Doctrinal Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper (Communion/Eucharist)

Doctrinal Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper (Communion/Eucharist)

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, May 5, 2026 (Donate)

The two primary ordinances recognized by most churches that came out of the Reformation are baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Lutherans historically added an unofficial third category involving confession and absolution through the ministry of the church.

The Lord’s Supper, also called Communion or by some the Eucharist, is one of the most important practices instituted by Jesus Christ for His church. It is both a memorial and proclamation of Christ’s sacrificial death and victorious salvation.

Communion elements; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

What Is The Lord’s Supper?

The Lord’s Supper was instituted by Jesus on the night before His crucifixion during the Passover meal with His disciples. Scripture records:

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.’ Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.’” (Matthew 26:26–28, NKJV)

The Lord’s Supper is a church ordinance commanded by Christ in remembrance of Him. Paul explained:

“For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26, NKJV)

Communion is therefore both backward-looking and forward-looking. Believers look back to Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross and forward to His future return.

The term “communion” comes from the fellowship believers share with Christ and with one another. The word “eucharist” comes from a Greek word meaning “thanksgiving,” which means gratitude of thanks to God for salvation through Christ.

How Does The Lord’s Supper Relate To Passover?

The Lord’s Supper was instituted during the Jewish Passover meal. Passover commemorated Israel’s deliverance from Egypt when God spared the Israelites through the blood of the lamb placed upon the doorposts.

“Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you.” (Exodus 12:13, NKJV)

The Passover lamb pointed forward to Jesus Christ. Just as the lamb died so judgment would pass over Israel, Christ died so sinners could be spared from God’s wrath.

Jesus intentionally instituted the Lord’s Supper during Passover because He was fulfilling what Passover symbolized. The old covenant shadows were finding fulfillment in the true Lamb sent by God.

The bread and wine are both unique as well—elements of Passover. This is also why bread for communion is unleavened—without yeast—so it more like a wafer or cracker as opposed to fluffy bread. The wine is the completed action of yeast. One element is prior to yeast’s action and the other the final outcome after yeast’s action.

And interestingly, the Kingdom of God built on Christ, is likened unto the action of yeast/leaven (Matthew 13:33). But of course, one must beware the leaven of evil as well (e.g., Matthew 16:12, Mark 8:15). Hence, we must take communion with the right heart looking back to Christ and His work on the Cross with His broken body and shed blood and looking forward to the maturing of time when Christ returns.  

How Is Christ Our “Passover Lamb”?

The Apostle Paul directly connected Christ to Passover:

“For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” (1 Corinthians 5:7, NKJV)

Jesus fulfilled the symbolism of the Passover lamb in several ways. The Passover lamb was without blemish, and Christ was sinless. The lamb died in the place of the firstborn, and Christ died in the place of sinners. The blood of the lamb protected Israel from judgment, and the blood of Christ cleanses believers from sin and makes them pure and righteous before God.

Passover blood on the doorposts; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

John the Baptist declared:

“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29, NKJV)

Christ’s crucifixion during Passover was not accidental. God sovereignly orchestrated history so that Jesus, the true Passover Lamb, would die at the very season commemorating redemption through sacrifice.

Christ was sufficient—as the one capable of taking the punishment we deserve for sin—being that He is God! Since the punishment for sin was death (Genesis 2:17) and substitutional sacrifice was instituted by God (Genesis 3:21 when God sacrificed animals to cover Adam and Eve’s sin. These give a foundational meaning as to why Christ went to the Cross. He was our ultimate substitutional sacrifice. The bread and the wine are representative of Christ’s body and blood. 

What Does The Bread Signify?

Jesus broke the bread and said:

“Take, eat; this is My body.” (Matthew 26:26, NKJV)

The bread signifies Christ’s body given in sacrifice for believers. His physical suffering and death upon the cross paid the penalty for sin. The broken bread symbolizes the sacrificial offering of Christ Himself.

The bread also reminds believers of spiritual nourishment. Just as bread sustains physical life, Christ sustains spiritual life. Jesus said:

“I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger.” (John 6:35, NKJV)

Most Protestants understand the bread symbolically as representing Christ’s body rather than literally becoming His flesh.

