Unfulfilled Prophecies in the Bible: Examining the Evidence

As a prophet and Bible teacher, I have dedicated my life to helping believers understand the prophetic and grow in their ability to hear God’s voice. One of the most fascinating yet controversial aspects of biblical prophecy is the topic of unfulfilled prophecies. These are prophetic utterances recorded in Scripture that appear to remain unresolved or only partially fulfilled.

Examining unfulfilled prophecies can challenge our faith and raise difficult questions about the nature of God’s Word. Yet I believe that by carefully studying these passages in their proper context, with a spirit of humility and reverence, we can gain valuable insights into the mysteries of God’s prophetic plan.

In this comprehensive article, we will explore some of the most notable examples of unfulfilled prophecies in both the Old and New Testaments. We will examine different interpretive approaches, from literal to figurative, and consider how the already/not yet nature of prophetic fulfillment can help resolve apparent contradictions.

Our goal is not to provide simplistic answers, but to equip you with the hermeneutical tools and spiritual discernment needed to wrestle with these challenging texts. We will see that unfulfilled prophecies need not be a stumbling block to faith, but can actually deepen our awe at the wisdom and sovereignty of God, who works all things according to His perfect plan.

Whether you are a seasoned student of prophecy or a curious seeker, I pray that this exploration will strengthen your trust in the God of the Word and the Word of God. May the Holy Spirit illuminate our minds and ignite our hearts as we reverently approach the Scriptures, seeking not just information but transformation.

What are Biblical Prophecies?

Biblical prophecies are messages that are believed to have been inspired by God and communicated through human prophets. These messages often involve the revelation of future events, both near and distant, as well as the communication of God’s will, judgment, or blessings upon individuals, nations, or the world as a whole.

In the biblical context, prophecy serves two primary purposes:

1. Forthtelling: This involves the prophet speaking forth God’s message to the people, often concerning their current situation, moral conduct, or relationship with God. Forthtelling prophecies often call people to repentance, obedience, or faithfulness.
2. Foretelling: This involves the prophet predicting future events, often related to God’s plan of redemption, judgment, or the coming of the Messiah. Foretelling prophecies can provide hope, warning, or encouragement to God’s people.

Biblical prophecies are communicated through various means, including:

• Visions: Prophets may receive visual revelations from God, often accompanied by symbolic imagery (e.g., Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37).
• Dreams: God may speak to prophets through dreams, as in the case of Daniel’s interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Daniel 2).
• Direct revelation: God may speak directly to the prophet, as in the case of Moses and the burning bush (Exodus 3).

It is important to note that biblical prophecies can be classified as either conditional or unconditional. Conditional prophecies are dependent upon the response of the people to whom the prophecy is given. For example, in Jeremiah 18:7-10, God declares that if a nation He has warned of judgment repents, He will relent from the promised judgment. Unconditional prophecies, on the other hand, are those that will come to pass regardless of human response, such as the prophecies concerning the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Interpreting Unfulfilled Prophecies in the Bible

Interpreting unfulfilled prophecies in the Bible is a complex task that requires a careful approach to the text. This process involves the application of hermeneutics, which is the study of the principles and methods of biblical interpretation, and exegesis, which is the practice of interpreting a specific passage of scripture in its original context.

When examining unfulfilled prophecies, it is crucial to consider the following factors:

1. Literary genre: The Bible contains various literary genres, such as historical narratives, poetry, wisdom literature, and apocalyptic writing. Understanding the genre of a prophetic passage can help us interpret it more accurately.
2. Historical context: Prophecies were given in specific historical contexts, and understanding the political, social, and religious circumstances of the time can shed light on their meaning and significance.
3. Authorial intent: Interpreting a prophecy requires understanding the intent of the prophet and the message God intended to communicate through them.

