V. Prophetic Interpretation Established on Sound Principles

The mariner freshly freed from dense fog which has shut out sea and sky from view, looks to the stars for his course, in the early dawn before the night is wholly past, in order to learn his exact position on the sea. Thus it was with the church of the Reformation. Having escaped the shrouds of papal mist and darkness which had so long enveloped her, she turned her eyes to the heavenly lights of God’s Word to find her spiritual bearings and to the study of prophecy to ascertain her position on God’s chart of prophetic fulfillment.PFF2 462.4

In restudying the prophetic statements of Daniel, Jesus, Paul, and John, the Reformers discovered the striking resemblance between the features of the gross apostasy portrayed in these picturesque symbols and the Roman church portrayed in history. Therefore they pointed to the pope and his system as the falling away, the Man of Sin, the Antichrist, the persecuting Little Horn, the corrupt woman of Babylon.PFF2 463.1

The development and dominance of the Antichrist had covered many centuries. Thus the fulfillment was found in history rather than in any short period of time. Further, the long-accepted interpretations of Daniel 2 and 7—the four kingdoms followed by the breakup of Rome—and the seventy weeks, lent weight to the long view of historical fulfillment and the year-day principle.PFF2 463.2

Accepting these basic considerations, the other time periods given in the Scripture were now likewise treated, and opened new vistas of understanding. God’s guiding hand in history be came discernible. History did not remain any longer a con fusing mass of incomprehensible events, but became intelligible as the outworking of a divine plan with definite laws and a definite purpose.PFF2 463.3

This discovery of the historical basis of prophetic interpretation is one feature of the inspiring work of the Reformers, which, regrettably, our generation has practically forgotten. Their firm conviction of having a definite place in God’s great unfolding plan of history gave them that strength and that courage which led them to brave all difficulties, dangers, and death itself. Only if we reorientate ourselves to these same guiding lights of prophecy shall we find strength, courage, and surety in the bewildering aspect of our time.PFF2 463.4