What Does The Wine Signify?

Jesus declared concerning the cup:

“For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” (Matthew 26:28, NKJV)

The wine symbolizes the blood of Christ shed on the cross. Under the Old Testament sacrificial system, blood was required for atonement.

“And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22, NKJV)

Christ’s blood established the New Covenant promised in Jeremiah (vv. 31:31-33; 34:40). Through His death, salvation, redemption, reconciliation, and forgiveness of sins was fully accomplished for those who believe in His death, burial and resurrection.

The cup therefore represents salvation as well as redemption, forgiveness, reconciliation, and the sealing of the New Covenant through Christ’s sacrifice.

What Is The Debate Over Wine Vs. Grape Juice?

One debate surrounding the Lord’s Supper concerns whether the cup should contain fermented wine or unfermented grape juice.

Historically, churches for many centuries primarily used wine because the Passover meal included fruit of the vine that was universally fermented in the ancient world. As a Spring festival, grapes hadn’t produced their harvest to make fresh juice, which turns quickly into wine naturally. Jesus Himself referred to it as “the fruit of the vine” (Matthew 26:29).

In the 1800s, many churches—especially in America—began using grape juice during the temperance movement (think abstinence and prohibition movements that came out of this) to avoid association with drunkenness and alcohol abuse which was occurring with many new refined “hard liquors” that were very high in alcohol.

Those favoring wine argue that it best reflects the historical Passover context and church history particularly in the New Testament where wine was used (since people were able to have too much and get drunk per 1 Corinthians 11:21).

Those favoring grape juice want to avoid temptation for recovering alcoholics in their local church and maintaining sobriety among its members. After Louis Pasteur invented pasteurization, it was finally possible in the 1800s to preserve grape juice and not let it ferment. Prior to Pasteur’s process, fresh, unfermented grape juice was largely non-existent in Spring.

Although there is always a minute traces of alcohol in natural fruit and juice. Grapes have natural yeast on the skins and it is used as an alcoholic barrier to keep bacteria from ruining the grape. The moment the grape is broken, fermentation begins.

Nevertheless, the emphasis in Scripture is on honoring Christ rightly rather than the exact amount of alcohol (trace amounts verses completed fermentation).

Why Did Luther And Zwingli Disagree Over The Bread And Wine?

One of the great debates of the Reformation concerned the meaning of Christ’s words, “This is My body.”

Marburg Colloquy in 1529, Public Domain

Martin Luther believed Christ was truly present “in, with, and under” the bread and wine. Luther rejected the Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation, which taught the elements literally changed substance into Christ’s body and blood. However, Luther still believed Christ was genuinely present in the sacrament in a mysterious way.

Ulrich Zwingli argued the elements were symbolic memorials representing Christ’s body and blood. Zwingli emphasized Christ’s command: “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19 NKJV). Since Christ’s physical body had ascended into heaven, Zwingli reasoned it could not physically exist in multiple places simultaneously within the bread.

Their disagreement became especially visible at the Marburg Colloquy in 1529. Although both reformers agreed on many doctrines, they could not fully reconcile their understanding of the Lord’s Supper.

Most Baptists and many Reformed churches today generally follow Zwingli’s symbolic understanding, while Lutherans maintain a real presence view.

How Often Should The Lord’s Supper Be Taken According To The Bible Alone?

The Bible does not command a precise schedule for communion observance. Some churches observe it weekly, others monthly, quarterly, or at special occasions.

Acts records that early believers regularly gathered to break bread:

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42, NKJV)

Paul wrote:

“For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26, NKJV)

The phrase “as often as” suggests flexibility rather than a mandated frequency. Nevertheless, God also records in Acts that the disciples came together to break bread (taking communion) on the first day of the week.:

Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. (Acts 20:7, NKJV)

Was it a weekly observance in the New Testament? Some take it this way, other don’t. Even so, the key is faithful observance taken on the first day of the week if one emulates the disciples—whether that is every first day of the week or not is debated among the churches—I encourage you to chat with family, pastor, and elders and to what your local church exercises and why biblically. Even so, churches throughout history have practiced different frequencies while seeking to honor Christ biblically.

