Grayson
The Bible is filled with prophecies, many of which millions believe to have come to pass throughout history. These prophecies are evidence of divine inspiration, as they foretell events and circumstances that aren’t based on human wisdom alone. Now, let’s dig into 15 prophecies from the Bible that are believed to have come to pass and stand as proof of the remarkable accuracy and foresight of the biblical text.
Birthplace of Jesus
In Micah 5:2, the prophecy of the birthplace of the Messiah stated that he would be born in Bethlehem. According to the Gospel of Matthew, these words became a reality when Jesus was born there.
Triumphal Entry
Asking the Daughters of Zion to rejoice, Zechariah, in Chapter 9, verse 9 of his book, foretold that the Messiah would come to Jerusalem riding on a donkey, bringing righteousness and Salvation. Today, we know that one of the most popular stories of Jesus is about him entering Jerusalem on a donkey.
Betrayal by a Disciple
Jesus mentions that someone will betray him in Matthew 26, and if you think that’s expected, he further provides more details on who will be involved in his betrayal when Judas asks if it was him in the 25th verse. Judas, weaponizing a kiss, would go on to betray Jesus.
Piercing
Zechariah talked about the one who will be pierced and would be mourned over. Many today believe he was prophesying about Jesus, who had nails driven through his hands and feet during his crucifixion.
Garments Divided
Psalm 22:18 mentions the division of the psalmist’s garments among the soldiers. Because there is no story of the Psalmist being crucified and his garments shared, it’s better seen as a prophecy fulfilled when the Roman soldiers divided Jesus’ clothes at the crucifixion, as recorded in Matthew 27:35.
Resurrection
Both Mark 9 and Matthew 17 record Jesus’ assurance that God would not abandon him to the grave or let his body decay. He prophesied his resurrection, as his body did not decay but was raised from the dead, as we are reminded in Acts 2:29-31.
Destruction of Jerusalem
Another prophecy of Jesus was the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, which occurred in AD 70 when the Romans destroyed them, as predicted in Matthew 24 and Luke 21.
Increase in Knowledge
Daniel 12:4 predicts an increase in knowledge in the end times. Today, we can see the exponential growth of human knowledge, especially in fields like science and technology.
Wars and Rumors of Wars
Jesus foretold wars and rumors of it as signs of the end times. Both have been constant features of human history, with numerous conflicts occurring throughout the centuries. The fact that they seem to happen more these days points to fulfillment.
False Prophets
Before Jesus left the Earth, he also warned of false prophets who would deceive many, a warning that is relevant to every age. There have been and continue to be individuals who claim to speak for God but lead others astray.
The Babylonian Captivity
The prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah warned that Babylon would take the Kingdom of Judah captive if the people did not repent of their wickedness. This prophecy came true in 538 BCE when Nebuchadnezzar II sacked Jerusalem and exiled the Jewish people to Babylon.
New Covenant
Jeremiah 31:31-34 prophesied a new covenant that God would make with his people, which would be different from the old one given to Moses. Countless Christians will say this prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus, who inaugurated a new covenant through his death and resurrection.
Spread of the Gospel
Jesus prophesied that the gospel would be preached to all nations before the end would come (Matthew 24:14). Christians believe that this prophecy is now a reality through the global spread of Christianity.
The Return of the Jews
Isaiah 44:28 and 45:1 prophesied the rise of Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, who would conquer Babylon and allow the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. This was fulfilled when Cyrus issued a decree allowing the Jews to return—see Ezra 1.
Born of a Virgin
When Isaiah 7:14 prophesied that the Messiah would be born of a virgin, it may have sounded figurative to those around. It became literal in the birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary, as recorded in the Gospels.
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