Facts are statements that cannot be denied. An opinion is subjective, but a fact is concrete. A prophecy is usually considered to be a prediction, a statement that will come true at a later date - if the prophetic word is a real one. Can there be 'prophecy facts'?
The Bible, which many accept as the truth, urges the reader to examine prophecies in the light of future events. If they come true, then they are really the words of God sent to men through the words and writings of a prophet. (Later letters written by Paul talk of prophecies sent to encourage the church, rather than to predict the future.) Some believe this is possible today, while others feel that it only happened in ancient times.
It could be possible to validate a 'word of knowledge' that has come true. For instance, Isaiah was considered a prophet and he lived some 400 years before the birth of Christ. Some passages in the Book of Isaiah (dated by acceptable evidence) give an accurate picture of the Lord's crucifixion, speaking of 'the one who was pierced' and telling how not one of Jesus's bones would be broken. In this case, it seems that the words of the prophet could be called fact.
There are times in the gospels when Jesus does something that fulfills the words of the prophets. In this case, the prophecy is fulfilled by intention, as when the lord accepts a drink on the cross. During the same event, the Roman soldiers cast lots for Jesus's clothing, fulfilling another prediction without the Lord's participation.
There are many prophetic books of the Bible, including the minor prophets at the end of the Old Testament and the Book of Revelation. These writings tell plainly of things to come. However, by scripture's own direction, we won't be able to evaluate them until they come to pass.
In some denominations, prophecy is actively practiced and sought. Other groups feel that this direct, audible communication with God is not for today. This is more a matter of personal belief than anything that can be proved.
Fulfilled prophecies from ancient texts are used to prove that Jesus was the Messiah that the prophets predicted would come. His life and death are said to conform to the words of the early prophets. He was born in Bethlehem through an unusual set of circumstances, He was proclaimed the savior of the world by two prophets in the Temple when He was only a few days old, and He was 'lifted up' to save His people from their sins.
As any comparative survey of history shows, it's hard to 'keep to the facts.' In the case of Christianity, it's not even desirable to do so, because those who believe in things unseen are blessed. However, it is true that there are many things in the ancient texts that the life and ministry of Jesus conforms to. Perhaps people need to make up their own minds according about evidence and enlightenment.
The Bible, which many accept as the truth, urges the reader to examine prophecies in the light of future events. If they come true, then they are really the words of God sent to men through the words and writings of a prophet. (Later letters written by Paul talk of prophecies sent to encourage the church, rather than to predict the future.) Some believe this is possible today, while others feel that it only happened in ancient times.
It could be possible to validate a 'word of knowledge' that has come true. For instance, Isaiah was considered a prophet and he lived some 400 years before the birth of Christ. Some passages in the Book of Isaiah (dated by acceptable evidence) give an accurate picture of the Lord's crucifixion, speaking of 'the one who was pierced' and telling how not one of Jesus's bones would be broken. In this case, it seems that the words of the prophet could be called fact.
There are times in the gospels when Jesus does something that fulfills the words of the prophets. In this case, the prophecy is fulfilled by intention, as when the lord accepts a drink on the cross. During the same event, the Roman soldiers cast lots for Jesus's clothing, fulfilling another prediction without the Lord's participation.
There are many prophetic books of the Bible, including the minor prophets at the end of the Old Testament and the Book of Revelation. These writings tell plainly of things to come. However, by scripture's own direction, we won't be able to evaluate them until they come to pass.
In some denominations, prophecy is actively practiced and sought. Other groups feel that this direct, audible communication with God is not for today. This is more a matter of personal belief than anything that can be proved.
Fulfilled prophecies from ancient texts are used to prove that Jesus was the Messiah that the prophets predicted would come. His life and death are said to conform to the words of the early prophets. He was born in Bethlehem through an unusual set of circumstances, He was proclaimed the savior of the world by two prophets in the Temple when He was only a few days old, and He was 'lifted up' to save His people from their sins.
As any comparative survey of history shows, it's hard to 'keep to the facts.' In the case of Christianity, it's not even desirable to do so, because those who believe in things unseen are blessed. However, it is true that there are many things in the ancient texts that the life and ministry of Jesus conforms to. Perhaps people need to make up their own minds according about evidence and enlightenment.
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