A definition – prophecy =
1. the foretelling or prediction of what is to come.
2. something that is declared by a prophet, esp. a divinely inspired prediction, instruction, or exhortation.
3. a divinely inspired utterance or revelation: oracular prophecies.
Throughout the Bible the most significant examples of prophecy, and that means fulfilled prophecy, are those prophecies dealing directly with the person and life of Jesus Christ. There are a number of great books available now that compile the prophecies together. Josh McDowells book “Evidence that Demands and Verdict is one I often refer back to when wanting to reference this kind of material. In it he analyses over 60 prophecies from the Old Testament that were fulfilled in Jesus life, death and resurrection. On top of that he also lists more than 300 other prophecies that are directly applicable to Jesus.
What follows is a list of 10 examples of prophecies made about and fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
1). Born of a virgin: Isaiah 7:14 / Matthew 1:18-25;
2). Born at Bethlehem: Micah 5:2 / Matthew 2:1;
3). He is the prophet promised by God: Deut 18:18 / Matthew 21:11, John 6:14;
4). He is Lord of all: Psalm 110:1 / Luke 2:11, 20:41-44;
5). He is the Son of God: Psalm 2:7 / Matthew 3:17
6). He was anointed by the Holy Spirit: Isaiah 11:2 / Luke 4: 16-21;
7). He was to be a light to the nations: Isaiah 9:1-2 / Matthew 4:12-17, John 8:12
8). Details of His death: He was mocked and sneered at - Psalm 22: 7,8 / Matthew 27:31; they divided His garments among themselves -Psalm 22:18 / John 19:23-24; His heart burst - Psalm 22:14 / John 19:34; being thirsty He was offered wine and gall - Psalm 69:21 / Matthew 27:34; none of his bones were broken Psalm - 34:20 / John 19:33; his side was pierced - Zechariah 12:10 / John 19:34; His hands and feet were pierced - Psalm 22:16 / Luke 23:33, John 20:25; He was crucified with thieves yet buried in a rich man's tomb - Isaiah 53:9-12 / Matthew 27: 38, 57-60; He was the Lamb of God who was sent by God to take away the sins of the world - Isaiah 53 / John 1:29,
9). His resurrection: Psalm 16:10 / Acts 2:31;
10). His ascension to the right hand of God: Psalm 68:18, 110:1 / Acts 1:9, 2:34-35, Hebrews 1:3.
Any book that consistently, accurately and forthrightly predicts future events must be considered as being unique. Unique enough to be said to have it’s origin with God. The Bible is such a book.