Prophecy

A prophecy is a religious prediction, often imparted by a god and recorded in a holy scripture.

Prophecy in the Bible

The Bible contains several books of prophecy. The most recognized of which are Isaiah, Daniel, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Revelation. Along with the many Minor Prophets.

Prophecy as an argument for God

Theists often claim the fulfillment of prophecies as evidence for the existence of God. Such a claim, if substantiated, would indeed constitute evidence for the existence of something extraordinary, and possibly supernatural. However, a valid prophecy must meet several criteria:

• It must actually be a prophecy. Not a documentation of events that is misinterpreted as a prophecy after a similar event occurs later.
• It must be written before the events that it predicts.
• The predicted events must actually occur.
• It must not be overly vague.
• It must not predict a likely event.
• It must not be self-fulfilling.

See also

• Jesus fulfilled prophecy
• Messianic prophecy