Additionally, there are several important concepts to keep in mind when interpreting unfulfilled prophecies:

• Partial vs. complete fulfillment: Some prophecies may have been partially fulfilled in the past but await a complete fulfillment in the future.
• Figurative vs. literal fulfillment: Prophetic language often employs symbolism, metaphor, and hyperbole, and it is essential to discern when a prophecy should be understood figuratively or literally.
• Already/not yet fulfillment: Some prophecies may have an “already” aspect, which has been fulfilled, and a “not yet” aspect, which awaits future fulfillment. This is particularly relevant to prophecies related to the end times (eschatology).
• Dangers of hyper-literalism and date setting: Interpreting prophecies in an overly literal manner or attempting to set specific dates for their fulfillment can lead to misunderstandings and disappointment.

Old Testament Prophecies Allegedly Unfulfilled

Ezekiel’s Prophecy of Tyre’s Permanent Destruction (Ezekiel 26-28)

In Ezekiel 26-28, the prophet foretells the destruction of the ancient Phoenician city of Tyre. The prophecy states that Tyre will be completely destroyed and never be rebuilt. However, some argue that this prophecy remains unfulfilled because Tyre was rebuilt and inhabited after its destruction by the Babylonians and Alexander the Great.

Defenders of biblical prophecy argue that the prophecy was partially fulfilled through the attacks on Tyre by the Babylonians and Alexander the Great, and that the city’s eventual revival does not negate the prophecy. They also suggest that the prophecy may have a figurative interpretation, with Tyre representing the pride and wickedness of nations that oppose God.

Isaiah’s Prophecy of Damascus’ Destruction (Isaiah 17)

In Isaiah 17, the prophet predicts that Damascus, the capital of Syria, will become a “ruinous heap.” While Damascus has faced numerous attacks throughout history, it has never been completely destroyed and remains inhabited to this day. Some argue that this constitutes an unfulfilled prophecy.

However, those who believe in the fulfillment of biblical prophecy suggest that the attacks on Damascus throughout history can be seen as a partial fulfillment of the prophecy. They also propose that the prophecy may have a future fulfillment during the end times.

New Testament Prophecies Allegedly Unfulfilled

Jesus’ Olivet Discourse and “This Generation” (Matthew 24)

In Matthew 24, Jesus delivers the Olivet Discourse, a series of prophecies concerning the destruction of the temple, the tribulation, and His second coming. One of the most controversial aspects of this passage is Jesus’ statement that “this generation will not pass away until all these things take place” (Matthew 24:34).

Some interpret “this generation” to mean the generation living at the time of Jesus, and argue that since the second coming did not occur within their lifetimes, the prophecy remains unfulfilled. This view is known as the Preterist view, which holds that many of the prophecies in the Olivet Discourse were fulfilled in the first century, particularly during the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.

Others, holding to a Futurist view, argue that “this generation” refers to the generation that will be alive when the signs described in the Olivet Discourse begin to occur. They believe that the prophecies concerning the tribulation and second coming are yet to be fulfilled in the end times.

Paul’s Prophecy of the Rebellion and “Man of Lawlessness” (2 Thessalonians 2)

In 2 Thessalonians 2, Paul prophesies about a future rebellion and the revealing of the “man of lawlessness” or “man of sin” before Christ’s return. This figure is often associated with the Antichrist.

Throughout history, various figures have been identified as the “man of lawlessness,” but none have conclusively fulfilled the prophecy. Some argue that this prophecy remains unfulfilled, while others holding to a Futurist view believe that the “man of lawlessness” will be revealed in the end times as the Antichrist.

Imminent Expectation of Christ’s Return in the Apostolic Age

Several passages in the New Testament suggest that the apostles expected Christ’s return to occur within their lifetimes. For example, in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17, Paul speaks of “we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord,” implying that he expected to be among those alive at Christ’s return.

The apparent delay in Christ’s second coming has led to various interpretations:

• Some argue that the apostles were simply mistaken in their expectations.
• Others suggest that the language of imminence should be understood in a more general sense, emphasizing the nearness and certainty of Christ’s return rather than a specific timeframe.
• Still others propose that the apostles’ expectations were conditioned upon the fulfillment of certain events, such as the spread of the gospel to all nations (Matthew 24:14).