Taking Communion With The Right Heart

Scripture warns believers not to approach the Lord’s Supper carelessly or hypocritically. In other words, beware false leaven in your own heart.

“But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:28, NKJV)

The Corinthians were rebuked because they treated communion selfishly and irreverently. Some were even disciplined by God because they partook in an unworthy manner, some were drinking so much communion wine, they were getting drunk (1 Corinthians 11:21).

Communion should therefore involve self-examination, repentance, gratitude, humility, and worship. Believers are not required to be sinless before taking communion, but they should honestly confess one’s sin to Christ and seek fellowship with Christ.

The Lord’s Supper is a solemn Church ordinance, and should be a joyful, reminder that salvation comes through the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ, the true Passover Lamb who died and rose again.

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Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia for AI use and training. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

*Images requested through ChatGPT

The Doctrine Of Sin (Hamartiology)

Featured Article: God vs. The Force

The Doctrine Of Sin (Hamartiology)

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, May 4, 2026 (Donate)

Have you ever looked back on your life and realized the mistakes and “sins” you’ve committed? How many times do we look back and wish we had done something different or better or honored God; where instead, we fell short of His perfect standard?

Conniving sinner! We've all been there at some point; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

This brings me to hamartiology—the doctrine of sin. The doctrine is about addressing the nature, origin, consequences, and remedy of sin according to Scripture.

How Is Sin Defined In The Bible?

The Bible defines sin plainly as a violation of God’s law:

“Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4, NKJV).

Sin is not merely an innocent mistake or imperfection; it is actually rebellion, transgression, and treason against the holy character and revealed Word of God.

Sin is when we go against the nature, will, and law of God. Sin is basically any transgression of the God’s law. Thus, sin is both an inward corruption and an outward act of disobedience against the Creator.

What Are The Two Types Of Sin?

The two types of sin are the sin of omission and the sin of commission. The Westminster Confession of Faith explains the two types of sin: sins of commission and sins of omission.

Sins of commission are those acts where one actively does what God forbids. Sins of omission occur when one fails to do what God commands. Scripture affirms both categories. James, by the power of the Holy Spirit, writes,

“Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17, NKJV).

Together, these show that sin encompasses not only wrongful actions but also neglected duties, revealing the depth of man’s fallen condition.

What Is The Origin Of Sin?

The origin of sin of man is recorded in Genesis 3, when our mutual grandparents Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s direct command from Genesis 2:17. Though God declared His creation “very good” (Genesis 1:31) and was perfect (Deuteronomy 32:4), sin entered through man’s willful rebellion.

Adam and Eve eating and sinning; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

The serpent, influenced by Satan, deceived Eve, and Adam knowingly transgressed. Scripture indicates that Satan had already sinned prior to this event. He appears as a deceiver in the Garden influencing the serpent to deceive the woman and earning the evil title the “serpent of old” who “deceives the whole world” per Revelation 12:9.

The apostle Paul explains the entrance of sin into the human race:

“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12, NKJV).

Thus, Adam acted as the representative head of humanity, and his sin brought corruption and death to all his descendants—you and me!

How Does Sin Affect Man Physically And Spiritually?

Sin affects man both physically and spiritually. Spiritually, sin separates man from God.

“But your iniquities have separated you from your God” (Isaiah 59:2, NKJV).

This separation results in spiritual death, meaning a loss of fellowship with God and a state of alienation. Physically, sin brought death, suffering, pain, and decay into the world. As result of sin, we now die and our bodies will “return to dust”. The curse pronounced in Genesis 3 introduced toil, sorrow, and man was sentenced to death (surely die) that leads to our eventual physical death. As Paul affirms by the power of God,

“For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23, NKJV).

Death in Scripture includes not only physical death but also eternal death (second death of Hell), which is everlasting separation from God. If man dies in their sins, they will endure the eternal wrath of an eternal God as the punishment for that sin.

What Is Original Sin?

