Types of Biblical Prophecy

Another interesting point I learned about biblical prophecy is that most of it has already been fulfilled.

• Less than 2% of Old Testament prophecy is messianic
• Less than 5% of Old Testament prophecy specifically describes the New Covenant age
• Less than 1% concerns events yet to come after the end of the New Testament period
  

I think it's a pretty cool track record to see how much has already come to pass but also makes me wonder why many people spend so much time worrying about what comes next. I think understanding this dispersion of the types of prophecy should change the way we think about studying it.

* These points are take from How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth.

Comparision between Prophecy and Apocyliptic literatrue

I found the following table during my studies this week and thought it was interesting enough that I wanted to keep it around:

Prophecy	Apocalyptic
Laments the sinfulness on the earth and urges repentance.	Asserts that the ever-present wickedness is beyond hope. The only solution is total destruction: the earth is going to melt with searing heat.
Reveals God's displeasure with his people-their irreverent attitudes and idolatrous conduct.	Assumes that the readers are themselves displeased with the evil around them and are anxious for God to provide a solution.
Calls the people of God back to obedience to God.	Calls for the few remaining faithful to persevere until the end: in the face of difficult odds they are to keep their robes pure.
Announces that God is going to judge sin and offer salvation, usually to be accomplished through natural means or human agents.	Announces that God himself is going to intervene and judge the world through supernatural means: he will ride out of heaven on a white horse and rule the nations.
Presents its message as direct speech from God: "Thus says the LORD."	Presents its message in graphic images, visions and symbols. The message is sometimes shrouded in mystery: for example, the title on one figure's forehead is "Mystery, Babylon the great, the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth."
Predicts both immediate and distant judgment and salvation.	Focuses primarily on final solutions. The situation is too serious for short-term answers. The only hope is for God to bring the history of man's sinfulness to conclusion and to establish a solution that will last for eternity: there will be no more night, and they will reign forever and ever.

Adapted from (bibliographic info from plowshare and pruning hook 107)