Modern Christian Views of Unfulfilled Prophecies

Christian views on unfulfilled prophecies vary, ranging from liberal to conservative perspectives:

• Liberal critical view: This view holds that failed prophecies are evidence against the divine inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible. Liberal critics argue that unfulfilled prophecies demonstrate that the Bible is a human work, subject to error and contradiction.
• Conservative view: This view affirms the complete future fulfillment of all biblical prophecies and maintains the doctrine of biblical inerrancy. Conservatives argue that apparent discrepancies can be resolved through careful interpretation and a recognition of the different ways in which prophecies can be fulfilled.
• Moderate view: This view allows for conditional and figurative elements in prophetic interpretation while still upholding the authority of the Bible. Moderate interpreters may acknowledge the challenges posed by unfulfilled prophecies but believe that they do not undermine the overall trustworthiness of the biblical text.
• Skeptics’ view: Skeptics argue that unfulfilled prophecies are clear evidence that the Bible is not divinely inspired and that its prophecies are merely human speculations that have failed to come to pass.

Dealing with Tensions Caused by Unfulfilled Prophecies

Unfulfilled prophecies can create tensions for those who hold to the doctrine of biblical inerrancy and the belief in the divine inspiration of the Bible. When dealing with these tensions, it is important to:

1. Acknowledge the difficulties: Recognize that unfulfilled prophecies can be challenging to interpret and may not have easy solutions.
2. Practice epistemic humility: Approach the text with humility, recognizing that our understanding is limited and that we may not have all the answers.
3. Avoid dogmatism: Be cautious about making definitive claims about the interpretation of unfulfilled prophecies, as there may be multiple valid perspectives.
4. Cling to Christ-centered prophecies: Focus on the prophecies that have been clearly fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as these form the foundation of the Christian faith.
5. Embrace the opportunity for deeper study: View unfulfilled prophecies as an invitation to engage in deeper study of the Bible and to wrestle with the complexities of the text.

Conclusion

Unfulfilled prophecies in the Bible present a complex and challenging topic for biblical interpretation. While these prophecies can create tensions for those who hold to the doctrine of biblical inerrancy, it is important to approach them with humility, recognizing the limitations of our understanding and the need for careful study.

By considering the context, genre, and authorial intent of prophetic passages, as well as the various ways in which prophecies can be fulfilled, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of these challenging texts. Ultimately, our focus should remain on the central prophecies that have been fulfilled in Jesus Christ, as these form the bedrock of our faith.

As we continue to study and wrestle with the complexities of unfulfilled prophecies, let us do so with a spirit of humility, openness, and a desire to deepen our understanding of God’s word.

If you have been blessed by this teaching and desire to go deeper in your understanding of the prophetic, I invite you to check out some of my other resources:

• “How to Prophesy Accurately: 13 Keys to receive and release a prophetic word” is a practical handbook to help you grow in your prophetic gifting, full of biblical insight and personal stories from my decades of ministry.

• “Mind Fasting: Unlock Your Spiritual Vision and See Clearly in the Spirit Realm” explores the vital but often neglected role of spiritual disciplines like fasting in sharpening our spiritual senses and tuning our hearts to hear God’s voice more clearly.

• My Prophetic Masterclass, available at PropheticBibleSchool.com, offers in-depth video teachings, interactive exercises, and a vibrant online community to accelerate your growth as a prophet.

My prayer is that as you dive deep into the Scriptures, you will encounter afresh the beauty and power of God’s prophetic Word. May you hear His voice with greater clarity, walk in the fullness of your prophetic calling, and bear witness to the unfolding of His marvelous purposes in the earth.

Hungry for more of the prophetic? Visit PropheticBibleSchool.com to enroll in my Prophetic Masterclass today!

Gratefully yours,

Prophet Kum Eric Tso