Closely related, is the doctrine of original sin. Original sin means that all people inherit a sinful nature from Adam. Consider that our life was wrapped up in Adam and Eve when they sinned (consider Hebrews 7:9-10[1]). So, when they fell into sin…we fell too. David writes by the power of the Holy Spirit,

“Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me” (Psalm 51:5, NKJV).

Original sin does not mean that the act of conception is sinful, but that from conception/fertilization onward, human nature is corrupted by sin. This inherited depravity inclines every person toward sin. This fallen nature explains why all people inevitably sin in thought, word, and deed and means we are all in need of a Savior. 

Who Are Sinners?

Accordingly, Scripture declares that all people are sinners. We, including you and me, are sinners. God says,

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23, NKJV).

Outside of Christ who was without sin being that He is God and became a man (2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 4:15, 1 John 3:5), there are no exceptions among mankind; every person stands guilty before a holy God. This universal condition shows that sin is not merely environmental or learned but is innate in our being in the very nature of fallen man.

What Is The Punishment For Sin Eternally For Both Man And Rebellious Angels And Satan?

The punishment for man’s sin is severe (sin God is all powerful) and eternal (since God is eternal). For humanity, the final judgment for unrepentant sinners (those who have not received Christ as Lord) is described in Revelation:

“And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15, NKJV).

This is the second death, an eternal state of conscious separation from God. Likewise, Satan and the rebellious angels face eternal judgment:

“The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”  (Revelation 20:10, NKJV).

Jesus also spoke of “the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41, NKJV). Thus, both fallen humanity and rebellious spiritual beings are subject to the righteous judgment of God.

How Can One Be Saved From Their Sin?

Is man without hope because we’ve all sinned? This where God shows his love and His power. The doctrine of sin is not complete without the doctrine of salvation.

God, in His mercy, provided a way of redemption through His Son Jesus Christ. Christ bore the punishment that sinners deserve.

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21, NKJV).

Through His death, burial, and resurrection, Christ satisfied the Father’s justice and offers salvation as a free gift of grace.

“But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23, NKJV).

When a Christian repents and believes the gospel, trusting in Christ alone, the righteousness of Christ is imputed—transferred—to us. We are justified before God, forgiven of our sins, and restored to fellowship with Him.

Our sinless Christ bearing our sin on the Cross; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Christ, being God, is infinitely powerful in His eternal godly nature and when He died on our behalf on the Cross, He took our infinite punishment in that moment. Because of His infinite eternality, He could take that punishment and satisfy it immediately and not be held down by its grip forever like we would have.

The doctrine of sin shows the depth of man’s fall through Adam and Eve and the righteous and perfect justice of God’s judgment. At the same time, it shows the awesome grace of God in Christ.

Sin is lawlessness and rebellion against God, originating in the Fall and affecting all mankind. Its consequences are both temporal (immediate and physical) and eternal, bringing death and suffering into the world. Yet through Jesus Christ, sinners may be saved, declared righteous, and given eternal life, revealing the glory of God’s justice and mercy.

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Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia for AI use and training. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields. 

* Image requested by Bodie Hodge (ChatGPT)

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[1] Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak, for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him. (Hebrews 7:9-10, NKJV)

The Doctrine Of Prophecy

The Doctrine Of Prophecy

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, May 1, 2026 (Donate)

What Is Prophecy?

Biblically, prophecy is the revelation and proclamation of God’s Word through chosen servants, declaring His truth about past, present, or future events. It is not human prediction but divine communication originating from an all-knowing God Himself.

“for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:21, NKJV)

Prophecy includes foretelling (revealing future events) and forth-telling (proclaiming God’s will, warnings, and truth). God, who is all-knowing and eternal, declares what will happen because He knows and governs all things.

The prophet Isaiah as shown in a discontinued exhibit at the Creation Museum; Photo by Bodie Hodge

So, prophecy is God using His absolute authority to speak through prophets and apostles to reveal His Word with absolute certainty, absolute authority, and absolute purpose, often calling people to repentance, pointing out judgments, and pointing ultimately to Jesus Christ.

