, all of those could appear to have been "fulfilled" by looking at the OT texts
then writing the NT by filling in the blanks with the OT information. It's pretty obvious.

Isaiah 42:22"But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses: they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, Restore."

After the Jews came into slavery into America by way of slaves ships as PROPHESIED in Deuteronomy 28:68, the Bible said they are hid in "prison houses", are not the Israelites in America filling the prison populations? They are number one in the prison systems, and there is none to rescue them. The Bible also said Jacob's brother Esau would take Israel, which also has happened.

 

[terminator]

Why weren't these "prophecies" declared as such? There was no
disclaimer stating that "these things will come true therefore this
is the word of God." Also, there were many failed "prophecies" that
never came true. I can post those if you like or you can do a simple
Google search. I'm tired of being accused of having a closed mind
when it's actually the other way around. You won't even admit that
the prophecies being faked are even a possibility. And there are no
refutations of the atheist's claim, just refutations of the christian's.
If they exist point them out. Show me the money!

 

[GreatisHisGlory]

Why weren't these "prophecies" declared as such? There was no
disclaimer stating that "these things will come true therefore this
is the word of God." Also, there were many failed "prophecies" that
never came true. I can post those if you like or you can do a simple
Google search. I'm tired of being accused of having a closed mind
when it's actually the other way around. You won't even admit that
the prophecies being faked are even a possibility. And there are no
refutations of the atheist's claim, just refutations of the christian's.
If they exist point them out. Show me the money!

Please post the prophecies you claim to have failed, I may be able to help. I am here to help the world see the truth.

 

[terminator]

And yes, i could be wrong. I've just based my opinion
on what's more likely? What makes the most sense?
Where does the evidence actually lead? If the evidence
contradicts a belief then it's time to question the belief.

 

[drjshow]

Here's the problem. I don't "believe" they were faked. There is a difference. The issue on my mind is simply this; When I offer you the prophecy and the corresponding writings that claim the prophecy fulfilled, your response is, "Could've been faked". Sure it could. So could the moon landing, Kennedy's assassination and Elvis' death. But the evidence at hand says otherwise.

You and I look at the evidence and see totally different outcomes.

I'm tired of being accused of having a closed mind
when it's actually the other way around. You won't even admit that
the prophecies being faked are even a possibility.

 

[terminator]

Please post the prophecies you claim to have failed, I may be able to help. I am here to help the world see the truth.

Here are 16 obvious failed prophecies in regard to the Second Coming of Christ and the end of the world, which was supposed to take place in the First Century Apostles’ lifetime!

Below Jesus clearly predicts that his Second Coming will be during the lifetimes of the First Century Christians who lived in their time.

"Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom." (Matthew 16:28)

"But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:27)

Jesus clearly predicted in those two verses above that the apostles standing with him would see his second coming in their lifetimes. It's clear and simple, nothing allegorical or symbolical.

These following verses also indicate that Paul expected that he and the Christians of his time would see the Second Coming of Christ.

"But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;" (1 Corinthians 7:29)

"For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven... Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds..." (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17)

"God...Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son..." (Hebrews 1:1-2)

2000 years ago it was the "last days"!? More similar verses below.

"For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry." (Hebrews 10:37)

"But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer." (1 Peter 4:7)

"Christ...was manifest in these last times for you,..." (1 Peter 1:19-20)

"Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord... stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh...behold, the judge standeth before the door." (James 5:7-9)

"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass;..." (Revelation 1:1)

"Behold, I come quickly." (Revelation 3:11)

"And he said unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand... He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." (Revelation 22:10, 20)

"But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come." (Matthew 10:22-23)

Jesus said there that his second coming would occur WHILE his apostles were preaching in the cities of Israel!

In the following three verses, Jesus says that the generation living at the time would experience his second coming.

"So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done." (Mark 13:29-30)

"So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled." (Luke 21:31-32)

"So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled." (Matthew 24:33-34)

Obviously, that generation that Jesus was speaking to has long since passed! What an impressive assortment of failed prophecies! Is this convincing to you of the divine infallible inspiration of the Bible?

Also, in the Old Testament, the Bible made many prophecies which never came true. Here are some examples.

In the book of Deuteronomy and Exodus, God promised Moses and the Israelites that he would deliver them to a promised land. (Deuteronomy 7:17-24, 4:33-39, 7:1-2, 31:1-8, Exodus 23:20-33) However, rather than sending them directly to this “promised land”, instead they were dragged through the hot desert for 40 years, hungry and miserable, and expected to not complain about it! (Hmmmm, I heard that patience is a virtue, but is that fair?) To read the details of this, see Farrell Till’s Yahweh's Failed Land Promise.

 

[drjshow]

20 years ago, atheists claimed that Jesus of Nazareth never existed. A literary character only. Today, it is almost universally accepted that a man named Jesus of Nazareth existed. That he was baptized by John the Baptist. That he was crucified by the Romans. Each of those now widely accepted truths disproved things that we were told forever.

Were you aware that new testing on the Shroud of Turin may be showing that the Shroud did indeed exist in Jesus' time...instead of 1400 years later as we have been told for years now?

We were told for decades that God could not have "created" the Universe because the Universe always existed and therefore had no "beginning". Today we are told that it did, indeed, have a beginning...a mysterious "Big Bang" that created it (in common sense terms, the "bang" requires original action, but that's an argument for another day).

Over and over, there are examples of similar "scientific truths" that we are told...and then they are revised...each time inching closer to the real truth, but each time denied.

 

[terminator]

Here's the problem. I don't "believe" they were faked. There is a difference. The issue on my mind is simply this; When I offer you the prophecy and the corresponding writings that claim the prophecy fulfilled, your response is, "Could've been faked". Sure it could. So could the moon landing, Kennedy's assassination and Elvis' death. But the evidence at hand says otherwise.

You and I look at the evidence and see totally different outcomes.

Your standards of evidence are quite low. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. What you have are
claims with no outside evidence to back it up. Are the claims in the Koran, or Bhavavad Gita true? Why not?
The text says it is! That's basically your argument.

 

[drjshow]

Again. I have faith. Therefore I do not require provable, tangible evidence of every claim in the Bible. I believe it is the word of God...therefore even the seemingly incredible is true. My point to you is that there is evidence of much of the Bible...and more comes about each passing decade.

I have never claimed to be able to give you hard, explicit proof that Christ rose from the grave. That's a article of faith that I accept...and you do not. So yes, on matters of faith, my standard of proof is not the same as yours.