THE POPULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLE PROPHECY

PROPHETIC FULFILLMENT

Online Bible dictionaries explain that prophetic fulfillment refers to the idea that Old Testament prophecies were predicted and later accomplished, most notably in the life of Jesus Christ as described in the New Testament. This is seen as evidence of the Bible’s divine inspiration and God’s faithfulness, though interpretations vary, with some scholars describing multiple layers of meaning (spiritual and historical) in prophecies, while others view the concept more skeptically, according to Internet Infidels. 

Theological and doctrinal perspectives

• Divine authority: The fulfillment of prophecy is used by many to argue for the divine origin of scripture, suggesting that only God could accurately predict future events. Bible Hub references 2 Peter 1:20-21, which states, “no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation… but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit”.

• God’s faithfulness: Prophetic fulfillment is seen as a demonstration of God’s faithfulness to His promises. Bible Hub quotes 2 Corinthians 1:20, which states, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ”.

• Hope and assurance: It provides believers with hope that God’s promises are trustworthy and will ultimately be fulfilled, particularly in regard to the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom. 

Examples of prophetic fulfillment

• The virgin birth: Matthew 1:22–23 is a key example, stating that Jesus’ birth was to “fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son…'”.

• The Messiah’s life: The Gospel of Matthew is structured around many prophetic fulfillments in Jesus’ life, including his genealogy, his birth, and events surrounding John the Baptist, says this YouTube video.

• Other prophecies: The 70-year prophecy in Jeremiah 25:11–12 regarding the Babylonian exile is another example cited by Life, Hope & Truth. 

Other perspectives and interpretations

• Multiple layers of fulfillment: Some scholars argue that prophecies can have multiple layers of meaning, including both historical and spiritual fulfillmen

• ts, notes the Puritan Board forum.

• “Forth-telling” versus “fore-telling”: It is important to distinguish between “fore-telling” (predicting the future) and “forth-telling” (proclaiming God’s truth in the present). Baker Heights Church of Christ notes that while prediction is part of prophecy, two-thirds of it is “forth-telling”.

• Skeptical views: Some critics argue that the concept of prophecy fulfillment does not prove divine inspiration. Some have noted that “foreseeing the future doesn’t necessarily prove divine guidance” and point to the existence of psychics, according to Internet Infidels.