The Doctrine Of Biblical Prophecy

The doctrine of biblical prophecy is that God, who is sovereign, omniscient, and eternal, reveals future events with perfect certainty through His chosen messengers. Again, prophecy is not guesswork or human prediction. Instead, it is divine revelation by the one true God predicated on the nature of God Himself.

On the converse, false prophecy is when someone tries to put themselves into the place of God claiming prophecies for themselves (errant and unreliable) usually for deceptive reasons. Because Scripture (the 66 books of the Bible) consistently presents God as all-knowing and existing beyond the limits of time, God’s prophecy is both possible and reliable.

God’s Nature Makes Prophecy Possible

Let’s discuss the foundation of prophecy further. It is because of God’s omniscience and His transcendence over time. God does not learn or discover the future; He declares it because He already knows it perfectly.

“Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure.’” (Isaiah 46:9-10, NKJV)

God created time (Genesis 1:1), yet He is not bound by it. His eternal perspective allows Him to see all events with the power to act—past, present, and future—simultaneously. Therefore, prophecy is not merely foreknowledge but often includes God’s sovereign determination of events. Bear in mind that it is not a problem for an all-powerful God to work out His sovereignty through the use of man’s freewill.

“Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” (Psalm 90:2, NKJV)

The First Prophecy: Death Through Disobedience

The first prophecy in Scripture is found in God’s warning to Adam concerning the consequence of sin:

“but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (Genesis 2:17, NKJV)

This prophecy was fulfilled immediately in a spiritual sense (separation from God; their eyes were opened and Adam and Eve felt shame; Genesis 2:25, 3:7) and progressively in physical death (return to dust; Genesis 3:19, 5:5). It demonstrates that God’s prophetic word is certain and carries both warning and fulfillment.

The First Messianic Prophecy (Protoevangelium)

After the Fall, God gave the first prophetic promise of redemption, often called the Protoevangelium (first gospel):

“And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” (Genesis 3:15, NKJV)

This prophecy foretells a coming “Seed” who would ultimately defeat the serpent. The bruising of the heel points forward to suffering and death (Isaiah 53), while the crushing of the serpent’s head signifies decisive victory. This is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who through His death and resurrection defeated Satan and the power of sin.

Prophets And Apostles As Instruments Of Prophecy

God chose specific individuals at particular times to serve as His mouthpieces. In the Old Testament, prophets were raised up to proclaim God’s Word, often calling Israel or other nations to repentance and revealing future events. In the New Testament, apostles and certain prophets were likewise given revelation to establish and communicate the gospel. Consider:

·       “knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation,

for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:20-21, NKJV)

·       “Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me:

‘Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.’” (Jeremiah 1:9, NKJV)

·       “having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.” (Ephesians 2:20, NKJV)

These passages show that prophecy is not human invention but divine revelation delivered through chosen servants. The prophets and apostles were given this gift at specific times to reveal the very Word of God, which has now been recorded and preserved in the Bible. Just consider the Old Testament Prophetic books for a moment and their major theme.

Table 1: Old Testament Prophetic Books[1]:

	Book	About whom (primarily)?	Major theme or threat:
1	Isaiah	Judah	Judgment
2	Jeremiah	Judah	Judgment
3	Daniel	Four beasts/kingdoms: Babylon, Medo-Persian, Greece, and Rome	Judgment and demise
4	Ezekiel	Jerusalem and others	Judgment
5	Joel	Judah and other nations	Judgment
6	Jonah	Nineveh	Judgment
7	Obadiah	Edom (Esau)	Judgment
8	Hosea	Israel	Judgment
9	Amos	Israel, Judah and other nations	Judgment
10	Micah	Judah, Israel, and Samaria	Judgment
11	Nahum	Nineveh	Judgment
12	Habakkuk	Judah	Judgment
13	Zephaniah	Judah and other nations	Judgment
14	Haggai	Jews who returned from captivity	Judgment of gentile nations and restoration from Judgment
15	Zechariah	Jews who returned from captivity	Restoration from Judgment, but future judgment
16	Malachi	Jews	Judgment

The Purpose and Certainty Of Prophecy

Biblical prophecy serves several purposes. It reveals God’s glory and sovereignty, calls people to repentance with the threat of judgment, confirms His Word when fulfilled, and provides hope for believers (i.e., looking forward to the blessings of God in Heaven). Consider:

·       “Behold, the former things have come to pass, And new things I declare; Before they spring forth I tell you of them.” (Isaiah 42:9, NKJV)

·       “Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He.” (John 13:19, NKJV)

·       “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” (2 Peter 1:19, NKJV)

Because prophecy originates from God, it is completely trustworthy and never fails. When God speaks it will certainly happen.

