A new version of the Bahá’í Reference Library is now available. This ‘old version’ of the Bahá’í Reference Library will be replaced at a later date.
The new version of the Bahá’i Reference Library can be accessed here »
A new version of the Bahá’í Reference Library is now available. This ‘old version’ of the Bahá’í Reference Library will be replaced at a later date.
The new version of the Bahá’i Reference Library can be accessed here »
|
Chapter 13: Prophecies Fulfilled by the Bahá’í Movement |
|
The interpretation of prophecy is notoriously difficult, and
on no subject do the opinions of the learned differ more widely.
This is not to be wondered at, for, according to the revealed
writings themselves, many of the prophecies were given in such
a form that they could not be fully understood until the fulfillment
came, and even then, only by those who were pure in
heart and free from prejudice. Thus at the end of Daniel’s
visions the seer was told:—
|
|
But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the
book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and
fro, and knowledge shall be increased. … And I heard,
but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall
be the end of these things? And he said, Go thy way,
Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time
of the end.—Daniel xii, 4–9.
|
|
If God sealed up the prophecies until the appointed time,
and did not fully reveal the interpretation even to the prophets
who uttered them, we may expect that none but the appointed
Messenger of God will be able to break the seal and disclose
the meanings concealed in the casket of the prophetic parables.
Reflection on the history of prophecies and their misinterpretation
in previous ages and dispensations, combined with the
212
solemn warnings of the prophets themselves, should render us
very chary of accepting the speculations of theologians as to
the real meaning of these utterances and the manner of their
fulfillment. On the other hand, when someone appears who
claims to fulfill the prophecies, it is important that we examine
his claim with open, unprejudiced minds. Should he be an impostor,
the fraud will soon be discovered and no harm will
be done, but woe to all who carelessly turn God’s Messenger
from the door because He comes in an unexpected form or
time.
|
|
The life and utterances of Bahá’u’lláh testify that He is the
Promised One of all the Holy Books, Who has the power to
break the seals of the prophecies and to pour forth the “Sealed
choice wine” of the divine mysteries. Let us hasten, then, to
hear His explanations and to reexamine in their light the familiar
but often mysterious words spoken by the prophets of old.
|
Print Selection