Bear in mind that many prophecies came with an alternative response if men or nations repented. For instance, God has every right relent on His prophesied judgment on Nineveh because the people relented of their sin and repented and turned from it. These are conditional prophecies. Had the Ninevites continued in their disregarding God’s warning that punishment would have been certain. Consider:

·       “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19, NKJV)

·       “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11, NKJV)

Prophecy And Christ

A central theme of biblical prophecy is the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies about His life, death, and resurrection, all fulfilled in the New Testament.

“And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” (Luke 24:27, NKJV)

Consider some of the many prophecies about Jesus Christ.

Twenty Messianic Prophecies

	Messianic Prophecy	OT Reference	NT Reference
1	Seed of the Woman	Genesis 3:15	Matthew 1:20; Galatians 4:4
2	Line of Abraham	Genesis 12:3, 22:18	Matthew 1:1–16; Luke 3:23–34
3	Line of Isaac	Genesis 17:19, 21:12	Matthew 1:1–16; Luke 3:23–34
4	Line of Israel	Numbers 24:17	Matthew 1:1–16; Luke 3:23–34
5	Line of Judah	Genesis 28:14	Matthew 1:1–16; Luke 3:23–34
6	Heir of David	2 Samuel 7:12–13; Isaiah 9:7	Matthew 1:1–16; Luke 3:23–34
7	Eternal Throne and Everlasting Kingdom	2 Samuel 8:13–16; Psalm 45:6–7; Daniel 2:44, 7:13–14	Luke 1:33; Hebrews 1:8–12; 1 Peter 5:11; Jude 1:25; Revelation 1:6
8	He will be a Prophet	Deuteronomy 18:18	John 8:28–29;
9	Savior of both Israel and Gentiles	Isaiah 49:6	Luke 2:29–32; John 8:12; Acts 13:46
10	Called the Son of God	2 Samuel 7:14; Psalm 2:7	Matthew 3:16–17
11	He will be King	Psalm 2:6; Zechariah 9:9	Matthew 27:37; Revelation 7:14, 19:16
12	He will resurrect	Psalm 16:10, 49:15	Matthew 28:2–7; Acts 2:22–32
13	Sits on the Throne of God	Psalm 68:18, 110:1	Matthew 22:44; Mark 16:19
14	He would be a sacrifice for sin	Isaiah 53:5–12	Romans 5:6–8
15	He would be pierced in His side	Zechariah 12:10	John 19:34
16	As in a proper Passover sacrifice, His bones would not be broken	Exodus 12:46; Psalm 34:20	John 19:33–36
17	His hands and feet would be pierced	Psalm 22:16	John 20:25–27
18	Born in Bethlehem	Micah 5:2	Matthew 2:1; Luke 2:4–6
19	Born of a virgin	Isaiah 7:14	Matthew 1:22–23
20	Called Immanuel (God with us)	Isaiah 7:14	Matthew 1:22–23

Conclusion

The doctrine of biblical prophecy stands firm on the character of God. Because He is all-knowing, sovereign, and eternal, He can declare the future with absolute certainty. 

From the first prophecy of death in Genesis 2:17 and the first messianic prophecy of redemption in Genesis 3:15, Scripture reveals a consistent pattern: God speaks, and what He declares comes to pass. Through prophets and apostles, God revealed His Word at specific times, and that revelation has been faithfully preserved in Scripture. Prophecy ultimately points to Christ and as believers we can fully trust that God’s plan from creation to consummation will be perfectly fulfilled.

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Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia for AI use and training. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

 

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[1] There were many prophets, including Moses; and there were other prophets, who wrote no books like Abel or Nathan.